Refined Storage

What is Refined Storage?

Refined Storage is a mass storage mod that offers players a network-based storage system, allowing items and fluids to be stored on a massively expandable device network. Unlike Applied Energistics 2, Refined Storage focuses on simplicity and user-friendliness while still providing powerful storage and automation capabilities.

Getting Started

Essential Materials

Unlike AE2, Refined Storage doesn't require meteorite hunting. Here's what you need to get started:

• Quartz Enriched Iron: Made by combining Iron Ingots with Nether Quartz
• Basic Processor: Crafted using Quartz Enriched Iron and various materials
• Machine Casing: The base component for most Refined Storage blocks

Your First Storage Network

Building a basic Refined Storage network is straightforward:

1. Controller: The heart of your network (only one per network!)
   • Requires power to function
   • All devices must be connected to the controller
2. Storage Disks: Hold your actual items
   • 1k, 4k, 16k, 64k capacity options
   • Insert into Disk Drives or Disk Manipulators
3. Disk Drive: Holds up to 8 storage disks
   • Must be connected to controller via cable
   • Shows disk capacity on the front
4. Grid: Your access point to the network
   • Basic Grid for viewing/accessing items
   • Crafting Grid includes a crafting interface

Network Cables

Cables connect your devices to the Controller. Refined Storage offers several cable types:

Cable Type	Description
Normal Cable	Basic cable for connecting devices
Cover Cable	Can be hidden with covers for aesthetics
Glass Cable	Transparent, shows items traveling through (requires upgrades)

No Channel Limits! Unlike AE2, Refined Storage doesn't use channels. Connect as many devices as you want!

Storage Disks Explained

Disk Capacity

Disk Type	Capacity	Item Types	Best For
1k Storage Disk	1,000 items	Unlimited	Early game, specific items
4k Storage Disk	4,000 items	Unlimited	Mid game standard
16k Storage Disk	16,000 items	Unlimited	Late game bulk storage
64k Storage Disk	64,000 items	Unlimited	End game massive storage
Creative Storage Disk	Infinite	Unlimited	Creative mode only

Fluid Storage

Refined Storage also supports fluid storage with dedicated Fluid Storage Disks:

• 64k, 256k, 1024k, and 4096k bucket capacities
• Requires Fluid Storage Disk and Fluid Grid to access
• Perfect for managing liquid-heavy modpacks

Import and Export Automation

Importer

The Importer pulls items from adjacent inventories into your network:

• Filter Slots: Configure which items to import
• Whitelist/Blacklist: Choose whether filters are inclusive or exclusive
• Upgrades: Speed up imports with Stack Upgrades
• Common Uses: Mob farm outputs, machine results, furnace products

Exporter

The Exporter pushes items from your network into adjacent inventories:

• Filter Slots: Specify which items to export
• Amount Control: Set exact quantities to maintain in target inventory
• Crafting Mode: Automatically craft items if not in stock
• Common Uses: Keeping machines stocked, automated processing

Constructor and Destructor

These devices interact directly with the world:

• Constructor: Places blocks from your network into the world
  • Great for automated farms
  • Can place blocks or use items
• Destructor: Breaks blocks and stores them in your network
  • Perfect for automated mining
  • Can use Silk Touch or Fortune with upgrades

Autocrafting System

Refined Storage's autocrafting is intuitive and powerful:

Pattern Grid

Use the Pattern Grid to create crafting patterns:

1. Place your Pattern Grid in the network
2. Insert a Blank Pattern
3. Arrange recipe in the crafting grid
4. Click Create Pattern

Crafter

The Crafter stores patterns and performs automated crafting:

• Pattern Storage: Each crafter holds patterns
• Speed Upgrades: Multiple Speed Upgrades increase crafting speed
• Automatic Ordering: Request items through your Grid, and the system crafts them automatically

Processing Patterns

For machine-based processing (furnaces, crushers, etc.):

1. Enable Processing Pattern mode in Pattern Grid
2. Set inputs (what goes into the machine)
3. Set outputs (what comes out)
4. Store pattern in Crafter facing the machine
5. Use Exporters/Importers to handle item transfer

Network Upgrades

Enhance your devices with various upgrades:

Upgrade Type	Effect	Compatible With
Speed Upgrade	Increases operation speed	Importers, Exporters, Crafters
Stack Upgrade	Transfers full stacks instead of items	Importers, Exporters
Fortune Upgrade	Applies Fortune effect	Destructors
Silk Touch Upgrade	Applies Silk Touch effect	Destructors
Crafting Upgrade	Auto-crafts items when needed	Exporters
Regulator Upgrade	Maintains exact quantities	Exporters

Wireless Access

Wireless Grid

Access your storage remotely with the Wireless Grid:

• Craft a Wireless Grid item
• Bind it to your network using a Network Card
• Access your entire storage from anywhere in range
• Range Upgrades: Extend wireless range significantly

Wireless Transmitter

The Wireless Transmitter extends your network's wireless range:

• Place on your network
• Insert Range Upgrades to increase coverage
• Stack multiple transmitters for massive range

Advanced Features

Interface

The Interface provides filtered access to your network:

• Specify items to be "stocked" in the interface
• Other mods can access these items like a chest
• Perfect for integration with other automation mods

External Storage

Connect existing inventories to your network without moving items:

• Place External Storage on a chest or storage block
• Contents appear in your Grid
• Items remain in the original inventory
• Great for transition periods or specific use cases

Storage Monitor

Display specific item counts on your wall:

• Shows real-time quantity of a filtered item
• Can extract items when clicked
• Perfect for monitoring critical resources

Detector

Output redstone signals based on item quantities:

• Monitor specific items
• Emit signal when above/below threshold
• Integrate with redstone automation

Security System

Protect your network with the Security Manager:

• Security Cards: Create cards for different users
• Permissions: Control insert, extract, autocrafting, and more
• Wireless Security: Secure wireless access separately

Power Requirements

Refined Storage uses Forge Energy (FE/RF):

Device	Base Power
Controller	0 FE/t (idle)
Disk Drive	1 FE/t per disk
Grid	2 FE/t when open
Importer/Exporter	1 FE/t base + per operation
Crafter	3 FE/t per craft

Energy Storage: The Controller has internal energy storage, but connecting an energy cell is recommended for stability.

Refined Storage 2

The latest major update brings significant improvements:

• Improved Performance: Faster network operations
• Better UI: Enhanced Grid interface with quality of life features
• New Features: Additional devices and automation options
• Mod Compatibility: Better integration with other mods

Common Issues and Solutions

Network Not Working

• Check Power: Ensure Controller has sufficient power
• Multiple Controllers: Remove extra controllers (only one allowed)
• Cable Connection: Verify all devices are connected with cables

Autocrafting Not Working

• Pattern Issues: Verify patterns are correctly created and stored in Crafters
• Missing Materials: Ensure all recipe ingredients are in your network
• Processing Patterns: Check that Exporters/Importers are configured correctly for processing

Items Not Storing

• Disk Full: Storage disks may be at capacity
• Filters: Check if disk has filters that exclude certain items
• Priority: Adjust storage priority if needed

Tips for Success

• Start Simple: Begin with a basic Controller + Disk Drive + Grid setup
• Upgrade Gradually: Add automation as you need it
• Multiple Crafters: Use multiple Crafters for complex recipes
• Label Everything: Rename Crafters to remember what patterns they hold
• Disk Organization: Use separate disks for different item categories
• Backup Patterns: Keep spare patterns in case of accidents

Refined Storage vs Applied Energistics 2

Feature	Refined Storage	Applied Energistics 2
Complexity	Simple, user-friendly	Complex, learning curve
Channels	No channel limit	Channel system required
Setup	Quick and easy	Requires meteorite hunting
Autocrafting	Straightforward patterns	More complex but powerful
Performance	Generally lighter	Optimized for large networks
Best For	Players wanting simple storage	Players enjoying complex systems

Both mods are excellent choices - Refined Storage prioritizes simplicity and accessibility, while AE2 offers more depth and complexity. Choose based on your playstyle!