The Water Sprinkler
Dimensions:
Varies on sprinkler used
Weight: Varies
Range: Depends on type of sprinkler as well as sprinkler setting - typically
between 20 - 40 feet
Penetration Value: N/A
:
N/A
:
AUTOMATIC PERIMETER DEFENSE SYSTEM
Description:
The water sprinkler is an often overlooked but surprising useful
tool for water delivery to have on one's side. Of course, simply having
a sprinkler on is a good way to water grass but ineffective in soaking
an approaching enemy force. The main problems with sprinklers are that
their pattern of spray is predictable and a hose connection must be
sacrificed for sprinkler use. Thankfully, there are some ways to get
around these problems and turn a sprinkler into a surprisingly effective
base protection weapon.
There are four main types
of sprinklers: i) the oscillating fan, ii) the spiralling fountains,
iii) the turning-pulsating sprinkler and iv) the multi-holed hose. The
purpose of all sprinklers is the same: to cover a designated area with
water. What varies between the different types of sprinklers is how
quickly they cover the whole area. A spiraling fountain sprinkler covers
its full diamater range with water almost as soon as it begins firing
water but yield is low. A turning-pulsating sprinkler takes some time
for it to make its full turn but each burst is more intense. As such,
different sprinklers are more suitable for different jobs:
OSCILLATING FAN
- This type of sprinkler fires a fan-spread of water. These types of
sprinkers then sweep back and forth, covering an area of ground in the
shape of a rectangle. Though various oscillating settings can often
be picked, the rate of oscillation is usually quite slow. (For some
reason, most use it to water lawns...go fig') To make this sprinkler
more effective for base defense measures, it should be mounted at an
angle or horizontal at about chest height. This way, the sprinkler can
be used to deter the enemy from coming in an entrance, especially when
they are close enough and the water is suddenly turned on.
SPIRALLING FOUNTAINS
- This type of sprinkler rotates at varying speeds when the water is
on, covering a circular area around it with liquid. For it to be most
effective, it must be positioned in the midst of enemy troops when on.
However, due to its design, it is usually quite obvious and is easily
avoided. To make it harder to see, leaves and such can be used to conceal
the hose and the sprinkler from view. Of course, once the sprinkler
is activated, it will quickly give away its position (though hopefully
soaking a bunch of hostiles in the process).
TURNING-PULSATING SPRINKLER
- This type of sprinker fires short bursts of water. Each burst fired
results in the sprinkler rotating slightly until an end point is reached.
Once the end of the range of motion is complete, the sprinkler makes
multiple, quick bursts while rotating fairly quickly back to its start
position whereupon it begins bursting again, rotating in small increments.
Each pulse is nearly equivalent to a CPS pulsed shot. However, due to
the strength of the burst, the stream covers a limited area at a time.
These types of sprinklers are best used as support at base entrances
or for firing down long, narrow pathways leading up to the base in which
hostiles would have little area to maneuver in.
MULTI-HOLED HOSE
- These sprinkers basically look like a hose with multiple, small holes
poked along the top side. When on, water sprays out in a fine stream
from these holes. The amount of water from each hole is minimal but
the whole length of the sprinkler can be used to make a virtual wall
or circle of water, fencing hostiles in or out should they not wish
to get wet. It is not recommendable to try camouflaging this type of
sprinker with debris since the water pressure from the holes is often
not enough to move even leaves aside.
Since one may not wish to
sacrifice the faucet water source to just a sprinkler, it is a good
idea to invest in a Y-connection (especially one in which water can
be diverted one way, the other way or both). The Y-adapter will allow
one to use both the sprinkler and a hose with nozzle for refilling water
weapons. If the Y-adapter can control which side is getting water while
the faucet is on, sprinklers can be turned on and off much more quickly
by changing the direction of water flow. The main disadvantage of using
a basic Y-adapter is that when the other side is being used to refill
weapons, water pressure to the sprinkler will drop significantly.
Though not often used in
water fights, sprinklers can add a twist to base defense and surprise
even the most confident raiding party.
Pros: Act
and assists in soaking the enemy without needing to use another team
member. Sprinklers are considered to have a virtually limitless source
of water.
Cons:
Cannot be left on since water pattern too predictable. Requires someone
near the faucet/switch to activate the sprinkler at the best time. Difficult
to conceal properly at times. May have to sacrifice hose use if Y-adapter
not available.
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