technic_cnc: Use client-side translation API

Add recipe for grinding pyrite lump from everness mod into pyrite dust if everness mod is present (also includes images for pyrite dust).

README.md

@@ -15,10 +15,10 @@ world. A few notable features:
   * Minetest 5.0.0 or newer
   * [Minetest Game](https://github.com/minetest/minetest_game/)
   * [mesecons](https://github.com/minetest-mods/mesecons) -> signalling events
-  * [pipeworks](https://gitlab.com/VanessaE/pipeworks/) -> automation of item transport
+  * [pipeworks](https://github.com/mt-mods/pipeworks) -> automation of item transport
   * [moreores](https://github.com/minetest-mods/moreores/) -> additional ores
-  * [basic_materials](https://gitlab.com/VanessaE/basic_materials) -> basic craft items
-  * Supports [moretrees](https://gitlab.com/VanessaE/moretrees) -> rubber trees
+  * [basic_materials](https://github.com/mt-mods/basic_materials) -> basic craft items
+  * Supports [moretrees](https://github.com/mt-mods/moretrees) -> rubber trees
   * Consult `depends.txt` or `mod.conf` of each mod for further dependency information.
 
 

extranodes/init.lua

@@ -27,6 +27,12 @@ if minetest.get_modpath("moreblocks") then
 		tiles={"technic_granite.png"},
 	})
 
+	stairsplus:register_all("technic", "granite_bricks", "technic:granite_bricks", {
+		description=S("Granite Bricks"),
+		groups={cracky=1, not_in_creative_inventory=1},
+		tiles={"technic_granite_bricks.png"},
+	})
+
 	stairsplus:register_all("technic", "concrete", "technic:concrete", {
 		description=S("Concrete"),
 		groups={cracky=3, not_in_creative_inventory=1},

technic/helpers.lua

@@ -65,15 +65,26 @@ function technic.swap_node(pos, name)
 end
 
 
+--- Returns the meta of an item
+-- Gets overridden when legacy.lua is loaded
+function technic.get_stack_meta(itemstack)
+	return itemstack:get_meta()
+end
+
+--- Same as technic.get_stack_meta for cans
+function technic.get_stack_meta_cans(itemstack)
+	return itemstack:get_meta()
+end
+
+
 --- Fully charge RE chargeable item.
 -- Must be defined early to reference in item definitions.
 function technic.refill_RE_charge(stack)
 	local max_charge = technic.power_tools[stack:get_name()]
 	if not max_charge then return stack end
+	local meta = technic.get_stack_meta(stack)
+	meta:set_int("technic:charge", max_charge)
 	technic.set_RE_wear(stack, max_charge, max_charge)
-	local meta = minetest.deserialize(stack:get_metadata()) or {}
-	meta.charge = max_charge
-	stack:set_metadata(minetest.serialize(meta))
 	return stack
 end
 

technic/legacy.lua

@@ -39,3 +39,40 @@ for i = 0, 64 do
 	minetest.register_alias("technic:lv_cable"..i, "technic:lv_cable")
 end
 
+-- Item meta
+
+-- Meta keys that have changed
+technic.legacy_meta_keys = {
+	["charge"] = "technic:charge",
+}
+
+-- Converts legacy itemstack metadata string to itemstack meta and returns the ItemStackMetaRef
+function technic.get_stack_meta(itemstack)
+	local meta = itemstack:get_meta()
+	local legacy_string = meta:get("") -- Get deprecated metadata
+	if legacy_string then
+		local legacy_table = minetest.deserialize(legacy_string)
+		if legacy_table then
+			local table = meta:to_table()
+			for k, v in pairs(legacy_table) do
+				table.fields[technic.legacy_meta_keys[k] or k] = v
+			end
+			meta:from_table(table)
+		end
+		meta:set_string("", "") -- Remove deprecated metadata
+	end
+	return meta
+end
+
+-- Same as technic.get_stack_meta for cans.
+-- (Cans didn't store a serialized table in the legacy metadata string, but just a number.)
+function technic.get_stack_meta_cans(itemstack)
+	local meta = itemstack:get_meta()
+	local legacy_string = meta:get("") -- Get deprecated metadata
+	if legacy_string then
+		meta:set_string("can_level", legacy_string)
+		meta:set_string("", "") -- Remove deprecated metadata
+		return meta
+	end
+	return meta
+end

technic/machines/HV/nuclear_reactor.lua

@@ -31,24 +31,26 @@ minetest.register_craft({
 })
 
 local function make_reactor_formspec(meta)
-	local f = "size[8,9]"..
-	"label[0,0;"..S("Nuclear Reactor Rod Compartment").."]"..
-	"list[current_name;src;2,1;3,2;]"..
-	"list[current_player;main;0,5;8,4;]"..
+	local f =
+		"formspec_version[4]"..
+		"size[10.75,10.75]"..
+		"label[0.2,0.4;"..S("Nuclear Reactor Rod Compartment").."]"..
+		"list[current_name;src;1.5,1;3,2;]"..
+		"list[current_player;main;0.5,5.5;8,4;]"..
 		"listring[]"..
-	"button[5.5,1.5;2,1;start;Start]"..
-	"checkbox[5.5,2.5;autostart;automatic Start;"..meta:get_string("autostart").."]"
+		"button[5.7,1;2,1;start;Start]"..
+		"checkbox[5.7,2.75;autostart;automatic Start;"..meta:get_string("autostart").."]"
 	if not digiline_remote_path then
 		return f
 	end
 	local digiline_enabled = meta:get_string("enable_digiline")
-	f = f.."checkbox[0.5,2.8;enable_digiline;Enable Digiline;"..digiline_enabled.."]"
+	f = f.."checkbox[1.5,3.75;enable_digiline;Enable Digiline channel;"..digiline_enabled.."]"
 	if digiline_enabled ~= "true" then
 		return f
 	end
 	return f..
-		"button_exit[4.6,3.69;2,1;save;Save]"..
-		"field[1,4;4,1;remote_channel;Digiline Remote Channel;${remote_channel}]"
+		"field[2,4.2;4.25,1;remote_channel;;${remote_channel}]" ..
+		"button_exit[6.5,4.2;2,1;save;Save]"
 end
 
 local SS_OFF = 0
@@ -140,8 +142,11 @@ of a lead layer it will be converted to a lead layer.
 --]]
 local function reactor_structure_badness(pos)
 	local vm = VoxelManip()
+
+	-- Blast-resistant Concrete Block layer outer positions
 	local pos1 = vector.subtract(pos, 3)
 	local pos2 = vector.add(pos, 3)
+
 	local MinEdge, MaxEdge = vm:read_from_map(pos1, pos2)
 	local data = vm:get_data()
 	local area = VoxelArea:new({MinEdge=MinEdge, MaxEdge=MaxEdge})
@@ -157,16 +162,19 @@ local function reactor_structure_badness(pos)
 	for z = pos1.z, pos2.z do
 	for y = pos1.y, pos2.y do
 	for x = pos1.x, pos2.x do
+		-- In the entire volume, make sure there is:
 		local cid = data[area:index(x, y, z)]
 		if x == pos1.x or x == pos2.x or
 		   y == pos1.y or y == pos2.y or
 		   z == pos1.z or z == pos2.z then
+			-- r=3 : Blast-resistant Concrete Block shell
 			if cid == c_blast_concrete then
 				blast_layer = blast_layer + 1
 			end
 		elseif x == pos1.x+1 or x == pos2.x-1 or
 		       y == pos1.y+1 or y == pos2.y-1 or
 		       z == pos1.z+1 or z == pos2.z-1 then
+			-- r=2 : Lead Block shell
 			if cid == c_lead then
 				lead_layer = lead_layer + 1
 			elseif cid == c_steel then
@@ -175,6 +183,7 @@ local function reactor_structure_badness(pos)
 		elseif x == pos1.x+2 or x == pos2.x-2 or
 		       y == pos1.y+2 or y == pos2.y-2 or
 		       z == pos1.z+2 or z == pos2.z-2 then
+			-- r=1 : Water cooling
 			if cid == c_water_source or cid == c_water_flowing then
 				water_layer = water_layer + 1
 			end
@@ -184,6 +193,8 @@ local function reactor_structure_badness(pos)
 	end
 
 	if steel_layer >= 96 then
+		-- Legacy: convert stainless steel to lead
+		-- Why don't we accept both without conversion?
 		for z = pos1.z+1, pos2.z-1 do
 		for y = pos1.y+1, pos2.y-1 do
 		for x = pos1.x+1, pos2.x-1 do
@@ -206,6 +217,7 @@ local function reactor_structure_badness(pos)
 	if water_layer > 25 then water_layer = 25 end
 	if lead_layer > 96 then lead_layer = 96 end
 	if blast_layer > 216 then blast_layer = 216 end
+	-- Amount of missing blocks
 	return (25 - water_layer) + (96 - lead_layer) + (216 - blast_layer)
 end
 
@@ -297,7 +309,7 @@ local function run(pos, node)
 		end
 		meta:set_int("HV_EU_supply", 0)
 		meta:set_int("burn_time", 0)
-		meta:set_string("infotext", S("%s Idle"):format(reactor_desc))
+		meta:set_string("infotext", S("@1 Idle", reactor_desc))
 		technic.swap_node(pos, "technic:hv_nuclear_reactor_core")
 		meta:set_int("structure_accumulated_badness", 0)
 		siren_clear(pos, meta)

technic/machines/register/battery_box.lua

@@ -415,12 +415,8 @@ local function default_get_charge(itemstack)
 	if not technic.power_tools[tool_name] then
 		return 0, 0
 	end
-	-- Set meta data for the tool if it didn't do it itself
-	local item_meta = minetest.deserialize(itemstack:get_metadata()) or {}
-	if not item_meta.charge then
-		item_meta.charge = 0
-	end
-	return item_meta.charge, technic.power_tools[tool_name]
+	local item_meta = technic.get_stack_meta(itemstack)
+	return item_meta:get_int("technic:charge"), technic.power_tools[tool_name]
 end
 
 local function default_set_charge(itemstack, charge)
@@ -428,9 +424,8 @@ local function default_set_charge(itemstack, charge)
 	if technic.power_tools[tool_name] then
 		technic.set_RE_wear(itemstack, charge, technic.power_tools[tool_name])
 	end
-	local item_meta = minetest.deserialize(itemstack:get_metadata()) or {}
-	item_meta.charge = charge
-	itemstack:set_metadata(minetest.serialize(item_meta))
+	local item_meta = technic.get_stack_meta(itemstack)
+	item_meta:set_int("technic:charge", charge)
 end
 
 function technic.charge_tools(meta, batt_charge, charge_step)

technic/machines/register/compressor_recipes.lua

@@ -21,27 +21,57 @@ local recipes = {
 	{"technic:uranium35_ingot 5",  "technic:uranium_fuel"},
 }
 
+if minetest.get_modpath("everness") then
+	local everness_sand_to_sandstone_recipes = {
+		{"everness:coral_deep_ocean_sand 2",          "everness:coral_deep_ocean_sandstone_block"},
+		{"everness:coral_sand 2",                     "everness:coral_sandstone"},
+		{"everness:coral_white_sand 2",               "everness:coral_white_sandstone"},
+		{"everness:crystal_forest_deep_ocean_sand 2", "everness:crystal_forest_deep_ocean_sandstone_block"},
+		{"everness:crystal_sand 2",                   "everness:crystal_sandstone"},
+		{"everness:cursed_lands_deep_ocean_sand 2",   "everness:cursed_lands_deep_ocean_sandstone_block"},
+		{"everness:cursed_sand 2",                    "everness:cursed_sandstone_block"},
+		{"everness:mineral_sand 2",                   "everness:mineral_sandstone"},
+	}
+
+	for _, data in ipairs(everness_sand_to_sandstone_recipes) do
+		table.insert(recipes, {data[1], data[2]})
+	end
+end
+
 -- defuse the default sandstone recipe, since we have the compressor to take over in a more realistic manner
-minetest.clear_craft({
+local crafts_to_clear = {
+	"default:desert_sand",
+	"default:sand",
+	"default:silver_sand"
+}
+
+if minetest.get_modpath("everness") then
+	local everness_crafts_to_clear = {
+		"everness:coral_sand",
+		"everness:coral_forest_deep_ocean_sand",
+		"everness:coral_white_sand",
+		"everness:crystal_sand",
+		"everness:cursed_sand",
+		"everness:cursed_lands_deep_ocean_sand",
+		"everness:crystal_forest_deep_ocean_sand",
+		"everness:mineral_sand",
+	}
+
+	for _, sand_name in ipairs(everness_crafts_to_clear) do
+		table.insert(crafts_to_clear, sand_name)
+	end
+end
+
+for _, sand_name in ipairs(crafts_to_clear) do
+	minetest.clear_craft({
+		type = "shaped",
 		recipe = {
-		{"default:sand", "default:sand"},
-		{"default:sand", "default:sand"},
+			{sand_name, sand_name},
+			{sand_name, sand_name},
 		},
-})
-minetest.clear_craft({
-	recipe = {
-		{"default:desert_sand", "default:desert_sand"},
-		{"default:desert_sand", "default:desert_sand"},
-	},
-})
-minetest.clear_craft({
-	recipe = {
-		{"default:silver_sand", "default:silver_sand"},
-		{"default:silver_sand", "default:silver_sand"},
-	},
-})
+	})
+end
 
 for _, data in pairs(recipes) do
 	technic.register_compressor_recipe({input = {data[1]}, output = data[2]})
 end
-

technic/machines/register/grinder_recipes.lua

@@ -36,6 +36,17 @@ local recipes = {
 	{"default:ice",              "default:snowblock"},
 }
 
+if minetest.get_modpath("everness") then
+	table.insert(recipes, {"everness:coral_deep_ocean_sandstone_block",          "everness:coral_deep_ocean_sand 2"})
+	table.insert(recipes, {"everness:coral_sandstone",                           "everness:coral_sand 2"})
+	table.insert(recipes, {"everness:coral_white_sandstone",                     "everness:coral_white_sand 2"})
+	table.insert(recipes, {"everness:crystal_forest_deep_ocean_sandstone_block", "everness:crystal_forest_deep_ocean_sand 2"})
+	table.insert(recipes, {"everness:crystal_sandstone",                         "everness:crystal_sand 2"})
+	table.insert(recipes, {"everness:cursed_lands_deep_ocean_sandstone_block",   "everness:cursed_lands_deep_ocean_sand 2"})
+	table.insert(recipes, {"everness:cursed_sandstone_block",                    "everness:cursed_sand 2"})
+	table.insert(recipes, {"everness:mineral_sandstone",                         "everness:mineral_sand 2"})
+end
+
 -- defuse the sandstone -> 4 sand recipe to avoid infinite sand bugs (also consult the inverse compressor recipe)
 minetest.clear_craft({
 	recipe = {
@@ -53,6 +64,15 @@ minetest.clear_craft({
 	},
 })
 
+if minetest.get_modpath("everness") then
+	minetest.clear_craft({
+		recipe = {
+			{"everness:mineral_sandstone"}
+		},
+	})
+	-- Currently (2024-03-09), there seem to be no reverse recipes for any of the other everness sandstones.
+end
+
 if minetest.get_modpath("farming") then
 	table.insert(recipes, {"farming:seed_wheat",   "farming:flour 1"})
 end
@@ -74,6 +94,10 @@ if minetest.get_modpath("homedecor") then
 	table.insert(recipes, {"home_decor:brass_ingot", "technic:brass_dust 1"})
 end
 
+if minetest.get_modpath("everness") then
+	table.insert(recipes, {"everness:pyrite_lump",  "technic:pyrite_dust 2"})
+end
+
 for _, data in pairs(recipes) do
 	technic.register_grinder_recipe({input = {data[1]}, output = data[2]})
 end
@@ -122,6 +146,9 @@ if minetest.get_modpath("gloopores") or minetest.get_modpath("glooptest") then
 	register_dust("Kalite",          nil)
 	register_dust("Talinite",        "glooptest:talinite_ingot")
 end
+if minetest.get_modpath("everness") then
+	register_dust("Pyrite",          "everness:pyrite_ingot")
+end
 
 for p = 0, 35 do
 	local nici = (p ~= 0 and p ~= 7 and p ~= 35) and 1 or nil

technic/mod.conf

@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 name = technic
 depends = default, pipeworks, technic_worldgen, basic_materials
-optional_depends = bucket, screwdriver, mesecons, mesecons_mvps, digilines, digiline_remote, intllib, unified_inventory, vector_extras, dye, craftguide,i3
+optional_depends = bucket, screwdriver, mesecons, mesecons_mvps, digilines, digiline_remote, intllib, unified_inventory, vector_extras, dye, craftguide, i3, everness

technic/tools/cans.lua

@@ -12,14 +12,6 @@ local function set_can_wear(itemstack, level, max_level)
 	itemstack:set_wear(temp)
 end
 
-local function get_can_level(itemstack)
-	if itemstack:get_metadata() == "" then
-		return 0
-	else
-		return tonumber(itemstack:get_metadata())
-	end
-end
-
 function technic.register_can(d)
 	local data = {}
 	for k, v in pairs(d) do data[k] = v end
@@ -33,7 +25,8 @@ function technic.register_can(d)
 			if pointed_thing.type ~= "node" then return end
 			local node = minetest.get_node(pointed_thing.under)
 			if node.name ~= data.liquid_source_name then return end
-			local charge = get_can_level(itemstack)
+			local meta = technic.get_stack_meta_cans(itemstack)
+			local charge = meta:get_int("can_level")
 			if charge == data.can_capacity then return end
 			if minetest.is_protected(pointed_thing.under, user:get_player_name()) then
 				minetest.log("action", user:get_player_name()..
@@ -44,7 +37,7 @@ function technic.register_can(d)
 			end
 			minetest.remove_node(pointed_thing.under)
 			charge = charge + 1
-			itemstack:set_metadata(tostring(charge))
+			meta:set_int("can_level", charge)
 			set_can_wear(itemstack, charge, data.can_capacity)
 			return itemstack
 		end,
@@ -63,7 +56,8 @@ function technic.register_can(d)
 				-- Try to place node above the pointed source, or abort.
 				if not def.buildable_to or node_name == data.liquid_source_name then return end
 			end
-			local charge = get_can_level(itemstack)
+			local meta = technic.get_stack_meta_cans(itemstack)
+			local charge = meta:get_int("can_level")
 			if charge == 0 then return end
 			if minetest.is_protected(pos, user:get_player_name()) then
 				minetest.log("action", user:get_player_name()..
@@ -74,12 +68,13 @@ function technic.register_can(d)
 			end
 			minetest.set_node(pos, {name=data.liquid_source_name})
 			charge = charge - 1
-			itemstack:set_metadata(tostring(charge))
+			meta:set_int("can_level", charge)
 			set_can_wear(itemstack, charge, data.can_capacity)
 			return itemstack
 		end,
 		on_refill = function(stack)
-			stack:set_metadata(tostring(data.can_capacity))
+			local meta = technic.get_stack_meta_cans(stack)
+			meta:set_int("can_level", data.can_capacity)
 			set_can_wear(stack, data.can_capacity, data.can_capacity)
 			return stack
 		end,

technic/tools/chainsaw.lua

@@ -313,10 +313,8 @@ minetest.register_tool("technic:chainsaw", {
 			return itemstack
 		end
 
-		local meta = minetest.deserialize(itemstack:get_metadata())
-		if not meta or not meta.charge then
-			return
-		end
+		local meta = technic.get_stack_meta(itemstack)
+		local charge = meta:get_int("technic:charge")
 
 		local name = user:get_player_name()
 		if minetest.is_protected(pointed_thing.under, name) then
@@ -326,14 +324,14 @@ minetest.register_tool("technic:chainsaw", {
 
 		-- Send current charge to digging function so that the
 		-- chainsaw will stop after digging a number of nodes
-		chainsaw_dig(user, pointed_thing.under, meta.charge)
-		meta.charge = cutter.charge
+		chainsaw_dig(user, pointed_thing.under, charge)
+		charge = cutter.charge
 
 		cutter = {} -- Free RAM
 
 		if not technic.creative_mode then
-			technic.set_RE_wear(itemstack, meta.charge, chainsaw_max_charge)
-			itemstack:set_metadata(minetest.serialize(meta))
+			meta:set_int("technic:charge", charge)
+			technic.set_RE_wear(itemstack, charge, chainsaw_max_charge)
 		end
 		return itemstack
 	end,

technic/tools/flashlight.lua

@@ -38,12 +38,13 @@ local function check_for_flashlight(player)
 	local hotbar = inv:get_list("main")
 	for i = 1, 8 do
 		if hotbar[i]:get_name() == "technic:flashlight" then
-			local meta = minetest.deserialize(hotbar[i]:get_metadata())
-			if meta and meta.charge and meta.charge >= 2 then
+			local meta = technic.get_stack_meta(hotbar[i])
+			local charge = meta:get_int("technic:charge")
+			if charge >= 2 then
 				if not technic.creative_mode then
-					meta.charge = meta.charge - 2;
-					technic.set_RE_wear(hotbar[i], meta.charge, flashlight_max_charge)
-					hotbar[i]:set_metadata(minetest.serialize(meta))
+					charge = charge - 2;
+					meta:set_int("technic:charge", charge)
+					technic.set_RE_wear(hotbar[i], charge, flashlight_max_charge)
 					inv:set_stack("main", i, hotbar[i])
 				end
 				return true

technic/tools/mining_drill.lua

@@ -248,54 +248,53 @@ end
 
 local function mining_drill_mkX_setmode(user, itemstack, drill_type, max_modes)
 	local player_name = user:get_player_name()
-	local meta = minetest.deserialize(itemstack:get_metadata()) or {}
+	local meta = technic.get_stack_meta(itemstack)
 
-	if not meta["mode"] then
+	if not meta:contains("mode") then
 		minetest.chat_send_player(player_name,
 			S("Use while sneaking to change Mining Drill Mk%d modes."):format(drill_type))
 	end
-	local mode = (meta["mode"] or 0) + 1
+	local mode = meta:get_int("mode") + 1
 	if mode > max_modes then mode = 1 end
 
 	minetest.chat_send_player(player_name,
 		S("Mining Drill Mk%d Mode %d"):format(2, mode)..
 		": "..mining_drill_mode_text[mode][1])
     itemstack:set_name(("technic:mining_drill_mk%d_%s"):format(drill_type, mode))
-	meta["mode"] = mode
-    itemstack:set_metadata(minetest.serialize(meta))
+	meta:set_int("mode", mode)
 	return itemstack
 end
 
 local function mining_drill_mkX_handler(itemstack, user, pointed_thing, drill_type, max_modes)
 	local keys = user:get_player_control()
-	local meta = minetest.deserialize(itemstack:get_metadata()) or {}
+	local meta = technic.get_stack_meta(itemstack)
 
 	-- Mode switching (if possible)
 	if max_modes > 1 then
-		if not meta.mode or keys.sneak then
+		if not meta:contains("mode") or keys.sneak then
 			return mining_drill_mkX_setmode(user, itemstack, drill_type, max_modes)
 		end
 	end
 	if pointed_thing.type ~= "node" or not pos_is_pointable(pointed_thing.under) then
 		return
 	end
-	if not meta.charge then
-		return
-	end
+
+	local charge = meta:get_int("technic:charge")
+	local mode = meta:contains("mode") and meta:get_int("mode") or 1
 
 	-- Check whether the tool has enough charge
-	local charge_to_take = cost_to_use(drill_type, meta.mode or 1)
-	if meta.charge < charge_to_take then
+	local charge_to_take = cost_to_use(drill_type, mode)
+	if charge < charge_to_take then
 		return
 	end
 
 	-- Do the actual shoorting action
 	local pos = minetest.get_pointed_thing_position(pointed_thing, false)
-	drill_dig_it(pos, user, meta.mode or 1)
+	drill_dig_it(pos, user, mode)
 	if not technic.creative_mode then
-		meta.charge = meta.charge - charge_to_take
-		itemstack:set_metadata(minetest.serialize(meta))
-		technic.set_RE_wear(itemstack, meta.charge, max_charge[drill_type])
+		charge = charge - charge_to_take
+		meta:set_int("technic:charge", charge)
+		technic.set_RE_wear(itemstack, charge, max_charge[drill_type])
 	end
 	return itemstack
 end

technic/tools/mining_lasers.lua

@@ -101,25 +101,26 @@ for _, m in pairs(mining_lasers_list) do
 		wear_represents = "technic_RE_charge",
 		on_refill = technic.refill_RE_charge,
 		on_use = function(itemstack, user)
-			local meta = minetest.deserialize(itemstack:get_metadata())
-			if not meta or not meta.charge or meta.charge == 0 then
+			local meta = technic.get_stack_meta(itemstack)
+			local charge = meta:get_int("technic:charge")
+			if charge == 0 then
 				return
 			end
 
 			local range = m[2]
-			if meta.charge < m[4] then
+			if charge < m[4] then
 				if not allow_entire_discharging then
 					return
 				end
 				-- If charge is too low, give the laser a shorter range
-				range = range * meta.charge / m[4]
+				range = range * charge / m[4]
 			end
 			laser_shoot(user, range, "technic_laser_beam_mk" .. m[1] .. ".png",
 				"technic_laser_mk" .. m[1])
 			if not technic.creative_mode then
-				meta.charge = math.max(meta.charge - m[4], 0)
-				technic.set_RE_wear(itemstack, meta.charge, m[3])
-				itemstack:set_metadata(minetest.serialize(meta))
+				charge = math.max(charge - m[4], 0)
+				meta:set_int("technic:charge", charge)
+				technic.set_RE_wear(itemstack, charge, m[3])
 			end
 			return itemstack
 		end,

technic/tools/prospector.lua

@@ -2,14 +2,16 @@ local S = technic.getter
 
 technic.register_power_tool("technic:prospector", 300000)
 
-local function get_metadata(toolstack)
-	local m = minetest.deserialize(toolstack:get_metadata())
-	if not m then m = {} end
-	if not m.charge then m.charge = 0 end
-	if not m.target then m.target = "" end
-	if not m.look_depth then m.look_depth = 7 end
-	if not m.look_radius then m.look_radius = 1 end
-	return m
+-- Helper function to consolidate ItemStackMetaRef access and initialize
+local function meta_to_table(meta)
+	local t = {}
+	local mt = meta:to_table()
+
+	t.charge = tonumber(mt.fields["technic:charge"]) or 0
+	t.target = mt.fields.target or ""
+	t.look_depth = tonumber(mt.fields.look_depth) or 7
+	t.look_radius = tonumber(mt.fields.look_radius) or 1
+	return t
 end
 
 minetest.register_tool("technic:prospector", {
@@ -20,7 +22,8 @@ minetest.register_tool("technic:prospector", {
 	on_use = function(toolstack, user, pointed_thing)
 		if not user or not user:is_player() or user.is_fake_player then return end
 		if pointed_thing.type ~= "node" then return end
-		local toolmeta = get_metadata(toolstack)
+		local meta = technic.get_stack_meta(toolstack)
+		local toolmeta = meta_to_table(meta)
 		local look_diameter = toolmeta.look_radius * 2 + 1
 		local charge_to_take = toolmeta.look_depth * (toolmeta.look_depth + 1) * look_diameter * look_diameter
 		if toolmeta.charge < charge_to_take then return end
@@ -30,7 +33,7 @@ minetest.register_tool("technic:prospector", {
 		end
 		if not technic.creative_mode then
 			toolmeta.charge = toolmeta.charge - charge_to_take
-			toolstack:set_metadata(minetest.serialize(toolmeta))
+			meta:set_int("technic:charge", toolmeta.charge)
 			technic.set_RE_wear(toolstack, toolmeta.charge, technic.power_tools[toolstack:get_name()])
 		end
 		-- What in the heaven's name is this evil sorcery ?
@@ -77,7 +80,8 @@ minetest.register_tool("technic:prospector", {
 	end,
 	on_place = function(toolstack, user, pointed_thing)
 		if not user or not user:is_player() or user.is_fake_player then return end
-		local toolmeta = get_metadata(toolstack)
+		local meta = technic.get_stack_meta(toolstack)
+		local toolmeta = meta_to_table(meta)
 		local pointed
 		if pointed_thing.type == "node" then
 			local pname = minetest.get_node(pointed_thing.under).name
@@ -125,19 +129,16 @@ minetest.register_on_player_receive_fields(function(user, formname, fields)
 	if not user or not user:is_player() or user.is_fake_player then return end
 	local toolstack = user:get_wielded_item()
 	if toolstack:get_name() ~= "technic:prospector" then return true end
-	local toolmeta = get_metadata(toolstack)
+	local meta = technic.get_stack_meta(toolstack)
 	for field, value in pairs(fields) do
 		if field:sub(1, 7) == "target_" then
-			toolmeta.target = field:sub(8)
-		end
-		if field:sub(1, 12) == "look_radius_" then
-			toolmeta.look_radius = field:sub(13)
-		end
-		if field:sub(1, 11) == "look_depth_" then
-			toolmeta.look_depth = field:sub(12)
+			meta:set_string("target", field:sub(8))
+		elseif field:sub(1, 12) == "look_radius_" then
+			meta:set_string("look_radius", field:sub(13))
+		elseif field:sub(1, 11) == "look_depth_" then
+			meta:set_string("look_depth", field:sub(12))
 		end
 	end
-	toolstack:set_metadata(minetest.serialize(toolmeta))
 	user:set_wielded_item(toolstack)
 	return true
 end)

technic/tools/sonic_screwdriver.lua

@@ -41,8 +41,9 @@ local function screwdriver_handler(itemstack, user, pointed_thing, mode)
 	-- contrary to the default screwdriver, do not check for can_dig, to allow rotating machines with CLU's in them
 	-- this is consistent with the previous sonic screwdriver
 
-	local meta1 = minetest.deserialize(itemstack:get_metadata())
-	if not meta1 or not meta1.charge or meta1.charge < 100 then
+	local meta = technic.get_stack_meta(itemstack)
+	local charge = meta:get_int("technic:charge")
+	if charge < 100 then
 		return
 	end
 
@@ -64,9 +65,9 @@ local function screwdriver_handler(itemstack, user, pointed_thing, mode)
 	minetest.swap_node(pos, node)
 
 	if not technic.creative_mode then
-		meta1.charge = meta1.charge - 100
-		itemstack:set_metadata(minetest.serialize(meta1))
-		technic.set_RE_wear(itemstack, meta1.charge, sonic_screwdriver_max_charge)
+		charge = charge - 100
+		meta:set_int("technic:charge", charge)
+		technic.set_RE_wear(itemstack, charge, sonic_screwdriver_max_charge)
 	end
 
 	return itemstack

technic/tools/vacuum.lua

@@ -14,24 +14,23 @@ minetest.register_tool("technic:vacuum", {
 	wear_represents = "technic_RE_charge",
 	on_refill = technic.refill_RE_charge,
 	on_use = function(itemstack, user, pointed_thing)
-		local meta = minetest.deserialize(itemstack:get_metadata())
-		if not meta or not meta.charge then
+		local meta = technic.get_stack_meta(itemstack)
+		local charge = meta:get_int("technic:charge")
+		if charge < vacuum_charge_per_object then
 			return
 		end
-		if meta.charge > vacuum_charge_per_object then
 		minetest.sound_play("vacuumcleaner", {
 			to_player = user:get_player_name(),
 			gain = 0.4,
 		})
-		end
 		local pos = user:get_pos()
 		local inv = user:get_inventory()
 		for _, object in ipairs(minetest.get_objects_inside_radius(pos, vacuum_range)) do
 			local luaentity = object:get_luaentity()
 			if not object:is_player() and luaentity and luaentity.name == "__builtin:item" and luaentity.itemstring ~= "" then
 				if inv and inv:room_for_item("main", ItemStack(luaentity.itemstring)) then
-					meta.charge = meta.charge - vacuum_charge_per_object
-					if meta.charge < vacuum_charge_per_object then
+					charge = charge - vacuum_charge_per_object
+					if charge < vacuum_charge_per_object then
 						return
 					end
 					inv:add_item("main", ItemStack(luaentity.itemstring))
@@ -45,8 +44,8 @@ minetest.register_tool("technic:vacuum", {
 			end
 		end
 
-		technic.set_RE_wear(itemstack, meta.charge, vacuum_max_charge)
-		itemstack:set_metadata(minetest.serialize(meta))
+		meta:set_int("technic:charge", charge)
+		technic.set_RE_wear(itemstack, charge, vacuum_max_charge)
 		return itemstack
 	end,
 })

technic_cnc/cnc.lua

@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ if technic_cnc.use_technic then
 	allow_metadata_inventory_take = technic.machine_inventory_take
 	allow_metadata_inventory_move = technic.machine_inventory_move
 	can_dig = technic.machine_can_dig
-	desc_tr = S("%s CNC Machine"):format("LV")
+	desc_tr = S("@1 CNC Machine", S("LV"))
 else
 	minetest.register_craft({
 		output = 'technic:cnc',
@@ -130,9 +130,9 @@ local cnc_formspec =
 	"image_button[5,4;1,1;technic_cnc_element_t.png;element_t; ]"..
 	"image_button[6,4;1,1;technic_cnc_element_edge.png;element_edge; ]"..
 
-	"label[0, 5.5;"..S("In:").."]"..
+	"label[0, 5;"..S("In:").."]"..
 	"list[current_name;src;0.5,5.5;1,1;]"..
-	"label[4, 5.5;"..S("Out:").."]"..
+	"label[4, 5;"..S("Out:").."]"..
 	"list[current_name;dst;5,5.5;4,1;]"..
 
 	"list[current_player;main;0,7;8,4;]"..
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ local run = function(pos, node)
 	   (not minetest.registered_nodes[result]) or
 	   (not inv:room_for_item("dst", result)) then
 		technic.swap_node(pos, machine_node)
-		meta:set_string("infotext", S("%s Idle"):format(machine_name))
+		meta:set_string("infotext", S("@1 Idle", machine_name))
 		meta:set_string("cnc_product", "")
 		meta:set_int("LV_EU_demand", 0)
 		return
@@ -229,10 +229,10 @@ local run = function(pos, node)
 
 	if eu_input < demand then
 		technic.swap_node(pos, machine_node)
-		meta:set_string("infotext", S("%s Unpowered"):format(machine_name))
+		meta:set_string("infotext", S("@1 Unpowered", machine_name))
 	elseif eu_input >= demand then
 		technic.swap_node(pos, machine_node.."_active")
-		meta:set_string("infotext", S("%s Active"):format(machine_name))
+		meta:set_string("infotext", S("@1 Active", machine_name))
 		meta:set_int("src_time", meta:get_int("src_time") + 1)
 		if meta:get_int("src_time") >= 3 then -- 3 ticks per output
 			meta:set_int("src_time", 0)