Difference between revisions of "Connector"

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{{SimpleItembox|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/Connector
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{{SimpleItembox|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/Connector|Size|Mass|Integrity|BuildTimeSeconds|RequiredPowerInput#kW|InventoryVolume#L|IsAirTight|PCU}}
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{{SimpleItembox|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/ConnectorMedium|Size|Mass|Integrity|BuildTimeSeconds|RequiredPowerInput#W|InventoryVolume#L|IsAirTight|PCU}}
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{{CategorizeComponents|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/Connector}}
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}}{{SimpleItembox|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/ConnectorMedium
 
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== Overview ==
 
== Overview ==
−
The connector has many functions. It can transfer items, eject items, and transfer energy. It also has a final interesting function in that it has a small magnetic pull in front of it. If another connector moves in front of it, they will start to pull each other at about 3 meters. The connector will then hold each other in place half a meter from each other.
+
The connector has many functions. It can transfer items, eject items, transfer energy, transfer fluids, and hold another grid in (relative) place. It also has a final interesting function in that it has a small magnetic pull in front of it. If another connector moves in front of it, they will start to pull each other at about 3 meters. The connector will then hold each other in place half a meter from each other. In order for transferring functions to work, the connector must be "parked"; the ring will turn green to indicate when it is parked.
 +
 
 
== Status Color ==
 
== Status Color ==
 
{| class="wikitable" ; style="width: 50%
 
{| class="wikitable" ; style="width: 50%
−
!Color!! Status
+
|+The {{PAGENAME}}'s ring and two lights are lit according to its status. In descending order of priority:
 +
! Color
 +
! style="width:100%;" | Status
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[File:Merge_Front_Indicator_white.png|30px]]|| No active Connection and area around it is clear to eject objects. Connector is powered and ready.
+
|[[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Black.png]]|| Damaged and non-functional.
 
|-
 
|-
−
||<span style="background:black; font-size: 200%">....</span>|| Connector turned off or unpowered.
+
|[[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Green.png]]|| Locked. Items, power and gas can be freely transferred.
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Red.png]] || Area around Connector is too cluttered with objects to eject more.
+
|[[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Red.png]]|| Unpowered, disabled, or temporarily timed out from auto-unlock.
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Yellow.png]] || Connection between Connectors is possible, but they are not locked.
+
|[[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Yellow.png]]|| Connection between Connectors is possible, but they are not locked.
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Green.png]] || Connector Connection is active and locked. Items, power and gas can be freely transferred.
+
|[[File:Merge_Front_Indicator_white.png]]|| Enabled and functional.
 
|}
 
|}
 
=== Control Panel ===
 
=== Control Panel ===
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!style="text-align:left;" | Toggle block
 
!style="text-align:left;" | Toggle block
 
|Turns the device on, or off.
 
|Turns the device on, or off.
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Show block in terminal
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Show block in Inventory Screen
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Show block in toolbar config
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
!style="text-align:left;" | Name
 
!style="text-align:left;" | Name
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!style="text-align:left;" | Show on HUD
 
!style="text-align:left;" | Show on HUD
 
|If there is an [[Antenna]] attached to the same grid, this device will display its position on the players HUD
 
|If there is an [[Antenna]] attached to the same grid, this device will display its position on the players HUD
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Custom Data
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
!style="text-align:left;" | Use Conveyor System
 
!style="text-align:left;" | Use Conveyor System
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|-
 
|-
 
!style="text-align:left;" | Collect All
 
!style="text-align:left;" | Collect All
−
|This toggle tells the Connector to retrieve items from another inventory in the Conveyor Network, and places them inside its inventory
+
|This toggle tells the Connector to retrieve items from another inventory in the Conveyor Network, and places them inside its inventory.  This will pull from both the conveyor network of its own grid as well as from the conveyor network of the connected grid.
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Trading Mode
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Override Power Transfer
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Autounlock time
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
!style="text-align:left;" | Lock
 
!style="text-align:left;" | Lock
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!style="text-align:left;" | Unlock
 
!style="text-align:left;" | Unlock
 
|This unlocks the Connector from the other Connector (status will be Green before unlocking)
 
|This unlocks the Connector from the other Connector (status will be Green before unlocking)
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Used for parking
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
!style="text-align:left;" | Strength Slider <br>(0% to 100%)
 
!style="text-align:left;" | Strength Slider <br>(0% to 100%)
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</ol>
 
</ol>
 
|}
 
|}
 +
The large and small Connector may eject up to ''2.5 {{m3}}'' (''2,500 L'') and ''0.5 {{m3}}'' (''500 L'') of material per tick, respectively. Both connectors tick once every ''80 frames (&asymp;1.33 seconds)'', giving a maximum rate of '''''{{formatnum:{{#expr: 2.5*1000 / 80 * 60}}}} L/s''''' and '''''{{formatnum:{{#expr: 0.5*1000 / 80 * 60}}}} L/s''''', respectively.  Ejection may only occur while unlocked and with fewer than 2 floating items nearby.
 +
 
=== Docking ===
 
=== Docking ===
 
Before item transferring can occur, the player must first connect a connector with another. Item transfer cannot occur in any other way.
 
Before item transferring can occur, the player must first connect a connector with another. Item transfer cannot occur in any other way.
Line 90: Line 105:
 
:[[File:Connector13.jpg|none|thumb|175px]]
 
:[[File:Connector13.jpg|none|thumb|175px]]
 
<li value="2">When the player is close enough (3 meters), both connector lights will turn yellow, and a noticeable force will occur as both connectors will start to pull each other until a distance of 1 meter or so is between them. After which, the player must hit the docking/latch button (see [[Controls]]) to make a connection.
 
<li value="2">When the player is close enough (3 meters), both connector lights will turn yellow, and a noticeable force will occur as both connectors will start to pull each other until a distance of 1 meter or so is between them. After which, the player must hit the docking/latch button (see [[Controls]]) to make a connection.
−
::;Note * If the ships mass is too large, the force of the connector will be neglected and be unable to pull itself towards the other.
+
::;Note * If the ships mass is too large, the force of the connector will be insufficient and be unable to pull itself towards the other.
 
:[[File:Connector07.jpg|none|thumb|175px]]
 
:[[File:Connector07.jpg|none|thumb|175px]]
 
<li value="3">Once successfully docked, the indicators on both connectors will turn '''green''', informing that a connection between both ships/stations has been established.
 
<li value="3">Once successfully docked, the indicators on both connectors will turn '''green''', informing that a connection between both ships/stations has been established.
 
:[[File:Connector04.jpg|none|thumb|175px]]
 
:[[File:Connector04.jpg|none|thumb|175px]]
−
::;Note * While the player can dock at any point, it is recommended that the connectors be allowed to pull each other and settle at 1 meter from each other. This can prevent a smaller ship from being instantly pulled towards the connector; possibly causing damage.
+
::;Note * While the player can dock at any point, it is recommended that the connectors be allowed to pull each other and settle at 1 meter from each other. This can prevent a smaller ship from being instantly pulled towards the connector, possibly causing damage.
 
</ol>
 
</ol>
 
|}
 
|}

Latest revision as of 03:24, 7 June 2022

Connector Icon.png
Large Ship / Station
Connector
Large Ship Icon.png
ComponentsRequired
 Functional 
 Hack 
Dimensions (W,H,L)1,1,1
Mass3,564 kg
3,564,000 g
3,564,000,000 mg
3.564 t
Integrity16,720
Build time30 s
Max Required Input1 kW
1.0e-3 MW
1,000 W
Inventory Volume8,000 L
8 m³
800 hL
Is AirtightNo
PCU Cost125
BrowseLast edit: 2021-04-17
Connector Icon.png
Small Ship
Connector
Small Ship Icon.png
ComponentsRequired
 Functional 
 Hack 
Dimensions (W,H,L)3,3,2
Mass405.2 kg
405,200 g
405,200,000 mg
0.405 t
Integrity1,396
Build time20 s
Max Required Input10 W
1.0e-5 MW
0.01 kW
Inventory Volume1,152 L
1.152 m³
115.2 hL
Is AirtightPartially
PCU Cost125
BrowseLast edit: 2021-04-17

Overview

The connector has many functions. It can transfer items, eject items, transfer energy, transfer fluids, and hold another grid in (relative) place. It also has a final interesting function in that it has a small magnetic pull in front of it. If another connector moves in front of it, they will start to pull each other at about 3 meters. The connector will then hold each other in place half a meter from each other. In order for transferring functions to work, the connector must be "parked"; the ring will turn green to indicate when it is parked.

Status Color

The Connector's ring and two lights are lit according to its status. In descending order of priority:
Color Status
Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Damaged and non-functional.
Air Vent Front Indicator Green.png Locked. Items, power and gas can be freely transferred.
Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Unpowered, disabled, or temporarily timed out from auto-unlock.
Air Vent Front Indicator Yellow.png Connection between Connectors is possible, but they are not locked.
Merge Front Indicator white.png Enabled and functional.

Control Panel

Control Panel
Options Comments
Toggle block Turns the device on, or off.
Show block in terminal
Show block in Inventory Screen
Show block in toolbar config
Name You can enter in your own custom name in the text box
Show on HUD If there is an Antenna attached to the same grid, this device will display its position on the players HUD
Custom Data
Use Conveyor System If "on" this allows the Connector to automatically pull items from other inventories connected to it via the Conveyor Network
Throw Out This toggle tells the Connector to eject items out from inside its inventory
Collect All This toggle tells the Connector to retrieve items from another inventory in the Conveyor Network, and places them inside its inventory. This will pull from both the conveyor network of its own grid as well as from the conveyor network of the connected grid.
Trading Mode
Override Power Transfer
Autounlock time
Lock This tells the Connector to lock itself with another Connector (status will be Yellow before locking)
Unlock This unlocks the Connector from the other Connector (status will be Green before unlocking)
Used for parking
Strength Slider
(0% to 100%) 		This allows fine-tuning of the strength of the magnetic pull between Connectors, the weakest of the two will be used.

The Connector may be placed where the placer wishes. It takes up 3x3x2 blocks on small ships, and one block space on large ships / stations. Both connector types have large conveyor ports on the back. However, the small ship version has small conveyor ports on all its sides.

The Connector provides many useful functions for the player(s) to take advantage of. Many of its functions are explained in detail below.

Power Requirement

Previous to version 01.046 there was a bug that made connectors work even when unpowered. Version 01.046 fixed this bug and in all versions after you must supply power to connectors in order for them to function.

Item Ejection

While capable of transferring items, it may also eject items as well. This does not require another connector, and it may do it at any time. As the items eject, it also applies a small amount force of 1 m/s that pushes the items away from it.

  1. To do this, the player must first set Collect All to Yes. This tells the connector you wish to pull items from other inventories to its own.
    Connector11.jpg
  2. After the connector is set to collect items, under throw out, set to on
    Connector10.jpg

The large and small Connector may eject up to 2.5 m3 (2,500 L) and 0.5 m3 (500 L) of material per tick, respectively. Both connectors tick once every 80 frames (≈1.33 seconds), giving a maximum rate of 1,875 L/s and 375 L/s, respectively. Ejection may only occur while unlocked and with fewer than 2 floating items nearby.

Docking

Before item transferring can occur, the player must first connect a connector with another. Item transfer cannot occur in any other way.

  1. To dock, the player must guide the ship so that both connectors are aligned. Then approach the connectors slowly towards each other.
    Connector13.jpg
  2. When the player is close enough (3 meters), both connector lights will turn yellow, and a noticeable force will occur as both connectors will start to pull each other until a distance of 1 meter or so is between them. After which, the player must hit the docking/latch button (see Controls) to make a connection.
    Note * If the ships mass is too large, the force of the connector will be insufficient and be unable to pull itself towards the other.
    Connector07.jpg
  3. Once successfully docked, the indicators on both connectors will turn green, informing that a connection between both ships/stations has been established.
    Connector04.jpg
    Note * While the player can dock at any point, it is recommended that the connectors be allowed to pull each other and settle at 1 meter from each other. This can prevent a smaller ship from being instantly pulled towards the connector, possibly causing damage.

Item transfer

The primary function of the connector is to allow ships/stations to transfer items items between each other. This can be done when two connectors are locked onto each other. Once docked, the player may freely transfer items between ship to ship, or ship to station. For information regarding multiple grid menu information, see Multi Grid Menu.

Note * If you connect to a ship/station with a powered Refinery or Arc Furnace, it will automatically pull ores from your ships inventory once connected.

Energy Transfer

An interesting feature the connector has when docked is that it is capable of transferring energy. This means that a smaller ship for example may dock with its larger one, and be provided with power. It allows for example Batteries on a smaller ship to be recharged from another ship/station.

Oxygen transfer

Connectors will also transfer Oxygen between docked ships or a station if both grids have some connected oxygen-enabled blocks (Oxygen Tanks or Oxygen Generators for example). This mechanic can be used to restock a ships oxygen reserves while docked at another ship or station with the needed infrastructure.

Undocking

Since the release of the Connector to the most recent update (Update 01.046), the strength of the connectors pull has be significantly reduced. However, there still is quite a significant amount that may cause some designs to have trouble escaping, or causing damage while doing so.

Below is a list of useful tips on how to undock from a Connector.

Turn Connectors Off

The simplest solution if you are unable to escape a connectors grasp is to turn off the connectors, therefore disabling their ability to "pull". To clarify, you simply only have to switch off power to one of the two connectors. Without power, they will no longer attract each other.

Media

A connector ejecting items out to a collector on the other side
A giant blue ship docked to a station using the connectors
A connector on a small ship
Small ship connector (left), and a large ship /station connector (right)
Angled view of the small ship connector (left), and a large ship /station connector (right)

Tips

  • Two connectors can be placed facing each other connected, and when a grid splits or un-merges using Merge Blocks the connectors will separate.
  • Both connectors have to be powered in order to dock
  • Prior to Update 01.046, connectors were so strong that large ships as big as the KSH big red ship struggled to move away.

Known Issues

Sometimes there is a bug which causes the magnetic force of the Connector to not cease even if disengaged and even turned off, and even after removing the actual connector (!). Be careful not to crash your vessel if this happens. A restart will solve the issue, so do not remove the connector as this will not help but may crash the ship.

Related Items

Programming

  • Action List - Connector
  • NOTE:
    • .IsLocked is for when the connector is ready to lock
    • .IsConnected is for when the connector is locked.

Update History

Update 01.026
  • Connector block introduced
Retrieved from "http://spaceengineerswiki.com/index.php?title=Connector&oldid=30007"