Why are Constant Combinators unpowered?

[subbob]

Why Constant Combinators (CC) require power as do the other digital components?

The CC include an On/Off toggle, but unless I'm missing something it can only be changed manually. If they were powered it would greatly simplify circuit design through use of a Power Switch.

[aubergine18]

https://mods.factorio.com/mods/theRusty ... ork-switch

[Xeteth]

If they were powered it would greatly simplify circuit design through use of a Power Switch.

I assume you mean you want essentially an automated way of turning them on or off? If so this can be achieved by using the decider combinator - wire the constant combinator into it as well as the trigger signal and set the decider to output everything when the trigger signal is received.

[subbob]

Thanks for the link to the Mod and suggestion on toggling input of CC with a DC & trigger signal.

[Deadly-Bagel]

Decider is the better way to go as all entities have an internal power buffer that allow them to run for a little while after the power is cut, I think it's only a few seconds tops if even that but it's not instant.