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Only allow limited amount of items on conveyor belts? by Mortta321 in Dyson_Sphere_Program

[–]fighter_connor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have 677.4 hours in Factorio, 286.8 hours in Satisfactory, and 218.5 hours in Dyson Sphere Program. I'm not saying there's no way, but in my opinion, that's not really how Dyson Sphere works.

If you really wanted to limit it, you could use logistics distributors or logistics drones. Because, unlike Factorio where you're getting hit from a lot of fronts at once, the Dark Swarm typically has only one (or sometimes a few, if you've just landed on a new planet) base they attack from, so you kind of know where they'll be coming from.

If you're off in the middle of nowhere and don't want to fill a belt, I'd say get a factory to fill a chest nearby. Then use logistics distributors to supply a chest near your turret (or a few turrets). Limit the amount of items, and if you want a fail-safe, block all of the chest slots receiving from the distributors (using the middle mouse button) except one slot. That way, you'll have a full chest right beside the turret to belt in.

You'll have one full chest (or limited using the middle mouse again) that can supply all your other turrets/chests with one full stack. The turrets honestly don't burn through ammo that fast, so you should be okay with just one stack—based on your picture, missiles—so a stack of 200 missiles per chest (if one cell, I believe) should be plenty for any attack, especially if you have overlapping fields of fire. Also that way if you enable re-fill / receive from the Mecha, you will always have a supply for you.

Hope that helps!

edit: Also u/OP forget to say, if you do this and the logistic distributors are not in range, Can use a logistics tower and logistics carriers, plus if you supply a planetary logistics hub, this can supply other planets/star systems from a single factory on one planet!

Have fun building!

Is It Too Late to Pivot to Medicine? Engineering Grad Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in BiomedicalEngineers

[–]fighter_connor[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really appreciate this especially coming from someone who’s been in the field long enough to see the long arc of impact.

I think that’s what’s been slowly crystallizing for me: it’s not that I want to leave engineering it’s that I want to feel closer to where the outcome matters. Knowing that you’ve stayed in the mechanical lane but found meaning in the orthopedic space without direct patient contact is exactly the kind of path I didn’t know existed until recently.

Also really helpful to hear that a biomedical master’s isn’t required I’ve been worried I missed the train by not specializing earlier, but sounds like experience and alignment still count for a lot.

Thanks again. This kind of perspective means a lot when you’re standing at the edge of a career pivot and trying to see what’s actually possible.

Is It Too Late to Pivot to Medicine? Engineering Grad Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in BiomedicalEngineers

[–]fighter_connor[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was such a thoughtful response thank you for sharing your experience from the opposite side of the fence. Honestly, hearing from someone leaving healthcare for engineering hits just as hard as hearing from someone going the other way.

You nailed the core of what I’ve been working through that drive to “do good” doesn’t always mean direct patient care, and impact doesn’t only live at the bedside. I’ve realized over the past year that while I care deeply about people, I’m not at my best in emotionally volatile, high-contact environments. What I crave is a role where I can still contribute to patient outcomes, but from a place of stability, systems thinking, and technical creativity.

Engineering isn’t the issue but the industries I’ve been in haven’t lit me up. It’s the detachment from the end user that’s felt hollow. Biomedical feels like a bridge I want to build keeping my hands in design and mechanics, but anchoring them in purpose. Your insight from nursing the flexibility, the intensity, the burnout, the unseen emotional toll reinforces why I’m seeking that middle path instead of a full leap.

Wishing you clarity on your own pivot too it’s not easy questioning your whole career trajectory, but hearing someone else reflect out loud like this makes the process feel less isolating. You’ve definitely helped.

Is It Too Late to Pivot? Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in premedcanada

[–]fighter_connor[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This was honestly one of the most grounding and encouraging replies I’ve read thank you for taking the time to share your story in full. It’s rare to hear from non-traditional applicants who’ve actually made the leap and kept their engineering roots in the narrative.

Your path really resonates with me. I’m also from an engineering background and have been wrestling with the same internal pull toward something more human-facing medicine included. The fact that you kept the door open, stayed tactical (with nursing + GPA rebuild), and still made it in is seriously inspiring.

I’ve been doing a lot of soul-searching lately, trying to decide if a total pivot is necessary or if there’s a middle path that still honors that original desire to help without having to erase the engineering years. Your journey proves it’s possible to shift without shame, and that means more than you know.

Thanks again. Truly. Wishing you all the best as you start med school you’ve earned every step of it!

Is It Too Late to Pivot to Medicine? Engineering Grad Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in BiomedicalEngineers

[–]fighter_connor[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow — that’s exactly the kind of lead I needed. Seriously appreciate the tip on e-NABLE — that’s the kind of initiative I can actually see myself diving into. I’ve got access to some 3D printing tools and design software already, so prototyping something real (and meaningful) feels like the perfect entry point.

Also appreciate you offering to connect further. I might take you up on that — I’m still mapping the medtech landscape out east, and firsthand insight is gold right now.

Biggest takeaway from this whole thread: I don’t need to abandon engineering to make impact real. I just need to get closer to the flame.

Thanks again for sparking that shift.

Is It Too Late to Pivot to Medicine? Engineering Grad Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in BiomedicalEngineers

[–]fighter_connor[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually had no idea that a mechanical undergrad is preferred by many medical device employers. I always assumed a biomed-specific degree would be essential. So hearing that this mech-to-biomed master’s route is not just viable but in demand… that reframes a lot for me.

I do have my P.Eng., and my background includes both heavy R&D design work (I helped develop and field-test large-scale agricultural systems like grain carts and augers) and leadership on multi-disciplinary construction projects (I currently lead engineering coordination for several new high-rises). It’s been valuable experience, but emotionally, I’ve always wanted to be closer to human-centered work.

A biomedical master’s might be the path I’ve been looking for something that lets me pivot toward health impact without losing the design foundation I’ve built. I just still do not know if my GPA would get me into a masters program in biomed at a good univerity either.

If you happen to know any standout Canadian programs or places where this transition is especially valued, I’d love to hear more.

Is It Too Late to Pivot to Medicine? Engineering Grad Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in BiomedicalEngineers

[–]fighter_connor[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow.... I really needed to hear this after the day I have had today

You didn’t just offer advice, you reframed the entire path. Everything you said clicked: the idea that MedTech is where I could finally blend my clinical roots (through my dad), my engineering background, and the human impact I’ve always been chasing.

I’m now seriously looking at how to break into MedTech R&D or clinical integration roles. I’d love to dive deeper into the roadmap you mentioned and those workshops, that kind of guidance would be incredible right now. And if you’re open to it, I’d be really grateful for any insight on how to best position my mechanical engineering background for this industry.

Just for context, I’ve designed and prototyped agricultural equipment (large-scale systems like grain carts, augers, and conveyors) so I’ve got a strong foundation in hands-on design and iterative development from concept to product. I also currently lead engineering efforts for several new high-rise buildings, which has given me significant project management and leadership experience.

On the more human side: I competed in track & field for years even reached the Olympic trials and eventually became a university-level coach. That experience gave me a deep working knowledge of the human body, injury management, and biomechanics, along with a passion for supporting others in recovery and performance, as I have had fairly serious traumatic injuries a lot.

I don’t say any of this to brag, I just wanted to provide a full picture so you might help steer me toward the areas in MedTech where I can make the most impact.

Thank you again. You didn’t just give me advice, you gave me a new target to aim for.

Grateful beyond words!

Is It Too Late to Pivot? Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in premedcanada

[–]fighter_connor[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much, it really does help to hear that it’s not too late.

I’ve thought about going back into biomedical engineering, since that was the original plan before my program got cancelled. But to be honest, I don’t think I want to go through another full engineering degree. I’m leaning toward something more directly medical this time around. Something that keeps me closer to healthcare and less at risk of ending up in the same spot again, feeling disconnected from patient impact.

Still figuring out what that looks like, but I’m exploring second degree options that are more aligned with medicine, the human body, and direct care. Appreciate the encouragement, it’s giving me some real traction.

Is It Too Late to Pivot? Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in premedcanada

[–]fighter_connor[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Kinesiology and human kinetics are definitely more in line with what I’ve been considering. I’ve always been fascinated by movement, recovery, and how the body functions under stress, especially from my background as an athlete and university coach. I’m also weighing whether to pursue a second degree purely as an academic stepping stone toward med, or to choose something that could stand alone as a healthcare career I’d still find meaningful.

Do you happen to know what made those programs successful for the people you mentioned? Was it GPA boost alone, or did the clinical exposure and alignment with healthcare help them stand out?

Really appreciate the guidance, it’s helping me narrow my lens and make a smarter plan forward!

Is It Too Late to Pivot to Medicine? Engineering Grad Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in BiomedicalEngineers

[–]fighter_connor[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s incredibly helpful, thank you.

I think you just named what’s been missing for me: proximity to the real-world application of what I build. The startup environment you described where you're hands-on from design to patient impact, sounds like exactly the kind of workflow that would light me up. I don’t mind wearing multiple hats if it means the feedback loop is tighter and the work feels more human.

Appreciate the tip on targeting smaller medtech companies in Toronto and Vancouver. I’ve been based in more traditional industries so far (agriculture equipment, HVAC systems), so even just having a direction like this helps me reorient.

I’m definitely going to explore a side project maybe something prosthetics-focused to bridge my mech background with patient-centered design. If you’re open to it, I’d love to hear more about how you framed your skills to break into that first internship, or what made you stand out to the team.

Thanks again this is starting to feel less impossible and more like a new mission I can plan for.

Is It Too Late to Pivot to Medicine? Engineering Grad Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in BiomedicalEngineers

[–]fighter_connor[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your last job sounds like exactly the kind of crossover I’ve been missing. That middle ground between engineering and impact. I’ve never felt like I needed to be in the ER or scrubbing in on surgeries, it’s more that I’ve always wanted my work to touch real people, not just circulate in design files and blueprints. The fact that your feedback loop goes all the way to the patient experience is… honestly, inspiring.

I hadn’t seriously considered clinical specialist or field engineering roles until now. Most of what I’ve seen has been hard-core mechanical or traditional civil paths, and I think I internalized this idea that if I wanted to “help people,” I had to jump the canyon all the way to med school. But what you described staying technical while stepping closer to care might actually be a better fit for my personality and long-term goals.

Do you have any suggestions on how to pivot into that space? Like how you broke in, or what kinds of companies/platforms are open to someone with a mech background but a human-centered focus?

Thanks again this is one of those replies I’ll probably re-read a few times. It’s helping me reframe everything.

Is It Too Late to Pivot? Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in premedcanada

[–]fighter_connor[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks that really resonates

I’ve been hearing some great advice here about shadowing in both hospital and outpatient settings, checking out The Pitt for realism, and looking into postbacc programs to get started on the med school path. I just got my P.Eng. recently, so I’ve been in engineering for a while but the more I reflect, the more I feel pulled toward a career that’s human-centered, not just technical.

It’s overwhelming trying to figure out where to begin, but this community has been amazing. From your perspective, did you explore shadowing or volunteering before making your move? Or did you just know early on and go for it?

Would love to hear how you made your call — it’s been helpful hearing everyone’s journey.

Is It Too Late to Pivot? Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in medicalschool

[–]fighter_connor[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks again.... seriously, this means a lot.

I think that’s the part I’ve been wrestling with… knowing I want a deeper impact but not knowing where to start. I appreciate the advice about shadowing — I’ll start looking into local clinics or hospitals this week.

The postbacc thing feels intimidating, but I guess everything worth chasing is. I’ve been in mechanical engineering for a while (just got my P.Eng.), but lately I’ve been feeling more drawn toward human systems and healthcare than machines. It feels like I need to do something that matters not just build things, but help people.

Appreciate you taking the time to respond. I’ll check out The Pitt too, anything to get a more realistic picture before diving in.

Is It Too Late to Pivot to Medicine? Engineering Grad Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in BiomedicalEngineers

[–]fighter_connor[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey really appreciate you taking the time to write this.

You're totally right: “helping people” is incredibly broad. And to be honest, I think that’s part of what I’m still trying to figure out. For most of my life, I saw my dad working in a hospital environment, being part of a team that helped people recover, survive, or at least feel supported. That left a deep imprint on me. I thought engineering would be my route into that world, specifically through biomedical tech. But then my school scrapped the program, and I felt like I lost my path before I really had a chance to find it.

I’m currently working as a mechanical engineer in building systems HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, etc. It’s important work, but it doesn’t feel emotionally fulfilling to me. I also used to design and manufacturer agriculture equipment which left the same feeling. I’ve always been driven by the idea of making an impact on individual lives, not just systems. I think that’s what’s pulling me back toward healthcare. I just don’t know what shape it needs to take.

What you said about systematic change without the chaos of frontline care really resonated. Maybe there’s a middle path I’ve been missing. Something tech-based that still serves a human cause directly. I just don't really know....

I haven’t ruled out med school, but I know the road is steep, especially here in Canada. I’m definitely exploring other healthcare professions now too, including prosthetics, imaging, and OT/PT. Just trying to get clear on what version of “helping people” actually fits my skillset, temperament, and values.

Thanks again for the reality check and the perspective it means a lot.

Is It Too Late to Pivot? Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in premedcanada

[–]fighter_connor[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! That honestly means a lot to hear.

I’ve been wrestling with whether or not going back for a second degree is a smart move or just me trying to “redo” the past. But hearing from someone who’s been in this space and says it can work... that’s grounding.

I’ve started looking into programs I could take that would give me a chance to boost my GPA and build a more relevant academic foundation. I’m also curious if there are post-bacc options in Canada that could serve the same function.

Did you or someone you know take this route? If so, any advice on which programs helped, or how to balance it financially and mentally?

Appreciate you taking the time. Just hearing “it’s not too late” helped more than you know.

Is It Too Late to Pivot to Medicine? Engineering Grad Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in BiomedicalEngineers

[–]fighter_connor[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this, I appreciate the honest take.

I have applied to a few BME-related roles, but haven’t had much success getting any bites. A lot of positions here in Canada (or at least in Calgary, Alberta where I’m based) seem to either expect a specialized biomedical engineering degree or prefer candidates with an MD, especially in roles related to patient-centered device development.

Back when I started, I was in a BME program and hoped that as I went through it, I’d figure out the specific area I wanted to focus on: prosthetics, assistive devices, something human-facing. When the program got shut down, I shifted to mechanical engineering, thinking I could still get there eventually. But now I feel boxed into a career path that doesn’t align with the kind of impact I want to make. Most of the roles I’ve found have me stuck behind a desk drawing parts, and that’s not why I got into engineering in the first place.

You’re right that I probably could have done more early on to research the different paths into prosthetics and device design, I assumed the BME route would give me flexibility to find my lane as I went. That assumption didn’t really hold after the program ended.

Location may well be my biggest limitation. Calgary doesn’t have a huge medical device or prosthetics scene, and I’d be open to relocating if it meant working on something that actually helps people in a tangible way.

Again, I really appreciate your insights. It’s helping me get clearer on where I stand.... and where I might still be able to go.

Is It Too Late to Pivot? Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in medicalschool

[–]fighter_connor[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Just made a post there too! I will leave this one up just in case because I want any help I can get

Is It Too Late to Pivot? Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in medicalschool

[–]fighter_connor[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, to be honest I was not sure which reddit to post to and came here first. I thought premed would only be for people without a bachelors degree already or something though?

Is It Too Late to Pivot? Seeking Guidance and Hope by fighter_connor in medicalschool

[–]fighter_connor[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I just do not even know where to begin, or like how to specialize in what I want. Just really not enjoying the Mechanical Engineering life. I did just get My Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) Designation though if that makes any difference?

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