Factorio Forums

So I'm pretty new at this game, just finished a play through. Getting into the more technical aspects of automation here.
I'm pretty happy with myself for figuring out how to use pumps tied to the storage tanks with red wire to switch the crackers on and off. This maintained heavy oil at 50% storage, and light oil at 50% storage. Petrol and lube usually maxed out but that's fine.
But then I wanted more features. If I also want to turn the cracking operation on if I run out of petrol, now I have two comparisons to make but only one input field. I could pipe in more pumps to run in parallel "OR" fluid circuit but this is not elegant.
Is this what the combinator is for? I'm confused on how to use it.
It seems that switching pumps on and off is the easiest method for this?
And also for turning solid fuel production on and off.

The short answer is yes, combinators can be quite useful for this.

Take a look at Negative Root's video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8TsSM48Osc

He uses combinators to control oil-related parts of his factory.

Good vid showing the combinator, but he does exactly the same setting that could be done right in the pump itself!
I'm guessing for more than one condition you can use those numbered signals to go from the output of one to the input of another.. I'll have to try it out. Thanks.

AutoMcD wrote:Good vid showing the combinator, but he does exactly the same setting that could be done right in the pump itself!
I'm guessing for more than one condition you can use those numbered signals to go from the output of one to the input of another.. I'll have to try it out. Thanks.

Indeed! I've created a modest guide on Steam here: http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/f ... 1461649083 (See the Logic: More Advanced Section).

I basically use several combinators to control production more precisely, i.e. only use cracking after x amount of lubricant is produced, etc.

I really love using the circuit network to automate oil processing -- saves so much time!

KatherineOfSky wrote:

AutoMcD wrote:Good vid showing the combinator, but he does exactly the same setting that could be done right in the pump itself!
I'm guessing for more than one condition you can use those numbered signals to go from the output of one to the input of another.. I'll have to try it out. Thanks.

Indeed! I've created a modest guide on Steam here: http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/f ... 1461649083 (See the Logic: More Advanced Section).

I basically use several combinators to control production more precisely, i.e. only use cracking after x amount of lubricant is produced, etc.

I really love using the circuit network to automate oil processing -- saves so much time!

Excellent guide, thank you!