Observers can detect block state changes like a piston moving, or when non full blocks like dust, repeaters and torches are powered and depowered, however the only block that doesn’t change states and can be detected as powered is the dispenser (which is why to me it’s a glitch and not a parity issue)
What should happen (ie: what happens with dispensers)
The block is powered in any form, soft or hard powered
The observer dectect the “powered” state and sends a signal
What happens for every other block
The block is powered
The observer take no notice
The clip below shows an array I used to test blocks. The pistons in the back tell when the observer passes a signal
Linked issues
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Comments 3
That’s just it They cannot detect when a redstone block powered, only droppers and dispensers. Not note blocks, not pistons (if they don’t extend), not redstone lamps... but for some reason they detect droppers and dispensers. So this has got to be a bug in one way or another
How is an observer going to detect smooth stone? It only detects blocks that have changed states
For example:
1. setting block on fire
2. removing fire
3. setting block
4. destroying block
5. powering any redstone item/block (except redstone blocks and hoppers)
6. Another observer
In short, observers can only detect certain blocks
EDIT - oh, and only observers in java can detect a hopper changes (refer to 1 x 1 pixel screen on youtube)