Hello! Welcome to my page! I am a contributor of [https://alt-f4.blog/ Alt-F4 ] and my reddit account is [https://www.reddit.com/user/Mentose here].

Here is a new page I am currently working on, inspired by [[Tutorial:Transport_use_cases]]:

=Tutorial: Comparing Power Production Technologies=

==Overview==

In vanilla Factorio, electric power can be produced from [[steam engine]]s, [[steam turbine]]s, and [[solar panel]]s. Solar panels directly output power obtained from sunlight, while steam engines and steam turbines run by consuming [[steam]], which can be produced in [[boiler]]s or in [[heat exchanger]]s.
Heat exchangers can only work by being supplied heat from [[nuclear reactor]]s (including the neighbor bonus), while boilers support a wide range of burner [[fuel]]s, although most often they use [[coal]] or [[solid fuel]].

Given these machines, the following power plant types emerge:
* Boiler power plants (many types depending on the fuels used)
* Solar power plants (solar panels for daytime supply and accumulators for nighttime supply)
* Nuclear power plants (efficiency depends on nuclear reactor counts and arrangements, which determine the neighbor bonus)

Within these categories I would like to focus on 6 power plant subtypes:
* Coal power plant - Mined coal is fed directly to boilers.
* Coal liquification power plant (via solid fuel) - Mined coal undergoes coal liquification and the heavy oil produced is cracked. The light oil and petroleum gas is converted into solid fuel before being sent to the boiler. This process has been found to [[https://www.reddit.com/r/factorio/comments/ujrxr4/altf4_60_burning_questions/ double]] the energy output from the coal.
* Oil power plant (via solid fuel) - Advanced oil processing is used and the heavy oil produced is cracked. The light oil and petroleum gas is converted into solid fuel before being sent to the boiler.
* Solar power plant - Solar panels and accumulators are placed at an appropriate [[https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5594 ratio]] such that solar panels provide the daytime supply and accumulators the nighttime supply.
* Starter nuclear power plant - There is a single nuclear reactor, being supplied by two centrifuges that run uranium processing. There is no Kovarex enrichment used.
* Large nuclear power plant - Several reactors are used side-by-side to ensure a high neighbor bonus and Kovarex enrichment is used.

Each power plant listed has its own strengths and weaknesses. The comparison is in terms of the following factors:

* Technology level to unlock it (1 = automation science, 2 = logistic science, 3 = chemical science, 4 = production science)
* Setup costs in terms of materials (Namely copper, iron, steel, stone, coal, and petroleum gas)
* Infrastructure dependence (i.e. whether you need miners and trains or belts to keep it running)
* Running costs in terms of fuels and materials
* Space usage
* Pollution generation
* Design complexity (in terms of how many things to look out for)

'''Quick Summary Table'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Power Plant !! Coal (Burner) !! Liq. Coal (Burner) !! Oil (Burner) !! Solar !! Starter Nuclear !! Large Nuclear (at scale)
|-
| Tech Level || 0 || 4 || 3 || 2 || 3 || 4
|-
| Setup Costs || Very Low || Low || Low || Very High || Medium || Medium-Low
|-
| Infrastructure Dep. || Yes || Yes || Yes || No || Yes || Yes
|-
| Running Costs || High || Medium || Medium || None || Low || Very Low
|-
| Space Usage || Lowest || Low || Low || High || Medium || Medium-Low
|-
| Pollution || High || High || High || None || Low || Very Low
|-
| Complexity || Low || Medium || Medium || Low || Medium || Medium-High
|-

'''Setup Costs Summary Table'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Power Plant !! Coal (Burner) !! Liq. Coal (Burner) !! Oil (Burner) !! Solar !! Starter Nuclear !! Large Nuclear (1/20 scale) [I]
|-
| Avg. power (MW) [II] || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-
| Copper || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-
| Iron || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-
| Steel || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-
| Stone || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-
| Coal || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-
| Petr. Gas || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-
| Infrastructure [III] || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-
| Space (chunks) [IV] || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-

'''Running Costs and Pollution Summary Table'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Power Plant !! Coal (Burner) !! Liq. Coal (Burner) !! Oil (Burner) !! Solar !! Starter Nuclear !! Large Nuclear (1/20 scale) [I]
|-
| Avg. power (MW) [II] || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-
| Coal || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-
| Uranium ore || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-
| Iron plate || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-
| Sulfur || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-
| Pollution || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6*
|-

==Crunching the Numbers to Obtain the Tables==

(notes notes notes, eg. 40MW reference point)

===40MW Coal Power Plant===
(blueprint here)

===40MW Liquified Coal Power Plant===
(blueprint here)

===40MW Oil Power Plant===
(blueprint here)

User:Sir Fendi

2022-05-10T16:19:11Z

Sir Fendi:

User:Sir Fendi

2022-05-10T15:44:47Z

Sir Fendi:

User:Sir Fendi

2022-05-10T15:44:13Z

Sir Fendi:

User:Sir Fendi

2022-05-10T15:15:56Z

Sir Fendi:

Talk:Main Page

2022-05-10T14:41:36Z

Sir Fendi: Suggestions: Adding another unofficial community.

== Visual Reconstruction ==
I think this wiki looks boring as is. It should have more attractive colors instead of black text on a white screen...
[[User:Zippy|Zippy]] ([[User talk:Zippy|talk]]) 18:10, 3 May 2017 (UTC)

== Adding Languages ==

I'd like to see the other languages added to the Main Page. --[[User:Badg0n|Badg0n]] ([[User talk:Badg0n|talk]]) 14:25, 11 May 2016 (UTC)
:+1 --[[User:Bannert|Bannert]] ([[User talk:Bannert|talk]]) 11:32, 18 May 2016 (UTC)

==Main Page Overhaul==
The Wiki Page needs to be reorganized. It currently is a confusing mess and should be more organized for easier navigation. As i do not have access to edit this page i'll continue to add to other pages but i believe the real fixing of this WIKI would need to start at the root.
--[[User:ACryInShame|ACryInShame]] ([[User talk:ACryInShame|Talk]]) -12 Feb 2015 10:15 (EST) -5hr

:I read your forum-article and answered there http://factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=20029 [[User:Ssilk|Ssilk]] ([[User talk:Ssilk|talk]]) 17:18, 12 February 2016 (UTC)

==Adding Changelogs==
Shouldn't we add a changelog page and link it to the main one ?--[[User:Staxxy|Staxxy]] ([[User talk:Staxxy|talk]]) 22:53, 4 March 2013 (CET)
:It is actually linked on the main page as "Version History" under the "get the game" section. Not sure what the preference is on that name comparged to "Change Log". - [[User:BenWo|BenWo]] ([[User talk:BenWo|talk]]) 12:46, 16 May 2014 (CEST)

==Pages blueprint==
We would need to set up conventional presentations for pages depending of their topic.
For example, all pages covering weapons should be presented the same way, with the same organisation, ect...--[[User:Staxxy|Staxxy]] ([[User talk:Staxxy|talk]]) 23:14, 4 March 2013 (CET)
:I like this idea! We need standard templates for the big categories to make navigating easier. I'll certainly start work on this as time allows. [[User:BenWo|BenWo]] ([[User talk:BenWo|talk]]) 08:11, 15 May 2014 (CEST)
::Putting updates on my navbox work over on <nowiki>[[Talk:Wiki_To-do_List]]</nowiki> to save this for talk about the main page. - [[User:BenWo|BenWo]] ([[User talk:BenWo|talk]]) 12:35, 16 May 2014 (CEST)

==More content==

I started doing a bit of tweaking on the Main page over on [[User:BenWo/Main_Page]] to try and fit some more of these items. I've also moved all of the HTML off into some templates to keep it cleaner. Feel free to go over there and move bits around with whatever ideas you've got. :) - [[User:BenWo|BenWo]] ([[User talk:BenWo|talk]]) 12:44, 16 May 2014 (CEST)
:Moved over the new version of the Main page I worked on, cleaning up the source a ton using some templates. There's empty space in the center cell for the GUIDES section (see To-Do talk page, now linked in lower-right main page cell). Any suggestions or whatnot, please discuss!! [[User:BenWo|BenWo]] ([[User talk:BenWo|talk]]) 13:54, 25 May 2014 (CEST)

=== Top right box ===

* Link to the list of News (Friday Facts, Random Ramblings...)

=== Left box ===

* What it is (short explanation)

* [[Let's play]] page
http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=829

* Beginners Guide
(Sub-pages:
** Joseki (Good starting moves)
** The first day
** Exploring the map
** Electric Power
** Crafting
** Research
** Red&Green Potion
** Weapons&Armour
** Blue Potion
** Car
** Logistic Bots
** Train
** And bejond?)

=== Center + right Box ===

(Items, Networks, Special, Concept) is one big point in the center.

=== Left lower box ===

* FAQ

* Map-Editor
** Convert map to Scenario

* Game-Options
** Key-Defaults

* Contributing
(
** For this wiki
** Link to mods
)

...

== "Before you play" ==

The main page has "Console" under "Before you play". I don't think it's appropriate for that section. --[[User:Glyph|Glyph]] ([[User talk:Glyph|talk]]) 15:27, 13 August 2014 (CEST)

: Fixed. You are allowed to make such changes. This is a wiki. :) [[User:Ssilk|Ssilk]] ([[User talk:Ssilk|talk]]) 23:40, 13 August 2014 (CEST)

:: Thanks! I am hesitant to edit the main page because I would start to move everything around and couldn't stop! --[[User:Glyph|Glyph]] ([[User talk:Glyph|talk]]) 09:55, 14 August 2014 (CEST)

::: There is the "restore previous version"-button. :) Currrently I think the amount of links to other pages has reached a limit, the lower, the better. [[User:Ssilk|Ssilk]] ([[User talk:Ssilk|talk]]) 19:39, 15 August 2014 (CEST)

== Contributors ==

Suggestion: Remove the contributors (currently only the translators) from the main page and move it to "Contributors"-page.

Anything against?
:Support - I indeed think this should not be on the main page, but also not on another page. A wiki is for people to work together, so everyone contributes to it, why only display a few names? [[User:TheWombatGuru|TheWombatGuru]] ([[User talk:TheWombatGuru|talk]]) 07:54, 29 August 2014 (CEST)
:: Indeed. I think removing the names is logical for a wiki, cause the changes can be seen in the history. I will put this into the forum, too and wait and if nobody has anything against I'll remove that... [[User:Ssilk|Ssilk]] ([[User talk:Ssilk|talk]]) 13:12, 31 August 2014 (CEST)
::: I made a change to this section, is this a good alternative? [[User:TheWombatGuru|TheWombatGuru]] ([[User talk:TheWombatGuru|talk]]) 00:14, 4 October 2014 (CEST)
:::: I think yes, but now I have a question — how is it works? And what should I do to insert local names of the languages to the list? E.g. Czech lang is "Чеська", English lang is "Англійська", French is "Французька", etc (by Ukrainian language). I was trying to use the new template in [[Main_Page/uk]] but the brackets after a language's self-name are empty... --[[User:Vitduo|Vitduo]] ([[User talk:Vitduo|talk]]) 16:16, 4 October 2014 (CEST)
::::: I saw you already figured out how, thanks for extending the template :) [[User:TheWombatGuru|TheWombatGuru]] ([[User talk:TheWombatGuru|talk]]) 16:35, 4 October 2014 (CEST)

== New "Around the game" introduced ==

I'm not so sure, if that was a good idea. My normal way would be to change it and then look at it in some days/weeks, but with more wikianers I could just ask. So maybe, this Main page gets a little bit to big now? If so, please make suggestions or change it. :) [[User:Ssilk|Ssilk]] ([[User talk:Ssilk|talk]]) 23:37, 18 October 2014 (CEST)
: I think it's good like this, good editing :) [[User:TheWombatGuru|TheWombatGuru]] ([[User talk:TheWombatGuru|talk]]) 00:50, 19 October 2014 (CEST)

== Old News Showing If Not Logged In ==

Users who are not logged in to the wiki are not seeing the latest news in the News block. You can confirm this by logging out and going to the [[Main Page]]. The latest piece of news visible is "Mar 18 FFF #130: Steam release side effects."

As soon as you log in, the current news from the [[News]] page is shown instead. Does anyone have any idea what needs to be fixed so that people aren't seeing out-of-date news?

--[[User:CyberPhantom|CyberPhantom]] ([[User talk:CyberPhantom|talk]]) 16:32, 19 June 2016 (UTC)

::For the admins: this looks like it's being caused by the MediaWiki file cache. This cache only applies to anonymous (not logged in) users. According to [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:File_cache#Expiration the MediaWiki documentation], running the [https://wiki.factorio.com/index.php?title=Main_Page&action=purge purge action] should expire the cache and fix the problem. I tried that, and it didn't help. Maybe an admin needs to do it for it to work on the Main Page? Or maybe something else is preventing the file cache from clearing? --[[User:CyberPhantom|CyberPhantom]] ([[User talk:CyberPhantom|talk]])

== Change icons' image file names ==

Change icons' image file names from "fast-inserter.png" to "Fast inserter icon.png". (for obvious reasons)

Steps:
* This topic gets 5 +1 (so it's approved)
* Generate the renamed files (already done [https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B86I6c-Ld37oWjUtaGlGU1padVU]) and upload
* Change the code at the [[Template:Icon]] (I can make it backward compatible)
* Done

== Link to preorderpage no more active http://www.factorio.com/preorder ==

Should be changed to http://www.factorio.com

== Wrong link ==
On the Community-spitter there is a mistake, it says "ink=" so there ist missing the letter "l" to set no link. As I'm just a normal user I'm not allowed to fix this, so somebody else has to do this. -- [[User:RobbiRobb|RobbiRobb]] ([[User talk:RobbiRobb|talk]]) 13:45, 20 April 2017 (UTC)
:Thanks, I fixed it :) --[[User:Bilka|Bilka]] ([[User talk:Bilka|talk]]) 13:51, 20 April 2017 (UTC)
::Thanks :D -- [[User:RobbiRobb|RobbiRobb]] ([[User talk:RobbiRobb|talk]]) 14:38, 20 April 2017 (UTC)

== Items and Recipes (Are they the same or different?) ==

I think the heading label "Items and Recipes" should be a link to the Items page ([https://wiki.factorio.com/Items]). Also, either "Recipes" needs to redirect to that page or it needs its own. Personally, I think "Recipes" and "Items" are functionally the same from a user standpoint, so I would use a redirect. For obvious (and good!) reasons, I cannot make the link edit myself. As for the redirect, I will wait for an OK from an admin, primarily so they don't have to delete it.

--[[User:Sonicthe|Sonicthe]] ([[User talk:Sonicthe|talk]]) 17:56, 26 July 2020 (UTC)
: Items and recipes are very different things, since the one is produced by the other. The icons that are currently shown on the main page and on [[items]] are items, fluids and recipes. This makes both the main page heading and the items page somewhat misleading. It may be better to find heading that fits properly and move all the content there (e.g. "Materials and recipes"). Could you explain why we need a recipes page/redirect? I'd also like to hear your reasoning for linking to the items page from the main page, since it contains a direct subset of the main page content. -- [[User:Bilka|Bilka]] ([[User talk:Bilka|talk]]) - Admin 08:33, 27 July 2020 (UTC)

:: To respond in reverse order of your questions, maybe a better question is "Why is there an items page?" rather than having the search result in the bottom of the main page. I like your idea of renaming the section, although if an infobox appeared on mouse-over (like on the right-hand side of the page, NOT alt-text/tooltip) with just the Normal recipe for the highlighted item (which would be really cool, but a pain to do!) the "Items and Recipes" would make sense. You would have icons for items and a box with the corresponding recipe in it. I'm not suggesting putting all of the information contained on the individual item pages here (duplicating work is silly), and it's not something I expect to see any time soon (if ever). It would just be cool.

:: And perhaps it would be better to change the section on the main page to a link to [[items]] and provide the recipe infobox (or not) there instead. I assumed there was a reason to have the entire set of icons on the main page, but maybe that assumption is false.

:: My reasoning for a "Recipe" redirect is as much error trapping as anything else. Searching for "Items" returns [[items]], but searching for "Recipes" returns a generic search results page. While I agree that you and I know there is a real difference between an item and a recipe, I'm not sure the average user will really understand (or care about!) that distinction, especially after release. Ultimately, I guess the real question is what you think the average user is looking for when they search for "Recipes" vs. "Items". That's it. A simple page that describes what a recipe is and has a link to [[items]] would be better if you think the distinction is important. Or a single page with every recipe on it might be something to think about. Which one depends on your opinion, I think.

:: As something of a side note, I mention the infobox idea because the first time I used the wiki, that's kind of what I was looking for. I wanted just the recipes for several items, and having to click each one, and then back, and then the next, and back, and so on is a pain. At the time, I wasn't looking for all the other information that each page contained, just the ingredients I needed to make each item. I realize that all of this information is available in-game and on individual pages here, which is why I would call it "Nice to have" and "Cool" but not "High priority" or even "Medium priority," and certainly not "Needed." And I think a "Recipes" page with all the recipes listed might be better (and definitely easier) than a changing infobox. -- [[User:Sonicthe|Sonicthe]] ([[User talk:Sonicthe|talk]]) 18:43, 27 July 2020 (UTC)

::: Good question :) The 'real' reason is that the page existed when I started on the wiki, so it keep existing even as most of its content moved to other pages. I would not remove it now, because sometimes having an external link to just the crafting overview is great and the main page does not work very well for that. I like your idea with the infoboxes, it should be doable.

::: Having all items/recipes/fluids on the main page is a great entry-point for the wiki, so I think it will stay there unless an even better way to display all items/recipes/fluids is found.

::: I think you have a good point with the search. We even used have a "liquid" redirect going to the "fluid system" page (which I deleted at some point), which in the same search term 'group' as "recipes" and "items". I have an idea how to solve the naming problem: Move the current "items" to "materials and recipes". Redirect "recipes" and "items" to "materials and recipes" and also link there from the main page. Redirect "fluids" to "fluid system" or make it a disambiguation page linking both "fluid system" and "material and recipes". What do you think about this?

::: Just wanting the recipes is a common theme. We have had the idea to make the tooltips of the item icons list their recipes for a pretty long time now, however, I think your infobox idea is better and may also be easier to implement. However, currently just getting the wiki up-to-date for 1.0 is taking priority over extra features.

::: Thank you for detailed feedback, it is always useful to hear such a well reasoned opinion about parts of the wiki. -- [[User:Bilka|Bilka]] ([[User talk:Bilka|talk]]) - Admin 11:48, 6 August 2020 (UTC)

:::: I like disambiguation pages in general because they always give me what I'm looking for and other related things, too. Anything that increases my knowledge and understanding is great! And I think "Materials and Recipes" more accurately captures what we are talking about than "Items" does, too.

:::: I would use whichever method is the easiest to implement, if you're thinking about doing it now. Especially with the focus appropriately on accuracy for 1.0. Personally, I would probably wait until after 1.0 regardless of which method is ultimately chosen. Accuracy should always be more important than features. Information that ''might'' be mislabeled or "hard to find" is much better than information that is '''wrong'''. I am about to start Graduate School, so unfortunately, I won't have time to do much myself. -- [[User:Sonicthe|Sonicthe]] ([[User talk:Sonicthe|talk]]) 18:16, 6 August 2020 (UTC)
::::: I have created the new organization that I suggested, I hope it works out. The further recipe details on the main page will be a future feature :) -- [[User:Bilka|Bilka]] ([[User talk:Bilka|talk]]) - Admin 10:36, 17 August 2020 (UTC)

== Adding other unofficial communities ==

Suggestion: Under the "Unofficial Communities" links, would it be appropriate to add more communities? Specifically, I would like to add a link to [https://alt-f4.blog/ Alt-F4] the community-driven blog. I have not been able to find previous discussions about this. --[[User:Sir Fendi|Sir Fendi]] ([[User talk:Sir Fendi|talk]]) 14:41, 10 May 2022 (UTC)

User:Sir Fendi

2022-05-10T14:16:40Z

Sir Fendi: added links, started draft of new tutorial page

User talk:Sir Fendi

2022-04-30T14:34:02Z

Sir Fendi: Created page with "Hello! Welcome to my talk page!"

Hello! Welcome to my talk page!

User:Sir Fendi

2022-04-30T14:33:36Z

Sir Fendi: Created page with "Hello!"

Hello!

Tutorial:Circuit network cookbook

2022-04-29T19:49:23Z

Sir Fendi: /* Alternative Setup for Cracking and Lubricant Production */ image fix

{{Languages}}
== Foreword ==

This page provides examples of simple circuit network designs and some not so simple designs that others can use, combine and modify. They are designed to be as easy to understand as possible. To see the settings of combinators without opening them, the option "Show combinator settings in "Alt-mode"" in the Interface/Alt-mode settings has to be checked and "Alt-mode" has to be turned on.

==Lamp showing chest content condition==
[[File:LightWiredToChest.png|right]]

This is the simplest possible use of circuit-network. A [[lamp]] is light depending on the number of goods (in this example empty barrels) in a chest.

===Setting up circuit connection===
* The lamp is connected to the chest.
* The lamp is set to light if the chest contain less than 10 empty barrels.
===To set the light condition===
* Open the lamp (left click on it).
* Set the input to barrels.
* Set the operator to < (less than).
* Set the constant number:
** Left click on the constant number
** Move the slider until 10 is shown, or edit the value box directly.
** Press set.

Depending on the condition you set, the lamp may light if the chest is empty, or if it contains the required quantity of items.

The drawback with this scenario is that the lamp has a white light , and is therefore difficult to differentiate from an ordinary lamp at night.
{{clear}}

== Oil Setups ==
[[File:LgtOilCracking.png|left|440px]]
=== Light Oil Cracking ===
* This circuit provides balanced light oil and petroleum gas production by cracking excess light oil into gas.
* The [[pump]] is connected to the [[storage tank]] by a [[red wire]].
* The pump has an enabled condition set to '''Light Oil > 20000'''.
{{clear}}

[[File:HvyOilCracking.png|left|440px]]

=== Heavy Oil Cracking ===
* This circuit extends on the previous circuit by adding optional heavy oil cracking to provide lubricant etc.
* The pump has an enabled condition set to '''Heavy oil > 20000''' .
{{clear}}

=== Alternative Setup for Cracking and Lubricant Production ===
This setup compares different fluid levels to each other instead of checking fixed values. It offers some guarantees such as petroleum gas being produced when you have light oil to spare, and light oil not being cracked when you have plenty of petroleum gas, and similar rules for heavy oil cracking and lubricant production.

[[File:oil-single-cct.png]]

It takes 4 steps:

1. Have a fluid tank for heavy oil, light oil, petroleum gas, and lubricant. For each fluid, make sure to connect the tank via pipes to every location where the fluid is being produced or consumed.

2. For each chemical plant (or each row of them, if you use rows) add a pump to the non-water fluid input pipe to make it possible to block the flow. No need to add pumps to outputs.

3. Connect every pump and every fluid tank to a single circuit network of red (or green) wire. The resulting circuit network will know about the fluid level in every storage tank and pass this information to every pump.

4. For each connected pump set the circuit “enable condition” to "[input fluid] > [output fluid]" , for its respective chemical plant recipe. E.g. set "heavy oil > light oil" for the heavy oil cracking output, set "heavy oil > lubricant" for the lubricant production output, and set "light oil > petroleum gas" for the light oil cracking output.

Done! Now all the pumps will move to equalize the fluid levels to each other. This will prevent fluid system deadlocks where you have plenty of one fluid but you are unable to make any of the other.
{{clear}}

== Lights ==
[[File:ConditionalLights.png|left|440px]]
=== Conditional Lights ===
* In this circuit we connect a series of [[lamp]]s to a [[storage tank]].
* By setting different conditions on each lamp we can build an indicator strip.
* The Enabled condition of the first lamp is '''Petroleum gas > 100'''.
* The others light up when gas is greater than 200, 300, 400 and 500 respectively.
{{clear}}

In this scenario you can connect the storage tank to the lamps directly.

[[File:ColoredLights.png|left|440px]]

=== Colored Lights ===
* To light a [[lamp]] with a color rather than white, you need an intermediate device like an [[arithmetic combinator]] that can send a color signal.
Instead of directly connect the the [[lamp]] and the [[Storage tank]] you need: 
1 Add the arithmetic combinator. 
2 Connect the [[storage tank]] with the input of the arithmetic combinator. 
3 Connect the output of the [[arithmetic combinator]] with the lamp. 
4 Set up the arithmetic combinator: 
4.1 Setting the input to petroleum Gas + 0 (the constant 0 not the signal 0) 
4.2 Set the output to the pink signal (on the bottom row of the last tab of signals.) 
5 Set up the [[lamp]]: 
5.1 Select the "Use colors" check box on the lamp. 
5.2 Set the condition to the pink signal, and what value you want (i.e. > 100) 
{{clear}}

== Misc ==
[[file:MulitipleChestsAndPoles.png|left|430px]]
=== Multiple Storages ===
* If you connect multiple chests to a pole, the pole displays the sum of items in all the chests.
* This also works with [[storage tank]]s and [[roboport]]s.
{{clear}}

[[File:ConstantComb.png|left|430px]]

=== Constant Combinator ===
* With a [[constant combinator]] you can generate any signals you may need.
* In this example we have generated a signal of 50 Laser turrets and 200 Piercing round magazine.
* Constant combinators are not of much use on their own but we shall use them later.
{{clear}}

[[File:ThisASign.png|left|430px]]

=== Constant Combinator Signs (Words) ===
* You can use [[constant combinator]]s to make signs, just set the letter signals in the combinator, each combinator can display 2 characters side by side.
* Note that to see these letters, Alt-mode must be on and the Interface setting “Show combinator settings in “Alt-Mode”” must also be enabled.
{{clear}}

[[File:constant_combinator_signs2.png|left|430px]]

=== Constant Combinator Signs (Managing Belts) ===
* Somewhat similar to the previous example, constant combinator signals can be used with belts to help indicate what items should be on which belts. This is extremely useful when sharing blueprints, as it's possible for blueprints to be shared albeit with no indication on which items are meant for which belts.
{{clear}}

[[File:MemoryCell.png|left|430px]]

=== Memory Cell / Counter ===
* Basic memory cell that counts all the items moved by the inserter
* The [[fast inserter]] is connected to '''BOTH''' ends of the arithmetic combinator.

* If the fast inserter hasn't picked anything up this tick the input to the Arithmetic combinator is the same as and output and hence the values are persisted.
* When the fast inserter does pick something up its value is added to the output from the previous tick thus incrementing that item.
{{clear}}

== Inserters ==
[[File:LimitItemsPlacedIntoAChest.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Limit items placed into a chest ===
* The [[inserter]] is connected to the [[wooden chest]] using a [[red wire]].
* The inserter's enabled condition is '''Advanced Circuit < 10'''.
* In reality this means the inserter may place more than 10 Advanced circuits in the chest because it could pick up to 3 at once due to stack size bonuses.
* This effect can be even greater with Stack inserters because of their large carrying capacity.
* This technique still gives far greater control than limiting the inventory on the chest.
{{clear}}

[[File:BalancedChestInsert.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Balanced chest insert ===
Goal: Load n chests with approximately the same number of items.
* Place n chests and n inserters.
* Place 1 [[arithmetic combinator]]
* Set the combinator to take Each (yellow star) and divide by the negative number of chests. ie −n.
* Connect all chests to each other and to the input of the combinator using red wire.
* Connect all inserters to each other and to the output of the combinator using red wire.
* Connect each inserter to the box it inserts into with green wire.
* Set the enable condition on each inserter to be Everything (red star) < 0.

The combinator calculates the average number of items in the chests, and makes it negative. Each inserter gets the amount in the chest it is inserting to and adds the negative average, ie it calculates how many more than the average it has in its chest. Thus if that number is negative, it has less than the average in the chest and it enables.

Due to inserter stack bonus the count is not exact. If a precise count is needed, set the inserter stack size to 1.

{{clear}}

[[File:SmartOutpostUnloader.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Keeping outpost stocked with specified items ===
* This circuit keeps a [[storage chest]] at an outpost stocked with customized levels of different items.
* For example you could keep an outpost stocked with 50 laser turrets and 200 piercing magazine rounds but not have to worry about it being over filled.
* The [[storage chest]] is attached to the input of the [[arithmetic combinator]] (left side in the picture) with a [[red wire]].
* Another couple of [[red wire]]s join the output of the [[arithmetic combinator]] (right side) to the [[constant combinator]] and to the [[stack filter inserter]].
* The [[arithmetic combinator]] '''multiplies''' each input value (from the storage chest) by '''-1'''.
* Finally the filter stack inserter's mode of operation is set to '''Set filters'''.
* So the input to the [[stack filter inserter]] is '''<constant combinator> - <storage chest contents>''' and the filter is set to filter for the first item by inventory order.
{{clear}}

[[File:SolarAccumalatorBalancer.png|left|400x400px]]

=== Balanced Solar panel / Accumulator Production ===
* This circuit balances production of [[solar panel]]s and [[accumulator]]s to a desired ratio in my case 24:20.
* The first [[arithmetic combinator]] takes the number of accumulators in the chest and '''multiplies''' it by '''24'''.
* The second [[arithmetic combinator]] takes the output of the first combinator and '''divides''' it by '''20'''.
* This gives us the number of accumulators that we can directly compare to the number of Solar panels in both inserters.
* If the number of accumulators is greater we enable the Solar panels inserter, if the number of Solar panels is greater we enable the accumulators inserter.
* However, if they are equal, neither machine does anything. So we add a single accumulator to one of the inserters using a constant combinator and a wire of the other color, therefore breaking the deadlock.
{{clear}}

== Sushi Belts ==
[[File:SushiScience1.png|left|400px]]
=== Reading Belt Design ===
* Six belts in a row are connected with Red wire and set to '''Read belts contents''' and '''Hold'''
* This [[red wire]] is then connected to the inserters that insert onto the belt.
* Read hand contents is unselected for all inserters.
* Mode of operation is set to '''Enable/Disable''' on all inserters.
* The first inserter is enabled when '''Science pack 1 = 0'''
* The other inserters are set similarly for the other science packs.
{{clear}}

[[File:SushiScience2.png|left|400px]]
=== Memory Cell Design ===
* This circuit counts the number of items of each type on a looping belt by counting the numbers that are added and removed from the belt by inserters.
* Each inserter that takes items off the belt is connected together with Red wire and each of these inserters is set to '''Mode of operation none, Read hand content selected''' and '''Hand read mode pulse'''.
* These inserters are connected to the input of the left arithmetic combinator.
* The left [[arithmetic combinator]] multiples '''each''' input by '''-1''' and outputs it to '''each'''.
* The right [[arithmetic combinator]] is a '''memory cell''' as above.
* The memory cell's input is connected to the inserters that are placing items on the belt and the output of the left [[arithmetic combinator]].
* The inserters that place items onto the belt have an enabled condition that is based on the number of items on the belt.
{{clear}}

== Power ==
[[File:SteamBackup.png|left|400px]]
=== Backup steam power ===
* The [[steam engine]]s are not directly connected to the power network. They are connected to the power network through a [[power switch]].
* The [[power switch]] is connected to one of the [[accumulator]]s in the main network.
* The [[power switch]] turns on when A < 10. That is when the [[accumulator]]s are less than 10% full.
{{clear}}
=== Optimal usage of fuel for nuclear power ===
Unlike the normal steam power that adjusts fuel usage based on power usage, the [[Power_production#Nuclear_power|nuclear reactors]] spend fuel in fixed units of time. To be exact, the consumption of 1 fuel cell takes exactly 200 seconds.

Combined with the fact that creating the nuclear fuel cells are time consuming and expensive to create, it is therefore beneficial to optimize their use to match the actual consumed power.

[[File:NuclearCircuits.jpg|left|400px]]
==== First example ====
The above picture shows a setup with 4 reactors, that spend only 1 fuel cell each whenever steam runs low. 
''Note: The GUI in the image above has been altered to make sure all important info fits within the image size.''

There are a few elements in this setup:
* Storage tank that provides the [[steam]] signal. You should only read from one storage tank, and it should have pipe connections to all your other steam storage tanks.
* Chests containing [[uranium fuel cell]]s for the reactor.
* Output inserters that take [[Used_up_uranium_fuel_cell|empty fuel cells]] from the reactor. This is connected to the storage tank to listen for the steam signal, and to the chests to listen for the uranium fuel cell signal. If the steam level is low and there are uranium fuel cells available, it removes the empty fuel cells from the reactor and sends an empty fuel cell signal (since "Read hand contents" is checked).
* Input inserters that put uranium fuel cells into the reactor. This is connected to the output inserters and listens for the empty fuel cell signal. The "Override stack size" is set to 1, so that it only inserts 1 fuel cell at a time.

Since this design uses empty fuel cells as a signal to fill the reactor, you need to manually insert 1 uranium fuel cell into the reactor to get it started.

[[File:NuclearCircuits2.jpg|left|400px]]
==== Second example ====
A simpler setup can be made with inserters that drop a single [[uranium fuel cell]] in each reactor when the [[steam]] reaches a certain level.

Here, two inserters feeding two reactors are connected to a steam [[storage tank]] and are set to be turned on when it reaches 2K. 
The only drawback is that two cells are placed in the reactor (one when the steam volume drops to 2K and another when it is back up to that level), but this does not matter, as with only two cells the temperature cannot rise to 1000°C, so no energy is wasted.
{{clear}}

[[File:Nuclear Fuel Circuit Network.png|left|400px]]
=== Prioritize usage of uranium towards nuclear fuel production ===
Because a continuous supply of [[nuclear fuel]] is critical to maintaining a [[nuclear reactor]], the circuit network can be used to set up a system where [[uranium-235]] and [[uranium-238]] are conserved for the production of nuclear fuel before other uses.

Using a [[splitter]], divert the two types of uranium onto two parallel conveyors, with an [[inserter]] positioned to gather uranium from each conveyor (a [[long handed inserter]] will be needed for the far belt). Each of these inserters deposits their load into a container, from which two more inserters deliver the contents to an [[assembly machine]] making nuclear fuel. An inserter delivers the produced fuel to a third container, from which inserter(s) delivers the fuel to your nuclear reactor. Wire the two inserters gathering from the conveyors to the container each of them is delivering to, and to the tile of conveyor immediately after the tile the inserter is gathering from. Set each inserter's enable condition to "less than or equal to X amount of uranium", using the appropriate type of uranium the inserter is gathering and X being the number of reserve uranium desired (optimally, one uranium-235 and nineteen uranium-238, the amount needed to produce nuclear fuel; the amount may be increased if a greater stockpile is desired). Set each conveyor's enable condition to "greater than or equal to X amount of uranium" in the same manner. Finally, connect the inserters delivering uranium to the assembly machine up to the container the assembly machine is delivering nuclear fuel to, and set each of their enable conditions to "nuclear fuel = 0 (the enable condition can be set to "less than or equal to X amount of nuclear fuel" if a larger stockpile is desired).

This set-up accomplishes the following:

* When there is sufficient nuclear fuel and uranium stockpiled, the inserters will deactivate and the conveyors activate, allowing the uranium to continue down the conveyors to other facilities.
* When the nuclear fuel stockpile hits zero (or decreases below the desired amount), the inserters delivering to the assembly machine will activate and deliver uranium to resume production of nuclear fuel until quota is reached again.
* When there is not enough uranium stockpiled to produce a batch of nuclear fuel, the inserters gathering uranium will activate and and resume gathering uranium until they reach their quota. The conveyors carrying uranium will stop past the inserters, cutting off other facilities from that type of uranium until its respective inserter reaches quota.
* The assembly machine will only be provided with uranium when the stockpile of nuclear fuel hits zero (or decreases below the desired amount), preventing over-production of nuclear fuel and thus over-consumption of uranium.

== Railway network ==
=== Set train routing ===
The circuit network can be used to allow deeper micromanagement of [[train]]s by disable/enabling [[train stop]]s. By connecting the stop to the storage container(s) unloading from the train and setting the train stop to be disabled when a desired resource in them is above a certain quantity, any train with this stop on their route will ignore it and continue to their next stop. For example, a train stop where [[iron ore]] is delivered can be disabled when the total amount of iron ore in the containers is above 1,000; when the stockpiled ore drops below 1,000, the stop will be enabled and trains will be permitted to stop there. Conversely, train stops where a resource is picked up can be set to be disabled in the same manner, so that trains will ignore the stop until the stop has enough of the specified resource to be delivered.

Together, these can be used to direct multiple trains to the same stops and better optimize their delivery; they will only go to a stop to pick up cargo when there is a certain amount ready, and will only unload at stops which have fallen below a certain amount in their stockpile. Further control over deliveries can be granted by integrating the inserters loading and unloading from the trains and/or the storage containers into the circuit network to enable or disable them depending on the container's contents, so that specific amounts of resources are picked up or unloaded.

This system also means that if no stop on a train's route requires the specified resource, the train will wait until needed. This can be useful for supplies like ammunition being delivered to defensive outposts with turrets; if the turrets have a sufficient stockpile of ammunition their stop will be disabled and the train delivering ammunition will not travel there until more ammunition is needed, preventing rail lines from being clogged and fuel from being consumed.

=== Player safety ===
The circuit network can be used to ensure the player's safety when crossing train tracks so they do not get hit. Place [[gate]]s at designated crossing areas and connect an adjacent [[wall]] to [[rail signal]]s near the gate. Set the gate to "read sensor" and the signal to "close signal" with the condition being the signal the gate sends out being "1". This means that when the gate is closed, the signal will be green and trains can pass freely, but when the player approaches the gate and it opens for them, the train signal will be turned red and trains will be stopped until the player clears the area.

Alternatively, this system can be reversed - by setting the gate to "open gate" and the train signal set to "read signal", the gate will remain open normally and will close when a train is approaching, preventing the player from crossing until it is safe.

In lieu of gates, the player can connect a [[programmable speaker]] to the train signals to broadcast a warning siren when a train is approaching the area.

== Latches ==
=== RS latch - single decider version ===
[https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=193&t=14556 This discussion] on the Factorio forums starts with the common 2 decider RS latch version, but the thread [https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?p=160896#p160896 goes on to explain] why this single decider version is better. In the thread, the latch is described as an SR latch. However, when both inputs are true, the latch will reset, so it is an RS latch.
==== Backup steam example ====
This example will turn on the steam generator when the Accumulator charge drops to 20%, but will "latch" (remember) the On state until the accumulator is charged to 90%.

Latching is used to introduce [[Wikipedia:hysteresis|hysteresis]] and avoid the power switch rapidly cycling on and off (as the accumulator falls to 19%, charges to 20%, falls to 19% and so on).
[[File:SR-01-Layout.png|850px|left]]
{{clear}}
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{{clear}}
[[File:SR-02-Accumulator.png|left]]Accumulator outputs the current charge level as % on signal [[File:Signal-A.png|21px]]
{{clear}}
[[File:SR-03-RangeDeciders.png|left]]First decider outputs "Set" ([[File:Signal-S.png|21px]] = 1) if Accumulator is less than 20%.
Second decider outputs "Reset" ([[File:Signal-R.png|21px]] = 1) once Accumulator is more than 90% full.
{{clear}}
[[File:SR-04-SRLatch.png|left]]

==== RS Latch configuration ====
'''The central decider and green feedback wire is the actual RS Latch.'''
It latches the Set signal [[File:Signal-S.png|21px]] until the Reset signal [[File:Signal-R.png|21px]] is received (and vice-versa). 
NB: the latch expects binary inputs ([[File:Signal-S.png|21px]] & [[File:Signal-R.png|21px]] must be 0 or 1) - this is why the previous two deciders are required. 
When both inputs are true, the reset signal takes priority and the latch resets. This means it is an RS latch instead of an SR latch.
 
[[File:SR-05-PowerSwitch.png|left]]The Power switch isolates the generator from the rest of the factory until [[File:Signal-S.png|21px]] = 1
 
----

=== RS latch ===
[[File:SRLatch.png|left|430px]]
* This should be familiar to anyone with any background in electronics.
* The signal is set and reset with the [[constant combinator]]s on the left by setting an A=1 signal.
* The latch "remembers" which one was last set and the light stays on until another signal is received.
{{clear}}

=== Usage of RS latch ===
[[File:SRlatchinaction.png|left|430px]]
* Here is an example of how you could use an RS latch.
* The two extra [[decider combinator]]s provide the set and reset conditions.
* Petroleum gas < 50 and petroleum gas > 100.
{{clear}}

=== Belt only latch ===
[[File:BeltLatch.png|left|430px]]
* To make it work, '''3''' pieces of raw wood must be placed on the inside lane of the belt.
* It will have higher latency than the combinator version, but in most situations you will not notice the difference.
{{clear}}

== Displays ==
[[File:5digitDisplay.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Numerical Display ===
* Each digit is driven by its own [[green wire]], that wire holds 15 signals, one for each lamp used in the digit.
* [[constant combinator]]s are used to define which lamp should light up for each value.
{{clear}}

[[File:BWDisplay.png|left|400x400px]]

=== Black and White Grid Display ===
* Each row has its own [[red wire]] connection and within that row each light has a numbered signal 0-9.
* We turn each light on by just setting or clearing the relevant signal.
{{clear}}

[[File:MultiColoredDisplay.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Multicolor Display by DaveMcW ===
* To understand how this works, you first need to understand how color lights choose which color to light up when there are multiple colored signals.
* The [[lamp]] will light up with the colored signal that is greater than zero and earliest in this list: red, green, blue, yellow, pink, cyan, white.
* We have a [[red wire]] per column, that wire has each of the colored signals on it at different values and a numbered signal for each row.
* There is a [[arithmetic combinator]] for each cell that subtracts the "row" value from each of the colored signals.
* And this enables us to choose the color for each cell.
* Simple!
{{clear}}

== See Also ==
* [[Arithmetic combinator]]
* [[Constant combinator]]
* [[Decider combinator]]
* [[Circuit network]]

File:Oil-single-cct.png

2022-04-29T19:48:16Z

Sir Fendi: An example of a single circuit network connecting all fluid tanks to all pumps.

== Summary ==
An example of a single circuit network connecting all fluid tanks to all pumps.

Tutorial:Circuit network cookbook

2022-04-29T19:46:51Z

Sir Fendi: /* Alternative Setup for Cracking and Lubricant Production */

{{Languages}}
== Foreword ==

This page provides examples of simple circuit network designs and some not so simple designs that others can use, combine and modify. They are designed to be as easy to understand as possible. To see the settings of combinators without opening them, the option "Show combinator settings in "Alt-mode"" in the Interface/Alt-mode settings has to be checked and "Alt-mode" has to be turned on.

==Lamp showing chest content condition==
[[File:LightWiredToChest.png|right]]

This is the simplest possible use of circuit-network. A [[lamp]] is light depending on the number of goods (in this example empty barrels) in a chest.

===Setting up circuit connection===
* The lamp is connected to the chest.
* The lamp is set to light if the chest contain less than 10 empty barrels.
===To set the light condition===
* Open the lamp (left click on it).
* Set the input to barrels.
* Set the operator to < (less than).
* Set the constant number:
** Left click on the constant number
** Move the slider until 10 is shown, or edit the value box directly.
** Press set.

Depending on the condition you set, the lamp may light if the chest is empty, or if it contains the required quantity of items.

The drawback with this scenario is that the lamp has a white light , and is therefore difficult to differentiate from an ordinary lamp at night.
{{clear}}

== Oil Setups ==
[[File:LgtOilCracking.png|left|440px]]
=== Light Oil Cracking ===
* This circuit provides balanced light oil and petroleum gas production by cracking excess light oil into gas.
* The [[pump]] is connected to the [[storage tank]] by a [[red wire]].
* The pump has an enabled condition set to '''Light Oil > 20000'''.
{{clear}}

[[File:HvyOilCracking.png|left|440px]]

=== Heavy Oil Cracking ===
* This circuit extends on the previous circuit by adding optional heavy oil cracking to provide lubricant etc.
* The pump has an enabled condition set to '''Heavy oil > 20000''' .
{{clear}}

=== Alternative Setup for Cracking and Lubricant Production ===
This setup compares different fluid levels to each other instead of checking fixed values. It offers some guarantees such as petroleum gas being produced when you have light oil to spare, and light oil not being cracked when you have plenty of petroleum gas, and similar rules for heavy oil cracking and lubricant production.

[[File:oil-single-cct.jpg]]

It takes 4 steps:

1. Have a fluid tank for heavy oil, light oil, petroleum gas, and lubricant. For each fluid, make sure to connect the tank via pipes to every location where the fluid is being produced or consumed.

2. For each chemical plant (or each row of them, if you use rows) add a pump to the non-water fluid input pipe to make it possible to block the flow. No need to add pumps to outputs.

3. Connect every pump and every fluid tank to a single circuit network of red (or green) wire. The resulting circuit network will know about the fluid level in every storage tank and pass this information to every pump.

4. For each connected pump set the circuit “enable condition” to "[input fluid] > [output fluid]" , for its respective chemical plant recipe. E.g. set "heavy oil > light oil" for the heavy oil cracking output, set "heavy oil > lubricant" for the lubricant production output, and set "light oil > petroleum gas" for the light oil cracking output.

Done! Now all the pumps will move to equalize the fluid levels to each other. This will prevent fluid system deadlocks where you have plenty of one fluid but you are unable to make any of the other.
{{clear}}

== Lights ==
[[File:ConditionalLights.png|left|440px]]
=== Conditional Lights ===
* In this circuit we connect a series of [[lamp]]s to a [[storage tank]].
* By setting different conditions on each lamp we can build an indicator strip.
* The Enabled condition of the first lamp is '''Petroleum gas > 100'''.
* The others light up when gas is greater than 200, 300, 400 and 500 respectively.
{{clear}}

In this scenario you can connect the storage tank to the lamps directly.

[[File:ColoredLights.png|left|440px]]

=== Colored Lights ===
* To light a [[lamp]] with a color rather than white, you need an intermediate device like an [[arithmetic combinator]] that can send a color signal.
Instead of directly connect the the [[lamp]] and the [[Storage tank]] you need: 
1 Add the arithmetic combinator. 
2 Connect the [[storage tank]] with the input of the arithmetic combinator. 
3 Connect the output of the [[arithmetic combinator]] with the lamp. 
4 Set up the arithmetic combinator: 
4.1 Setting the input to petroleum Gas + 0 (the constant 0 not the signal 0) 
4.2 Set the output to the pink signal (on the bottom row of the last tab of signals.) 
5 Set up the [[lamp]]: 
5.1 Select the "Use colors" check box on the lamp. 
5.2 Set the condition to the pink signal, and what value you want (i.e. > 100) 
{{clear}}

== Misc ==
[[file:MulitipleChestsAndPoles.png|left|430px]]
=== Multiple Storages ===
* If you connect multiple chests to a pole, the pole displays the sum of items in all the chests.
* This also works with [[storage tank]]s and [[roboport]]s.
{{clear}}

[[File:ConstantComb.png|left|430px]]

=== Constant Combinator ===
* With a [[constant combinator]] you can generate any signals you may need.
* In this example we have generated a signal of 50 Laser turrets and 200 Piercing round magazine.
* Constant combinators are not of much use on their own but we shall use them later.
{{clear}}

[[File:ThisASign.png|left|430px]]

=== Constant Combinator Signs (Words) ===
* You can use [[constant combinator]]s to make signs, just set the letter signals in the combinator, each combinator can display 2 characters side by side.
* Note that to see these letters, Alt-mode must be on and the Interface setting “Show combinator settings in “Alt-Mode”” must also be enabled.
{{clear}}

[[File:constant_combinator_signs2.png|left|430px]]

=== Constant Combinator Signs (Managing Belts) ===
* Somewhat similar to the previous example, constant combinator signals can be used with belts to help indicate what items should be on which belts. This is extremely useful when sharing blueprints, as it's possible for blueprints to be shared albeit with no indication on which items are meant for which belts.
{{clear}}

[[File:MemoryCell.png|left|430px]]

=== Memory Cell / Counter ===
* Basic memory cell that counts all the items moved by the inserter
* The [[fast inserter]] is connected to '''BOTH''' ends of the arithmetic combinator.

* If the fast inserter hasn't picked anything up this tick the input to the Arithmetic combinator is the same as and output and hence the values are persisted.
* When the fast inserter does pick something up its value is added to the output from the previous tick thus incrementing that item.
{{clear}}

== Inserters ==
[[File:LimitItemsPlacedIntoAChest.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Limit items placed into a chest ===
* The [[inserter]] is connected to the [[wooden chest]] using a [[red wire]].
* The inserter's enabled condition is '''Advanced Circuit < 10'''.
* In reality this means the inserter may place more than 10 Advanced circuits in the chest because it could pick up to 3 at once due to stack size bonuses.
* This effect can be even greater with Stack inserters because of their large carrying capacity.
* This technique still gives far greater control than limiting the inventory on the chest.
{{clear}}

[[File:BalancedChestInsert.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Balanced chest insert ===
Goal: Load n chests with approximately the same number of items.
* Place n chests and n inserters.
* Place 1 [[arithmetic combinator]]
* Set the combinator to take Each (yellow star) and divide by the negative number of chests. ie −n.
* Connect all chests to each other and to the input of the combinator using red wire.
* Connect all inserters to each other and to the output of the combinator using red wire.
* Connect each inserter to the box it inserts into with green wire.
* Set the enable condition on each inserter to be Everything (red star) < 0.

The combinator calculates the average number of items in the chests, and makes it negative. Each inserter gets the amount in the chest it is inserting to and adds the negative average, ie it calculates how many more than the average it has in its chest. Thus if that number is negative, it has less than the average in the chest and it enables.

Due to inserter stack bonus the count is not exact. If a precise count is needed, set the inserter stack size to 1.

{{clear}}

[[File:SmartOutpostUnloader.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Keeping outpost stocked with specified items ===
* This circuit keeps a [[storage chest]] at an outpost stocked with customized levels of different items.
* For example you could keep an outpost stocked with 50 laser turrets and 200 piercing magazine rounds but not have to worry about it being over filled.
* The [[storage chest]] is attached to the input of the [[arithmetic combinator]] (left side in the picture) with a [[red wire]].
* Another couple of [[red wire]]s join the output of the [[arithmetic combinator]] (right side) to the [[constant combinator]] and to the [[stack filter inserter]].
* The [[arithmetic combinator]] '''multiplies''' each input value (from the storage chest) by '''-1'''.
* Finally the filter stack inserter's mode of operation is set to '''Set filters'''.
* So the input to the [[stack filter inserter]] is '''<constant combinator> - <storage chest contents>''' and the filter is set to filter for the first item by inventory order.
{{clear}}

[[File:SolarAccumalatorBalancer.png|left|400x400px]]

=== Balanced Solar panel / Accumulator Production ===
* This circuit balances production of [[solar panel]]s and [[accumulator]]s to a desired ratio in my case 24:20.
* The first [[arithmetic combinator]] takes the number of accumulators in the chest and '''multiplies''' it by '''24'''.
* The second [[arithmetic combinator]] takes the output of the first combinator and '''divides''' it by '''20'''.
* This gives us the number of accumulators that we can directly compare to the number of Solar panels in both inserters.
* If the number of accumulators is greater we enable the Solar panels inserter, if the number of Solar panels is greater we enable the accumulators inserter.
* However, if they are equal, neither machine does anything. So we add a single accumulator to one of the inserters using a constant combinator and a wire of the other color, therefore breaking the deadlock.
{{clear}}

== Sushi Belts ==
[[File:SushiScience1.png|left|400px]]
=== Reading Belt Design ===
* Six belts in a row are connected with Red wire and set to '''Read belts contents''' and '''Hold'''
* This [[red wire]] is then connected to the inserters that insert onto the belt.
* Read hand contents is unselected for all inserters.
* Mode of operation is set to '''Enable/Disable''' on all inserters.
* The first inserter is enabled when '''Science pack 1 = 0'''
* The other inserters are set similarly for the other science packs.
{{clear}}

[[File:SushiScience2.png|left|400px]]
=== Memory Cell Design ===
* This circuit counts the number of items of each type on a looping belt by counting the numbers that are added and removed from the belt by inserters.
* Each inserter that takes items off the belt is connected together with Red wire and each of these inserters is set to '''Mode of operation none, Read hand content selected''' and '''Hand read mode pulse'''.
* These inserters are connected to the input of the left arithmetic combinator.
* The left [[arithmetic combinator]] multiples '''each''' input by '''-1''' and outputs it to '''each'''.
* The right [[arithmetic combinator]] is a '''memory cell''' as above.
* The memory cell's input is connected to the inserters that are placing items on the belt and the output of the left [[arithmetic combinator]].
* The inserters that place items onto the belt have an enabled condition that is based on the number of items on the belt.
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== Power ==
[[File:SteamBackup.png|left|400px]]
=== Backup steam power ===
* The [[steam engine]]s are not directly connected to the power network. They are connected to the power network through a [[power switch]].
* The [[power switch]] is connected to one of the [[accumulator]]s in the main network.
* The [[power switch]] turns on when A < 10. That is when the [[accumulator]]s are less than 10% full.
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=== Optimal usage of fuel for nuclear power ===
Unlike the normal steam power that adjusts fuel usage based on power usage, the [[Power_production#Nuclear_power|nuclear reactors]] spend fuel in fixed units of time. To be exact, the consumption of 1 fuel cell takes exactly 200 seconds.

Combined with the fact that creating the nuclear fuel cells are time consuming and expensive to create, it is therefore beneficial to optimize their use to match the actual consumed power.

[[File:NuclearCircuits.jpg|left|400px]]
==== First example ====
The above picture shows a setup with 4 reactors, that spend only 1 fuel cell each whenever steam runs low. 
''Note: The GUI in the image above has been altered to make sure all important info fits within the image size.''

There are a few elements in this setup:
* Storage tank that provides the [[steam]] signal. You should only read from one storage tank, and it should have pipe connections to all your other steam storage tanks.
* Chests containing [[uranium fuel cell]]s for the reactor.
* Output inserters that take [[Used_up_uranium_fuel_cell|empty fuel cells]] from the reactor. This is connected to the storage tank to listen for the steam signal, and to the chests to listen for the uranium fuel cell signal. If the steam level is low and there are uranium fuel cells available, it removes the empty fuel cells from the reactor and sends an empty fuel cell signal (since "Read hand contents" is checked).
* Input inserters that put uranium fuel cells into the reactor. This is connected to the output inserters and listens for the empty fuel cell signal. The "Override stack size" is set to 1, so that it only inserts 1 fuel cell at a time.

Since this design uses empty fuel cells as a signal to fill the reactor, you need to manually insert 1 uranium fuel cell into the reactor to get it started.

[[File:NuclearCircuits2.jpg|left|400px]]
==== Second example ====
A simpler setup can be made with inserters that drop a single [[uranium fuel cell]] in each reactor when the [[steam]] reaches a certain level.

Here, two inserters feeding two reactors are connected to a steam [[storage tank]] and are set to be turned on when it reaches 2K. 
The only drawback is that two cells are placed in the reactor (one when the steam volume drops to 2K and another when it is back up to that level), but this does not matter, as with only two cells the temperature cannot rise to 1000°C, so no energy is wasted.
{{clear}}

[[File:Nuclear Fuel Circuit Network.png|left|400px]]
=== Prioritize usage of uranium towards nuclear fuel production ===
Because a continuous supply of [[nuclear fuel]] is critical to maintaining a [[nuclear reactor]], the circuit network can be used to set up a system where [[uranium-235]] and [[uranium-238]] are conserved for the production of nuclear fuel before other uses.

Using a [[splitter]], divert the two types of uranium onto two parallel conveyors, with an [[inserter]] positioned to gather uranium from each conveyor (a [[long handed inserter]] will be needed for the far belt). Each of these inserters deposits their load into a container, from which two more inserters deliver the contents to an [[assembly machine]] making nuclear fuel. An inserter delivers the produced fuel to a third container, from which inserter(s) delivers the fuel to your nuclear reactor. Wire the two inserters gathering from the conveyors to the container each of them is delivering to, and to the tile of conveyor immediately after the tile the inserter is gathering from. Set each inserter's enable condition to "less than or equal to X amount of uranium", using the appropriate type of uranium the inserter is gathering and X being the number of reserve uranium desired (optimally, one uranium-235 and nineteen uranium-238, the amount needed to produce nuclear fuel; the amount may be increased if a greater stockpile is desired). Set each conveyor's enable condition to "greater than or equal to X amount of uranium" in the same manner. Finally, connect the inserters delivering uranium to the assembly machine up to the container the assembly machine is delivering nuclear fuel to, and set each of their enable conditions to "nuclear fuel = 0 (the enable condition can be set to "less than or equal to X amount of nuclear fuel" if a larger stockpile is desired).

This set-up accomplishes the following:

* When there is sufficient nuclear fuel and uranium stockpiled, the inserters will deactivate and the conveyors activate, allowing the uranium to continue down the conveyors to other facilities.
* When the nuclear fuel stockpile hits zero (or decreases below the desired amount), the inserters delivering to the assembly machine will activate and deliver uranium to resume production of nuclear fuel until quota is reached again.
* When there is not enough uranium stockpiled to produce a batch of nuclear fuel, the inserters gathering uranium will activate and and resume gathering uranium until they reach their quota. The conveyors carrying uranium will stop past the inserters, cutting off other facilities from that type of uranium until its respective inserter reaches quota.
* The assembly machine will only be provided with uranium when the stockpile of nuclear fuel hits zero (or decreases below the desired amount), preventing over-production of nuclear fuel and thus over-consumption of uranium.

== Railway network ==
=== Set train routing ===
The circuit network can be used to allow deeper micromanagement of [[train]]s by disable/enabling [[train stop]]s. By connecting the stop to the storage container(s) unloading from the train and setting the train stop to be disabled when a desired resource in them is above a certain quantity, any train with this stop on their route will ignore it and continue to their next stop. For example, a train stop where [[iron ore]] is delivered can be disabled when the total amount of iron ore in the containers is above 1,000; when the stockpiled ore drops below 1,000, the stop will be enabled and trains will be permitted to stop there. Conversely, train stops where a resource is picked up can be set to be disabled in the same manner, so that trains will ignore the stop until the stop has enough of the specified resource to be delivered.

Together, these can be used to direct multiple trains to the same stops and better optimize their delivery; they will only go to a stop to pick up cargo when there is a certain amount ready, and will only unload at stops which have fallen below a certain amount in their stockpile. Further control over deliveries can be granted by integrating the inserters loading and unloading from the trains and/or the storage containers into the circuit network to enable or disable them depending on the container's contents, so that specific amounts of resources are picked up or unloaded.

This system also means that if no stop on a train's route requires the specified resource, the train will wait until needed. This can be useful for supplies like ammunition being delivered to defensive outposts with turrets; if the turrets have a sufficient stockpile of ammunition their stop will be disabled and the train delivering ammunition will not travel there until more ammunition is needed, preventing rail lines from being clogged and fuel from being consumed.

=== Player safety ===
The circuit network can be used to ensure the player's safety when crossing train tracks so they do not get hit. Place [[gate]]s at designated crossing areas and connect an adjacent [[wall]] to [[rail signal]]s near the gate. Set the gate to "read sensor" and the signal to "close signal" with the condition being the signal the gate sends out being "1". This means that when the gate is closed, the signal will be green and trains can pass freely, but when the player approaches the gate and it opens for them, the train signal will be turned red and trains will be stopped until the player clears the area.

Alternatively, this system can be reversed - by setting the gate to "open gate" and the train signal set to "read signal", the gate will remain open normally and will close when a train is approaching, preventing the player from crossing until it is safe.

In lieu of gates, the player can connect a [[programmable speaker]] to the train signals to broadcast a warning siren when a train is approaching the area.

== Latches ==
=== RS latch - single decider version ===
[https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=193&t=14556 This discussion] on the Factorio forums starts with the common 2 decider RS latch version, but the thread [https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?p=160896#p160896 goes on to explain] why this single decider version is better. In the thread, the latch is described as an SR latch. However, when both inputs are true, the latch will reset, so it is an RS latch.
==== Backup steam example ====
This example will turn on the steam generator when the Accumulator charge drops to 20%, but will "latch" (remember) the On state until the accumulator is charged to 90%.

Latching is used to introduce [[Wikipedia:hysteresis|hysteresis]] and avoid the power switch rapidly cycling on and off (as the accumulator falls to 19%, charges to 20%, falls to 19% and so on).
[[File:SR-01-Layout.png|850px|left]]
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{{clear}}
[[File:SR-02-Accumulator.png|left]]Accumulator outputs the current charge level as % on signal [[File:Signal-A.png|21px]]
{{clear}}
[[File:SR-03-RangeDeciders.png|left]]First decider outputs "Set" ([[File:Signal-S.png|21px]] = 1) if Accumulator is less than 20%.
Second decider outputs "Reset" ([[File:Signal-R.png|21px]] = 1) once Accumulator is more than 90% full.
{{clear}}
[[File:SR-04-SRLatch.png|left]]

==== RS Latch configuration ====
'''The central decider and green feedback wire is the actual RS Latch.'''
It latches the Set signal [[File:Signal-S.png|21px]] until the Reset signal [[File:Signal-R.png|21px]] is received (and vice-versa). 
NB: the latch expects binary inputs ([[File:Signal-S.png|21px]] & [[File:Signal-R.png|21px]] must be 0 or 1) - this is why the previous two deciders are required. 
When both inputs are true, the reset signal takes priority and the latch resets. This means it is an RS latch instead of an SR latch.
 
[[File:SR-05-PowerSwitch.png|left]]The Power switch isolates the generator from the rest of the factory until [[File:Signal-S.png|21px]] = 1
 
----

=== RS latch ===
[[File:SRLatch.png|left|430px]]
* This should be familiar to anyone with any background in electronics.
* The signal is set and reset with the [[constant combinator]]s on the left by setting an A=1 signal.
* The latch "remembers" which one was last set and the light stays on until another signal is received.
{{clear}}

=== Usage of RS latch ===
[[File:SRlatchinaction.png|left|430px]]
* Here is an example of how you could use an RS latch.
* The two extra [[decider combinator]]s provide the set and reset conditions.
* Petroleum gas < 50 and petroleum gas > 100.
{{clear}}

=== Belt only latch ===
[[File:BeltLatch.png|left|430px]]
* To make it work, '''3''' pieces of raw wood must be placed on the inside lane of the belt.
* It will have higher latency than the combinator version, but in most situations you will not notice the difference.
{{clear}}

== Displays ==
[[File:5digitDisplay.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Numerical Display ===
* Each digit is driven by its own [[green wire]], that wire holds 15 signals, one for each lamp used in the digit.
* [[constant combinator]]s are used to define which lamp should light up for each value.
{{clear}}

[[File:BWDisplay.png|left|400x400px]]

=== Black and White Grid Display ===
* Each row has its own [[red wire]] connection and within that row each light has a numbered signal 0-9.
* We turn each light on by just setting or clearing the relevant signal.
{{clear}}

[[File:MultiColoredDisplay.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Multicolor Display by DaveMcW ===
* To understand how this works, you first need to understand how color lights choose which color to light up when there are multiple colored signals.
* The [[lamp]] will light up with the colored signal that is greater than zero and earliest in this list: red, green, blue, yellow, pink, cyan, white.
* We have a [[red wire]] per column, that wire has each of the colored signals on it at different values and a numbered signal for each row.
* There is a [[arithmetic combinator]] for each cell that subtracts the "row" value from each of the colored signals.
* And this enables us to choose the color for each cell.
* Simple!
{{clear}}

== See Also ==
* [[Arithmetic combinator]]
* [[Constant combinator]]
* [[Decider combinator]]
* [[Circuit network]]

Tutorial:Circuit network cookbook

2022-04-29T19:31:34Z

Sir Fendi: /* Oil Setups */ Added "[input fluid] > [output fluid]" setup

{{Languages}}
== Foreword ==

This page provides examples of simple circuit network designs and some not so simple designs that others can use, combine and modify. They are designed to be as easy to understand as possible. To see the settings of combinators without opening them, the option "Show combinator settings in "Alt-mode"" in the Interface/Alt-mode settings has to be checked and "Alt-mode" has to be turned on.

==Lamp showing chest content condition==
[[File:LightWiredToChest.png|right]]

This is the simplest possible use of circuit-network. A [[lamp]] is light depending on the number of goods (in this example empty barrels) in a chest.

===Setting up circuit connection===
* The lamp is connected to the chest.
* The lamp is set to light if the chest contain less than 10 empty barrels.
===To set the light condition===
* Open the lamp (left click on it).
* Set the input to barrels.
* Set the operator to < (less than).
* Set the constant number:
** Left click on the constant number
** Move the slider until 10 is shown, or edit the value box directly.
** Press set.

Depending on the condition you set, the lamp may light if the chest is empty, or if it contains the required quantity of items.

The drawback with this scenario is that the lamp has a white light , and is therefore difficult to differentiate from an ordinary lamp at night.
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== Oil Setups ==
[[File:LgtOilCracking.png|left|440px]]
=== Light Oil Cracking ===
* This circuit provides balanced light oil and petroleum gas production by cracking excess light oil into gas.
* The [[pump]] is connected to the [[storage tank]] by a [[red wire]].
* The pump has an enabled condition set to '''Light Oil > 20000'''.
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[[File:HvyOilCracking.png|left|440px]]

=== Heavy Oil Cracking ===
* This circuit extends on the previous circuit by adding optional heavy oil cracking to provide lubricant etc.
* The pump has an enabled condition set to '''Heavy oil > 20000''' .
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=== Alternative Setup for Cracking and Lubricant Production ===
This setup compares different fluid levels to each other instead of checking fixed values. It offers some guarantees such as petroleum gas being produced when you have light oil to spare, and light oil not being cracked when you have plenty of petroleum gas, and similar rules for heavy oil cracking and lubricant production. It takes 4 steps:

1. Have a fluid tank for heavy oil, light oil, petroleum gas, and lubricant. For each fluid, make sure to connect the tank via pipes to every location where the fluid is being produced or consumed.

2. For each chemical plant (or each row of them, if you use rows) add a pump to the output pipe to make it possible to block the flow. No need to add pumps to inputs.

3. Connect every pump and every fluid tank to a single circuit network of red (or green) wire. The resulting circuit network will know about the fluid level in every storage tank and pass this information to every pump.

4. For each connected pump set the circuit “enable condition” to "[input fluid] > [output fluid]" , for its respective chemical plant recipe. E.g. set "heavy oil > light oil" for the heavy oil cracking output, set "heavy oil > lubricant" for the lubricant production output, and set "light oil > petroleum gas" for the light oil cracking output.

Done! Now all the pumps will move to equalize the fluid levels to each other. This will prevent fluid system deadlocks where you have plenty of one fluid but you are unable to make any of the other.
{{clear}}

== Lights ==
[[File:ConditionalLights.png|left|440px]]
=== Conditional Lights ===
* In this circuit we connect a series of [[lamp]]s to a [[storage tank]].
* By setting different conditions on each lamp we can build an indicator strip.
* The Enabled condition of the first lamp is '''Petroleum gas > 100'''.
* The others light up when gas is greater than 200, 300, 400 and 500 respectively.
{{clear}}

In this scenario you can connect the storage tank to the lamps directly.

[[File:ColoredLights.png|left|440px]]

=== Colored Lights ===
* To light a [[lamp]] with a color rather than white, you need an intermediate device like an [[arithmetic combinator]] that can send a color signal.
Instead of directly connect the the [[lamp]] and the [[Storage tank]] you need: 
1 Add the arithmetic combinator. 
2 Connect the [[storage tank]] with the input of the arithmetic combinator. 
3 Connect the output of the [[arithmetic combinator]] with the lamp. 
4 Set up the arithmetic combinator: 
4.1 Setting the input to petroleum Gas + 0 (the constant 0 not the signal 0) 
4.2 Set the output to the pink signal (on the bottom row of the last tab of signals.) 
5 Set up the [[lamp]]: 
5.1 Select the "Use colors" check box on the lamp. 
5.2 Set the condition to the pink signal, and what value you want (i.e. > 100) 
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== Misc ==
[[file:MulitipleChestsAndPoles.png|left|430px]]
=== Multiple Storages ===
* If you connect multiple chests to a pole, the pole displays the sum of items in all the chests.
* This also works with [[storage tank]]s and [[roboport]]s.
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[[File:ConstantComb.png|left|430px]]

=== Constant Combinator ===
* With a [[constant combinator]] you can generate any signals you may need.
* In this example we have generated a signal of 50 Laser turrets and 200 Piercing round magazine.
* Constant combinators are not of much use on their own but we shall use them later.
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[[File:ThisASign.png|left|430px]]

=== Constant Combinator Signs (Words) ===
* You can use [[constant combinator]]s to make signs, just set the letter signals in the combinator, each combinator can display 2 characters side by side.
* Note that to see these letters, Alt-mode must be on and the Interface setting “Show combinator settings in “Alt-Mode”” must also be enabled.
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[[File:constant_combinator_signs2.png|left|430px]]

=== Constant Combinator Signs (Managing Belts) ===
* Somewhat similar to the previous example, constant combinator signals can be used with belts to help indicate what items should be on which belts. This is extremely useful when sharing blueprints, as it's possible for blueprints to be shared albeit with no indication on which items are meant for which belts.
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[[File:MemoryCell.png|left|430px]]

=== Memory Cell / Counter ===
* Basic memory cell that counts all the items moved by the inserter
* The [[fast inserter]] is connected to '''BOTH''' ends of the arithmetic combinator.

* If the fast inserter hasn't picked anything up this tick the input to the Arithmetic combinator is the same as and output and hence the values are persisted.
* When the fast inserter does pick something up its value is added to the output from the previous tick thus incrementing that item.
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== Inserters ==
[[File:LimitItemsPlacedIntoAChest.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Limit items placed into a chest ===
* The [[inserter]] is connected to the [[wooden chest]] using a [[red wire]].
* The inserter's enabled condition is '''Advanced Circuit < 10'''.
* In reality this means the inserter may place more than 10 Advanced circuits in the chest because it could pick up to 3 at once due to stack size bonuses.
* This effect can be even greater with Stack inserters because of their large carrying capacity.
* This technique still gives far greater control than limiting the inventory on the chest.
{{clear}}

[[File:BalancedChestInsert.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Balanced chest insert ===
Goal: Load n chests with approximately the same number of items.
* Place n chests and n inserters.
* Place 1 [[arithmetic combinator]]
* Set the combinator to take Each (yellow star) and divide by the negative number of chests. ie −n.
* Connect all chests to each other and to the input of the combinator using red wire.
* Connect all inserters to each other and to the output of the combinator using red wire.
* Connect each inserter to the box it inserts into with green wire.
* Set the enable condition on each inserter to be Everything (red star) < 0.

The combinator calculates the average number of items in the chests, and makes it negative. Each inserter gets the amount in the chest it is inserting to and adds the negative average, ie it calculates how many more than the average it has in its chest. Thus if that number is negative, it has less than the average in the chest and it enables.

Due to inserter stack bonus the count is not exact. If a precise count is needed, set the inserter stack size to 1.

{{clear}}

[[File:SmartOutpostUnloader.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Keeping outpost stocked with specified items ===
* This circuit keeps a [[storage chest]] at an outpost stocked with customized levels of different items.
* For example you could keep an outpost stocked with 50 laser turrets and 200 piercing magazine rounds but not have to worry about it being over filled.
* The [[storage chest]] is attached to the input of the [[arithmetic combinator]] (left side in the picture) with a [[red wire]].
* Another couple of [[red wire]]s join the output of the [[arithmetic combinator]] (right side) to the [[constant combinator]] and to the [[stack filter inserter]].
* The [[arithmetic combinator]] '''multiplies''' each input value (from the storage chest) by '''-1'''.
* Finally the filter stack inserter's mode of operation is set to '''Set filters'''.
* So the input to the [[stack filter inserter]] is '''<constant combinator> - <storage chest contents>''' and the filter is set to filter for the first item by inventory order.
{{clear}}

[[File:SolarAccumalatorBalancer.png|left|400x400px]]

=== Balanced Solar panel / Accumulator Production ===
* This circuit balances production of [[solar panel]]s and [[accumulator]]s to a desired ratio in my case 24:20.
* The first [[arithmetic combinator]] takes the number of accumulators in the chest and '''multiplies''' it by '''24'''.
* The second [[arithmetic combinator]] takes the output of the first combinator and '''divides''' it by '''20'''.
* This gives us the number of accumulators that we can directly compare to the number of Solar panels in both inserters.
* If the number of accumulators is greater we enable the Solar panels inserter, if the number of Solar panels is greater we enable the accumulators inserter.
* However, if they are equal, neither machine does anything. So we add a single accumulator to one of the inserters using a constant combinator and a wire of the other color, therefore breaking the deadlock.
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== Sushi Belts ==
[[File:SushiScience1.png|left|400px]]
=== Reading Belt Design ===
* Six belts in a row are connected with Red wire and set to '''Read belts contents''' and '''Hold'''
* This [[red wire]] is then connected to the inserters that insert onto the belt.
* Read hand contents is unselected for all inserters.
* Mode of operation is set to '''Enable/Disable''' on all inserters.
* The first inserter is enabled when '''Science pack 1 = 0'''
* The other inserters are set similarly for the other science packs.
{{clear}}

[[File:SushiScience2.png|left|400px]]
=== Memory Cell Design ===
* This circuit counts the number of items of each type on a looping belt by counting the numbers that are added and removed from the belt by inserters.
* Each inserter that takes items off the belt is connected together with Red wire and each of these inserters is set to '''Mode of operation none, Read hand content selected''' and '''Hand read mode pulse'''.
* These inserters are connected to the input of the left arithmetic combinator.
* The left [[arithmetic combinator]] multiples '''each''' input by '''-1''' and outputs it to '''each'''.
* The right [[arithmetic combinator]] is a '''memory cell''' as above.
* The memory cell's input is connected to the inserters that are placing items on the belt and the output of the left [[arithmetic combinator]].
* The inserters that place items onto the belt have an enabled condition that is based on the number of items on the belt.
{{clear}}

== Power ==
[[File:SteamBackup.png|left|400px]]
=== Backup steam power ===
* The [[steam engine]]s are not directly connected to the power network. They are connected to the power network through a [[power switch]].
* The [[power switch]] is connected to one of the [[accumulator]]s in the main network.
* The [[power switch]] turns on when A < 10. That is when the [[accumulator]]s are less than 10% full.
{{clear}}
=== Optimal usage of fuel for nuclear power ===
Unlike the normal steam power that adjusts fuel usage based on power usage, the [[Power_production#Nuclear_power|nuclear reactors]] spend fuel in fixed units of time. To be exact, the consumption of 1 fuel cell takes exactly 200 seconds.

Combined with the fact that creating the nuclear fuel cells are time consuming and expensive to create, it is therefore beneficial to optimize their use to match the actual consumed power.

[[File:NuclearCircuits.jpg|left|400px]]
==== First example ====
The above picture shows a setup with 4 reactors, that spend only 1 fuel cell each whenever steam runs low. 
''Note: The GUI in the image above has been altered to make sure all important info fits within the image size.''

There are a few elements in this setup:
* Storage tank that provides the [[steam]] signal. You should only read from one storage tank, and it should have pipe connections to all your other steam storage tanks.
* Chests containing [[uranium fuel cell]]s for the reactor.
* Output inserters that take [[Used_up_uranium_fuel_cell|empty fuel cells]] from the reactor. This is connected to the storage tank to listen for the steam signal, and to the chests to listen for the uranium fuel cell signal. If the steam level is low and there are uranium fuel cells available, it removes the empty fuel cells from the reactor and sends an empty fuel cell signal (since "Read hand contents" is checked).
* Input inserters that put uranium fuel cells into the reactor. This is connected to the output inserters and listens for the empty fuel cell signal. The "Override stack size" is set to 1, so that it only inserts 1 fuel cell at a time.

Since this design uses empty fuel cells as a signal to fill the reactor, you need to manually insert 1 uranium fuel cell into the reactor to get it started.

[[File:NuclearCircuits2.jpg|left|400px]]
==== Second example ====
A simpler setup can be made with inserters that drop a single [[uranium fuel cell]] in each reactor when the [[steam]] reaches a certain level.

Here, two inserters feeding two reactors are connected to a steam [[storage tank]] and are set to be turned on when it reaches 2K. 
The only drawback is that two cells are placed in the reactor (one when the steam volume drops to 2K and another when it is back up to that level), but this does not matter, as with only two cells the temperature cannot rise to 1000°C, so no energy is wasted.
{{clear}}

[[File:Nuclear Fuel Circuit Network.png|left|400px]]
=== Prioritize usage of uranium towards nuclear fuel production ===
Because a continuous supply of [[nuclear fuel]] is critical to maintaining a [[nuclear reactor]], the circuit network can be used to set up a system where [[uranium-235]] and [[uranium-238]] are conserved for the production of nuclear fuel before other uses.

Using a [[splitter]], divert the two types of uranium onto two parallel conveyors, with an [[inserter]] positioned to gather uranium from each conveyor (a [[long handed inserter]] will be needed for the far belt). Each of these inserters deposits their load into a container, from which two more inserters deliver the contents to an [[assembly machine]] making nuclear fuel. An inserter delivers the produced fuel to a third container, from which inserter(s) delivers the fuel to your nuclear reactor. Wire the two inserters gathering from the conveyors to the container each of them is delivering to, and to the tile of conveyor immediately after the tile the inserter is gathering from. Set each inserter's enable condition to "less than or equal to X amount of uranium", using the appropriate type of uranium the inserter is gathering and X being the number of reserve uranium desired (optimally, one uranium-235 and nineteen uranium-238, the amount needed to produce nuclear fuel; the amount may be increased if a greater stockpile is desired). Set each conveyor's enable condition to "greater than or equal to X amount of uranium" in the same manner. Finally, connect the inserters delivering uranium to the assembly machine up to the container the assembly machine is delivering nuclear fuel to, and set each of their enable conditions to "nuclear fuel = 0 (the enable condition can be set to "less than or equal to X amount of nuclear fuel" if a larger stockpile is desired).

This set-up accomplishes the following:

* When there is sufficient nuclear fuel and uranium stockpiled, the inserters will deactivate and the conveyors activate, allowing the uranium to continue down the conveyors to other facilities.
* When the nuclear fuel stockpile hits zero (or decreases below the desired amount), the inserters delivering to the assembly machine will activate and deliver uranium to resume production of nuclear fuel until quota is reached again.
* When there is not enough uranium stockpiled to produce a batch of nuclear fuel, the inserters gathering uranium will activate and and resume gathering uranium until they reach their quota. The conveyors carrying uranium will stop past the inserters, cutting off other facilities from that type of uranium until its respective inserter reaches quota.
* The assembly machine will only be provided with uranium when the stockpile of nuclear fuel hits zero (or decreases below the desired amount), preventing over-production of nuclear fuel and thus over-consumption of uranium.

== Railway network ==
=== Set train routing ===
The circuit network can be used to allow deeper micromanagement of [[train]]s by disable/enabling [[train stop]]s. By connecting the stop to the storage container(s) unloading from the train and setting the train stop to be disabled when a desired resource in them is above a certain quantity, any train with this stop on their route will ignore it and continue to their next stop. For example, a train stop where [[iron ore]] is delivered can be disabled when the total amount of iron ore in the containers is above 1,000; when the stockpiled ore drops below 1,000, the stop will be enabled and trains will be permitted to stop there. Conversely, train stops where a resource is picked up can be set to be disabled in the same manner, so that trains will ignore the stop until the stop has enough of the specified resource to be delivered.

Together, these can be used to direct multiple trains to the same stops and better optimize their delivery; they will only go to a stop to pick up cargo when there is a certain amount ready, and will only unload at stops which have fallen below a certain amount in their stockpile. Further control over deliveries can be granted by integrating the inserters loading and unloading from the trains and/or the storage containers into the circuit network to enable or disable them depending on the container's contents, so that specific amounts of resources are picked up or unloaded.

This system also means that if no stop on a train's route requires the specified resource, the train will wait until needed. This can be useful for supplies like ammunition being delivered to defensive outposts with turrets; if the turrets have a sufficient stockpile of ammunition their stop will be disabled and the train delivering ammunition will not travel there until more ammunition is needed, preventing rail lines from being clogged and fuel from being consumed.

=== Player safety ===
The circuit network can be used to ensure the player's safety when crossing train tracks so they do not get hit. Place [[gate]]s at designated crossing areas and connect an adjacent [[wall]] to [[rail signal]]s near the gate. Set the gate to "read sensor" and the signal to "close signal" with the condition being the signal the gate sends out being "1". This means that when the gate is closed, the signal will be green and trains can pass freely, but when the player approaches the gate and it opens for them, the train signal will be turned red and trains will be stopped until the player clears the area.

Alternatively, this system can be reversed - by setting the gate to "open gate" and the train signal set to "read signal", the gate will remain open normally and will close when a train is approaching, preventing the player from crossing until it is safe.

In lieu of gates, the player can connect a [[programmable speaker]] to the train signals to broadcast a warning siren when a train is approaching the area.

== Latches ==
=== RS latch - single decider version ===
[https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=193&t=14556 This discussion] on the Factorio forums starts with the common 2 decider RS latch version, but the thread [https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?p=160896#p160896 goes on to explain] why this single decider version is better. In the thread, the latch is described as an SR latch. However, when both inputs are true, the latch will reset, so it is an RS latch.
==== Backup steam example ====
This example will turn on the steam generator when the Accumulator charge drops to 20%, but will "latch" (remember) the On state until the accumulator is charged to 90%.

Latching is used to introduce [[Wikipedia:hysteresis|hysteresis]] and avoid the power switch rapidly cycling on and off (as the accumulator falls to 19%, charges to 20%, falls to 19% and so on).
[[File:SR-01-Layout.png|850px|left]]
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[[File:SR-02-Accumulator.png|left]]Accumulator outputs the current charge level as % on signal [[File:Signal-A.png|21px]]
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[[File:SR-03-RangeDeciders.png|left]]First decider outputs "Set" ([[File:Signal-S.png|21px]] = 1) if Accumulator is less than 20%.
Second decider outputs "Reset" ([[File:Signal-R.png|21px]] = 1) once Accumulator is more than 90% full.
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[[File:SR-04-SRLatch.png|left]]

==== RS Latch configuration ====
'''The central decider and green feedback wire is the actual RS Latch.'''
It latches the Set signal [[File:Signal-S.png|21px]] until the Reset signal [[File:Signal-R.png|21px]] is received (and vice-versa). 
NB: the latch expects binary inputs ([[File:Signal-S.png|21px]] & [[File:Signal-R.png|21px]] must be 0 or 1) - this is why the previous two deciders are required. 
When both inputs are true, the reset signal takes priority and the latch resets. This means it is an RS latch instead of an SR latch.
 
[[File:SR-05-PowerSwitch.png|left]]The Power switch isolates the generator from the rest of the factory until [[File:Signal-S.png|21px]] = 1
 
----

=== RS latch ===
[[File:SRLatch.png|left|430px]]
* This should be familiar to anyone with any background in electronics.
* The signal is set and reset with the [[constant combinator]]s on the left by setting an A=1 signal.
* The latch "remembers" which one was last set and the light stays on until another signal is received.
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=== Usage of RS latch ===
[[File:SRlatchinaction.png|left|430px]]
* Here is an example of how you could use an RS latch.
* The two extra [[decider combinator]]s provide the set and reset conditions.
* Petroleum gas < 50 and petroleum gas > 100.
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=== Belt only latch ===
[[File:BeltLatch.png|left|430px]]
* To make it work, '''3''' pieces of raw wood must be placed on the inside lane of the belt.
* It will have higher latency than the combinator version, but in most situations you will not notice the difference.
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== Displays ==
[[File:5digitDisplay.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Numerical Display ===
* Each digit is driven by its own [[green wire]], that wire holds 15 signals, one for each lamp used in the digit.
* [[constant combinator]]s are used to define which lamp should light up for each value.
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[[File:BWDisplay.png|left|400x400px]]

=== Black and White Grid Display ===
* Each row has its own [[red wire]] connection and within that row each light has a numbered signal 0-9.
* We turn each light on by just setting or clearing the relevant signal.
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[[File:MultiColoredDisplay.png|left|400x400px]]
=== Multicolor Display by DaveMcW ===
* To understand how this works, you first need to understand how color lights choose which color to light up when there are multiple colored signals.
* The [[lamp]] will light up with the colored signal that is greater than zero and earliest in this list: red, green, blue, yellow, pink, cyan, white.
* We have a [[red wire]] per column, that wire has each of the colored signals on it at different values and a numbered signal for each row.
* There is a [[arithmetic combinator]] for each cell that subtracts the "row" value from each of the colored signals.
* And this enables us to choose the color for each cell.
* Simple!
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== See Also ==
* [[Arithmetic combinator]]
* [[Constant combinator]]
* [[Decider combinator]]
* [[Circuit network]]