Hourglass

Hourglass
Name	Hourglass
Source Mod	Automagy 1
ID Name	Automagy:blockHourglass
Type	Block
Stackable	Yes (64)
Blast Resistance	5.0
Hardness	1.0
Burn Time	300 ticks (1.5 Items)
Solid	Yes
Transparent	Yes
Affected by Gravity	No
Emits Light	No
Flammable	No
Required Tool

Hourglass is a block added by the Automagy 1 mod. It is a functional wave timer which can be activated by redstone signal applied to it from top, bottom or from the sides the sticks which support the top part of the machine do not connect. Applying a redstone signal to this device will make its internal sand buffer to rotate, causeing the sand to fall. Once the sand has settled, the device will emit a redstone pulse from the sides which are the only two left for the output (input sides described earlier). Attaching a Redstone Comparator to the output side will result in Redstone Comparator outputting signal from 0 to 15 depending on how much of the sand has already fallen. The timer length can be toggled between 5, 10, 15, ... , 60 seconds by right-clicking the device with a Stick or with any Wand.

Thaumcraft 4 Research Notes[edit]

Redstone Theory
Magic or technology?

Research aspects in this block[edit]

Thaumonomicon Entry[edit]

"Redstone possesses many unusual characteristics. Its ability to transmit signals and form "circuits" has led many to believe it is a form of mundane technology. Indeed, redstone powder is the foundation upon which all sorts of technology relies. However, one who is versed in the arcane arts knows that redstone's unique properties are invaluable to all manner of magics, potions perhaps being the most well-known example.

For these reasons, redstone is often viewed as a natural bridge between magic and technology. And so it is, but the thaumaturge knows that it is much more: At the fundamental level, redstone is no mundane material at all. Even when functioning as part of an elaborate circuit or mechanical device, a more careful look reveals that its behavior can be described only as magical.

You aim to take full advantage of this wondrous substance. To this end, you have designed some simple devices to help you better incorporate "redstone logic" into your everyday thaumaturgy.

You are certain that further studies will yield greater and more diverse inventions. In fact, this may even be the basis of a whole new discipline of thaumaturgy, one focused on allowing a thaumaturge to automate tasks more intelligently. You think you'll call it Automagy.

Redstone Inversion Torch:
The redstone torch's ability to invert a redstone signal is very useful but you cannot help but notice that it inverts only in a binary manner. Even the weakest signal that reaches the block the torch is attached to will cause it to turn off, and when it is on, it is always at full strength. But what if you wanted a truly inverted signal? Not just from 15 to 0, but from 10 to 5, from 3 to 12, and so on?

Utilizing basic thaumaturgical principles, you have created a more orderly, less all-or-nothing redstone torch.

Hourglass:
The redstone hourglass is a simple but versatile device allowing you to regulate the timings of redstone signal transmissions.

When activated (by right-click or redstone signal), the glass turns and sand starts to fall. A redstone pulse is emitted once the sand has settled. If the rear of a redstone comparator is next to the hourglass, it will output a signal which increases in strength as the sand falls.

The hourglass outputs to its left and right sides. It accepts activation signals from any other side.

Right-click the hourglass with your wand or a stick to adjust the timer's length. The timer is quite precise but unfortunately only allows adjustments in five-second increments and peaks out at 60 seconds, but you know this device is only the foundation upon which you will build better things."