Distributor Queue
In the world of Minecraft automation, precision is everything. A single misplaced item can clog a machine, stall a production line, or throw off an entire Applied Energistics 2 autocrafting sequence. The Distributor Queue mod solves this problem with a single, meticulously designed block that splits items and fluids exactly how you need them—no randomness, no stacking shortcuts, just pure FIFO order and equal distribution.
What Is the Distributor Queue?
The Distributor Queue is a compact add-on that introduces one block: the Distributor. Unlike hoppers, pipes, or standard chests that often distribute items unevenly or merge identical stacks, the Distributor enforces strict rules. It will only output when it can send an equal amount to every active side simultaneously. If that condition isn’t met, it blocks completely, preventing partial transfers that could break your carefully tuned systems.
This mod was originally designed to work with AE2’s autocrafting, where semi-broken blocking mode can cause headaches. By placing a Distributor between your storage and molecular assemblers, you guarantee that each machine receives exactly the right number of ingredients in the correct sequence. It’s a niche tool, but for players who demand absolute control, it’s indispensable.
How the Distributor Works
The Distributor’s logic is simple yet unforgiving. Items or fluids pumped into it are held in a queue and released in First-In-First-Out (FIFO) order. If you send four coal, then four charcoal, then four more coal, the block will output the first four coal, then the charcoal, then the last four coal—never mixing them. This contrasts sharply with vanilla containers, which would stack the two coal groups together, potentially disrupting recipes that rely on specific ingredient sequences.
Active sides are configured by shift-clicking the Distributor with an empty hand. Each side can be toggled on or off, allowing you to direct flow precisely. The block then attempts to push items or fluids equally to all active sides. If it has three items and four active sides, it will do nothing—it refuses to split unevenly. Similarly, if one output is full, the entire Distributor halts until that side clears. This all-or-nothing behavior is the core of its reliability.
Fluid Handling
The Distributor isn’t limited to items. It also handles fluids with the same strict equal-splitting logic. Whether you’re distributing lava, water, or modded liquids, the block ensures each connected tank or machine gets an identical share, in the order the fluids arrived. This makes it a powerful tool for balanced chemical processing lines in modpacks.
Installation and Compatibility
The Distributor Queue mod is built for Minecraft 1.12.2 and runs on the Forge mod loader. Before you download Distributor Queue, you must also install its required library, CodeChickenLib. This is a common dependency for many ChickenBones mods and ensures the Distributor functions correctly. Simply place both mod files into your mods folder after installing Forge, and the block will appear in your creative inventory.
If you prefer a streamlined setup, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click installation for Distributor Queue, automatically fetching the mod along with CodeChickenLib and any other dependencies. This launcher also keeps your mods updated and manages version compatibility, so you can focus on building your precision splitting systems without worrying about manual file management.
How to Install Distributor Queue Manually
- Download and install Minecraft Forge for version 1.12.2.
- Download the Distributor Queue mod file and CodeChickenLib from a trusted source.
- Place both .jar files into your Minecraft mods folder.
- Launch the game using the Forge profile, and the Distributor block will be available.
Practical Use Cases
The Distributor Queue shines in scenarios where balanced, ordered distribution is critical. Here are a few common applications:
- AE2 Autocrafting: Feed multiple molecular assemblers with identical ingredient sets simultaneously, avoiding recipe conflicts.
- Furnace Arrays: Distribute coal or other fuels evenly across a bank of furnaces, ensuring no single furnace starves while others overflow.
- Fluid Processing: Split incoming lava or steam equally among several generators or tanks without complex redstone logic.
- Sorting Systems: Use the FIFO behavior to maintain strict item order when routing through filters or storage drawers.
Avoiding Common Blockages
The Distributor’s strength is also its weakness: it will block if perfection isn’t possible. To keep your systems flowing, always ensure the number of items or fluid units you send is divisible by the number of active output sides. For example, with four outputs, send stacks of 4, 8, 12, etc. Also, verify that all output inventories have enough space before starting a transfer. Using comparators to monitor fill levels can help you avoid unexpected halts.
Another tip: pair the Distributor with AE2’s blocking mode. While AE2’s native blocking can sometimes fail with multiple assemblers, the Distributor Queue enforces a stricter, more predictable block. This combination is often used in advanced autocrafting setups to prevent recipe contamination.
Why Choose the Distributor Queue?
Unlike round-robin pipes or random splitters, the Distributor Queue offers deterministic behavior. You always know exactly where each item will go and in what order. This predictability is invaluable for complex modded systems where a single misplaced item can cascade into a full production halt. The mod is lightweight, adding only one block, so it won’t bloat your instance. For players who love fine-tuning their automation, the Distributor Queue is a must-have tool.
Whether you’re building a massive AE2 autocrafting core or a compact fuel distribution line, the Distributor Queue for Minecraft delivers the precision you need. Its strict equal-splitting and FIFO logic set it apart from any vanilla alternative, making it a quiet hero in many expert modpacks. Download Distributor Queue today and take control of your item and fluid routing like never before.
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