Observer
minecraft:observerAn observer is a redstone sensor that watches the block directly in front of its face. When that block, fluid, or air changes state, the observer emits a short, strong redstone pulse from its back.
Uses
- Block Update Detection — Emits a 2 game tick, signal-strength-15 pulse from its back whenever the block it faces changes, ideal for triggering crop or melon harvesters.
- Redstone Clocks — Two observers facing each other form a compact, fast repeating clock used in flying machines and timing circuits.
Found In
- Crafting — Crafted from 6 cobblestone, 2 redstone dust, and 1 nether quartz.
Drops
- observer× 1
FAQ
What tool do I need to mine an observer?
A wooden pickaxe or better. Mined without a pickaxe it drops nothing.
Which side detects and which side outputs?
The face (the side with the small dot) watches the block in front of it; the opposite back side emits the redstone pulse when a change is detected.
How strong and how long is the pulse?
It outputs strong power at signal strength 15 for 2 game ticks, with a 2 game tick delay in Java Edition.
What does an observer detect?
Any state change in the block, fluid, or air directly in front of its face — growth, placement, removal, or block-state updates.
Tags
- pickaxe_mineable
- redstone
- sensor
- automation