a Dropper when fully powered by a repeater usually fires an item through 2 other Droppers, where as when it is powered by a Redstone block it is only fired through 1 Dropper, despite them having the same signal strength, this seems to be an inconsistency on how Redstone power works...
Comments 2
So you're saying it not the speed the item getting shot though the first Dropper, when a repeater powers it, that carry's it through the second, it's the power leaking through the first and activating the second a fraction afterwards, oh well thanks anyway, I appreciate the clarification, looks like I'm back to the drawing board for my more compact 2X4 design for a self powered Item elevator...
When powering using a repeater you also power the dropper as a block - if you place redstone dust on the other side you will see current coming out of the dropper. This activates the second dropper you mentioned. Redstone blocks do not strongly power blocks like that.