A lot of players have a certain apprehension towards redstone. Well, perhaps it’s not exactly fear, but they find it complicated, which leads them to avoid trying to create anything with it.
The truth is that redstone can be complex, yet there are numerous items you can craft without needing extensive knowledge of device and machine mechanics. Today, I will introduce you to the redstone comparator.
The comparator was introduced in Minecraft version 1.5, alongside hoppers, nether bricks, and cobwebs. To craft one comparator block, you’ll need three stones, one nether quartz, and three redstone torches. The inclusion of nether quartz in the recipe means you’ll have to visit the Nether at least once.
Have you crafted one? Great! Place it on the ground using your key, then take a look at it. Do you see the large arrow? It points toward the front side of the comparator (the direction away from you when you place it). On the front side, there’s one redstone torch, while the back has two. The current flows out from the front torch, while the two rear ones receive it.
Take a moment to review the last paragraph once more if anything was unclear, as the following information will build upon the previously mentioned details. Once you have a grasp of how the comparator functions, click on the “use” button. You will notice that the front torch turns on and off—switching between two distinct modes. When it is not lit, the comparator operates in comparison mode, while when it is illuminated, it is in subtraction mode. Let’s discuss how these modes function.
First, let’s look at comparison mode. In this mode, the comparator compares different signal strengths. If the signal coming from the back of the block is stronger than the signals entering any of its other sides, then the input and output strength will be equal. However, if the incoming signal on the other sides is stronger than the one at the back, there will be no output at the front.
Now, what about subtraction mode? This mode simply subtracts the signal level from the side inputs from the signal level at the rear input. For instance, if the signal level at the back is 8 and the side input is 3, the value displayed on the front panel will be 5.
That’s all you need to know about how the comparator works. However, there is one magical feature I haven’t mentioned yet. It transforms this block from merely useful to invaluable. Certain blocks in Minecraft, placed near the comparator, will emit signal strength based on the state of that block.
Let’s consider a few examples to ensure you fully grasp the concept. Perhaps the most crucial element is the container. We will be using a chest, but this category also includes dispensers, cooking stands, loading funnels, pressure plates, and more. A comparator placed next to the chest will output a signal level proportional to how full the chest is: if it’s full, it will show 15, while if it’s empty, it will display 0. This can serve as an alert that it’s time to sort through your chests.
The same principle applies when placing a comparator near a cake. When all the slices are intact, the comparator will indicate 14, and with each slice consumed, this number will decrease by 2. You can even create a system that triggers an alarm when someone eats your cake.
There are countless other combinations, and what I’ve provided as examples is just a tiny fraction of all the possibilities. You can invent new designs, build mechanisms, and create various devices that enhance gameplay in Minecraft Bedrock. The potential is entirely in your hands; all you need to do is give it a try!
