This guide teaches you how to control lights in Space Engineer using simple and advanced methods. From basic switches to automated systems with sensors and timers, you’ll gain full command over your ship or station lighting.
Key Takeaways
- Basic light control: Use the control panel or hotkeys to turn lights on and off manually.
- Programmable blocks: Automate lighting with scripts for dynamic responses.
- Timer blocks: Schedule lights to activate at specific intervals or times.
- Sensor integration: Trigger lights based on player proximity or movement.
- Group naming conventions: Organize lights with consistent naming for easier control.
- Power management: Optimize lighting to reduce energy consumption.
- Troubleshooting tips: Fix common issues like unresponsive lights or script errors.
How to Control Lights in Space Engineer: A Complete Guide
Lighting is more than just aesthetics in Space Engineers—it’s essential for visibility, mood, and functionality. Whether you’re building a cozy space station or a high-tech warship, knowing how to control lights in Space Engineer gives you greater control over your environment. This guide will walk you through everything from simple on/off switches to fully automated lighting systems using sensors, timers, and programmable blocks.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to design intelligent lighting that responds to your needs, saves power, and enhances your gameplay experience. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Light Blocks in Space Engineers
Before you start controlling lights, it’s important to know what types of light blocks are available. Space Engineers offers two main types:
- Interior Lights: Small, efficient lights ideal for indoor areas like corridors, rooms, and cockpits.
- Exterior Lights: Brighter and more powerful, designed for outdoor or hangar areas. They can be rotated and adjusted for direction.
Both types can be controlled individually or in groups, and they respond to the same control methods. You can place them on any block surface, and they consume power only when turned on.
Method 1: Manual Control via Control Panel
The simplest way to control lights is through the in-game control panel. This method is perfect for beginners or quick adjustments.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
Press K on your keyboard to open the control panel. This displays all functional blocks on your ship or station.
Visual guide about How to Control Lights in Space Engineer
Image source: thumbs.dreamstime.com
Step 2: Locate Your Lights
Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find your light blocks. They will appear under the “Lighting” category.
Step 3: Toggle Lights On or Off
Click the checkbox next to each light to turn it on or off. You can also use the “Turn On” or “Turn Off” buttons at the top to control multiple lights at once.
Pro Tip: Use Hotkeys for Faster Access
Assign lights to a toolbar slot for instant access. Right-click a light block, select “Assign to Toolbar,” and choose a slot. Now you can toggle it with a single keypress.
Method 2: Grouping Lights for Easier Control
Controlling dozens of lights one by one is inefficient. Grouping them saves time and simplifies management.
Step 1: Name Your Lights Consistently
When placing lights, give them a common prefix. For example, name all corridor lights “Corridor_Light_1,” “Corridor_Light_2,” etc.
Step 2: Create a Group
In the control panel, click the “Groups” tab. Click “New Group,” then select all lights with the same name prefix. Name the group (e.g., “Corridor Lights”).
Step 3: Control the Group
Now you can turn the entire group on or off with one click. You can also assign the group to a toolbar slot for quick access.
Example: Lighting Zones
Create groups like “Hangar Lights,” “Living Quarters,” and “Engine Room” to control different areas independently. This is especially useful on large ships or stations.
Method 3: Using Timer Blocks for Scheduled Lighting
Timer blocks let you automate lights to turn on or off at specific times or intervals. This is great for simulating day/night cycles or saving power.
Step 1: Place a Timer Block
Build a timer block near your lights or on the same grid. It doesn’t need to be connected physically—just on the same ship or station.
Step 2: Configure the Timer
Right-click the timer block to open its interface. Set the delay (e.g., 30 seconds) and choose whether it repeats.
Step 3: Link to Lights
In the “Actions” tab, select “Turn On” or “Turn Off” and choose your light group. You can also chain multiple actions.
Example: Auto-Off for Energy Saving
Set a timer to turn off all non-essential lights after 5 minutes of inactivity. This helps conserve power during long missions.
Method 4: Sensor-Triggered Lighting
Want lights to turn on automatically when you walk into a room? Use sensor blocks to detect movement and trigger lights.
Step 1: Place a Sensor Block
Install a sensor block in the area you want to monitor (e.g., a hallway or airlock). Adjust its detection range and direction.
Step 2: Configure the Sensor
Open the sensor’s interface and set the detection mode (e.g., “Player” or “Any”). Choose whether it detects entry, exit, or both.
Step 3: Link to Lights
In the “Actions” tab, select “Turn On” and choose your light group. You can also add a delay or set the lights to turn off after a certain time.
Pro Tip: Combine with Timers
Use a timer to turn lights off 30 seconds after the sensor stops detecting movement. This prevents lights from staying on unnecessarily.
Method 5: Advanced Control with Programmable Blocks
For full customization, use programmable blocks to write scripts that control lights based on complex conditions.
Step 1: Place a Programmable Block
Add a programmable block to your grid. It acts like a mini-computer that runs custom scripts.
Step 2: Write a Basic Lighting Script
Open the block and enter the following script to toggle lights:
// Toggle all lights named "Room_Light"
var lights = GridTerminalSystem.GetBlockGroupWithName("Room Lights").GetBlocks();
foreach (var light in lights)
{
light.Enabled = !light.Enabled;
}
Step 3: Run the Script
Click “Check Code” to verify, then “Run.” You can also assign the script to a toolbar button for one-click control.
Example: Motion-Activated Lighting with Delay
Use a script that checks sensor input and turns on lights only if no motion is detected for 10 seconds. This adds realism and saves power.
Optimizing Power Usage
Lights consume electricity, so managing them wisely is crucial—especially on small grids or solar-powered stations.
Turn Off Unused Lights
Use timers or sensors to ensure lights are only on when needed. Avoid leaving exterior lights on during the day.
Use Interior Lights Indoors
Interior lights use less power than exterior ones. Reserve exterior lights for outdoor areas or docking bays.
Monitor Power Consumption
Check the power grid screen (F10) to see how much energy your lights are using. Adjust settings to stay within your reactor or battery capacity.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even experienced engineers run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common lighting issues.
Problem: Lights Won’t Turn On
- Check if the light is powered. Ensure your grid has sufficient electricity.
- Verify the light isn’t disabled in the control panel.
- Make sure the block isn’t damaged or destroyed.
Problem: Script Not Working
- Double-check the script syntax. Even a missing semicolon can cause errors.
- Ensure the block group name matches exactly (case-sensitive).
- Run “Check Code” before executing.
Problem: Sensor Not Triggering
- Confirm the sensor is facing the right direction and has a clear line of sight.
- Adjust the detection range—too short or too long can cause issues.
- Make sure the sensor is set to detect the correct object (e.g., “Player”).
Creative Lighting Ideas
Once you master the basics, try these fun and functional lighting setups:
- Emergency Lighting: Use red lights triggered by a damage sensor to alert you of hull breaches.
- Dock Lights: Automate exterior lights to turn on when a ship approaches, using proximity sensors.
- Night Mode: Use a programmable block to dim lights at “night” (based on in-game time or a timer).
- Party Mode: Cycle lights through colors using a script and RGB-capable mods (if using modded content).
Conclusion
Mastering how to control lights in Space Engineer opens up endless possibilities for customization, efficiency, and immersion. Whether you prefer simple manual switches or complex automated systems, the tools are all in your hands. Start with basic grouping and timers, then experiment with sensors and scripts to create smart, responsive lighting.
Remember: good lighting isn’t just about brightness—it’s about control, timing, and purpose. Use these techniques to make your ships and stations safer, more efficient, and truly your own.
Now go light up the galaxy—one block at a time.