JRup Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 Ah, the automatic dispenser. An ugly ducking that consumes 60w a second for it to work as intended. Or is it? When unpowered, the turn off/turn on option is really just a red herring. It does nothing but waste time and crush hopes and dreams (inside spoiler): Spoiler Screencast from 17-08-2022 09:54:32.webm The option disappears once automation is connected to the dispenser, but the damage has been done. The endeavor has been as futile as interviewing Korben Dallas. The "Manual Control" never changes from opened to closed when there is no power wire connected to the dispenser anyway. Enough with the intro. The way to make the automated dispenser work "when unpowered" could be simpler, but I haven't found a better way. The solution draws some inspiration from the workaround for smart storage bins and some storage solutions people have come up with. So it may not be the most original design, but it should provide some insight nonetheless. Add the power shutoff last and that's when the magic happens: Note that when using the automation to control the power shutoff there is a risk of it getting stuck but the chance of encountering it in this build is very small because it's not toggled that often to be caught by load/save. Look for the power shutoff bug if you want to dive down that rabbit hole. What this build could be used for: Substituting storage bins for supply builds (duplicants will still take materials from a priority 9 bin if they feel like it). Reducing errands (see above). Minimizing power draw. The dispenser is only powered when it must work. Requirements: All needed automation and shipping buildings should be unlocked for the build... so it's not a cycle 1 kind of build. The autosweeper should not be able to reach the automated dispenser but must have access to the dispensed material. Duplicants must be able to reach the automated dispenser and not be able to reach the dispensed material. The power shutoff must be added last to ensure the dispenser is briefly powered and receives the automation signal. Here's a sample build from survival; dupes have to reach the dispenser from the right (not shown): The "Manual control" status will remain "closed" even when unpowered and survives save/load. The weight plate is in control here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6Havok9 Posted August 17, 2022 Share Posted August 17, 2022 So... the dispenser doesn't really know what its job is, and you have to help it do it without excessive waste. That's very "duplicant". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRup Posted August 17, 2022 Author Share Posted August 17, 2022 28 minutes ago, 6Havok9 said: That's very "duplicant". Yes, indeed. Very much so. I also found this from almost two years ago a while after I posted this thread (by actually searching "power shutoff", dunno why google hates us all): The takeaway from this one is to use a buffer gate if the dispenser is rebelling... * Dupes will still deliver to the dispenser even if disabled by automation ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KittenIsAGeek Posted September 2, 2022 Share Posted September 2, 2022 I have never actually used an automatic dispenser in its 'storage' mode. I may have to actually play around with it. You've given me ideas... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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