So, you want to know how to circuit like a pro? Here’s a quick guide to networking, data values, and all the good stuff.

Networking

A neat way to think about it is that each player has a copy of the circuits running on their device. A synced event causes all players to receive the event, in their own copy. Local events only fire on one device, but you can see the aftermath of it (i.e. pushing a button and flinging the player who pressed it; the local player in that case.)

RoomAuthority

The RoomAuthority is also something in play here. Most of the time, the RoomAuthority’s device processes global events, and passes it on. The RoomAuthority is automatically decided by either the player with the strongest device (more processing power), or the first player in the room (index 0). There is a way to change this using circuits, but I won’t cover that in this guide.

Basic Chip Stuff

On each chip, there are two sides. The inputs (left) and outputs (right). The inputs let you wire things in, and the outputs, well, output data that you can wire into inputs. Sorry if that’s confusing, here’s a visual:

There are two main types of chips, ones that require an exec to run, and ones that don’t. The ones that don’t, always output every few frames.

You may ask, why are the inputs and outputs different colors???

Well…

Basic Data Values

There are many different types and variations of data values, but here’s the basics.

Exec

Exec signals send a basic data value to “do something”, or execute a command. (i.e. exec from button pressed, to exec input to turn on a light). Exec outputs send such signals, and exec inputs require an exec to run. Color coded as orange.

Boolean (Bool)

Booleans are simple true or false values. You can use the If chip for example, to send exec outputs depending on the bool; whether or not it’s true or false. Color coded as red/pink.

Int + Floats

These are really simple. Integers (Int) are green, and are any whole number that isn’t a decimal or fraction. Floats (blue) are just any number including decimals + fractions. Simple enough!

Strings

Strings are just words or sentences, or paragraphs, etc. Just a text value. (tip: You can use the To String chip to output any data value as a string.) Color coded as purple.

More

There are a lot more to talk about, like lists, and player values, and object values… but that’s for another time.

Need To Know

Tags- You can use the configure menu to add tags to an object. This is really useful when working with Trigger Volumes.

Object Stuff- At the top of an object’s circuit board, there is a yellow value. This always outputs its own object value. (Usually anything that isn’t what I listed above is yellow as well)

If I missed anything, you can find it here. Amazing blog by @gribbly

https://blog.recroom.com/posts/2021/5/03/the-circuits-handbook

Hope this helped you in your Maker Pen journey! If you want to learn more, try attending a Circuit Think Tank!

https://recroom.com/events