Introducing the EARN 21 Master Book

After a long and energy-consuming effort spanning over a month, I'm happy to announce that the new EARN Framework is ready.

This version is completely redesigned and brings some major improvements:

• New Tracks: All components of EARN now use Factorio 2.0 tracks. We've also adjusted the track spacing to provide fully upgradeable intersections that align with the new curve radius. Previously, the spacing between all four tracks was 4 tiles (|4|4|4|). Starting with this version, the spacing between opposite direction tracks is 8 tiles, and between same direction tracks is 6 tiles (|6|8|6|). This new spacing also allows elevated ramps and pillars to be placed between tracks.

• LTN-Style Fully Automated Request-Based Universal Train Dispatcher: EARN 21 can operate Universal Cargo and Fluid Trains that can be dispatched to any job necessary. Dedicated Trains are still here if you want or need to use them.

• Parameterized Loading & Unloading Stations: There's no need to place an additional blueprint to identify what the station is used for anymore. When you place the layout, it will ask for the material and configure itself properly. This also allows you to use EARN for any additional materials that come with overhaul mods without any extra effort.

• New Circuitry: The CORE and other station circuitry have been updated to utilize the new features of Factorio 2.0 combinators. We've reduced the combinator count on most of the stations and improved some calculation logic to reduce the UPS cost of EARN.

• New Block Sizes with 4-Lane Track Support: EARN blocks are now 50% larger than before. With this new block size, you can upgrade block rails to 4-lane tracks. Since the intersections are straight, this also allows for different block layouts (for example, like bricks).

• Overall Framework Updates: The rest of the framework has been updated to align better with the new track and block sizes.

Main Components

EARN 21 Master Book contains these components:

• 2 Lane Tracks

• 4 Lane Tracks

• Outposts

• Side Platforms

• Rail Blocks

• Depots & Deployers

• 1-1 Trains & Stations

• 1-4 Trains & Stations

• Service Hub & Service Stations

• Perimeter Defense

• E-PAX Shuttle Service

• Core & Visualizers

You can find the master book attached at the bottom of this post.

Extensions

Some EARN 21 compatible books are considered as Extensions and not included in the Master Book. You can download them from their own posts.

• ElderAxe's Quick Start Base v11.2 ( Only v11.2.x is compatible with EARN 21. Other versions require older EARN versions )

• Pocket Base ( still in development )

• EARN Power Blocks

• EARN Factory Blocks ( still in development )

Changelog

v21.0.13 (December 8, 2024)

• Outposts & Side Platforms & Rail Blocks:

  • Added info display panels for configuring Service Stations.

• Depots & Deployers:

  • Fixed 1-1 Coal Refuel Station logic.

  • Added info display panels for refueling.

• Trains & Stations:

  • Updated dynamic train schedules. Preload configuration from Core Controller will work better now.

  • Added version numbers to train schedules and interrupts.

• Service Hub & Service Stations

  • Added a red wire connection for Service Hub lanes. Now loading and unloading stations placed inside a Service Hub will work properly.

  • Added info display panels for configuring Service Stations.

  • Added version numbers to train schedules and interrupts.

  • Fixed Artillery Train chunk alignment.

• Perimeter Defense:

  • Fixed the alignment of junk chests.

  • Added info display panels for configuring Perimeter Defense Stations.

v21.0.12 (December 6, 2024)

Re-Introducing Dedicated Trains: 

• Currently available Request-based Dynamic Trains are cool. But since they are dispatched when an Unloading Station becomes available, they can't keep up with stations that requires high throughput.

• To solve this now EARN 21 also has Dedicated Trains. These trains are assigned to a specific item or fluid. They will load their cargo and wait at the Loading Station for an Unloading Station to become active. This cuts the delivery time in half.

• I recommend using these trains for ores and plates (if you use factory blocks) as they are constantly requested by unloading stations.

Book Specific Changes:

• Tracks

  • Moved the safe exit signal one tile to align with other books

• Trains & Stations

  • Updated train schedules to be more dynamic and resilient.

• Service Hub & Service Stations

  • Re-designed the Service hub to be symmetrical.

  • Added a Short Service Hub. If you don't need the full size.

    • Unfortunately short version is not compatible with artillery add-on.

  • Updated elevated rails on Service Hub in a 4-Lane Block.

  • Updated Junk Train schedule.

  • Removed "Stacker" stations. As they are not needed anymore.

  • Added a display panel to warn user about not having a Core placed.

  • Updated some descriptions to better guide the user.

  • Added an extra power pole for artillery add-on connection.

• Perimeter Defense

  • Fixed a typo on "Separator"

• Core & Visualizers

  • Fixed the channel id for defense station turret toggles.

  • Updated fuel selector display panel to better guide the user.

v21.0.11 (December 2, 2024)

• Depots & Deployers

  • Improved depot id claim logic.

    • This should solve some issues about trains getting stuck on depots.

• E-PAX Shuttle:

  • Removed unnecessary concrete

• Core & Visualizers:

  • Updated multi-core error message to be more clear

v21.0.10 (December 1, 2024)

• Perimeter Defense:

  • Artillery Foothold now supports priority. So artillery trains won't go to same station all the time.

  • Fixed chest position for Artillery Turret

  • Removed land mines from Outer Death Wall blueprint. (they should be extra)

• E-PAX Shuttle:

  • Updated train schedule to prevent 5 pack trains being stuck at deployer. Deployer to Depot should be on top.

  • Unified station configurations.

v21.0.9 (November 30, 2024)

• Cargo Stations:

  • Fixed a critical bug on 1-1 Unloading Stations. You need to update these stations for them to work as expected.

v21.0.8 (November 30, 2024)

• Cargo Stations:

  • Fixed some unconnected belts.

  • Re-arranged some belts on 1-4 red belt stations to make them similar to blue belt peers.

• Side Platforms:

  • Changed the position of the rail signal on second lane.

• Depots & Deployers:

  • Updated the side platform depot second lane signal to be same as other side platforms.

v21.0.7 (November 28, 2024)

• Cargo Stations:

  • Fixed missing wire on 1-4 double sided belt unloaders

  • Fixed wrong combinator on 1-1 Fluid unloaders

• Depots & Deployers:

  • Changed the circuit layouts to separate "Depot Circuitry" from "Fuel Station Circuitry"

  • Added 1-1 Coal Unloading Station support for Depot & Deployer Refueling. Now there are 3 options. (Coal Belt, Fuel Service Belt and Fuel Service Robot)
    🎉 Now you don't need Service Hub for depots and cargo trains to work.

  • Added refuel blueprints for Side Platform and Outpost Depots too.

v21.0.6 (November 27, 2024)

• Cargo Stations:

  • Fixed missing parameterization on some stations

  • Added tracks to 1-4 Cargo Train Deployer

• Rail Blocks:

  • Removed extra roboports from Block with Service Station.

• Core & Visualizers:

  • Fixed broken request visualization.

• Overall:

  • Fixed / updated some blueprint descriptions.

  • Added version numbers to all books.

v21.0.5 (November 26, 2024)

• Service Hub & Service Stations:

  • Added an interrupt for Junk Train.

  • Improved logic for Junk Station. Junk Train won't go to a station when there is a service train is called or dispatched.

  • Connected fuel signal for fuel train and junk train to main signal. Old combinators in that area needs to be removed.

• This is not a breaking change 21.0.4 junk trains can still work. You need to delete all old junk trains and place a new one if you want to update.