Difference between revisions of "Connector"

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(completely rewrote the connector page, added in-depth explained tutorials, added images)
(Known Issues)
(27 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
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| sbuildtime = 25
 
| sbuildtime = 25
| spowerstandby = .00005
+
| spowerstandby = 0.00005
 +
| sairtightness = no
 
| scomponentstructure = 2
 
| scomponentstructure = 2
 
| scomponent1 = Steel Plate
 
| scomponent1 = Steel Plate
Line 16: Line 17:
 
| scomponent2 = Computer
 
| scomponent2 = Computer
 
| scomponent2amt = 6
 
| scomponent2amt = 6
| scomponent3 = Display
+
| scomponent3 = Motor
| scomponent3amt = 1
+
| scomponent3amt = 6
| scomponent4 = Motor
+
| scomponent4 = Small Steel Tube
 
| scomponent4amt = 6
 
| scomponent4amt = 6
| scomponent5 = Small Steel Tube
+
| scomponent5 = Construction Component
| scomponent5amt = 6
+
| scomponent5amt = 12
| scomponent6 = Construction Component
+
| scomponent6 = Steel Plate
| scomponent6amt = 12
+
| scomponent6amt = 15
| scomponent7 = Steel Plate
+
| swidth = 3
| scomponent7amt = 15
+
| sheight = 2
 +
| sdepth = 3
 +
| sstoragecapacity = 1152
  
 
| lbuildtime = 35
 
| lbuildtime = 35
 +
| lairtightness = no
 +
| lpowerstandby = 0.00005
 
| lcomponentstructure = 2
 
| lcomponentstructure = 2
 
| lcomponent1 = Steel Plate
 
| lcomponent1 = Steel Plate
Line 33: Line 38:
 
| lcomponent2 = Computer
 
| lcomponent2 = Computer
 
| lcomponent2amt = 20
 
| lcomponent2amt = 20
| lcomponent3 = Display
+
| lcomponent3 = Motor
| lcomponent3amt = 4
+
| lcomponent3amt = 8
| lcomponent4 = Motor
+
| lcomponent4 = Small Steel Tube
| lcomponent4amt = 8
+
| lcomponent4amt = 12
| lcomponent5 = Small Steel Tube
+
| lcomponent5 = Construction Component
| lcomponent5amt = 12
+
| lcomponent5amt = 40
| lcomponent6 = Construction Component
+
| lcomponent6 = Steel Plate
| lcomponent6amt = 40
+
| lcomponent6amt = 130
| lcomponent7 = Steel Plate
+
| lheight = 1
| lcomponent7amt = 130
+
| lwidth = 1
 +
| ldepth = 1
 +
| lstoragecapacity = 8000
  
| version = 01.031.009
+
| version = 01.079
 
}}
 
}}
[[File:Connector01.jpg|right|thumb|340px|Small ship connector (left), and a large ship /station connector (right)]]
+
== Overview ==
[[File:Connector02.jpg|right|thumb|340px|Angled view of the small ship connector (left), and a large ship /station connector (right)]]
 
== Function ==
 
 
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, 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.
== Placement ==
+
== Status Color ==
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.
+
{| class="wikitable" ; style="width: 20%
== Usage ==
+
!Color!! Status
The connector provides many useful functions for the player(s) to take advantage of. The interface of the connector is simple, and an explanation is provided below.
+
|-
{| class="wikitable" width "50%"
+
|[[File:Landing_Gear_GYsquare.jpg|30px]]|| No Connection possible and area around it clear to eject objects.
!colspan="2" | Collector Interface
+
|-
 +
||<span style="background:black; font-size: 200%">....</span>|| Connector turned off or unpowered.
 +
|-
 +
|[[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Red.png]] || Area around Connector is too cluttered with objects to eject more.
 +
|-
 +
|[[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.
 +
|}
 +
=== Control Panel ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" ; style="width: 20%
 +
!colspan="2" style="font-size:16px;"| Control Panel
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:center ; font-size:14px;"| Options
 +
!style="text-align:center ; font-size:14px;"| Comments
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Toggle block
 +
|Turns the device on, or off.
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Name
 +
|You can enter in your own custom name in the text box
 +
|-
 +
!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
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Use Conveyor System
 +
|If "on" allows the connector to automatically draw items from other inventories connected to it
 
|-
 
|-
!Throw Out
+
!style="text-align:left;" | Throw Out
 
|This toggle tells the connector to eject items out from inside its inventory
 
|This toggle tells the connector to eject items out from inside its inventory
 
|-
 
|-
!Collect All
+
!style="text-align:left;" | Collect All
|This toggle tells the connector to retrieve items from the [[Conveyor Network]], and places inside its inventory
+
|This toggle tells the connector to retrieve items another inventory in the [[Conveyor Network]], and places inside its inventory
 
|-
 
|-
!Lock
+
!style="text-align:left;" | Lock
 
|This tells the connector to lock itself with another connector
 
|This tells the connector to lock itself with another connector
 
|-
 
|-
!Unlock
+
!style="text-align:left;" | Unlock
 
|This unlocks the connector from the other connector
 
|This unlocks the connector from the other connector
 +
|-
 +
!style="text-align:left;" | Strength Slider <br>(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 ===
 
=== 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.
 
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.
*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.[[File:Connector11.jpg|none|thumb|125px]]
+
{| class="wikitable"
*After the connector is set to collect items, under '''throw out''', set to '''on'''
+
|style="width: 530px;" | <ol>
 +
<li value="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.
 +
:[[File:Connector11.jpg|none|thumb|125px]]
 +
<li value="2">After the connector is set to collect items, under '''throw out''', set to '''on'''
 
:[[File:Connector10.jpg|none|thumb|125px]]
 
:[[File:Connector10.jpg|none|thumb|125px]]
 +
</ol>
 +
|}
 
=== 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.
*To dock, the player must guide the ship so that both connectors are aligned. Then approach the connectors slowly towards each other. [[File:Connector13.jpg|none|thumb|175px]]
+
{| class="wikitable"
*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.
+
|style="width: 530px;" | <ol>
 +
<li value="1">To dock, the player must guide the ship so that both connectors are aligned. Then approach the connectors slowly towards each other.  
 +
:[[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.
 
::;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 neglected 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.
*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>
 +
|}
 
==== Item transfer ====
 
==== 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]].
 
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]].
Line 90: Line 138:
 
==== Energy Transfer ====
 
==== 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 [[Battery|Batteries]] on a smaller ship to be recharged from another ship/station.
 
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 [[Battery|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 Tank]]s or [[Oxygen Generator]]s 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 ===
 
=== Undocking ===
Since the release of the connector to the most recent update ([[Update 01.045]]), 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.
+
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.
 
Below is a list of useful tips on how to undock from a connector.
 
==== Turn Connectors Off ====
 
==== 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". However, there is a bit of confusion as to how to achieve this. To clarify, the steps will be listed below.
+
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.
#'''Make Sure you are docked''' (Green indicators)
+
 
#Go to the Control Interface menu, and locate the connector your ship is attached to
+
== Media ==
#Once you locate the connector your ship is attached to, '''switch it off''' so that it is no longer powered
+
{| class="wikitable" width "50%"
#Find your ships own connector, and '''switch it off''' as well, so that it's also not powered
+
|[[File:Connector05.jpg|none|thumb|400px|A connector ejecting items out to a collector on the other side]]
#Undock by clicking the docking button (default P) to disconnect both connectors
+
|[[File:Connector09.jpg|none|thumb|400px|A giant blue ship docked to a station using the connectors]]
#'''Give it one second''' for both connectors to realize they are not powered
+
|-
#You are free to leave the area now, and will notice that both connectors are not applying any pull.
+
|[[File:Connector03.jpg|none|thumb|400px|A connector on a small ship]]
::;Note * If your station/ship has an antenna, you can remotely turn back on the connector.
+
|[[File:Connector01.jpg|none|thumb|400px|Small ship connector (left), and a large ship /station connector (right)]]
 +
|-
 +
|[[File:Connector02.jpg|none|thumb|400px|Angled view of the small ship connector (left), and a large ship /station connector (right)]]
 +
|}
  
==== Thrusting power ====
+
== Tips ==
----
+
*Two connectors can be placed facing each other connected, and when a grid splits or un-merges using [[Merge Block]]s the connectors will separate.
'''Content below is subject to change'''
+
*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.
Most ships with acceptable amounts of thrusting capability are able to escape a connectors "pull". However, even some very large ships can have difficulty moving away from the incredible force that connectors have. There appears to be a lot of debate regarding the amount of acceleration needed to pull away, however, it appears to depend on two factors:
 
*Mass
 
*Acceleration
 
  
While mass seems to have only a minor amount of impact, a smaller ship for example trying to escape from a large ship with small amount of mass would require that the smaller ship have a greater amount of acceleration as it is quite literally ... pulling the larger ship with it.
+
== 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.
  
Acceleration seems to be the primary factor. With testing, it has been estimated that a small ship needs between '''1.1 m/s''' and '''1.3 m/s''' acceleration power to escape from a static connector. To get an example of ship, the default constructor ship (with 4 small thrusters) is capable of moving away from the connectors on its own.
+
== Related Items ==
[[File:Connector14.jpg|none|thumb|175px]]
+
*[[Collector]]
 +
*[[Ejector]]
  
== Examples ==
+
== Programming ==
{| width "90%"
+
 
|
+
* [[Programming_Guide/Action_List#Connector|Action List - Connector]]
[[File:Connector05.jpg|none|thumb|350px]]
+
* NOTE:
|
+
** .IsLocked is for when the connector is ready to lock
[[File:Connector09.jpg|none|thumb|350px]]
+
** .IsConnected is for when the connector is locked.
|
+
 
[[File:Connector03.jpg|none|thumb|350px]]
+
== 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: left;width: 8%"| [[Update 01.026]] ||style="padding-left: 10px;padding-right: 10px;"|
 +
*Connector block introduced
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
</div>
 +
[[Category:Conveyor and Cargo Blocks]]

Revision as of 21:15, 19 September 2018


Connector Icon.png
Large Ship Icon.png
Large Ship / Station
Connector
 
Components
Required

 

 
 
8
 
 
Mass (kg):
0
 
Integrity:
0
 
Build time (seconds):
35
 
Idle Power Consumption (MW):
0.00005
 
Storage Capacity (L):
8000
 
Airtight:
No
 
Dimensions (W x H x D):
1 x 1 x 1
Connector Icon.png
Small Ship Icon.png
Small Ship
Connector
 
Components
Required

 

 
 
6
 
 
Mass (kg):
0
 
Integrity:
0
 
Build time (seconds):
25
 
Idle Power Consumption (MW):
0.00005
 
Storage Capacity (L):
1152
 
Airtight:
No
 
Dimensions (W x H x D):
3 x 2 x 3

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.

Status Color

Color Status
Landing Gear GYsquare.jpg No Connection possible and area around it clear to eject objects.
.... Connector turned off or unpowered.
Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Area around Connector is too cluttered with objects to eject more.
Air Vent Front Indicator Yellow.png Connection between Connectors is possible, but they are not locked.
Air Vent Front Indicator Green.png Connector Connection is active and locked. Items, power and gas can be freely transferred.

Control Panel

Control Panel
Options Comments
Toggle block Turns the device on, or off.
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
Use Conveyor System If "on" allows the connector to automatically draw items from other inventories connected to it
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 another inventory in the Conveyor Network, and places inside its inventory
Lock This tells the connector to lock itself with another connector
Unlock This unlocks the connector from the other connector
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

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 neglected 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