The Redstone Comparator is a relatively complicated Redstone tool that serves several purposes. It is generally not needed for simple Redstone contraptions but becomes a useful tool to make complicated contraptions easier to build. The only downside is figuring outhowto use the Comparator. This guide will help make the Comparator easier to understand.
How to Craft and Use a Redstone Comparator in Minecraft
Oddly enough, the easiest part of the Comparator is crafting it. As stated above, it serves many purposes, so placing it appropriately is complicated enough. We’ll go over the crafting and each use of the Redstone Comparator below.
Crafting
To craft the Redstone Comparator, you will need the following items:
When using a crafting table, use the items in the same pattern as the image below.
It’s easy enough! Getting the Nether Quartzdoesrequire a trip to the Nether, which means that the Comparator is a mid-game item. Before we get into its uses, we will cover the basics of how to operate the Redstone Comparator.
The Basics
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Usage Option #1: Comparison Mode
The purpose of Comparison mode is to toggle the output signal based on the input signals. When a signal is put through the rear input, it has a strength number. This signal’s strength can depend on several factors, such as how far away the Redstone Source is from the Comparator.
When a signal is put through the side input(s), it also has a strength number.Ifeither side input’s strengthis greater than the rear input,then the Comparator’s output is 0 (no signal).If the rear input’s strength is greater thanboth side inputs,then the Comparator’s output isequal to the rear input’s signal strength.
Usage Option #2: Subtraction Mode
The purpose of Subtraction Mode is to reduce the total output signal strength. The Comparator will subtract the signal strength of thehighestside input from the rear input.The resulting number will be the output’s signal strength.
Usage Option #3: Block State Detector
The purpose of using the Comparator as a Block State Detector is to manipulate the output’s signal strength based on certain conditions of the block attached to its rear input source. The condition of the block it reads depends on what kind of block it is. The image above shows an example of different blocksourcessignal strength into the Comparator.
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The Comparator’s primary use as a Block State Detector is to determine thefullnessof blocks that can contain items. Because of this, we have set it aside from the other possible block states to explain it.
Containers
Each container block has a specific number of slots available in which you may place items. The output signal of these blocks is equal to the fullness of all slots compared to the maximum fullness available.
Example #1:
The logic above applies to all blocks that can be used as containers for items. The full list of these blocks is below.
The list below outlines the blocks used as a source and briefly explains how the signal can be changed for them.
Block State Detector Tips
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