Beacon - Revision history

Md143rbh7f: /* Transmission strength */

2026-10-01T22:14:15Z

Transmission strength

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:14, 1 October 2026
Line 35:		Line 35:

	== Transmission strength ==		== Transmission strength ==
			[[File:beacon-transmission-strength.png\|thumb\|The in-game chart of beacon transmission strength, by number and quality of beacons.]]
	Modules in beacons do not generally apply their full effects to a machine. Rather, each module's effects are multiplied by a factor called '''transmission strength'''. Broadly, the more beacons that affect a single machine, the less effective each additional beacon becomes. Transmission strength affects all of the module's effects, both good and bad.		Modules in beacons do not generally apply their full effects to a machine. Rather, each module's effects are multiplied by a factor called '''transmission strength'''. Broadly, the more beacons that affect a single machine, the less effective each additional beacon becomes. Transmission strength affects all of the module's effects, both good and bad.

Md143rbh7f: /* Limitations */ add link

2026-10-01T21:45:53Z

Limitations: add link

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:45, 1 October 2026
Line 31:		Line 31:

	* Only buildings with module slots can benefit from beacon effects (i.e. [[laser turret]] doesn't benefit). The only exceptions to this rule are beacons themselves which ''don't'' benefit from the modules inserted in themselves (or other beacons), so their energy cost can't be reduced.		* Only buildings with module slots can benefit from beacon effects (i.e. [[laser turret]] doesn't benefit). The only exceptions to this rule are beacons themselves which ''don't'' benefit from the modules inserted in themselves (or other beacons), so their energy cost can't be reduced.

	* Currently, only [[Module#Speed_module\|speed]] and [[Module#Efficiency_module\|efficiency]] modules can be used in beacons, and [[Module#Productivity module\|productivity]] and [[Module#Quality_module\|quality]]{{SA}} modules cannot.		* Currently, only [[Module#Speed_module\|speed]] and [[Module#Efficiency_module\|efficiency]] modules can be used in beacons, and [[Module#Productivity module\|productivity]] and [[Module#Quality_module\|quality]]{{SA}} modules cannot.
			* Multiple beacons overlapping the same machine will have [[#Transmission strength\|diminishing returns]], so it's more efficient to surround buildings around beacons than surround beacons around buildings.
	* Multiple beacons overlapping the same machine will have diminishing returns, so it's more efficient to surround buildings around beacons than surround beacons around buildings.

	== Transmission strength ==		== Transmission strength ==

Md143rbh7f: /* Transmission strength */ added quality table, simplified writing. hopefully no rounding errors.

2026-10-01T21:43:18Z

Transmission strength: added quality table, simplified writing. hopefully no rounding errors.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:43, 1 October 2026
Line 37:		Line 37:

	== Transmission strength ==		== Transmission strength ==
	~~The effect of modules placed~~ in beacons is not ~~equal~~ to ~~those placed in the machines themselves~~. Rather, ~~it is~~ multiplied by a factor called "transmission strength". ~~This factor is applied to~~ all ~~stats affected by~~ the module, both good and bad.		Modules in beacons do not generally apply their full effects to a machine. Rather, each module's effects are multiplied by a factor called '''transmission strength'''. Broadly, the more beacons that affect a single machine, the less effective each additional beacon becomes. Transmission strength affects all of the module's effects, both good and bad.

	The transmission strength itself depends on two factors. One is the distribution efficiency stat of the beacon; For normal beacons, this is always 1.5, but [[quality]]{{SA}} can increase it up to 2.5 for legendary beacons. The second factor is the square root of the number of beacons affecting the affected machine. For a machine affected by ~~<code>n</code>~~ beacons, ~~each~~ beacon's transmission strength ~~for that machine~~ is calculated ~~by the formula~~ <code>(~~Distribution~~ efficiency) ÷ sqrt(n)</code>~~. Simplifying this formula for~~ <code>n</code> normal quality beacons ~~affecting the same machine results in a combined transmission strength of~~ <code>~~1.5 × sqrt(~~n)</code>.		For a machine affected by beacons, its total beacon transmission strength is calculated as <code>sum(distribution efficiency) ÷ sqrt(n)</code>, where
			* Each beacon has a <code>distribution efficiency</code> stat, starting at 1.5 for normal beacons and increasing with [[quality]]{{SA}} up to 2.5 for legendary beacons.
			* <code>n</code> is the number of beacons affecting the machine.

	~~In practical terms~~, ~~this means that there are diminishing returns on increasing the number of~~ beacons ~~affecting the same machine~~, ~~as the effect per beacon decreases when more are added~~. This table shows the ~~net~~ effect of ~~any~~ given number of ~~normal-~~quality ~~beacons~~ on a production building, and the marginal increase ~~in effectiveness from adding the last~~ beacon ~~to that building.~~		For example, if a machine is affected by <code>n</code> normal beacons, then modules in those beacons will have their effects multiplied by <code>1.5 × sqrt(n)</code>.
	{\| class="wikitable"
	!\|# Beacons		This table shows the total effect of a given number of beacons (of the same quality) on a production building, and the marginal increase of each added beacon:
	!\|Total Effect		{\| class="wikitable"
	!~~\|Marginal~~ Effect		\|+ Total Transmission Strength by Number of Beacons and Quality
			\|-
			!
			! colspan="2" \| [[File:quality_normal.png\|15px]] Normal
			! colspan="2" \| [[File:quality_uncommon.png\|15px]] Uncommon
			! colspan="2" \| [[File:quality_rare.png\|15px]] Rare
			! colspan="2" \| [[File:quality_epic.png\|15px]] Epic
			! colspan="2" \| [[File:quality_legendary.png\|15px]] Legendary
			\|-
			! # Beacons
			! Total Effect
			! Change
			! Total Effect
			! Change
			! Total Effect
			! Change
			! Total Effect
			! Change
			! Total Effect
			! Change
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 1		! 1
	\| 150.00% \|\| 150.00%		\| 150.00% \|\| 150.00% \|\| 170.00% \|\| 170.00% \|\| 190.00% \|\| 190.00% \|\| 210.00% \|\| 210.00% \|\| 250.00% \|\| 250.00%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 2		! 2
	\| 212.13% \|\| 62.13%		\| 212.13% \|\| 62.13% \|\| 240.42% \|\| 70.42% \|\| 268.70% \|\| 78.70% \|\| 296.98% \|\| 86.98% \|\| 353.55% \|\| 103.55%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 3		! 3
	\| 259.81% \|\| 47.68%		\| 259.81% \|\| 47.68% \|\| 294.45% \|\| 54.03% \|\| 329.09% \|\| 60.39% \|\| 363.73% \|\| 66.75% \|\| 433.01% \|\| 79.46%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 4		! 4
	\| 300.00% \|\| 40.19%		\| 300.00% \|\| 40.19% \|\| 340.00% \|\| 45.55% \|\| 380.00% \|\| 50.91% \|\| 420.00% \|\| 56.27% \|\| 500.00% \|\| 66.99%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 5		! 5
	\| 335.41% \|\| 35.41%		\| 335.41% \|\| 35.41% \|\| 380.13% \|\| 40.13% \|\| 424.85% \|\| 44.85% \|\| 469.57% \|\| 49.57% \|\| 559.02% \|\| 59.02%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 6		! 6
	\| 367.42% \|\| 32.01%		\| 367.42% \|\| 32.01% \|\| 416.41% \|\| 36.28% \|\| 465.40% \|\| 40.55% \|\| 514.39% \|\| 44.82% \|\| 612.37% \|\| 53.36%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 7		! 7
	\| 396.86% \|\| 29.44%		\| 396.86% \|\| 29.44% \|\| 449.78% \|\| 33.36% \|\| 502.69% \|\| 37.29% \|\| 555.61% \|\| 41.21% \|\| 661.44% \|\| 49.07%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 8		! 8
	\| 424.26% \|\| 27.40%		\| 424.26% \|\| 27.40% \|\| 480.83% \|\| 31.05% \|\| 537.40% \|\| 34.71% \|\| 593.97% \|\| 38.36% \|\| 707.11% \|\| 45.67%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 9		! 9
	\| 450.00% \|\| 25.74%		\| 450.00% \|\| 25.74% \|\| 510.00% \|\| 29.17% \|\| 570.00% \|\| 32.60% \|\| 630.00% \|\| 36.03% \|\| 750.00% \|\| 42.89%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 10		! 10
	\| 474.34% \|\| 24.34%		\| 474.34% \|\| 24.34% \|\| 537.59% \|\| 27.59% \|\| 600.83% \|\| 30.83% \|\| 664.08% \|\| 34.08% \|\| 790.57% \|\| 40.57%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 11		! 11
	\| 497.49% \|\| 23.15%		\| 497.49% \|\| 23.15% \|\| 563.83% \|\| 26.24% \|\| 630.16% \|\| 29.33% \|\| 696.49% \|\| 32.41% \|\| 829.16% \|\| 38.59%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 12		! 12
	\| 519.62% \|\| 22.12%		\| 519.62% \|\| 22.12% \|\| 588.90% \|\| 25.07% \|\| 658.18% \|\| 28.02% \|\| 727.46% \|\| 30.97% \|\| 866.03% \|\| 36.87%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 13		! 13
	\| 540.83% \|\| 21.22%		\| 540.83% \|\| 21.22% \|\| 612.94% \|\| 24.05% \|\| 685.05% \|\| 26.88% \|\| 757.17% \|\| 29.70% \|\| 901.39% \|\| 35.36%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 14		! 14
	\| 561.25% \|\| 20.42%		\| 561.25% \|\| 20.42% \|\| 636.08% \|\| 23.14% \|\| 710.91% \|\| 25.86% \|\| 785.75% \|\| 28.58% \|\| 935.41% \|\| 34.03%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 15		! 15
	\| 580.95% \|\| 19.70%		\| 580.95% \|\| 19.70% \|\| 658.41% \|\| 22.33% \|\| 735.87% \|\| 24.95% \|\| 813.33% \|\| 27.58% \|\| 968.25% \|\| 32.83%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 16		! 16
	\| 600.00% \|\| 19.05%		\| 600.00% \|\| 19.05% \|\| 680.00% \|\| 21.59% \|\| 760.00% \|\| 24.13% \|\| 840.00% \|\| 26.67% \|\| 1000.00% \|\| 31.75%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 17		! 17
	\| 618.47% \|\| 18.47%		\| 618.47% \|\| 18.47% \|\| 700.93% \|\| 20.93% \|\| 783.39% \|\| 23.39% \|\| 865.85% \|\| 25.85% \|\| 1030.78% \|\| 30.78%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 18		! 18
	\| 636.40% \|\| 17.93%		\| 636.40% \|\| 17.93% \|\| 721.25% \|\| 20.32% \|\| 806.10% \|\| 22.71% \|\| 890.95% \|\| 25.10% \|\| 1060.66% \|\| 29.88%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 19		! 19
	\| 653.83% \|\| 17.44%		\| 653.83% \|\| 17.44% \|\| 741.01% \|\| 19.76% \|\| 828.19% \|\| 22.09% \|\| 915.37% \|\| 24.41% \|\| 1089.72% \|\| 29.06%
	\|-		\|-
	! \| 20		! 20
	\| 670.82% \|\| 16.99%		\| 670.82% \|\| 16.99% \|\| 760.26% \|\| 19.25% \|\| 849.71% \|\| 21.52% \|\| 939.15% \|\| 23.78% \|\| 1118.03% \|\| 28.31%
	\|}		\|}

Alsadius: Added diminishing returns table

2026-05-17T02:56:20Z

Added diminishing returns table

@@ Line 41: / Line 41: @@
 The transmission strength itself depends on two factors. One is the distribution efficiency stat of the beacon; For normal beacons, this is always 1.5, but [[quality]]{{SA}} can increase it up to 2.5 for legendary beacons. The second factor is the square root of the number of beacons affecting the affected machine. For a machine affected by <code>n</code> beacons, each beacon's transmission strength for that machine is calculated by the formula <code>(Distribution efficiency) ÷ sqrt(n)</code>. Simplifying this formula for <code>n</code> normal quality beacons affecting the same machine results in a combined transmission strength of <code>1.5 × sqrt(n)</code>.
-In practical terms, this means that there are diminishing returns on increasing the number of beacons affecting the same machine, as the effect per beacon decreases when more are added.
+In practical terms, this means that there are diminishing returns on increasing the number of beacons affecting the same machine, as the effect per beacon decreases when more are added. This table shows the net effect of any given number of normal-quality beacons on a production building, and the marginal increase in effectiveness from adding the last beacon to that building.
 == Maximum number per building ==

Kidofcubes: reword transmission strength section to be clearer

2026-01-27T16:44:35Z

reword transmission strength section to be clearer

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:44, 27 January 2026
Line 39:		Line 39:
	The effect of modules placed in beacons is not equal to those placed in the machines themselves. Rather, it is multiplied by a factor called "transmission strength". This factor is applied to all stats affected by the module, both good and bad.		The effect of modules placed in beacons is not equal to those placed in the machines themselves. Rather, it is multiplied by a factor called "transmission strength". This factor is applied to all stats affected by the module, both good and bad.

	The transmission strength itself depends on two factors. One is the distribution efficiency stat of the beacon; For normal beacons, this is always 1.5, but [[quality]]{{SA}} can increase it up to 2.5 for legendary beacons. The second factor is the square root of the number of beacons affecting each machine. ~~Therefore, in total,~~ <code>n</code> normal quality beacons affecting the same machine ~~will have~~ a combined transmission strength of <code>1.5 ÷ n~~^0.5~~</code>.		The transmission strength itself depends on two factors. One is the distribution efficiency stat of the beacon; For normal beacons, this is always 1.5, but [[quality]]{{SA}} can increase it up to 2.5 for legendary beacons. The second factor is the square root of the number of beacons affecting the affected machine. For a machine affected by <code>n</code> beacons, each beacon's transmission strength for that machine is calculated by the formula <code>(Distribution efficiency) ÷ sqrt(n)</code>. Simplifying this formula for <code>n</code> normal quality beacons affecting the same machine results in a combined transmission strength of <code>1.5 × sqrt(n)</code>.

	In practical terms, this means that there are diminishing returns on increasing the number of beacons affecting the same machine, as the effect per beacon decreases when more are added.		In practical terms, this means that there are diminishing returns on increasing the number of beacons affecting the same machine, as the effect per beacon decreases when more are added.

Bilka: / -> ÷

2025-12-18T14:00:59Z

/ -> ÷

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:00, 18 December 2025
Line 39:		Line 39:
	The effect of modules placed in beacons is not equal to those placed in the machines themselves. Rather, it is multiplied by a factor called "transmission strength". This factor is applied to all stats affected by the module, both good and bad.		The effect of modules placed in beacons is not equal to those placed in the machines themselves. Rather, it is multiplied by a factor called "transmission strength". This factor is applied to all stats affected by the module, both good and bad.

	The transmission strength itself depends on two factors. One is the distribution efficiency stat of the beacon; For normal beacons, this is always 1.5, but [[quality]]{{SA}} can increase it up to 2.5 for legendary beacons. The second factor is the square root of the number of beacons affecting each machine. Therefore, in total, <code>n</code> normal quality beacons affecting the same machine will have a combined transmission strength of <code>1.5 / n^0.5</code>.		The transmission strength itself depends on two factors. One is the distribution efficiency stat of the beacon; For normal beacons, this is always 1.5, but [[quality]]{{SA}} can increase it up to 2.5 for legendary beacons. The second factor is the square root of the number of beacons affecting each machine. Therefore, in total, <code>n</code> normal quality beacons affecting the same machine will have a combined transmission strength of <code>1.5 ÷ n^0.5</code>.

	In practical terms, this means that there are diminishing returns on increasing the number of beacons affecting the same machine, as the effect per beacon decreases when more are added.		In practical terms, this means that there are diminishing returns on increasing the number of beacons affecting the same machine, as the effect per beacon decreases when more are added.

Alfonse: /* Transmission strength */ The sqrt of the beacon count is divided into the transmission strength.

2025-09-22T22:11:33Z

Transmission strength: The sqrt of the beacon count is divided into the transmission strength.

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:11, 22 September 2025
Line 39:		Line 39:
	The effect of modules placed in beacons is not equal to those placed in the machines themselves. Rather, it is multiplied by a factor called "transmission strength". This factor is applied to all stats affected by the module, both good and bad.		The effect of modules placed in beacons is not equal to those placed in the machines themselves. Rather, it is multiplied by a factor called "transmission strength". This factor is applied to all stats affected by the module, both good and bad.

	The transmission strength itself depends on two factors. One is the distribution efficiency stat of the beacon; For normal beacons, this is always 1.5, but quality can increase it up to 2.5 for legendary beacons. The second factor is the square root of the number of beacons affecting each machine. Therefore, in total, <code>n</code> normal quality beacons affecting the same machine will have a combined transmission strength of <code>1.5 x n^0.5</code>.		The transmission strength itself depends on two factors. One is the distribution efficiency stat of the beacon; For normal beacons, this is always 1.5, but [[quality]]{{SA}} can increase it up to 2.5 for legendary beacons. The second factor is the square root of the number of beacons affecting each machine. Therefore, in total, <code>n</code> normal quality beacons affecting the same machine will have a combined transmission strength of <code>1.5 / n^0.5</code>.

	In practical terms, this means that there are diminishing returns on increasing the number of beacons affecting the same machine, as the effect per beacon decreases when more are added.		In practical terms, this means that there are diminishing returns on increasing the number of beacons affecting the same machine, as the effect per beacon decreases when more are added.

Cardinal: Added gallery.

2025-09-08T10:12:30Z

Added gallery.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:12, 8 September 2025
Line 44:		Line 44:

	== Maximum number per building ==		== Maximum number per building ==
			[[File:Beacon range.png\|thumb\|300px\|Beacon effective range. (9×9)]]

	The maximum number of beacons that can be built in range of a building depend on that building's footprint:		The maximum number of beacons that can be built in range of a building depend on that building's footprint:
Line 57:		Line 58:
	Note that when buildings and beacons are arranged in parallel rows like this, the offset between buildings and beacons along the direction of the rows is important. For example, imagine placing a row of [[assembling machine 3]]s between two rows of beacons. If the sides of the beacons and the assembling machines line up, every assembling machine is affected by six beacons in total. Howevever, if either the beacons or the assembling machines are shifted by one tile relative to the other, then each assembling machine is affected by eight beacons in total.		Note that when buildings and beacons are arranged in parallel rows like this, the offset between buildings and beacons along the direction of the rows is important. For example, imagine placing a row of [[assembling machine 3]]s between two rows of beacons. If the sides of the beacons and the assembling machines line up, every assembling machine is affected by six beacons in total. Howevever, if either the beacons or the assembling machines are shifted by one tile relative to the other, then each assembling machine is affected by eight beacons in total.

	[[File:~~Beacon alignment~~ (~~3 wide~~).~~jpg~~\|~~400px]]~~		<gallery mode="nolines" widths=500px heights=335px>
			File:Beacon_alignment_3x3.png\|When the assembling machines are aligned with the beacons, each machine is affected by 6 beacons in total. ''<small>(Click to enlarge)</small>''
			File:Beacon_alignment_3x4.png\|When the assembling machines are shifted by 1 tile relative to the beacons, each machine is affected by 8 beacons in total. ''<small>(Click to enlarge)</small>''
			</gallery>

	In general, depending on the width of the machines modulo 3:		In general, depending on the width of the machines modulo 3:

Astrale: clearer language

2025-07-22T14:16:41Z

clearer language

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:16, 22 July 2025
Line 39:		Line 39:
	The effect of modules placed in beacons is not equal to those placed in the machines themselves. Rather, it is multiplied by a factor called "transmission strength". This factor is applied to all stats affected by the module, both good and bad.		The effect of modules placed in beacons is not equal to those placed in the machines themselves. Rather, it is multiplied by a factor called "transmission strength". This factor is applied to all stats affected by the module, both good and bad.

	The transmission strength itself depends on two factors. One is the distribution efficiency stat of the beacon; For normal beacons, this is always 1.5, but quality can increase it up to 2.5 for legendary beacons. The second factor is the ~~reciprocal~~ square root of the number of beacons affecting each machine. Therefore, in total, <code>n</code> normal quality beacons affecting the same machine will have a combined transmission strength of <code>1.5 x n^0.5</code>.		The transmission strength itself depends on two factors. One is the distribution efficiency stat of the beacon; For normal beacons, this is always 1.5, but quality can increase it up to 2.5 for legendary beacons. The second factor is the square root of the number of beacons affecting each machine. Therefore, in total, <code>n</code> normal quality beacons affecting the same machine will have a combined transmission strength of <code>1.5 x n^0.5</code>.

	In practical terms, this means that there are diminishing returns on increasing the number of beacons affecting the same machine, as the effect per beacon decreases when more are added.		In practical terms, this means that there are diminishing returns on increasing the number of beacons affecting the same machine, as the effect per beacon decreases when more are added.

Industrious beaver: /* Transmission strength */

2025-04-01T14:54:42Z

Transmission strength

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:54, 1 April 2025
Line 39:		Line 39:
	The effect of modules placed in beacons is not equal to those placed in the machines themselves. Rather, it is multiplied by a factor called "transmission strength". This factor is applied to all stats affected by the module, both good and bad.		The effect of modules placed in beacons is not equal to those placed in the machines themselves. Rather, it is multiplied by a factor called "transmission strength". This factor is applied to all stats affected by the module, both good and bad.

	The transmission strength itself depends on two factors. One is the distribution efficiency stat of the beacon; For normal beacons, this is always 1.5, but quality can increase it up to 2.5 for legendary beacons. The second factor is the reciprocal square root of the number of beacons affecting each machine. Therefore, in total, <code>n</code> beacons affecting the same machine will have a combined transmission strength of <code>n^0.5</code>.		The transmission strength itself depends on two factors. One is the distribution efficiency stat of the beacon; For normal beacons, this is always 1.5, but quality can increase it up to 2.5 for legendary beacons. The second factor is the reciprocal square root of the number of beacons affecting each machine. Therefore, in total, <code>n</code> normal quality beacons affecting the same machine will have a combined transmission strength of <code>1.5 x n^0.5</code>.

	In practical terms, this means that there are diminishing returns on increasing the number of beacons affecting the same machine, as the effect per beacon decreases when more are added.		In practical terms, this means that there are diminishing returns on increasing the number of beacons affecting the same machine, as the effect per beacon decreases when more are added.