Is it time to update Redstone power? Personally, I feel that it could do with some changes considering how useful it is, to make it less difficult to use.
First is the limit of 15 blocks for power transmission.
I can understand that this was because the illumination level was used as the power level but I hear that we are getting an overhaul of the lighting "engine" in Minecraft, so perhaps this can change.
If the light level range is changed, I suggest that Redstone should transmit power as far as the new range allows.
The current light levels are 0 (full dark) to 15 (full bright) so Redstone power can only go through 15 redstone dust before needing a repeater. If the new range is 0 to 63 (just for example), Redstone power should be allowed to go through 63 Redstone Dust.
Next is the requirement for Redstone to always be laid on the top of a block.
This is a waste of space because it uses up 2 vertical blocks (the supporting block with the redstone on top of it) instead of only 1 block.
I suggest that we should be able to craft string with Redstone to make "Redstone Cable". This Redstone Cable would conduct power like dust but could be placed like blocks, including through midair so long as the starting point was another block.
Redstone Cable would never turn corners It would only allow power in at either end and out at the other with no transmission to any adjacent blocks except the block beyond the cable's "exit" (in this way, it would act like a Redstone Repeater although Cable would not "recharge" the signal like a repeater). Redstone Dust on top of a block at the end of a cable would be used for junctions and turning corners.
This suggestion would also get around a third problem: You can't lay Redstone wires next to each other without them connecting. Redstone Cable would allow for wires to be laid right next to each other except at junctions or corners. This would allow Redstone circuits to be smaller.
Fourth is the problem that you can't send a Redstone signal up or down a level within the space of a single block because of the mechanic which requires Redstone to always be on the top of a block (ie Redstone can only be put down "horizontally", never "vertically".
Redstone Cable could solve this problem as well. Redstone Cable would act as a direct up-down conductor for Redstone signals. A blob of Redstone Dust at the top and bottom would act as the junction to change between vertical and horizontal.
Texture: The Redstone Cable block would look like a small, red cable section. I suggest that it should be a non-collision block to make construction of Redstone circuits easier.
I hope this is enough detail to let you understand what I'm suggesting. If you have any questions, please ask.
2 topics with the same content isn't a very good way to introduce "new" ideas which are almost entirely identical to redpower. If you want to make something with what you're talking about, then get Tekkit. Redstone was implemented as it is, and the only way it will change is if it brings about new innovation (imho). your redstone cable can be easily made by cutting off wire with a block. And if you want something fast, you can use instant wire. The 1 block circuits dont allow any more than what is already in redstone. Basically, you have to consider what it lets you do that couldn't be done with what is in the game right now.
Redpower is a mod. Tekkit is a mod. I've never used a mod. I don't want the huge complexity which those "specialist" mods contain.
Those mods definitely have their place (in my opinon, for those who want to make super-complicated redstone devices) but making Redstone just a touch easier to use in "vanilla" MC isn't (again imo) too much to ask.
I do take your point about the ability to have parallel wiring by staggering the height and using blocks to separate the circuits, but you can still only have 2 circuits in a 2x2 block area and "Redstone Cable" would double this, saving much more space.
The biggest change which I see my "Redstone Cable" introducing is the ability to send a signal directly up and down without having to use stepped blocks, pistons or other kludges.
However, it seems that there is little or no support for my Redstone ideas so I'll try to shut up now.
Yes, I'm disappointed. I'll get over it.
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First is the limit of 15 blocks for power transmission.
I can understand that this was because the illumination level was used as the power level but I hear that we are getting an overhaul of the lighting "engine" in Minecraft, so perhaps this can change.
If the light level range is changed, I suggest that Redstone should transmit power as far as the new range allows.
The current light levels are 0 (full dark) to 15 (full bright) so Redstone power can only go through 15 redstone dust before needing a repeater. If the new range is 0 to 63 (just for example), Redstone power should be allowed to go through 63 Redstone Dust.
Next is the requirement for Redstone to always be laid on the top of a block.
This is a waste of space because it uses up 2 vertical blocks (the supporting block with the redstone on top of it) instead of only 1 block.
I suggest that we should be able to craft string with Redstone to make "Redstone Cable". This Redstone Cable would conduct power like dust but could be placed like blocks, including through midair so long as the starting point was another block.
Redstone Cable would never turn corners It would only allow power in at either end and out at the other with no transmission to any adjacent blocks except the block beyond the cable's "exit" (in this way, it would act like a Redstone Repeater although Cable would not "recharge" the signal like a repeater). Redstone Dust on top of a block at the end of a cable would be used for junctions and turning corners.
This suggestion would also get around a third problem: You can't lay Redstone wires next to each other without them connecting. Redstone Cable would allow for wires to be laid right next to each other except at junctions or corners. This would allow Redstone circuits to be smaller.
Fourth is the problem that you can't send a Redstone signal up or down a level within the space of a single block because of the mechanic which requires Redstone to always be on the top of a block (ie Redstone can only be put down "horizontally", never "vertically".
Redstone Cable could solve this problem as well. Redstone Cable would act as a direct up-down conductor for Redstone signals. A blob of Redstone Dust at the top and bottom would act as the junction to change between vertical and horizontal.
Texture: The Redstone Cable block would look like a small, red cable section. I suggest that it should be a non-collision block to make construction of Redstone circuits easier.
I hope this is enough detail to let you understand what I'm suggesting. If you have any questions, please ask.
Those mods definitely have their place (in my opinon, for those who want to make super-complicated redstone devices) but making Redstone just a touch easier to use in "vanilla" MC isn't (again imo) too much to ask.
I do take your point about the ability to have parallel wiring by staggering the height and using blocks to separate the circuits, but you can still only have 2 circuits in a 2x2 block area and "Redstone Cable" would double this, saving much more space.
The biggest change which I see my "Redstone Cable" introducing is the ability to send a signal directly up and down without having to use stepped blocks, pistons or other kludges.
However, it seems that there is little or no support for my Redstone ideas so I'll try to shut up now.
Yes, I'm disappointed. I'll get over it.