Difference between revisions of "Merge Block"

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(Added a description and fixed a typo under Decoupling.)
m (→‎Usage: just adding note that there is a 1x1x1 small grid merge block available, not sure if this is the right section for it though. Also added link for update changelog on keens site)
 
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{{itembox
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{{SimpleItembox|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/LargeShipMergeBlock
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| item = Merge Block
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|Size|Mass|Integrity|BuildTimeSeconds|Strength|DeformationRatio|IsAirTight|PCU
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| description = Used to combine multiple ships into one on a semi-permanent basis
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}}{{SimpleItembox|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/SmallShipMergeBlock
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| tool = no
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|Size|Mass|Integrity|BuildTimeSeconds|Strength|DeformationRatio|IsAirTight|PCU
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| largeship = yes
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}}{{CategorizeComponents|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/LargeShipMergeBlock
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| smallship = yes
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}}{{CategorizeComponents|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/SmallShipMergeBlock}}
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| component = no
 
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| rawmaterial = no
 
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| material = no
 
  
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| sbuildtime = 12
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== Overview ==
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| scomponentstructure = 4
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The merge block allows two ships, stations, or parts to connect, and disconnect from each other much the same as [[Connector]]s. However that is where similarities end, the merge blocks literally merge both ships together. In technical terms, separate grids (ships) merge together via two merge blocks to become one single grid. While in this state, the two act as one. Power is shared, and control panel interface is merged, and thruster control is also shared. Powering off one side of the merge block connection will disconnect both grids, allows them to part ways.
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| scomponent1 = Steel Plate
 
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| scomponent1amt = 3
 
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| scomponent2 = Computer
 
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| scomponent2amt = 1
 
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| scomponent3 = Small Steel Tube
 
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| scomponent3amt = 2
 
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| scomponent4 = Motor
 
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| scomponent4amt = 1
 
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| scomponent5 = Construction Component
 
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| scomponent5amt = 1
 
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| scomponent6 = Steel Plate
 
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| scomponent6amt = 1
 
  
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| lbuildtime = 20
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== Usage ==
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| lcomponentstructure = 3
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The merge block will attract and connect to another merge block when brought into proximity, combining two grids. This process is entirely automatic by both merge blocks once both merge faces are oriented into a compatible locking position. When merged, power and control will be shared across both grids. Much like the Connector, these functions rely on a power supply native to both grids in order to power the merge blocks. Merge blocks do not directly provide cargo transfer support. When both grids are merged, users may bridge them together with other blocks such as [[Conveyor]]s or Connectors as they will count as a single ship grid.
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| lcomponent1 = Steel Plate
 
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| lcomponent1amt = 7
 
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| lcomponent2 = Construction Component
 
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| lcomponent2amt = 2
 
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| lcomponent3 = Computer
 
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| lcomponent3amt = 2
 
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| lcomponent4 = Large Steel Tube
 
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| lcomponent4amt = 1
 
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| lcomponent5 = Small Steel Tube
 
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| lcomponent5amt = 6
 
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| lcomponent6 = Motor
 
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| lcomponent6amt = 2
 
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| lcomponent7 = Construction Component
 
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| lcomponent7amt = 15
 
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| lcomponent8 = Steel Plate
 
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| lcomponent8amt = 5
 
  
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| version = 01.033.006
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Small ships may only merge with other small ships, large ships may merge with other large ships or station grids.
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}}
 
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{{stub}}
 
  
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==Merge Block Functions==
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With Update 1.199(''Heavy Industry'')[https://support.keenswh.com/spaceengineers/pc/announcement/update-1-199-heavy-industry_1], a small grid merge block with the dimensions 1x1x1 is now available.
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The merge block will attract and connect to another merge block when brought into proximity, combining two grids. This process is entirely automatic by both merge blocks once both merge faces are oriented into a compatible locking position. When merged, power and control will be shared across both grids. Much like the [[Connector]], these functions rely on a power supply native to both grids in order to power the merge blocks. Merge blocks do not directly provide cargo transfer support. When both grids are merged, users may bridge them together with other blocks as they will count as a single ship grid. Small ships may only merge with other small ships, large ships may merge with other large ships or station grids. When a large ship merges with a station, its class becomes station.
 
  
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===Decoupling===
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=== Decoupling ===
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For a successful decoupling, the only blocks connecting two ships must be the merge blocks themselves, or blocks that cannot stick together without structural support. Simply powering down one of the merge blocks will allow the two ships to part. For large ships to decouple from stations, the large ship or station must first disable one of the merge blocks, and then the ship must be converted back into a ship before being able to go under way.
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For a successful decoupling, the only blocks connecting two ships must be the merge blocks themselves, or blocks that cannot stick together without structural support. Simply powering down one of the merge blocks will allow the two ships to part.
 +
 
 +
For large ships to decouple from stations, the large ship or station must first disable one of the merge blocks, and then the ship must be converted back into a ship before being able to go under way (this only applies if [[World_Settings#Station_Voxel_Support|Station Voxel Support]] is disabled in the world).
 +
 
 +
=== Indicators ===
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 40%;"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2"| Merge Block Status
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:center;"| Color !!style="text-align:center;"| Status
 +
|-
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|| [[File:Merge_Front_Indicator_white.png]] || Merge Block is powered and ready to make a connection to another powered Merge Block.
 +
|-
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| [[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Yellow.png]] || Merge Block is powered, and is within proximity of making a connection to another powered Merge Block.
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|-
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| [[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Green.png]] || Merge Block is connected to another powered Merge Block. The connection established is also locked (engaged) and capable of bearing a physical load to retain the connection.
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|-
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| [[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Red.png]] || Merge Block is unpowered (disengaged) and electrically disconnected from any other Merge Blocks within mating proximity.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Media ==
 +
[[File:Merge_Block_Merge01.jpg|Merge Blocks Before Update 01.165
 +
|500px]]
 +
 
 +
== Tips ==
 +
* You can use Merge blocks for anything, it doesn't simply have to be about docking or keeping something from flying away, but this is a common use.
 +
* Merge blocks are airtight and also when merged with other Merge blocks. This can be used to create a pressurized path between ship to ship, or ship to station.
 +
* If a block other than the merge blocks merges with the other ship, that block must be removed in order to detach.
 +
* To transfer cargo while merged together, use two [[Connector]]s.  If both are powered, they will attract to each other (electromagnetically) and make a connection. The Connectors should be locked after they are connected.
 +
 
 +
== Known Issues ==
 +
* If the merge blocks are too close to the hull when they attach/detach, it can cause minor damage or deformation to the 4 surrounding blocks around them.
 +
 
 +
== Programming ==
 +
 
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* [[Programming_Guide/Action_List#Merge_Block|Action List - Merge Block]]
 +
 
 +
== Update History ==
 +
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{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
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|style="text-align: left;width: 8%"| [[Update 01.033]] ||style="padding-left: 10px;padding-right: 10px;"|
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*Merge Block introduced.
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|}
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[[Category:Functional Blocks]]

Latest revision as of 17:50, 8 November 2021

Merge Block Icon.png
Large Ship / Station
Merge Block
Large Ship Icon.png
ComponentsRequired
 Functional 
 Hack 
Dimensions (W,H,L)1,1,1
Mass558.4 kg
558,400 g
558,400,000 mg
0.558 t
Integrity2,092
Build time20 s
Strength0.1
Deformation Ratio50 %
0.5
Is AirtightYes
PCU Cost25
BrowseLast edit: 2020-04-08
Merge Block Icon.png
Small Ship
Merge Block
Small Ship Icon.png
ComponentsRequired
 Functional 
 Hack 
Dimensions (W,H,L)1,3,3
Mass152.2 kg
152,200 g
152,200,000 mg
0.152 t
Integrity621
Build time10 s
Strength0.015
Deformation Ratio50 %
0.5
Is AirtightYes
PCU Cost125
BrowseLast edit: 2020-04-08

Overview

The merge block allows two ships, stations, or parts to connect, and disconnect from each other much the same as Connectors. However that is where similarities end, the merge blocks literally merge both ships together. In technical terms, separate grids (ships) merge together via two merge blocks to become one single grid. While in this state, the two act as one. Power is shared, and control panel interface is merged, and thruster control is also shared. Powering off one side of the merge block connection will disconnect both grids, allows them to part ways.

Usage

The merge block will attract and connect to another merge block when brought into proximity, combining two grids. This process is entirely automatic by both merge blocks once both merge faces are oriented into a compatible locking position. When merged, power and control will be shared across both grids. Much like the Connector, these functions rely on a power supply native to both grids in order to power the merge blocks. Merge blocks do not directly provide cargo transfer support. When both grids are merged, users may bridge them together with other blocks such as Conveyors or Connectors as they will count as a single ship grid.

Small ships may only merge with other small ships, large ships may merge with other large ships or station grids.

With Update 1.199(Heavy Industry)[1], a small grid merge block with the dimensions 1x1x1 is now available.

Decoupling

For a successful decoupling, the only blocks connecting two ships must be the merge blocks themselves, or blocks that cannot stick together without structural support. Simply powering down one of the merge blocks will allow the two ships to part.

For large ships to decouple from stations, the large ship or station must first disable one of the merge blocks, and then the ship must be converted back into a ship before being able to go under way (this only applies if Station Voxel Support is disabled in the world).

Indicators

Merge Block Status
Color Status
Merge Front Indicator white.png Merge Block is powered and ready to make a connection to another powered Merge Block.
Air Vent Front Indicator Yellow.png Merge Block is powered, and is within proximity of making a connection to another powered Merge Block.
Air Vent Front Indicator Green.png Merge Block is connected to another powered Merge Block. The connection established is also locked (engaged) and capable of bearing a physical load to retain the connection.
Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Merge Block is unpowered (disengaged) and electrically disconnected from any other Merge Blocks within mating proximity.

Media

Merge Blocks Before Update 01.165

Tips

  • You can use Merge blocks for anything, it doesn't simply have to be about docking or keeping something from flying away, but this is a common use.
  • Merge blocks are airtight and also when merged with other Merge blocks. This can be used to create a pressurized path between ship to ship, or ship to station.
  • If a block other than the merge blocks merges with the other ship, that block must be removed in order to detach.
  • To transfer cargo while merged together, use two Connectors. If both are powered, they will attract to each other (electromagnetically) and make a connection. The Connectors should be locked after they are connected.

Known Issues

  • If the merge blocks are too close to the hull when they attach/detach, it can cause minor damage or deformation to the 4 surrounding blocks around them.

Programming

Update History

Update 01.033
  • Merge Block introduced.
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