* Water Sprinklers .:

By: iSoaker.com

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

Classification: N/A | Type: 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 opponents 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 a group 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 opponents 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 opponents 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.

Posted: 20040501