Item Allocator

Better than a hopper, really!

An item allocator (also known as an item buffer) is a device that stores and transfers items between adjacent blocks or transport systems.

Obtaining

A placed item allocator can be instantly picked up by dismantling it with a wrench. Its configuration is preserved in the item. It can also be mined using a pickaxe.

Crafting

Usage

Placement

When placed, an item allocator faces the player. It can face any of the four cardinal directions, and can be rotated using a wrench.

Operation

Items can enter and exit an item allocator through its sides. It can store items in 9 buffer slots.

An item allocator can automatically transfer items out of any configured output sides, evenly dividing them if multiple output sides are configured. This is called auto-output. It can also transfer items from adjacent inventories into any configured input sides. This is called auto-input. Auto-output and auto-input occur every 16 ticks (0.8 seconds) if the item allocator is active.

The amount of items that an item allocator transfers per cycle can be configured separately for auto-output and auto-input. It can, at most, transfer one full stack at a time.

Which sides can output and/or accept items and whether auto-output and auto-input are enabled can be configured using the Configuration tab in the device’s GUI.

Filtering

An item allocator can be configured to only accept and transfer items that match a given list of items. This can be done by using the placed item allocator while sneaking. It has various options that determine how this list is used to match items.

Blacklist/Whitelist

Treat the list of items as a blacklist (store all items except these) or as a whitelist (only store these items). The list is used as a blacklist by default.

Ore Dictionary

Match items that are considered equivalent, like the various versions of copper and tin ingots added by different mods. This is ignored by default.

Metadata

Match items by their exact metadata / damage value. This is ignored by default.

NBT

Match items by their exact NBT data. This is ignored by default.

Redstone control

An item allocator may be configured to respond to redstone signals. It can be in one of three modes:

Ignored

Redstone control is disabled. The item allocator is always active. This is the default mode.

Low

The item allocator works when not powered. When powered, it stops working.

High

The item allocator only works when powered.

The current mode can be set using the Redstone Control tab in the device’s GUI.

Security

An item allocator can have a signalum security lock installed to restrict who can access it.

Redprints

An item allocator’s configuration can be saved on a redprint to be copied to other item allocators.

Light source

When an item allocator is active, it emits a light level of 5.

Redstone comparators

When placed next to an item allocator, a redstone comparator emits a signal strength of between 0 and 15, depending on how full the item allocator’s buffer slots are.