12 Component Basics
It's "components" (元件), not "original parts" (原件). Circuit components, control components, these are all "components" - think of them as minimal structural units.
This lesson covers what various "active" components do and how they work. We won't go too deep here - this is just an introductory tutorial.
When learning Redstone, we often compare electric current to water flow, and Redstone energy to electric current. But in Slime Tech, we don't have any good analogies - you just have to memorize how things work.
1 Signals
Redstone Blocks can produce stable signals for use by pistons and other components.
Observers can produce a 2gt signal when they detect a change or when they themselves move. A signal of this length can cause a sticky piston to extend a block without retracting it.
Some signal sources may also use detector rails with minecarts, typically for TNT duper propulsion.
You can use observers paired with note blocks, fence gates, or trapdoors to transmit signals. Most of the time, they also serve as switches for the entire machine.
"Let's just start it directly" - breaking the fence gate directly produces an update on the observer, which also starts the entire machine
2 Pistons
Pistons come in two types: regular pistons and sticky pistons. Regular pistons extend when they receive a signal and retract when the signal cuts off. During extension, they can push blocks in front of them, up to a limit of 12 blocks. Sticky pistons work the same way, except when the signal cuts off and the piston retracts, it can pull blocks back. Both push and pull limits are 12 blocks.
Blocks that cannot be pushed by pistons include containers, both types of obsidian, bedrock, and extended pistons. Some blocks will be destroyed when pushed, such as plants and certain Redstone components. Notably, glazed terracotta can be pushed but cannot be pulled back.
When sticky pistons receive a signal of 2gt or less, they will extend the block without retracting it. This can be used to create bidirectional flying machines.
Sticky pistons, from left to right in the image: 2gt, 2gt, 4gt
Pistons also have a special property called "Quasi Connectivity", abbreviated as QC. Because pistons were coded like doors in the 1.5 era (Note: this has been verified as incorrect), signals from the 5 spaces around the block above the piston can also keep the piston extended.
Note: there is an error here, which has been verified
- Pistons themselves do not have the "coded as doors" explanation; this claim is a rumor.
- The explanation of
QChere is incorrect. For details, see GTMC Update Theory 1.3.2 Properties of NC Updates, QC Activation, BUD Devices
Pistons need both a signal and an update to extend. When a signal is transmitted directly to the piston, it simultaneously updates the piston, so the piston extends. When a signal is transmitted above the piston and the piston hasn't received an update, it will retain its original state. After the piston is updated, it changes to the corresponding state. The update referred to here is an NC update (Neighbor Change). See the update theory tutorial for details.
The image shows the piston range. Left shows positions that can provide signals to the piston. Center and right show update positions that can be produced by two signal positions. The image only shows the same layer; a three-dimensional diagram is not shown
In the image, the Redstone Block can provide a signal to the piston but cannot update the piston. Here, the Redstone Block first updates the note block, and the note block updates the piston. Therefore, the piston can extend.
Most blocks in Java Edition are not "event listeners" that constantly check whether their state needs to change. Instead, they need updates from other blocks to trigger a check. So when a block is placed, its state changes, or it gets powered, it updates surrounding blocks. Only then will those surrounding blocks check their own state.
Therefore, you need to shift your thinking from "components actively detect" to "components passively detect"
3 Other Blocks
Note blocks, fence gates, and trapdoors can change state when they receive a signal, and this change can be detected by observers, thereby transmitting the signal onward. Note blocks, fence gates, and wooden trapdoors can also accept player clicks and act as switches.
When rails are pushed, they won't drop if the target position can maintain the current state; otherwise, they will be destroyed. (Maintaining the current state here refers to the rail's shape property. For example, if an inclined rail is pushed and there's no block for it to attach to after pushing, the rail will drop)
TNT will be ignited when it receives a signal and update. Redstone lamps will light up instantly when they receive a signal and stay lit for 4gt after losing the signal before turning off.
4 Blocks
What kind of component is a block? It's not really one, but water systems can't exist without pipes, and circuits can't exist without wires. Blocks in Slime Tech serve this purpose.
4.1 a) Sticky Blocks
The traditional sticky block is the Slime Block, also known as 史莱姆方块. This is also the origin of the name "Slime Tech" (绿萌).
Slime Blocks can stick to each other and move together when interacting with pistons. They can also stick to various components and auxiliary blocks. Since the piston push limit is 12, Slime Block chains are generally limited to 12 blocks.
Slime Blocks cannot stick to blocks that pistons cannot push, blocks that are destroyed when pushed, or glazed terracotta. Notably, glazed terracotta can be pushed but cannot stick to other blocks.
Honey Blocks were added in version 1.15, giving Slime Tech players more options. Honey Blocks have the same sticking properties as Slime Blocks but do not stick to Slime Blocks.
Honey Block surfaces are not continuous and cannot be powered or have rails attached.
4.2 b) Functional Blocks
In Slime Tech, besides components, some blocks also have specific functions. For example, cauldrons and composters are often used as "seats" for flying machines. There are also fences and walls used for collision box clipping, and various sized blocks used for precise positioning. These blocks are numerous and have complex classifications (after all, you can't imagine what designers stuff into machines to achieve certain functions). We'll analyze them as we encounter them.
4.3 c) Auxiliary Blocks
Auxiliary blocks are roughly divided into these categories:
- Placeholder blocks: glass, etc.
These blocks don't serve any functional purpose; they're only used to push (hold) other structures. They are the most basic blocks.
- Powerable blocks: smooth stone, iron blocks, and other solid blocks
Building on placeholder blocks, these blocks need to be able to be powered and are used for signal transmission.
- Special sticking blocks: glazed terracotta
The special nature of glazed terracotta (commonly abbreviated as "terracotta") has been explained above and won't be repeated here.
The image shows Starry Night's first-generation rapid-fire tunnel bore