I can build semi complicated things with redstone. But I'm no super genius. How did people like sethbling and etho become so good with redstone. It's pretty ridiculous what the build. Computers, calculators, binary counters adders, etc. I can understand the circuitry, but to be able to create these things on your own is a little ridiculous. I dont' think Notch planned for people to actually make these things.
Redstone is basically really small parts of a computer, of course I could be wrong, I'm not very educated in that field. But most of those people are very experienced with computers & circuitry. Most of the time I don't understand what the heck they're talking about.
Computer science and redstone engineering are an amazing combination and mesh together extremely well, aside from the fact that redstone is a lot slower and less optimal than electricity, but that's part of the fun. The enjoyment comes from the challenge of finding redstone alternatives to real-life circuitry. Internally, the mechanisms achieve their goal in a completely different way than electronic components, but the functionality itself and the tasks they accomplish are identical.
If you already have a strong grasp on computer science, it's not too difficult to build a redstone CPU, it's only a matter of looking into redstone theory and the mechanics of the tiles themselves. The real challenge is finding a way to design the individual components to be faster and/or more compact and in a way that suits your general or specific needs, based on the type of mechanism. The thing I always have the most trouble with is designing overall CPU architecture and an instruction-set that balances efficiency, simplicity, size, (which plays into the ability to pursue more dynamic software) and speed of the instruction decoder itself. Some people don't do this, you could easily throw down some ROM lines and place torches for extremely low-level control. But this isn't easy to program, especially for someone who didn't actually build the CPU, I aim to make things more user-friendly so that literally anyone can program the machine after a quick tutorial. It takes a bit more complexity and obviously more time, but I think it's worth it.
Anyway, I'm drifting off topic here. The key is baby steps, nobody can jump straight into building a computer, GPU, or game. Well they could, but they wouldn't really have a clue what they're actually doing. If you're truly interested, feel free to add me (GT: BaronxofxDeath) and I can show you around my worlds and hopefully answer any questions you may have.
Etho doesn't really build big things like computers. Etho builds thing to optimize his minecraft experience, like his automatic potions room, it's just buttons that control dispensers, but etho found the perfect way to make it work into what he wanted.
Sent you a request. Are these guys good at programming computers in real life. Is that how they already know how to do this.
I went into this a little on XBL, but I feel like sharing for anyone else who may read and there is a lot I could expand upon.
The simple answer is maybe. Hardware and software are two completely different realms of computer science. As I stated and demonstrated in my world, I have a somewhat firm grasp on how the components of a CPU work internally. On the other hand, I don't have a clue what I'm doing when it comes to actually programming the CPU I know so well. I obviously know what the instructions do and how they effect the data, but I don't understand the significance of it or how to use these functions to design complex software. I can have the CPU count, run the Fibonacci sequence, or any other existing algorithm that's actually possible, but I have trouble writing my own original program that is actually useful.
Generally, there are two kinds of people who study computer science. Programmers tend to think in more of an abstract fashion. They don't know how the hardware performs tasks, they just tell it what to do, their focus is the software itself, the data being manipulated. Others like myself are low-level thinkers, more interested in the physical components rather than emulation. We know what the hardware is capable of and how powerful it is, we're just not the best when it comes to harnessing that power. Then some people are sort of hybrids who try to understand both aspects of a computing system. These guys are the ones I tip my hat to. They tend to be some of the most impressive programmers you'll ever see, one could even call them a hacker, by the original definition.
Then some people are sort of hybrids who try to understand both aspects of a computing system. These guys are the ones I tip my hat to. They tend to be some of the most impressive programmers you'll ever see, one could even call them a hacker, by the original definition.
Erm, I wouldn't call myself a hacker, as such, even though it's possible, within reason (Guess that's not original). Anyway . . .
Without bragging in the slightest, but more looking for help tbh. I know how all the hardware in a computer works, been building my own computers since I was about 10. And I know how most of the software works, again, since I was about 10 I was writing my own basic programmes and command lines etc on my first BBC computer. . . if anyone remembers them? Lol
BUT, Redstone confuses me?!?! Maybe I actually need to learn what each of the redstone components is capable of. IE; repeaters . . . . they make the signal go for longer. . . BUT I don't know what else they do. Red' torches supply a constant supply like a capacitor, kinda, but what else.
I think once I know the basics I could build bigger and better 'systems'.
I've tried building circuits on MC myself, but without knowing where to start, it's pointless. I can't even make a double opening door at the moment. Youtube didn't help me either. I looked on there but couldn't find anything apart from huge systems.
Erm, I wouldn't call myself a hacker, as such, even though it's possible, within reason (Guess that's not original). Anyway . . .
Without bragging in the slightest, but more looking for help tbh. I know how all the hardware in a computer works, been building my own computers since I was about 10. And I know how most of the software works, again, since I was about 10 I was writing my own basic programmes and command lines etc on my first BBC computer. . . if anyone remembers them? Lol
BUT, Redstone confuses me?!?! Maybe I actually need to learn what each of the redstone components is capable of. IE; repeaters . . . . they make the signal go for longer. . . BUT I don't know what else they do. Red' torches supply a constant supply like a capacitor, kinda, but what else.
I think once I know the basics I could build bigger and better 'systems'.
I've tried building circuits on MC myself, but without knowing where to start, it's pointless. I can't even make a double opening door at the moment. Youtube didn't help me either. I looked on there but couldn't find anything apart from huge systems.
^^^ These should give you a basic idea.
It is a bit daunting at first. Redstone differs from electricity in every way, other than the fact that they're both methods of conducting power. Redstone dust simply conducts charge and will form a chain with surrounding dust tiles, holding the charge for up to 15 meters. A solid block with a line of dust leading into it experiences the reception of what is called "soft power". The blocks that powered dust is connected to (this means the block it is on top of as well) are also receiving soft power. Blocks instilled with soft power cannot emit a charge. However, items such as torches and repeaters can draw from a block.
The repeater is a little more complex. It acts as a method of delay, a diode, and obviously, a repeater, you could also say transistor, but there are some differences. Redstone dust will actually connect to the input and output of a repeater, as opposed to previous versions where it had to be directly powered. For an example of this, play MCXBLA offline after clearing your cache. The repeater is an emitter of "hard power" which is a stronger emission. Think of it as the repeater "pushing" a charge literally through a block. A solid block emitting hard power will activate any form of redstone tile directly adjacent to it, including dust. Any block under a repeater holds absolutely no power. Until the next update brings us glowstone logic, this is one way you can avoid an accidental BUD without increasing size.
The redstone torch is probably the most interesting of all the redstone items. Like you said, it is a constant and infinite source of power, though that's actually one of the least common uses for the torch. Like all other redstone tiles, it can connect to the top of a block, but the torch can also connect to the side of a block. A block being powered by dust, with a torch on a different side, forms a NOT gate. The torch inverts states based on input by nature, so if power is/is not stored in the connected block, the torch will represent a completely opposite state. Just like the repeater, this item emits a signal of hard power. Because of this, you have to be aware when powering a torch with dust from the top of the connected block. If you wanted to conduct power from the torch vertically upward, you couldn't place a block on top of the torch. Doing this would result in a feedback loop, the torch would emit hard power through the block, powering the dust on top, which would invert the torch, turning it off and leaving no power for the dust. This cycle would repeat very rapidly until the torch eventually burnt itself out.
I left a lot out of this post, so just let me know if you want to learn more. I just felt this was a good enough starting point.
The strange thing is, I would say that redstone is more complex than the inner parts of a computer. Hmmm.
I'm definately going to look into redstone a bit more, try a few things later.
And, I wont take offense at the titles of the videos.
Yeah... it's kind of my thing. And it is more complex, in a way. The items have more of a specific purpose than electricity, which makes them challenging to build with. Electricity is more general, and provides greater possibilities. Some things are simply not possible in redstone. For example, an OS has never been successfully utilized in a redstone computer, not even a BIOS.
Yeah, don't mind the video titles. Those are the exact same videos I first watched when I knew nothing about redstone.
Had a play around with red' on superflat last night. I finally got my double doors working! Yeah!. . . I know it's basic, but it's the only thing I could think of at the time that would use a 'circuit'. It's not the most compact design, but it works. . . slight delay on one door though.
I'll explore a bit further over the next few weeks, to see what else I can do.
Never thought for a minute that I could power a circuit, which would lead to part of the circuit being 'off'. Red' torches are great. . . . Hmmm . . just though. I could use that to power a sticky piston lift/elevator. . . .I'm guessing that's already been done before, but it'll be new for me. Lol
I can build semi complicated things with redstone. But I'm no super genius. How did people like sethbling and etho become so good with redstone. It's pretty ridiculous what the build. Computers, calculators, binary counters adders, etc. I can understand the circuitry, but to be able to create these things on your own is a little ridiculous. I dont' think Notch planned for people to actually make these things.
How did etho learn? That is an easy one. Although like someone else mentioned he did things to optimize his experience if not make a "tool" for some kind of use. The way he learned was trial and error, mainly off camera. He did a lot of redstone testing, and says that in many of his episodes, especially the first season. Over time when things changed, the way certain things work, he would go back over his projects and see how to rethink how to go about the things he builds. He does this several times throughout his series from beginning to the newest episode.
Basically tinkering with redstone itself helps one learn the basics to the more complex and how it all works & functions in those versions of the game. It is how I learned to make a few basic stuff in my minecart system while looking at a few tutorials to get an idea of how to go about some of the things.
I am no expert, but I do in the very least know the basics, and a little beyond that.
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Retired StaffIf you already have a strong grasp on computer science, it's not too difficult to build a redstone CPU, it's only a matter of looking into redstone theory and the mechanics of the tiles themselves. The real challenge is finding a way to design the individual components to be faster and/or more compact and in a way that suits your general or specific needs, based on the type of mechanism. The thing I always have the most trouble with is designing overall CPU architecture and an instruction-set that balances efficiency, simplicity, size, (which plays into the ability to pursue more dynamic software) and speed of the instruction decoder itself. Some people don't do this, you could easily throw down some ROM lines and place torches for extremely low-level control. But this isn't easy to program, especially for someone who didn't actually build the CPU, I aim to make things more user-friendly so that literally anyone can program the machine after a quick tutorial. It takes a bit more complexity and obviously more time, but I think it's worth it.
Anyway, I'm drifting off topic here. The key is baby steps, nobody can jump straight into building a computer, GPU, or game. Well they could, but they wouldn't really have a clue what they're actually doing. If you're truly interested, feel free to add me (GT: BaronxofxDeath) and I can show you around my worlds and hopefully answer any questions you may have.
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Retired StaffI went into this a little on XBL, but I feel like sharing for anyone else who may read and there is a lot I could expand upon.
The simple answer is maybe. Hardware and software are two completely different realms of computer science. As I stated and demonstrated in my world, I have a somewhat firm grasp on how the components of a CPU work internally. On the other hand, I don't have a clue what I'm doing when it comes to actually programming the CPU I know so well. I obviously know what the instructions do and how they effect the data, but I don't understand the significance of it or how to use these functions to design complex software. I can have the CPU count, run the Fibonacci sequence, or any other existing algorithm that's actually possible, but I have trouble writing my own original program that is actually useful.
Generally, there are two kinds of people who study computer science. Programmers tend to think in more of an abstract fashion. They don't know how the hardware performs tasks, they just tell it what to do, their focus is the software itself, the data being manipulated. Others like myself are low-level thinkers, more interested in the physical components rather than emulation. We know what the hardware is capable of and how powerful it is, we're just not the best when it comes to harnessing that power. Then some people are sort of hybrids who try to understand both aspects of a computing system. These guys are the ones I tip my hat to. They tend to be some of the most impressive programmers you'll ever see, one could even call them a hacker, by the original definition.
Erm, I wouldn't call myself a hacker, as such, even though it's possible, within reason (Guess that's not original). Anyway . . .
Without bragging in the slightest, but more looking for help tbh. I know how all the hardware in a computer works, been building my own computers since I was about 10. And I know how most of the software works, again, since I was about 10 I was writing my own basic programmes and command lines etc on my first BBC computer. . . if anyone remembers them? Lol
BUT, Redstone confuses me?!?! Maybe I actually need to learn what each of the redstone components is capable of. IE; repeaters . . . . they make the signal go for longer. . . BUT I don't know what else they do. Red' torches supply a constant supply like a capacitor, kinda, but what else.
I think once I know the basics I could build bigger and better 'systems'.
I've tried building circuits on MC myself, but without knowing where to start, it's pointless. I can't even make a double opening door at the moment. Youtube didn't help me either. I looked on there but couldn't find anything apart from huge systems.
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Retired StaffIt is a bit daunting at first. Redstone differs from electricity in every way, other than the fact that they're both methods of conducting power. Redstone dust simply conducts charge and will form a chain with surrounding dust tiles, holding the charge for up to 15 meters. A solid block with a line of dust leading into it experiences the reception of what is called "soft power". The blocks that powered dust is connected to (this means the block it is on top of as well) are also receiving soft power. Blocks instilled with soft power cannot emit a charge. However, items such as torches and repeaters can draw from a block.
The repeater is a little more complex. It acts as a method of delay, a diode, and obviously, a repeater, you could also say transistor, but there are some differences. Redstone dust will actually connect to the input and output of a repeater, as opposed to previous versions where it had to be directly powered. For an example of this, play MCXBLA offline after clearing your cache. The repeater is an emitter of "hard power" which is a stronger emission. Think of it as the repeater "pushing" a charge literally through a block. A solid block emitting hard power will activate any form of redstone tile directly adjacent to it, including dust. Any block under a repeater holds absolutely no power. Until the next update brings us glowstone logic, this is one way you can avoid an accidental BUD without increasing size.
The redstone torch is probably the most interesting of all the redstone items. Like you said, it is a constant and infinite source of power, though that's actually one of the least common uses for the torch. Like all other redstone tiles, it can connect to the top of a block, but the torch can also connect to the side of a block. A block being powered by dust, with a torch on a different side, forms a NOT gate. The torch inverts states based on input by nature, so if power is/is not stored in the connected block, the torch will represent a completely opposite state. Just like the repeater, this item emits a signal of hard power. Because of this, you have to be aware when powering a torch with dust from the top of the connected block. If you wanted to conduct power from the torch vertically upward, you couldn't place a block on top of the torch. Doing this would result in a feedback loop, the torch would emit hard power through the block, powering the dust on top, which would invert the torch, turning it off and leaving no power for the dust. This cycle would repeat very rapidly until the torch eventually burnt itself out.
I left a lot out of this post, so just let me know if you want to learn more. I just felt this was a good enough starting point.
Thanks bud, you certainly like your redstone. Lol
The strange thing is, I would say that redstone is more complex than the inner parts of a computer. Hmmm.
I'm definately going to look into redstone a bit more, try a few things later.
And, I wont take offense at the titles of the videos.
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Retired StaffYeah... it's kind of my thing.
Yeah, don't mind the video titles. Those are the exact same videos I first watched when I knew nothing about redstone.
Had a play around with red' on superflat last night. I finally got my double doors working! Yeah!. . . I know it's basic, but it's the only thing I could think of at the time that would use a 'circuit'. It's not the most compact design, but it works. . . slight delay on one door though.
I'll explore a bit further over the next few weeks, to see what else I can do.
Never thought for a minute that I could power a circuit, which would lead to part of the circuit being 'off'. Red' torches are great. . . . Hmmm . . just though. I could use that to power a sticky piston lift/elevator. . . .I'm guessing that's already been done before, but it'll be new for me. Lol
How did etho learn? That is an easy one. Although like someone else mentioned he did things to optimize his experience if not make a "tool" for some kind of use. The way he learned was trial and error, mainly off camera. He did a lot of redstone testing, and says that in many of his episodes, especially the first season. Over time when things changed, the way certain things work, he would go back over his projects and see how to rethink how to go about the things he builds. He does this several times throughout his series from beginning to the newest episode.
Basically tinkering with redstone itself helps one learn the basics to the more complex and how it all works & functions in those versions of the game. It is how I learned to make a few basic stuff in my minecart system while looking at a few tutorials to get an idea of how to go about some of the things.
I am no expert, but I do in the very least know the basics, and a little beyond that.