Difference between revisions of "Beacon"

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(→‎As An Eater: simple variation of boat-bit)
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The beacon is the simplest [[on-off]]. Its [[rotor]], known as [[diagonal on-off]], can be supported by several different stators: the two next-smallest are seen in [[eater plug]] and [[21P2]].
The beacon is the simplest [[on-off]]. Its [[rotor]], known as [[diagonal on-off]], can be supported by several different stators: the two next-smallest are seen in [[eater plug]] and [[21P2]].


==As An Eater==
==As an eater==
A beacon can be used as an [[eater]] for any even number of gliders when they collide into it as pictured below. It converts one glider of a set of two into a boat and then uses the second to destroy the boat it has created.
A beacon can be used as an [[eater]] for any even number of gliders, using the [[boat-bit]] reaction. When they collide into it as pictured below, the first glider of a set will be transformed into a boat, which will then be destroyed by the second.


[[File:BeaconAsEater.jpg|framed|center|When gliders collide into a beacon like so, the beacon will eat any even number of gliders.]]
[[File:BeaconAsEater.jpg|framed|center|When gliders collide into a beacon like so, the beacon will eat any even number of gliders.]]

Revision as of 04:36, 19 April 2014

Beacon
2o$2o$2b2o$2b2o! #C [[ THUMBSIZE 2 THEME 6 GRID GRIDMAJOR 0 SUPPRESS THUMBLAUNCH ]] #C [[ AUTOSTART ]]
Pattern type Oscillator
Number of cells 6
Bounding box 4 × 4
Period 2
Mod Unknown
Heat 2
Volatility 0.25
Strict volatility 0.25
Discovered by John Conway
Year of discovery 1970

The beacon is the third most common oscillator (after the blinker and toad).[1] It was found by John Conway in March 1970.

The beacon is the simplest on-off. Its rotor, known as diagonal on-off, can be supported by several different stators: the two next-smallest are seen in eater plug and 21P2.

As an eater

A beacon can be used as an eater for any even number of gliders, using the boat-bit reaction. When they collide into it as pictured below, the first glider of a set will be transformed into a boat, which will then be destroyed by the second.

File:BeaconAsEater.jpg
When gliders collide into a beacon like so, the beacon will eat any even number of gliders.

See also

References

  1. Achim Flammenkamp (September 7, 2004). "Most seen natural occurring ash objects in Game of Life". Retrieved on January 15, 2009.

External links

Template:LinkWeisstein