Codex Rift Observatory

Dimensional Observatory

The Dimensional Observatory is a radio telescope that listens for other dimensions. It runs every scan of the complex: blind scans, triangulations, spectral searches, sector sweeps and focused probes. Only one task runs at a time.

Building

Shown size: 13 wide, 12 high, 13 deep.

This plant has a fixed size; the rules on this page say what may differ.

	Key	Block	Count
	B	Dimensional Casing	84
	C	Phase Coil	11
	D	Sensor Lens	4
	A	Quantum Data Port	1
	0	Dimensional Observatory Controller	1

Step by step

Each picture adds one layer, from the bottom up; the newest layer is bright. The controller wall faces you on the left.

Step 1: Layer 1

Parts in this step: Dimensional Casing (B) ×64, Quantum Data Port (A) ×1

Step 2: Layer 2

Parts in this step: Dimensional Casing (B) ×8, Dimensional Observatory Controller (0) ×1, Phase Coil (C) ×1

Step 3: Layer 3

Parts in this step: Dimensional Casing (B) ×8, Phase Coil (C) ×1

Step 4: Layers 4–6 (identical)

Place this layer 3 times on top of each other.

Parts in this step: Phase Coil (C) ×1

Step 5: Layer 7

Parts in this step: Dimensional Casing (B) ×4, Phase Coil (C) ×1

Step 6: Layers 8–10 (identical)

Place this layer 3 times on top of each other.

Parts in this step: Phase Coil (C) ×1

Step 7: Layer 11

Parts in this step: Sensor Lens (D) ×4, Phase Coil (C) ×1

Step 8: Layer 12

Parts in this step: Phase Coil (C) ×1

Layout

13 wide, 12 high, 13 deep. Most of this outline stays empty: the observatory is an open frame.

• Foundation ring (layer 1): a ring of 40 port slots with a radius of about six blocks ( Dimensional Casing or the Quantum Data Port).
• Spokes (layer 1): a cross of casing from the ring to the middle, and a 3 × 3 of casing in the middle.
• Controller: on top of the foundation ring, in the middle of the front side (layer 2).
• Pier (layers 2 and 3): a 3 × 3 block of casing with a Phase Coil in its middle.
• Mast (layers 4 to 12): a single column of Phase Coils in the middle.
• Collar (layer 7): four casing blocks around the mast.
• Turntable (layer 11): four Sensor Lenses around the mast.
• Free: everything else, including the space between the spokes.
• Ports: exactly one data port in the foundation ring.

In total: 85 casing (with the 40 port slots), 11 phase coils, 4 sensor lenses and the controller. The dish itself is not built: it appears above the turntable once the observatory is formed.

What it does

The tasks are started in the Rift console and explained in Research and signals:

Task	Time	Energy
Blind scan	400 ticks	2,000,000 FE
Triangulation	300 ticks	1,000,000 FE
Spectral search	600 ticks	5,000,000 FE
Sector sweep	1,200 ticks	10,000,000 FE
Focused probe	600 ticks	8,000,000 FE times the difficulty of the address

• The energy is drawn evenly over the duration. Without energy the task waits (the console shows it in red) and goes on later.
• A second task is refused while one runs: "The observatory is busy."
• Tasks only run while the complex is calibrated, complete and not in a fault. They also run while the rift is open, so you can scan while you mine.

Crafting the controller

			→ Dimensional Observatory Controller

In the world

A large lattice dish sits on the turntable and turns while the complex works, faster while the rift is open. While the rift is open, a yellow beam runs from the dish to the rift.