Minecraft: Redstone Circuits - basic Minecraft guide, tips

Basic circuits: Systems, Transmitting signal, Repeater, Pressure Plate, Weight, Pressure plate, Comparator, Daylight Detector, Tripwire Hook - how to build? How they work?

Last update: 12 July 2020

On this page of our Minecraft guide, you will find a description of basic redstone circuits and detailed instructions on how to make them.

• Systems
• Transmitting signal
• Repeater
• Pressure Plate
• Weight Pressure plate
• Comparator
• Daylight Detector
• Tripwire Hook

Systems

To build any circuit, you need a power source and a receiver/receivers. Additionally, you can also include active elements, like logic gates or the comparator.

An example circuit may look like in the above screenshot. The Leveler connected, by means of redstone with just any block. A typical block, without its function, will not start to glow only with that, but it can be assumed that it is the last element of the circuit. If you place something onto that block, it will transfer power to that item, just like in the case of light in the example.

Since it is not a simulator, based on the actual rules of electricity, , you do not need to connect mass (-) etc. These are very simple circuits. It is enough to switch the leveler and "electricity" will start to run along the circuit, which will be signaled by the highlighting of the red dust. In a way similar to the leveler, also the other elements, such as buttons, pressure plates, weighted pressure plates or red torch work.

Transmitting signal

To transmit signal into higher, or lower, levels, you can craft steps. The Redstone will still transmit electricity across the differences in heights.

Sometimes, however, there is too little room to make steps. That is when you can use red torches and arrange them in the way shown in the above screenshot (if they come in odd numbers, it is necessary to include a NOT gate, because the signal will then be positive (+), when the switch is in the OFF position (-).

Similar principle can be attached to the redstone torch, which transmits signal, incessantly, in the spot in which it is connected. Unlike the leveler, it cannot be disabled but only destroyed.

Throughout the game, you may notice that, with long paths, redstone has difficulties operating. This is the result of the fact that its transmission distance is limited, and it equals 15 blocks You can extend it by crafting a device called redstone repeater, or by building a sort of a "replacement circuit" provided in the chapter entitled "repeater".

Repeater

Redstone repeater is to be included in a serial connection (into the gap between the ends of the redstone line). If you have already built your circuit, and you have forgotten to include the repeater, place it in the appropriate spots on the line of dust (within the distance of 15 blocks, over redstone dust line, or shorter).

Pressure Plate

You can in a simple way, open doors by placing a pressure plate made of boards or cobblestone, in front f the door and behind it. This will result in opening the door, temporarily. The plate can be placed directly in front of the door, without the necessity to place redstone.

Weight Pressure plate

The Weighted Pressure Plate works much like the pressure plate, the difference being that the strength of the signal that it emits, depends on the weight that you put onto the plate. It can be used mainly in mechanisms connected with automation and storing of items.

Comparator

Comparator - it is an unique element type, which reacts differently, depending on the strength of the signal that it receives. An example use is a weighted pressure plate built into the side of an element, with output on the back and input on front. The object on the right is going to function as a weight model, i.e. the redstone signal will be transferred only if the weight on the input is higher than on the plate on the side. These differences, however, need to be quite considerable, for the circuit to register any difference between signal strengths.

Daylight Detector

Out of interesting items, also the daylight sensor deserves a mention. This device generates signal, whose strength depends on the strength of light that it receives (sunlight only!). You can also use it to construct safety systems or automatic light switches.

Tripwire Hook

In traps, you can use the Tripwire Hook, which you place on both sides of a passage and attach a string to them. Passing through such a gate will activate an action that you have planned, using redstone. The upside of this construction is that it is barely visible.