[Signals][Space Age] Sorting Logic of Signals on Circuit Network in Factorio Space Age 2.0 :: Explained

[Fabriken AGI]

Sorting Logic of Signals on Circuit Network in Factorio Space Age 2.0

Selector Combinator Modes
The selector combinator is a critical component for signal sorting and filtering in Factorio's Space Age update. It offers various modes to manipulate signals effectively:

Select Input:

• Sort Descending (default): This mode sorts the input signals by their values in descending order (highest value first). The output will be the signal with the highest value.
• Sort Ascending: This mode sorts the input signals by their values in ascending order (lowest non-zero value first). The output will be the signal with the lowest value.
• Index: In this mode, the combinator sorts the input signals by value and outputs the signal at a specific position among the sorted values. The position is determined by an index number (starting from 0).

Count Inputs:

• This mode outputs the number of unique input signals regardless of their values. It helps in scenarios where you need to know how many different types of signals are present.

Random Input:

• This mode outputs a random input signal at regular intervals (every set number of game ticks). It's useful for creating varied outputs or for testing scenarios.

Stack Size:

• This mode outputs the stack sizes of the input items. It is particularly useful for inventory management and logistic operations where knowing the stack size is crucial.

Rocket Capacity:

• This mode outputs the rocket capacity of the input signals. It is useful in managing the resources needed for rocket launches and space exploration.

Quality Filter:

This mode filters signals based on their quality grade:

• Greater Than: Outputs signals with a quality grade greater than the specified grade.
• Less Than: Outputs signals with a quality grade less than the specified grade.
• Equal To: Outputs signals with a quality grade equal to the specified grade.
• Greater or Equal To: Outputs signals with a quality grade greater than or equal to the specified grade.
• Less or Equal To: Outputs signals with a quality grade less than or equal to the specified grade.
• Not Equal To: Outputs signals with a quality grade not equal to the specified grade.

Quality Transfer:

• This mode outputs the selected target signal with a specific quality grade. It is useful for transferring quality attributes from one signal to another.

Sorting Order of Signals in Logistic Groups
When dealing with signals within logistic groups, the sorting logic is as follows:

Within the Same Logistic Group

• Signals are sorted based on their values. By default, the sort descending mode is used, which means the signal with the highest value is selected.
• You can change this to sort ascending, which will select the signal with the lowest non-zero value.

Between Different Logistic Groups in the Same Entity

• The sorting logic for comparing signals from different logistic groups within the same entity is the same as within a single group. Signals are sorted by value in descending or ascending order, depending on your configuration.
• This sorting logic is useful for prioritizing certain signals or managing resource distribution efficiently. For instance, you can ensure that the most critical resources are processed first.

Default Signal Behavior Without Selector Combinator
When not using a selector combinator, the default behaviors for signals in the circuit network are:

Signal Propagation

• Signals travel through the circuit network as they are generated by various sources such as decider combinators, arithmetic combinators, constant combinators, and storage entities (e.g., chests, trains, inserters). Each source outputs signals independently.

Default Sorting Order

• Signal Prioritization: Signals are processed based on the sequence in which they are input into the circuit network. Signals that are input earlier may be read or processed first.
• No Explicit Sorting: There is no explicit user-defined sorting applied to signals unless combinators or other logic circuits are used.
• Signal Summation: Signals with the same type are summed together. For example, if two entities output 10 and 15 iron plates respectively, the circuit network will show a total of 25 iron plates.

Priority and Read Order

• Logistic Network Prioritization: In a logistic network, robots prioritize tasks based on signal demand and robot availability. Signals are simply a means to communicate requests for items.
• Device-Specific Logic: Devices like train stations and inserters have their own logic for reading and interpreting signals.

Cable Color Priority and Signal Addition

Cable Color Priority:

When signals are transmitted through the circuit network, the cable color priority is important:

• Red Cables: Signals from red cables are processed first if both red and green cables are connected to the same entity.
• Green Cables: Signals from green cables are processed next.

If an entity is connected to both red and green cables, signals from red cables take priority over signals from green cables.

Signal Addition:

• When signals are transmitted through multiple cables, the values are added up.

For example, if a signal (e.g., iron plates) is present on both red and green cables, the total value is the sum of the values from both cables. If the red cable carries 10 iron plates and the green cable carries 15 iron plates, the total signal value will be 25 iron plates.

This summation happens automatically in the circuit network, ensuring that all contributions from connected entities are accounted for in the final signal value.

In summary, without specific combinators, signals in Factorio are managed based on their natural propagation and summation within the network. For complex sorting, filtering, and prioritizing, combinators and other circuit network components are essential.

I hope this detailed explanation provides a comprehensive understanding of the default signal behavior! If you have specific scenarios or further questions, feel free to ask.

[Fabriken AGI]

Please comment if something is not right, or if I missed something when compiling this info

[Tertius]

I don't want to sound rude, but it seems you didn't remove AI hallucinations from its output. The game doesn't work like as it is described. The text looks proper and competent, but it isn't actually describing some of the real Factorio game mechanics properly. Instead, it is inventing ("hallucinating") some nonexisting facts. If you're not able to see this and not able rework the text instead of publishing such a text unedited, I recommend you make yourself more familiar with the real game mechanics. Examples for hallucinations: red cable isn't prioritized over green cable. There is no default sorting order (instead, there is just THE sorting order). Robots don't prioritize as it is described.

[Fabriken AGI]

I don't want to sound rude, but it seems you didn't remove AI hallucinations from its output. The game doesn't work like as it is described. The text looks proper and competent, but it isn't actually describing some of the real Factorio game mechanics properly. Instead, it is inventing ("hallucinating") some nonexisting facts. If you're not able to see this and not able rework the text instead of publishing such a text unedited, I recommend you make yourself more familiar with the real game mechanics. Examples for hallucinations: red cable isn't prioritized over green cable. There is no default sorting order (instead, there is just THE sorting order). Robots don't prioritize as it is described.

Thats why i wrote the post..
- "default sorting order" and "THE sorting order" refers to the same thing. eg when not using a selector combinator. was it really that hard to comprehend or did you just pretend to not understand
So what if its not 100% correct on the first try, it did most right, didn't it?
Thats why this is the forum and not the wiki.

[Kyralessa]

So what if its not 100% correct on the first try, it did most right, didn't it?
Thats why this is the forum and not the wiki.

But what is the point of publishing bad info when good info can already be found (e.g. on the wiki)?

[Tertius]

Thats why i wrote the post..
- "default sorting order" and "THE sorting order" refers to the same thing.

Ok, then please tell me what is this sorting order? This isn't explained in the text. The text mentions an order, but it doesn't explain what the order actually is except for the selector combinator "index" operation.

To get an idea what info is needed, please try to answer these questions with the information from the text:

• there is a chest with various items in various amounts. Which item will an inserter pick from that chest? (this is about sorting order!)
• there is a set of various signals with various values on the circuit network. Which signal will the ANY operator in a decider combinator pick?
• there is a set of various signals with various values on the circuit network. Which signal will a selector combinator pick at index 0?
• there is a set of various signals with various values on the red wire, and a different set of signals and values on the green wire, both connected to a combinator. Answer the 2 previous questions with this wire setup.
• there is a set of various signals with various values defined in a constant combinator with one logistic group, and a different set of signals and values in the same constant combinator, with a different logistic group. This constant combinator is connected to the input of another combinator. Which of the signals are being input to this other combinator? How does the order of the signal definition in the constant combinator influence the result?
• there is a set of various recipe signals with various values on the circuit network. It's connected to an assembling machine and the option to set the recipe from the circuit network is activated. Which of the recipe signals will the assembling machine pick and use as recipe?

These are everyday questions, but with the exception of one question, you don't learn the answer from the text. Instead, it's even suggesting wrong answers.

[Fabriken AGI]

Thats why i wrote the post..
- "default sorting order" and "THE sorting order" refers to the same thing.

Ok, then please tell me what is this sorting order? This isn't explained in the text. The text mentions an order, but it doesn't explain what the order actually is except for the selector combinator "index" operation.

To get an idea what info is needed, please try to answer these questions with the information from the text:

• there is a chest with various items in various amounts. Which item will an inserter pick from that chest? (this is about sorting order!)
• there is a set of various signals with various values on the circuit network. Which signal will the ANY operator in a decider combinator pick?
• there is a set of various signals with various values on the circuit network. Which signal will a selector combinator pick at index 0?
• there is a set of various signals with various values on the red wire, and a different set of signals and values on the green wire, both connected to a combinator. Answer the 2 previous questions with this wire setup.
• there is a set of various signals with various values defined in a constant combinator with one logistic group, and a different set of signals and values in the same constant combinator, with a different logistic group. This constant combinator is connected to the input of another combinator. Which of the signals are being input to this other combinator? How does the order of the signal definition in the constant combinator influence the result?
• there is a set of various recipe signals with various values on the circuit network. It's connected to an assembling machine and the option to set the recipe from the circuit network is activated. Which of the recipe signals will the assembling machine pick?

These are everyday questions, but with the exception of one question, you don't learn the answer from the text. Instead, it's even suggesting wrong answers.

wow..

When using logistic groups with red and green cables, i guess; since it was talking about that just above. why don't you go argue with copilot?
Or better, imagine if you took the time to quote the text and fixed the info that was wrong, instead of taking the time to come up with all these edge cases and getting worked up.

No, im not going to take the time to find answers to all your questions. But if you know them, wouldn't it take less energy to just do that? For example write 1 instead of 0 for index, if its 1-n indexing.
Literally would have just taken one character to type..

So, was as the info itself wrong, or was it not enough info to answer all your specific questions?

[Tertius]

So, was as the info itself wrong, or was it not enough info to answer all your specific questions?

Are you not a Factorio player? Everybody with a minimum of understanding of the circuit network would immediately realize it's crap except for the part about the selector combinator, which is just a 1:1 copy of the wiki article.
My quiz questions were no edge cases, nothing special. They asked completely ordinary and basic things. Things you encounter from the moment you connect a read or green wire to some item.

See, your AI article is the best example I ever saw that explains why it's crucial to not trust AI-generated text in the first place but validate everything it generates. You still need the knowledge to see if it is real or just made up. It doesn't replace your brain. AI's are an incredible tool. I use them for programming work and for research on a daily basis, and they are an incredible help. But you need to see all their output with a grain of salt.