Server Redstone Block

1.20.3 update: Waiting on Forge and the Architecture API to release their 1.20.3 support.

Description

Ever had redstone contraptions break on you due to a server restart?

This block acts as a normal redstone block but the server admins can trigger a warning state and an off state at will. This can give time for the contraptions to shut down gracefully before a server shutdown.

Usage

You have to have it installed both on the server and the client side as it adds a new block.

Why do you need it on the client side too?

Believe me, I've tried to make this a server-only mod. The issue is: player experience. Using only vanilla items and solutions that work from 1.18.2 upwards makes it very difficult to create a solution that is easy to grasp as a player. Imagine using a bunch of redstone blocks in your build but one of them is a "special" block that gets turned off. We need some sort of a visual clue so that you could identify the block in question.

With the client side present, we have the option of custom textures and custom block behaviour which makes it very straight forward to use.

Do you think you can solve this issue?

If you're a mod developer and you think you have a solution for this, please get in touch. I'm very interested in a good solution!

Player

As a player, you can use the block as a normal redstone block.

Crafting

You can craft it with a regular redstone block and a lever.

Redstone Output

• On: 15 power
• Warning: 1 power
• Off: 0 power

Recommended use for players

Use the above power states to react. Things that usually break the most on a restart are minecart and flying machine based contraptions. You can use the block to add in a check if you should start a next run of your system. You could outright use it as a power source that will shut off when need to. Just make sure that your system doesn't run longer than the time it warns you of an impeding restart.

Admin

To control the block, you need to have a permission level of 4.

When the server starts, the blocks always start in the ON state.

Commands

• /srs on : Sets the block to the on state
• /srs warning : Sets the block to the warning state
• /srs off : Sets the block to the off state

Recommended use

If you have scheduled restarts on your server, I recommend having the automation issue a srs warning 5 minutes before the restart. That signals to the contraptions that if it's a fast system, it could still run. Otherwise caution.

Around 1-2 minutes before the restart/shutdown, you should issue a srs off to make sure that all running contraptions have time to settle down.

Analytics

The mod collects minimal anonymous analytics to help the decision making when maintaining the mod. You can see what is collected here

Get in touch

I'm very curious to learn how you use this. Please let me know here or on twitter @houseofmeza how you've incorporated this mechanic in your own world.

I'd also like to hear from server owners if there's anything else I could help with.