OC Refined Storage Driver: Bridge OpenComputers and RS

Bridging Automation and Storage with Open Computers Refined Storage Driver

Minecraft modding has always been about pushing boundaries, and few combinations are as powerful as Open Computers and Refined Storage. The Open Computers Refined Storage Driver, often referred to by its mod ID ocrsdriver, brings these two titans together, letting your Lua-coded robots and computers tap directly into your digital storage network. If you have ever wanted to automate crafting, track inventory, or build a self-managing warehouse with precise control, this mod is the missing link.

What Is the Open Computers Refined Storage Driver?

At its core, the driver is a lightweight bridge that allows an Open Computers Adapter to interact with a Refined Storage grid node. Once connected, your computer can query the entire network, extract items and fluids, manage crafting tasks, and even monitor energy usage. Originally developed for Minecraft 1.10.2, this functionality was so essential that Refined Storage integrated it natively starting from version 1.11.2. However, for players still enjoying older modpacks or custom 1.10.2 setups, the driver remains a must-have component.

What makes this driver particularly exciting is its unrestricted nature. Unlike some balanced alternatives, you can export items and fluids at incredible speed using nothing more than a cable and a few lines of code. This raw power is perfect for tech-oriented players who want to build massive automated factories without artificial bottlenecks.

Key Features and Available Commands

The driver exposes a comprehensive set of methods through the component.block_refinedstorage_interface component. Here is a breakdown of the most useful ones:

Network Status and Energy

• isConnected() – Checks whether the grid node is actively linked to a Refined Storage network.
• getEnergyUsage() – Returns the current energy consumption of the entire network in RS per tick.

Item Management

• getItems() – Retrieves a list of all item stacks stored in the network.
• getItem(itemstack, cmpMeta, cmpNbt, cmpOre) – Finds a specific stack matching given criteria, with optional metadata, NBT, and ore dictionary comparisons.
• extractItem(itemstack, amount, side) – Pulls a defined amount of an item to the specified side (e.g., into a chest or trash can) and returns the number actually transferred.

Fluid Handling

• getFluids() – Lists all fluid stacks stored in the network.
• getFluid(fluidstack) – Finds a specific fluid stack.
• extractFluid(fluidstack, amount, side) – Extracts fluid to a given side, returning the amount in millibuckets moved.

Crafting Automation

• getTasks() – Returns all currently queued crafting tasks.
• getPatterns() – Lists every crafting pattern stored in the network.
• hasPattern(itemstack) – Checks whether a pattern exists for a given item.
• getMissingItems(itemstack, amount) – Shows what items are still needed to craft the requested amount.
• craftItem(itemstack, amount) – Schedules a crafting request.
• cancelCrafting(itemstack) – Cancels all pending crafting operations for that item and returns the number of cancelled tasks.

Practical Examples to Get You Started

Seeing the methods in action makes their potential clear. Here are two real-world scripts you can run on an Open Computers machine attached to an Adapter next to a Refined Storage interface.

Automatic Overflow Cleanup

If your storage system gets clogged with cobblestone or other bulk items, this script drops any stack exceeding 8192 items into a Trash Can placed below the interface.

local component = require("component")
local sides = require("sides")
local rs = component.block_refinedstorage_interface
local limit = 8192
local side = sides.down

for i,stack in ipairs(rs.getItems()) do
    while(stack.size > limit) do
        local dropped = rs.extractItem(stack, stack.size - limit, side)
        stack.size = stack.size - dropped
        if(dropped < 1) then break end
    end
end

Keep Essential Items Stocked

Never run out of torches or levers again. This loop checks the stock every five seconds and automatically crafts more if the amount falls below 64. Just make sure your Refined Storage system has the corresponding patterns.

local component = require("component")
local sides = require("sides")
local rs = component.block_refinedstorage_interface
local targetAmount = 64
local items = {
    {name = "minecraft:torch"},
    {name = "minecraft:lever"}
}

while(true) do
    for i,stack in ipairs(items) do
        if(rs.hasPattern(stack)) then
            local rsStack = rs.getItem(stack)
            local toCraft = targetAmount
            if(rsStack ~= nil) then
                toCraft = toCraft - rsStack.size
            end
            if(toCraft > 0) then
                rs.craftItem(stack, toCraft)
            end
        else
            print("Missing pattern for: " .. stack.name)
        end
    end
    os.sleep(5)
end

These scripts barely scratch the surface. You can combine fluid extraction with a tank system, automatically cancel crafting jobs when resources run low, or even build a central control dashboard that monitors your entire base.

Installation and Setup

Adding the Open Computers Refined Storage Driver to your game is straightforward. You will need both Open Computers and Refined Storage installed for the appropriate Minecraft version (1.10.2). Download the driver mod file from its official mod page and place it into your mods folder. If you are running a server, ensure both client and server have the exact same mod versions. Once loaded, place an Open Computers Adapter adjacent to any Refined Storage grid node, connect your computer, and start coding.

For players who prefer a streamlined experience, managing mods through a dedicated launcher can save a lot of time. The foxygame.net launcher offers a particularly convenient way to handle this, as it lets you search for and install the driver directly from its built-in mod menu without ever leaving the app. This modern launcher keeps your instances organized and makes it simple to switch between modded setups, so you can focus on building that fully automated factory instead of wrestling with file directories.

Known Issues and Considerations

Because the driver is unrestricted, it can export items and fluids extremely fast. This is a double-edged sword: it gives you immense power but can also cause lag if you are not careful with loop conditions. Always include sleep timers or break conditions in your scripts to prevent infinite extraction loops. Also, note that this mod was designed for 1.10.2; if you play on 1.11.2 or newer, Refined Storage already includes equivalent functionality natively, so you do not need the driver. However, some older modpacks or custom builds may still rely on it for compatibility reasons.

Conclusion

The Open Computers Refined Storage Driver transforms your digital storage into a programmable powerhouse. Whether you want to keep your inventory tidy, automate on-demand crafting, or monitor energy usage with precision, this mod opens up a world of possibilities for Lua programmers in Minecraft. Its straightforward command set and real-world examples make it accessible even if you are just starting with Open Computers. While the unrestricted nature demands a bit of caution, the creative freedom it offers is well worth the effort. If you are still running a 1.10.2 world and crave deeper integration between your machines and your storage, this driver is an essential addition to your mod list.