Factorio Forums

TL;DR

Let splitters be connected to circuit and logistics networks for automated control.

What ?

Imagine being able to set a splitter to change input or output priority or filtered item based on set circuit signals or logistics network conditions.

I see this working by allowing for 3 signals to be set, one for input priority (true/false = left/right, configurable for which), one for output priority (true/false = left/right, configurable for which), and one for the filter item (takes the signaled item and sets it as the filter).

Why ?

There is currently no way to change splitter lane priorities or filtering without manual interaction.

[Koub] Merged into older topic with same suggestion.
Also other related suggestion : viewtopic.php?f=6&t=52674

sparr wrote: Thu Sep 10, 2020 5:02 pm I, too, want this, but this would make me even more annoyed that filter splitters aren't locked behind filter inserter technology. Ever since splitter settings were introduced I have thought they were available too early and made early game base layout much simpler than it should be and was before this feature. I'd love to see this feature added AND splitter filtering be locked behind the filter inserter tech.

Agreed.

sparr wrote: Thu Sep 10, 2020 5:02 pm I'd love to see this feature added AND splitter filtering be locked behind the filter inserter tech.

Agree. For example:

• no filtering for yellow splitter
• red splitter with one filter as now. (even if not after filter inserter, green circuit in the recipe as well)
• blue splitter with two-four item filtering

Sad_Brother wrote: Tue Nov 17, 2020 4:52 pm Agree. For example:

• no filtering for yellow splitter
• red splitter with one filter as now. (even if not after filter inserter, green circuit in the recipe as well)
• blue splitter with two-four item filtering

+1

Sad_Brother wrote: Tue Nov 17, 2020 4:52 pm

sparr wrote: Thu Sep 10, 2020 5:02 pm I'd love to see this feature added AND splitter filtering be locked behind the filter inserter tech.

Agree. For example:

• no filtering for yellow splitter
• red splitter with one filter as now. (even if not after filter inserter, green circuit in the recipe as well)
• blue splitter with two-four item filtering

Eh, splitters already have green (or red, in the case of express) chips in them, and I would prefer it if all splitters could be used for filter purposes. I'd just have it as a UI option that's unlocked via the filter tech.

And you do not want several item filter?

seems more like a mod interface request than something that should be integrated into base.

Sad_Brother wrote: Tue Nov 17, 2020 4:52 pm Agree. For example:

• no filtering for yellow splitter
• red splitter with one filter as now. (even if not after filter inserter, green circuit in the recipe as well)
• blue splitter with two-four item filtering

I strongly oppose the idea of the different tiers of splitters having different characteristics, except speed.

Factorio came a long way to have splitters up- and downgradable. I don't want to see that hampered in any way.

TL;DR

Add circuit controls to splitters for automated lane prioritisation.

What ?

I would love to automate setting of priority for outputs (but why stop there) for splitters to control where low flow items end up based upon my current base priorities.

Why ?

With the addition of assembler automation in FF#394, I can see this being needed to help control some of the inputs/outputs from the assemblers.

But also as mentioned to control when running low on an item on where it ends up.

I really wanted to control my splitter with combinator circuits before for the mixed bus and randomly placed assembler cells. I had to use inserters instead, but it was ugly and I would have much preferred controlling splitters instead.

Qon wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 12:54 pm I really wanted to control my splitter with combinator circuits before for the mixed bus and randomly placed assembler cells. I had to use inserters instead, but it was ugly and I would have much preferred controlling splitters instead.

This would let us do some really cool stuff with multibus setups and programmable assemblers.

i wanted to create a topic with splitters controlled by the circuit network but here it is

but more important for me is to control filter with circuit network and control prority side also

+1

Filter logic (black/whitelist) applied to splitter, you only have to manually select the side which is unfiltered (or give a direction signal L/R)

TL;DR

Splitter Circuit conditions

What ?

Splitter conditions for (Left/Right priority input and output) Filter set condition

Set a condition for input priority and assign value for neutral. Signal(A) value:1 if signal value is less than value set priority is Left, if greater Value is right. if equal value is neutral and no priority is set.

Identical option for Output priority

with option on each condition to set which circuit networks are being monitored IE: Read from Green And/OR Red for each individual condition.)

Example:
A is 5 so higher than the selected value of 2 so priority goes to right,
B equals 1 but only on the green network which it is not monitoring(grayed out green button) and B is 0 on the Red signal line and is less than the selected value of 1 so left priority. if B was equal to 1 on Red it would be neutral and no priority would be selected.

Whitelist is monitoring Green only so Iron plates is added to the filter list

Why ?

With the new changes of assembly machines recipes being settable the Load balancing can change and i think managing it with splitters being disabled/enabled or changing lane priority would be a easy way to fix that.

or if your running low on ammo for instance you can change priority of your iron plates to move towards ammo assemblers.

Splitters are great, but they currently cannot be connected to the circuit network and only have one filter (unlike inserters).

The notion is rather straightforward, and would be extremely useful in various context, especially for Space Age.

• Enable multiple filters (equivalent to inserters) - being able to split more that one item will be extremely useful for mixed belts and sushi builds

• Allow to set blacklist vs whitelist (equivalent to inserters) - being able to exclude particular items would also be fantastic

Secondly, enabling Splitters to work with circuits would be amazing:

• Set filter (signals)

• Allow to control input and output priority via control signal (negative=left, 0= neutral, >0 = right)

Yea, i would need that too, but there were previously same topics, and nothing moved forward in that matter

@OP : You may want to add your voice in the existing suggestions for what you ask for :
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=56520
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=116805

Adding my voice here, just saying that this would be a fantastic feature.

I can picture some interesting new use cases in Space Age, specifically:

- Controlling priority by circuit could allow gradual spillover, e.g. to avoid having too much spoilable cargo rotting on a dead-end belt (Gleba, Nauvis)
- One big sushi belt topping up a smaller sushi belt, e.g. some (but not all) red+blue chips on Fulgora getting sent away to make modules

This could all be done using inserters, especially since they've all received a major buff (filters, hand size, belt stacking, etc); or with a more complex chain of splitters and circuit-controlled belt segments. The last option doesn't mesh well with spoilables though, as when a belt is disabled there will always be some leftovers stuck behind.