Programmable Block Alternative

[volvagia720]

I'm looking for an alternative to the programmable block for simple projects. I don't want to have to learn a new programming language to go further on a simple game. The timer is great, but very limited. Is there any mod or anything that gives a comparitor block and an integer block, or something like that?

As an example, if I want to make a solar array on a rotor to point at the sun at all times.
I start with a comparitor block that takes the output power of Solar Panel 1, and triggers on when the output is lower than a setable slider, and triggers off when not. Then I use that like the existing sensor block to trigger an integer block that simply pushes a value into the rotor speed like 0.1m/s and a second integer block that is triggerd on the off side of the comparitor block that sets the speed to 0m/s.

Maybe a step further would be a String block (or a few) for writing to the LCD displays or cockpit displays.

[jimfingers]

https://www.youtube.com/c/DerIsy Isy's Solar Alignment Script

[volvagia720]

Originally posted by jimfingers:

https://www.youtube.com/c/DerIsy Isy's Solar Alignment Script

The solar array was just an example i could think of off hand. There are many other uses such as changing the color of ship lights when I press a button, or monitoring the fullness of my cargo on my mining ship, to alert me before i pack full. Or alert me when my automated ship builder is out of material (even stop production when it happens)

[Karmaterrorᵁᴷ]

Dont know of any mods that add blocks like that, but the workshop has a script for everything in your last post. You wont need to learn any language as its all just selecting your downloaded script from the PG block interface, then hitting run. Oh and maybe renaming some blocks :)

[Buzzard]

There's little need to learn a programming language JUST for SE programming. There's quite a few programmers already here, and they've had some years to come up with scripts for ...a lot of problems, wants, needs, and mayhem. If it can be done with the SE system, there's bound to be someone who's had a good attempt at making it happen. ("We're engineers. If there's not a problem to be solved, we'll *MAKE* one.")

Also from Isy: scripts to maintain inventory, even to the point of crafting components to keep xx stock on hand. (IIM is one of my 'gotta have' scripts, as it makes base management almost painless)

[ShadedMJ]

Originally posted by volvagia720:

I'm looking for an alternative to the programmable block for simple projects. ...

Scripter here, and I may be the player most writing non-mod scripts. I've gotten specifications and written scripts for other players. That's all in my post history. I'm probably going to regret making this post.

I don't think the alternative programmable block is a thing. It'd would have to have all the same internals as the programmable block, so many will say "just learn programming then". If someone were to make one, it'd be a large complex task, and then would be faced with many players get it, then a many who won't and request the same thing but in a way they understand better, and this will go on forever.

There's a few mod requests that are essentially the redstone circuit system in Minecraft.

Addendum : Then there's going to be players who want to view/change things that aren't possible but demand it be included (block coloring, ownership, ship/station conversion, .....)

[ShadedMJ]

Originally posted by volvagia720:

... I start with a comparitor block that takes the output power of Solar Panel 1, and triggers on when the output is lower than a setable slider, and triggers off when not. Then I use that like the existing sensor block to trigger an integer block that simply pushes a value into the rotor speed like 0.1m/s and a second integer block that is triggerd on the off side of the comparitor block that sets the speed to 0m/s.

Aaaaaaaand to use this as an example....
Setable slider needs limits and a scale, which are going to be different for every use, and is that supposed to be an integer, float, or double?
Pushing a rotor speed of 0.1 is fine, until you realize it's gone the wrong way (away from sun) and should have been -0.1 and now needs to be reversed.

That's why scripting becomes complicated.

[dragonsphotoworks]

Originally posted by Buzzard:

There's little need to learn a programming language JUST for SE programming. There's quite a few programmers already here, and they've had some years to come up with scripts for ...a lot of problems, wants, needs, and mayhem. If it can be done with the SE system, there's bound to be someone who's had a good attempt at making it happen. ("We're engineers. If there's not a problem to be solved, we'll *MAKE* one.")

Also from Isy: scripts to maintain inventory, even to the point of crafting components to keep xx stock on hand. (IIM is one of my 'gotta have' scripts, as it makes base management almost painless)

Same almost every construct i make has it even if just to monitor stock.

And as shade said there is lot of things to take in hand when do scripts. I gave it a shot while back.. And was over whelmed lol Now i just use scripts shade or isy or nukeguard or some others have made lol

Also if have specific features or such want.. And its not on workshop. Some times the scripters will help you out with one. Just dont be as bad as me lol figure out ALL will need before ask so dont drive them crazy needing to fine tune it hehe

[Valen]

Wastn't there some tool to make programming easier by just connecting 2d-blocks in a graphical window, instead of writing the actual code with all it's typographical traps? The tool translates this to actual code. You still have to work out the process by which decisions are to be made. But shouldn't turn off non-programmers as much. I don't remember the name however.

[ShadedMJ]

Originally posted by Valen:

...The tool translates this to actual code. ...

At a tool/mod maybe, but scripts cannot edit the script of a programmable block, and the recompile process can only be done by a player.

[Valen]

Originally posted by ShadedMJ:

Originally posted by Valen:

...The tool translates this to actual code. ...

At a tool/mod maybe, but scripts cannot edit the script of a programmable block, and the recompile process can only be done by a player.

This is what I meant: https://www.spaceengineersgame.com/virtual-scripting-tool/

I may have misunderstood it's purpose. Seems to be for scripting missions. Instead of Programable block code.

[ShadedMJ]

Originally posted by Valen:

... Seems to be for scripting missions. Instead of Programable block code.

That is correct, and is in my opinion really a whole different animal than the programmable block (also I think more difficult to use).
Keen made up the Virtual Scripting so everyone could make scenarios, but the interface is very difficult that very few players (estimated <5%) can use it.

Disclaimer after dragonsphotoworks : I have not used Visual Scripting yet. I have heard many players having trouble using it. The nicest comment was saying it was very very difficult to use and nobody ever said it was easy.

[dragonsphotoworks]

I tried it for a few mins... Yup it is why so few scenarios been made :-(