Count smart inserter items in circuit network

[DaveMcW]

Items being held by a smart inserter currently do not count as part of the circuit network. I am using a smart inserter to transfer items between two smart chests on the same circuit, and it makes my item count fluctuate.

Please add items being held by a smart inserter to the network total.

[ssilk]

I try to imagine, why you think you need that. Why don't you use just red and green wire instead? Or use some kind of other setup, which isn't so reliable to that?

[DaveMcW]

I want to limit the number of items in my green network. No matter which chest or inserter they are in.

Counting chests gives a rough estimate, but I am using a LOT of inserters and it makes a difference for me.

[ssilk]

Ok, counting - but once it is in a chest, why do you want to put it out again? Or want to move it into another chest?

[DaveMcW]

Say I am unloading a cargo wagon. I have a high-capacity train stop with 2 rows of 6 smart chests on each side (24 smart chests and 24 smart inserters total).

I want 80 total items (green network condition < 80).

The first row of inserters (with +4 size bonus) unloads 60 items into the first row of smart chests. As they go back to unload 60 more items, the second row of inserters pulls all the original items out.

The first row of inserters dumps the second load of 60, but the original 60 are still in the second row of inserters. So they go back for a third load of 60.

When it finally ends I have 180 items, more than double what I asked for!