Difference between revisions of "Antenna"

From Space Engineers Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m
m (Broadcast: corrected beacon comparison)
 
(39 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{itembox
+
{{SimpleItembox|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/LargeBlockRadioAntenna
| item = Antenna
+
|Size|Mass|Integrity|BuildTimeSeconds|ResourceSinkGroup|IsAirTight|PCU
| description = (Functional)
+
}}{{SimpleItembox|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/SmallBlockRadioAntenna
| tool = no
+
|Size|Mass|Integrity|BuildTimeSeconds|ResourceSinkGroup|IsAirTight|PCU
| largeship = yes
+
}}{{SimpleItembox|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/LargeBlockRadioAntennaDish
| smallship = yes
+
|Size|Mass|Integrity|BuildTimeSeconds|ResourceSinkGroup|IsAirTight|PCU|DLC}}
| component = no
+
{{CategorizeComponents|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/LargeBlockRadioAntenna}}
| rawmaterial = no
+
{{CategorizeComponents|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/LargeBlockRadioAntennaDish}}
| material = no
+
[[File:Antenna03.jpg|thumb|350px|Large antenna (left), and Small antenna (right)]]
  
| sbuildtime = 20
+
== Overview ==
| scomponentstructure = 2
+
The Antenna can broadcast its range, and display name from its location. However, they may also broadcast the location of specific systems on the same ship/station as the antenna if enabled to do so.
| scomponent1 = Construction Component
 
| scomponent1amt = 1
 
| scomponent2 = Computer
 
| scomponent2amt = 1
 
| scomponent3 = Small Steel Tube
 
| scomponent3amt = 1
 
  
| lbuildtime = 50
+
The antenna can also relay the signal of other antennas within its range.
| lcomponentstructure = 3
 
| lcomponent1 = Steel Plate
 
| lcomponent1amt = 15
 
| lcomponent2 = Construction Component
 
| lcomponent2amt = 10
 
| lcomponent3 = Radio-Communication Components
 
| lcomponent3amt = 40
 
| lcomponent4 = Computer
 
| lcomponent4amt = 8
 
| lcomponent5 = Large Steel Tube
 
| lcomponent5amt = 40
 
| lcomponent6 = Small Steel Tube
 
| lcomponent6amt = 60
 
| lcomponent7 = Construction Component
 
| lcomponent7amt = 30
 
| lcomponent8 = Steel Plate
 
| lcomponent8amt = 65
 
  
| version = 01.041.015
+
== Usage ==
}}
+
=== Broadcast ===
Antennas are used to broadcast the location of a ship or station and function similar to Beacons.  They can also relay the locations of other Antennas and Beacons. The broadcast name and radius can be set from the control panel. When a player is within the broadcast radius of an Antenna, they will be able to see it on their HUD. An Antenna can communicate with any Beacon or other Antenna when the distance between them is less than the broadcast radius of both devices. In other words, if Antenna (A) has a broadcast radius of 900 meters and Antenna (B) has a broadcast radius of 500 meters, the two Antennas will be able to relay information to each other when they are within 500 meters. Any player who is a member of the same faction as an Antenna and is within it's broadcast radius will be able to see all other Antennas and Beacons within that Antenna's broadcast radius on their HUD. If a player is within the broadcast radius of an Antenna that is in communication range of one or more Antennas of the same faction, the player will be able to see all other Antennas and Beacons within range of any of the connected Antennas. Any player can use Antennas that do not belong to any faction. On a small ship, Antennas are 12 Kg and require 4 Watts of power per meter with a maximum broadcast radius of 5,000 meters and power consumption of 20 KW. On large ships and stations they are 3,481 Kg and require 0.4 Watts per meter with a maximum of 400 KW for an infinite (>1,000,000) meter broadcast radius.
+
Much like the [[Beacon]], the antenna is capable of broadcasting its location. The power demand on the large ships and stations for the antenna is 10x higher compared to the beacon. However, the antenna has far more functions than the beacon, in return draining far more power.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! scope="row" colspan="3"| The chart below shows the maximum ranges, as well as the power usage associated with it.
 +
|-
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| '''Type'''
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| '''Max Range'''
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| '''Max Required Power'''
 +
|-
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| Small Ship
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| 50,000 m
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| 200 kW
 +
|-
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| Large Ship / Station
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| 50,000 m
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| 200 kW
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
=== Display subsystems on HUD ===
 +
In addition to its broadcasting abilities, the antenna can also display specific systems on the grid it is attached to. This can only be accomplished if the object's "Show on HUD" control setting is set to Yes. Enabling "Show on HUD" on objects does not increase power usage. If a player was to enable this feature on 100 small thrusters, it would not draw any more power than it already was.
 +
 
 +
Note that the range of the object being shown is also the same as the antenna's maximum range. So if the antenna is 5000 m, the object with "Show on HUD" enabled would also have a range of 5000 m. Currently as of patch 01.045, there is no way to alter this.
 +
[[File:Antennaexample01.jpg|none|thumb|100px]]
 +
 
 +
=== Show ship name ===
 +
The antenna may also show a ships name, along with the antenna's own displayed name beside it.
 +
 
 +
=== Remote Access and Control ===
 +
An antenna is necessary to access blocks on an object or to remotely control it '''in case the player is not directly connected''' to the object (e.g. sitting in a pilot seat or accessing a control panel). Important: Ownership of the antenna is required to do this. There are two functionalities which can be easily confused:<br>
 +
- Remote Access to blocks: This allows manipulating all the block settings/parameters of an object and to execute available actions of each block. This is done via the K-menu and doesn't require a remote control block. Example: viewing through a camera, reversing rotors and pistons, etc.<br>
 +
- Remote Control of an object: To enable remote control of an object an antenna is necessary in addition to the remote control block. The remote control block itself is activated via remote access in the K-menu. See [[Remote Control]] block for further explanation.
 +
 
 +
The range of remote access and control is 200m (broadcast range of the cosmonauts suit) unless enhanced by relays (see below).
 +
Currently [1.064], blocks on an object cannot be accessed by another object via remote access (in case the objects are not connected). Only players can remote access blocks on an object e.g. when sitting in/on another object.
 +
 
 +
=== Relay ===
 +
The most notable feature of the antenna is its ability to also act as a relay for other antenna and/or beacons. When a player enters a radius of an antenna, if there are any other beacons or antennas inside its radius, it is also displayed for the player. Even if a small ships broadcast for example isn't in range of the player, it may be transmitted through the nearby antenna to the player.
 +
 
 +
The player may also interact/control the ships even beyond the ships broadcast range, but is still within range of a different antenna.
 +
 
 +
== Media ==
 +
{| class="wikitable" width="50%"
 +
|[[File:Antenna05.jpg|center|thumb|400px|In this example, Antenna 1 is broadcasting the Player's signal to Antenna 2. Antenna 1 cannot see Antenna 2, but Antenna 2 can see Antenna 1's broadcast and the player.]]
 +
|[[File:Antenna06.jpg|center|thumb|400px|In this example, we have a network of 3 Antennas. Antenna 1 and 3 are out of range of each other. However, with Antenna between them within its radius, Antenna 1 can see Antenna 3, and 3 cannot see 1.]]
 +
|-
 +
|[[File:Antenna07.jpg|center|thumb|400px|This shows the color codes of factions with different relations with the player all can see the antenna none can see eachother.]]
 +
|}
 +
<!-- Return to edit and clarify all examples -->
 +
 
 +
== Tips ==
 +
 
 +
== Known Issues==
 +
 
 +
== Related Items ==
 +
*[[Beacon]]
 +
*[[Laser Antenna]]
 +
 
 +
== Programming ==
 +
* [[Programming_Guide/Action_List#Antenna|Action List - Antenna]]
 +
* [https://forum.keenswh.com/threads/programmable-block-inter-grid-communication-guide.7392031/ Programmable Block Inter-Grid Communication Guide]
 +
 
 +
== Update History ==
 +
<div style="-webkit-border-image: none;-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.046875) 0px 1px 1px 0px inset;background-color: #eeeeee;border-bottom-color: #AFAFAF;border-bottom-left-radius: 3px;border-bottom-right-radius: 3px;border-bottom-style: solid;border-bottom-width: 1px;border-left-color: #AFAFAF;border-left-style: solid;border-left-width: 1px;border-right-color: #AFAFAF;border-right-style: solid;border-right-width: 1px;border-top-color: #AFAFAF;border-top-left-radius: 3px;border-top-right-radius: 3px;border-top-style: solid;border-top-width: 1px;box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.046875) 0px 1px 1px 0px inset;color: #333;display: block;font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size: 1em;height: auto;line-height: 20px;margin-bottom: 5px;margin-left: 8px;margin-right: 8px;margin-top: 0px;min-height: 20px;padding-bottom: 4px;padding-left: 4px;padding-right: 4px;padding-top: 4px;width: auto;">
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
 +
|style="text-align: center;width: 8%"| N/A ||style="padding-left: 10px;padding-right: 10px;"| N/A
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
</div>
 +
[[Category:Miscellaneous Blocks]]
 +
[[Category:Functional_Blocks]]

Latest revision as of 15:44, 2 October 2020

Antenna Icon.png
Large Ship / Station
Antenna
Large Ship Icon.png

ComponentsRequired

 Functional 

 Hack 

Dimensions (W,H,L)1,6,2
Mass3,401.6 kg
3,401,600 g
3,401,600,000 mg
3.402 t
Integrity12,808
Build time40 s
Power Consumer GroupUtility
Is AirtightNo
PCU Cost100
BrowseLast edit: 2020-04-08
Antenna Icon.png
Small Ship
Antenna
Small Ship Icon.png

ComponentsRequired

 Functional 

 Hack 

Dimensions (W,H,L)1,1,2
Mass72.2 kg
72,200 g
72,200,000 mg
0.0722 t
Integrity236
Build time16 s
Power Consumer GroupUtility
Is AirtightPartially
PCU Cost100
BrowseLast edit: 2021-01-07
Antenna Dish Icon.png
Large Ship / Station
Antenna Dish
Large Ship Icon.png

ComponentsRequired

 Functional 

 Hack 

Dimensions (W,H,L)5,3,5
Mass2,961.6 kg
2,961,600 g
2,961,600,000 mg
2.962 t
Integrity11,608
Build time60 s
Power Consumer GroupUtility
Is AirtightNo
PCU Cost100
Requires DLCFrostbite
BrowseLast edit: 2020-04-21
Large antenna (left), and Small antenna (right)

Overview

The Antenna can broadcast its range, and display name from its location. However, they may also broadcast the location of specific systems on the same ship/station as the antenna if enabled to do so.

The antenna can also relay the signal of other antennas within its range.

Usage

Broadcast

Much like the Beacon, the antenna is capable of broadcasting its location. The power demand on the large ships and stations for the antenna is 10x higher compared to the beacon. However, the antenna has far more functions than the beacon, in return draining far more power.

The chart below shows the maximum ranges, as well as the power usage associated with it.
Type Max Range Max Required Power
Small Ship 50,000 m 200 kW
Large Ship / Station 50,000 m 200 kW

Display subsystems on HUD

In addition to its broadcasting abilities, the antenna can also display specific systems on the grid it is attached to. This can only be accomplished if the object's "Show on HUD" control setting is set to Yes. Enabling "Show on HUD" on objects does not increase power usage. If a player was to enable this feature on 100 small thrusters, it would not draw any more power than it already was.

Note that the range of the object being shown is also the same as the antenna's maximum range. So if the antenna is 5000 m, the object with "Show on HUD" enabled would also have a range of 5000 m. Currently as of patch 01.045, there is no way to alter this.

Antennaexample01.jpg

Show ship name

The antenna may also show a ships name, along with the antenna's own displayed name beside it.

Remote Access and Control

An antenna is necessary to access blocks on an object or to remotely control it in case the player is not directly connected to the object (e.g. sitting in a pilot seat or accessing a control panel). Important: Ownership of the antenna is required to do this. There are two functionalities which can be easily confused:
- Remote Access to blocks: This allows manipulating all the block settings/parameters of an object and to execute available actions of each block. This is done via the K-menu and doesn't require a remote control block. Example: viewing through a camera, reversing rotors and pistons, etc.
- Remote Control of an object: To enable remote control of an object an antenna is necessary in addition to the remote control block. The remote control block itself is activated via remote access in the K-menu. See Remote Control block for further explanation.

The range of remote access and control is 200m (broadcast range of the cosmonauts suit) unless enhanced by relays (see below). Currently [1.064], blocks on an object cannot be accessed by another object via remote access (in case the objects are not connected). Only players can remote access blocks on an object e.g. when sitting in/on another object.

Relay

The most notable feature of the antenna is its ability to also act as a relay for other antenna and/or beacons. When a player enters a radius of an antenna, if there are any other beacons or antennas inside its radius, it is also displayed for the player. Even if a small ships broadcast for example isn't in range of the player, it may be transmitted through the nearby antenna to the player.

The player may also interact/control the ships even beyond the ships broadcast range, but is still within range of a different antenna.

Media

In this example, Antenna 1 is broadcasting the Player's signal to Antenna 2. Antenna 1 cannot see Antenna 2, but Antenna 2 can see Antenna 1's broadcast and the player.
In this example, we have a network of 3 Antennas. Antenna 1 and 3 are out of range of each other. However, with Antenna between them within its radius, Antenna 1 can see Antenna 3, and 3 cannot see 1.
This shows the color codes of factions with different relations with the player all can see the antenna none can see eachother.

Tips

Known Issues

Related Items

Programming

Update History

N/A N/A