Redstone Torch
Redstone Torches are deceptively simple devices that interact with Redstone, and allows complex redstone circuitry due to its unique logical properties, and is the most simple source of redstone power.
Crafting
| Name | Ingredients | Input » Output | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Torch | Shaft, Redstone |
|
Uses
Crafting
| Name | Ingredients | Input » Output | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Repeater | Stone Brick or Stone Siding, Clock, Redstone Torch |
|
Light Source
Redstone torches have a light level of 7 and will not melt ice or snow due to their low light level. This means they have half the light output of a regular torch, allowing mobs to spawn nearby. This is useful for setting up mob traps as it prevents Gloom effects and provides some mediocre visibility while not interfering with the spawning.
Redstone Circuits
The primary function of a redstone torch is to provide a power source for Redstone circuits, which can be used to operate many devices such as Pistons, Hibachis or Dispensers at a distance. The torch can power the wire for a length of 15 blocks, and takes 1 "redstone tick" (approximately 0.1 seconds) for power to flow through it.
While redstone torches are "on" by default when isolated, powering redstone connected to it, powering the block that the torch is placed on will cause it to turn off. This interaction means that a signal to a block will be the opposite of a signal away from the torch, creating a NOT-gate. NOT-gates can be strung together in a line to extend signal distance, or in branching configurations for more complex logical circuits.
Redstone torches will safely burn out when switched between the on and off states too often (8 or more off-on-cycles within 100 ticks or approximately 5 seconds) and shut down in an off state. This can happen if the player creates an infinite feedback loop by wiring a redstone torch back into its own block. This will cause the torch to repeatedly apply and remove current, allowing the torch to come back on and once again apply current to itself. Torches can be reset if the signal to them is turned off for 3 seconds or they are broken and replaced.
Keep In Mind
- Redstone Torches will directly power blocks above it, while it will only weakly power blocks next to it. By alternating blocks and redstone torches, a redstone signal can propagate vertically in a 1x1 column.
- The very short "redstone tick" delay of each torch can add up to longer periods of time in larger circuits, which can pose challenges, but can also sometimes be exploited.
- Redstone Repeaters are more expensive components that are useful for deliberately imposing larger delays in signal propagation, and for isolating signals from adjacent Redstone wires.
- When a Turntable rotates up to two solid blocks above it, it will also rotate any Redstone Torches attached to those blocks. This can convert a constant mechanical power to a reliable alternating redstone signal, which is useful when combined with the Redstone Clutch and the Bellows.
- If a Redstone Torch on the side of a block is burning out when placing another block above the Torch, try checking for and removing any redstone on top of the lower block, as this is a common unintentional feedback loop.
