Replace 1 block at a time in the row by pushing it through. Have it push a set from each side for aesthetic value. Unfortunately, even this simple version is beyond my skills. I know I would need a stack of gravel somewhere to keep the line moving, and wiring the timings for both forward and reverse is baffling to me.
Edit: Or I suppose it could be a full loop that goes all the way around underneath.
I think I envisioned a way that all the parts could move and make scenario 1 happen. The problem is that I'm fairly certain it's extremely difficult/impossible/completely sadistic to try to wire it. I'm leaning towards impossible. It's also very likely that I am over-complicating things.
I did not extend any pistons for these pictures, so this is not entirely representative of what it would look like.
This first picture is in the closed state.
This second picture shows the first step, which would be to double extend the 3 stack of pistons on the left and bring the cobblestone row down as shown, and triple extend the right 3 stack of pistons to bring that cobblestone row back. This would allow both sets of blocks to clear the stairs.
This third picture shows the swapping of the stairs and the cobblestone blocks by pushing the stairs in front of each set of blocks, pushing the blocks out one to move the stairs out of the way, then withdrawing the cobblestone blocks out of the way.
This fourth picture shows everything moved into final position. The left stack of 3 pistons would have to be fully extended, while the right stack of 3 pistons would have to full extend followed by the double stack of pistons fully extending to push the stairs left then up and into place.
I also had another idea for how this could work that would look completely different while it's activating but would end up with basically the same result and I know it would be much, much easier.
I spent the last while fiddling around just trying to lay out the pistons and stairs to see if I could imagine a way everything would move properly into place. I wasn't even thinking about wiring at the time and I can't figure out a way this would even be operational working all from underneath. Has anyone made progress besides Coolie? He definitely has 1/2 of it working, but I think nearly 100% of the difficultly lies in the 2nd half.
I'll check back first thing in the morning. Thanks for spending so much time on it. I figure, if it is possible, it is something that many people might like to use.
I knew 5 wide would make it more difficult, but it's important to this particular project that it be that wide (or wider). If it's not possible with the parameters set out, I'll find a different design rather than compromise on width, but thank you for the reply.
I've thought about this problem a lot myself but, not having the redstone experience, I can only really imagine how the action would look and not how the actual wiring would be done. I believe, perhaps incorrectly, that the bottom step would not be very difficult but the problems come up with getting rid of the fence on top or placing the top step.
Update 2: I attached the concept to a piston clock That rotates the blocks very quickly when activated. The next step is to get it to start and stop after the proper number of pulses. Here's a video:
Here's a link to the schematic: Stair Concept 2
(I haven't used that site for uploading before, but MegaUpload kept crashing Chrome.)
Would anyone be willing to help me with making it start and stop at the proper time and extend and retract properly? Also I'm sure it can be compacted quite a bit. Extending it downwards is the best option, and I think that the front pistons can actually be powered through the back of the stairs like the upper ones are for extending and retracting, which would likely save a ton of space.
So how would I go about stopping the rotational pistons after each set has pulsed 6 times?
------------------------------
Update: I have a working concept that I designed myself. The awesome part is that it actually creates a seamless wall that's 3 blocks high! Right now it's all manually operated via levers and buttons, but I believe it's definitely possible for its operation to be automated. I believe it requires some sort of clock with a toggle on and off and a ring counter, along with some other fairly complex wiring that's way beyond me right now. This was around my 5th iteration of trying to make this work. Here's a video of me working it:
Now if some kind soul would take it upon themselves to wire the damn thing for me all would be right in the world!
------------------------------
My first question would be "is this possible?" My second question would be "how?"
First option:
Closed
Open
Second option:
Closed
Open
Parameters:
-Where the stairs end up in relation to where the wall/gate was is unimportant
-No redstone or pistons showing in the closed or open form
-Mechanism can show during operation
-Unlimited space below
-The front must be 2 blocks vertical in the closed form, be it 2 high stone or a 1 high fence on top of 1 high stone
-No sand or gravel showing in open or closed form
-No stairs showing in open or closed form
-The path must be 5 blocks wide (ability to go wider is fine, but unnecessary)
-The side walls are not important to the design
I would greatly appreciate any help anyone can provide. I have some more basic redstone/piston devices working, but something this complex is beyond me right now. I also understand if the parameters make this particular device impossible.
0
Replace 1 block at a time in the row by pushing it through. Have it push a set from each side for aesthetic value. Unfortunately, even this simple version is beyond my skills. I know I would need a stack of gravel somewhere to keep the line moving, and wiring the timings for both forward and reverse is baffling to me.
Edit: Or I suppose it could be a full loop that goes all the way around underneath.
0
I did not extend any pistons for these pictures, so this is not entirely representative of what it would look like.
This first picture is in the closed state.
This second picture shows the first step, which would be to double extend the 3 stack of pistons on the left and bring the cobblestone row down as shown, and triple extend the right 3 stack of pistons to bring that cobblestone row back. This would allow both sets of blocks to clear the stairs.
This third picture shows the swapping of the stairs and the cobblestone blocks by pushing the stairs in front of each set of blocks, pushing the blocks out one to move the stairs out of the way, then withdrawing the cobblestone blocks out of the way.
This fourth picture shows everything moved into final position. The left stack of 3 pistons would have to be fully extended, while the right stack of 3 pistons would have to full extend followed by the double stack of pistons fully extending to push the stairs left then up and into place.
I also had another idea for how this could work that would look completely different while it's activating but would end up with basically the same result and I know it would be much, much easier.
0
Oh, and I got the simulator, Radiance.
0
0
0
I've thought about this problem a lot myself but, not having the redstone experience, I can only really imagine how the action would look and not how the actual wiring would be done. I believe, perhaps incorrectly, that the bottom step would not be very difficult but the problems come up with getting rid of the fence on top or placing the top step.
0
Here's a link to the schematic: Stair Concept 2
(I haven't used that site for uploading before, but MegaUpload kept crashing Chrome.)
Would anyone be willing to help me with making it start and stop at the proper time and extend and retract properly? Also I'm sure it can be compacted quite a bit. Extending it downwards is the best option, and I think that the front pistons can actually be powered through the back of the stairs like the upper ones are for extending and retracting, which would likely save a ton of space.
So how would I go about stopping the rotational pistons after each set has pulsed 6 times?
------------------------------
Update: I have a working concept that I designed myself. The awesome part is that it actually creates a seamless wall that's 3 blocks high! Right now it's all manually operated via levers and buttons, but I believe it's definitely possible for its operation to be automated. I believe it requires some sort of clock with a toggle on and off and a ring counter, along with some other fairly complex wiring that's way beyond me right now. This was around my 5th iteration of trying to make this work. Here's a video of me working it:
And here's a link to download the schematic: Stair Concept Schematic
Now if some kind soul would take it upon themselves to wire the damn thing for me all would be right in the world!
------------------------------
My first question would be "is this possible?" My second question would be "how?"
First option:
Closed
Open
Second option:
Closed
Open
Parameters:
-Where the stairs end up in relation to where the wall/gate was is unimportant
-No redstone or pistons showing in the closed or open form
-Mechanism can show during operation
-Unlimited space below
-The front must be 2 blocks vertical in the closed form, be it 2 high stone or a 1 high fence on top of 1 high stone
-No sand or gravel showing in open or closed form
-No stairs showing in open or closed form
-The path must be 5 blocks wide (ability to go wider is fine, but unnecessary)
-The side walls are not important to the design
I would greatly appreciate any help anyone can provide. I have some more basic redstone/piston devices working, but something this complex is beyond me right now. I also understand if the parameters make this particular device impossible.
Thanks again.