Frames

`Intro`

Frames are a block that function similarly to the movement of vanilla MC slime blocks. They are coupled with motors to allow you to move blocks in the world. This feature can be used to construct mechanisms of all sorts. Popular are flying machines, that can move almost any block in the game. This can be used for functional setups, such as moving GregTech miners or pumps. However there is a large margin for more decretive mechanics. Some cool things frames can be used for, include: moving filled GT tanks, making more immersive elevators, flying missiles into peoples bases, and so much more.

Frames
Frames at the moment are a single block called "Frame" from the mod MCFrames. Their main functionality is that when they are moved, they will move all blocks they are touching. This allows you to move massive quantities of blocks at a time, when using a single motor touching a single point.

Frames support a handful of items which can be placed inside of the frame. For example, forge multipart items such as covers, strips, etc, can be placed within the frame. Placing something like a cover on the face of a frame will block it from attaching to any block on that side. You can also put Buildcraft pipes in frames. These allow for item movement within a frame block, which can be quite handy. Many things from PR can be placed within frames as well. Many items exist called framed "item name". For example there are framed low load power cables, as well as framed red alloy cables. These allow you to transmit PR power and up to 16 redstone signals within the frame.

Frame movers
Frames have 2 main methods of transportation. The frame motor, as well as the linear actuator. The motor functions much like a conveyor. When given a redstone signal, it will push any block 1 block forward in the direction it points in. To change the direction it points, use a projectRed screwdriver and r click to switch face, and shift r click to rotate within that face. Frames will not stick to the movement side of a motor, even if it's not being used at the time.

The other method of movement is the linear actuator. This functions like a minecraft piston, with one extra component. When given a redstone signal, it will push any block away from the actuator by 1 block. Additionally, it will hold onto blocks on it's pushing face. When moving the linear actuator, the block in front of it will also attempt to move.

One key factor in moving any block or frame structure, the motor can only push blocks it touches, and blocks touching frames. If you attempt to push 2 blocks together, while only touching one, the motor or actuator will not work. Every moving block needs to be touching the face of a frame, or the face of the motor. If a block is not adjacent to a frame, but also does not impede movement, then the structure will be moved, and this block will stay stationary.

The final, and sort of disappointing part of motors is their power source. Both motors and actuators need to be supplied a projectred power line. These are called low load cables, and transmit PR's own power. To generate this you can use their electrotine gen, or the PR solar panels. Generally their power usage is fairly low, and the generation is cheap enough that you should be able to power as many block movers as you need.

Do's and Don'ts of frames
Somewhat deservingly, somewhat undeservingly, frames have a bit of a reputation for being unstable. They can cause their fair share of crashed, and world issues, however there are some useful tactics to navigate frame mechanics. There's a few blocks you shouldn't mess with, but even those are only an nbt edit away from being fixed.

FPS issues are going to be common with larger frame setups. With many moving parts, with possibly many motors, you will notice a LARGE drop in performance. I have found my game almost running at 1fps when standing in the middle of some setups. Generally, if you don't look at it, or stand too close, there won't be large fps issues.

TPS issues may be a concern considering how much is going on, however from my experiments, I noticed negligible tps impact. There may be really bad blocks out there, that haven't been found yet.

You may start experiencing issues in which your client will disconnect from the server when moving larger frame structures. It will often say "packet handling error" or something similar. This won't interrupt the server, simply will kick your client. This usually occurs when you place too much on a single frame structure. While the exact limit seems fuzzy, I would estimate it to be close to 200+ blocks

Blocks I would avoid would be

EIO conduits Remote IO interface Transvector interface

On the topic of blocks that cause issues, some blocks that you may assume to be wonky, actually work quite well.

AE quantum rings AE P2P AE Spatial SFM (variables and steves addon triggers can function a little strangely) Ic2 nukes PR IC chips Most GT machines RC Anchors Wireless redstone (can be prone to a few issues, but only ones that make itself function wrongly)

These aren't all inclusive lists, but simply blocks I have tested myself. If you read this and find something else that bricks the game, I would encourage you to add it here to let people know.