-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- AQUATICA NEWSLETTER http://www.supersoaker.cjb.net -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Volume #1 Issue #2 May 14th, 2000 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- TABLE OF CONTENTS A: ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER 1 - About the Newsletter 2 - About Aquatica B: ARTICLES 1 - Designing a SuperSoaker Website - By Robert G. 2 - Comparisons: CPS1500 and CPS1700 - By Nick L. 3 - Monster XL Review - By Robert G. C: OTHER 1 - Advertisements 2 - Reader Input 3 - Subscribe/Unsubscribe 4 - Sponsors 5 - Thank You's -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Please Accept our apologies for releasing this Second issue a few weeks late. Some of you may know that this issue was due for Mid-April. Due to lack of incoming Content, it has been held back... Aquatica Newsletter Cannot Survive without your support. Information like this doesn't come easy, and if you'd like to see issues like this come along more often, we need your help. For Information of Submitting Articles to the Aquatica Newsletter in Section C-2. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -=A=- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 1. About the Newsletter Designed to bring back to life the long passed spirit of the Soaked Newsletter, The Aquatica Newsletter delivers what the Soaked Newsletter in the Spring/Summer of 1998. The Aquatica Newsletter was created by fans, built by fans and done for fans, and will be released Between 1 to 4 weeks apart, depending upon the flow of information. If you would like to contribute or become a reporter to the Aquatica Newsletter, Send us an Email. Our Address is "aquaticanews@yahoo.ca" There is more information on Submitting below in Section C-2. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. About Aquatica Formed by the Webmasters of Aquatecnology and The Aqua-Nexus in September of 1999, The Aquatica Organization is set to deliver the best of service possible to the Struggling Super Soaker Onilne Community. With a Webring and Photo-Database for young websites, a Yahoo Club for discussing items on your mind, and a Newsletter to give what every SuperSoaker-Phile wants, INFORMATION, Aquatica keeps up it promise to let the Super Soaker Online Community See Progress, See Service, and See Updates... SEE AQUATICA http://www.supersoaker.cjb.net --------------------------------------------------------------------- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -=B=- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 1. Designing a SuperSoaker Website - By Robert G. (a.k.a. Aquatechnology) INTRO: Alright, so you have Internet access, a bunch of ideas about SuperSoakers and a little HTML knowledge and want to put a SuperSoaker-related website together... Good! Then, you look at the other Supersoaker websites currently existing and ask yourself, "Uhh... how the heck can I compete?" The answer is simple. Don't compete... harmonize and expand. Fact is, all sites cannot possibly cover every aspect on SuperSoakers. Moreover, when people go to SuperSoaker-related websites, they are often looking for information and ideas about what types of SuperSoakers to buy and use based on other people's experiences. Even if your site can only review a few weapons, if you review them well, you'll have visitors coming back looking for updates and/or new reviews. The most important thing is not to be intimidated by some of the older websites out there are go out and try sharing your own views on Supersoakers. That's the point of the Internet, isn't it? Knowledge/experience exchange? Remember, even large sites such as Aqua-Nexus and Aquatechnology started off as rather small sites with oly a few pages and reviews. It is time and interest which has allowed these sites to grow. Other Mid-Sized sites such as Mikah's SuperSoaker page, Liquid Warfare and MiB have a longer history behind them. Just don't worry too much about having too little information... a website has to start somewhere. THE UGLY TRUTH: Maintaining a website properly takes time. It's great when you visit a website that you like and see that it is updated frequently, but when you're running your own website, you'll soon realize that updates can take up a good chunk of time and brainpower. Let's face it... good websites are ones which are ccontinually expanding/changing. If a site never changed, after the first visit, there would be little point in returning very often. Sites that change make visitors want to come back. However, to keep on updating a personal site requires dedication to the site. (...and I thought gardening was rough...) Many SuperSoaker-related sites have all but perished due to neglect. If you want to make a successful site, updates are the key. Of course, you need to have a site before updating so we'll start from there. THE BEGINNING: Apart from having access to the Internet, you need to have webspace. Many people have space from their ISP (Internet Service Provider). If not, there are many sites online which offer website hosting for free such as Tripod, Yahoo, Geocities, etc. Once space has been acquired, the site can begin. If HTML-coding is a new thing for you, you can always use simple HTML parsers such as Netscape Communicator's editor or even the later versions of Microsoft Word or Corel Wordperfect to generate HTML files. It is, of course, better if you can familiarize yourself with the actual HTML code tags. That way, you can trouble shoot, clean-up text, etc. For those who don't know, to see the coding of most pages you visit on the Internet, browsers such as IE and Netscape offer the option of "View Source" in their menu. With this technique, useful code from other pages can be carefully lifted and used for one's own site to generate similar behaviours. Remember, you can always preview your pages off your hard drive to see if they work before posting them. This lets you troubleshoot problems before visitors find them. Apart from HTML, a website should also make use of graphics. However, many may not have access to programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Flash/Fireworks, Corel Draw, etc. However, any Windows user should have MS Paint available. Also, there are some graphics programs and utilities available for free online from sites such as Tucows (http://www.tucows.com/) Of course, for SuperSoaker images, one can ask SuperSoaker.com for permission to use their images or, if you are an Aquatica Club/Webring member, you can have access to the Aquatica Photo-Database. All Aquatica images are free for non-commercial use so long as the website they appear on does not contain any illicit materials. Okay, with HTML knowledge and image generation in hand, time to make a site. THE CREATIVE PROCESS: One of the most challenging parts of website design is, in fact, the design itself. For a site to be user friendly, it must look pleasing to the eye and have information readily available. Good websites are organized in such a way that it is very intuitive for a user to navigate from page to page such that they can find the information they are looking for. The following is a list of key things to consider: i) Name - What is your website going to be called? The name can play a crucial part behind whether a surfer will be interested or curious enough to visit. Though not necessarily written in stone, it is best to avoid long page names such as This Is The Most Incredible SuperSoaker Page That Ever Existed. Simply put, if the name gets too long, people tend to forget it ii) Theme - Okay, your site will be on water weaponry, water fights or both? Pick specific colours to define your site. Having a common look and feel to all pages within one's site will let visitors know they are still surfing within your domain and have not wandered off elsewhere. Also, having the same look/feel will allow various graphic elements to be re-used throughout the site, saving you from having to design each page individually and reducing overall download time. iii) Navigation/Layout - good sites are sites that you can find what you are looking for without having to search every page trying to do so. Navigation tools that make it easier for visitors to find various sections on your site include menus, menu-pulldowns, image maps, etc. If this is your first website, it can sometimes be helpful to sketch a layout of your site on a piece of paper in a tree diagram. Think of the pages you want to have and how visitors should be able to get from one page to another iv) Content - When people visit a website, they want to be able to find out things they didn't already know. Including things such as personal opinions, stories, ideas, etc will give the site visitors something to read/learn and give them a reason for coming back. Simply put, the different part of a site all contribute to making people want to visit, how long they visit and whether they will want to come back. A site's name will give people interest. A site's design/layout will determine whether the visitor will want to check out the site further. A site's content will determine whether the visitor will stay and whether the visitor will want to come back to check for updates. Anyone can make a website, but it's more difficult to make a good site. As stated before, if this is a personal site, don't expect to be able to do and say everything perfectly at your site's launch. Everything, in time, can be tweaked and adjusted for optimal content and viewing. Good sites evolve based on feedback of visitors. In an attempt to end this article, I'll just make some final notes about elements a site should have to be web-user friendly: - a site should have a menu on all pages for easy navigation between major sections; - a "What's New" or "News" or "Updates"-type page should be included to let visitors know what has changed and when since they last visited. This also lets you keep track of your own efforts; - a "Links" pages is good to have. Be sure to include a link to "http://www.supersoaker.cjb.net/" - an email address should be available so that visitors can give you feedback if they wish to; - .gifs and .jpgs should be kept as small as possible to minimize download time. Hopefully, as bandwidth increases in the future, this shouldn't be too much of a concern but at the moment, it still is; - one should avoid using too many images on a single page since this can severely slow down the speed of download. If possible, smaller images should be combined to make a large image since a single file requires only one server request; - one should also check one's spelling and grammar. Ok... this isn't English class or anything but some find spelling and grammatical mistakes very annoying. Too many mistakes can make it very hard for a visitor to understand what you are trying to say. Typos, of course, sometimes slip through but one should try to keep them to a minimum. Alright, that's more babble than I had first intended. For those wanting to start a Supersoaker website, don't be intimidated. Just go for it and learn as you go. ...and don't forget to join the Aquatica Webring to help promote your site, increase your hits and get access to images. Leave NO one dry! --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Comparisons: CPS1500 and CPS1700 - By Nick L. (a.k.a. SuperSoakerWarrior) It all started on a cold morning in Winter 97-98... Larami unveiled the line of blasters that were to become the big new guns of the next 2 years - the CPSs. One of them, was the CPS1500. Some people hated it for its sick green colors, some people liked it for its medium grade size and power. However, one thing was certain, 1500 was the middle child of the CPS lineup. As the next two years went by, the CPS1500 gathered both friends, and foes. On January 1st, 2000, Larami unveiled the brand new line of Super Soakers. Some of them neat looking, some of them cool looking, some of them goofy lookin.. But one looked way too familiar. And so, one question arose... Are the CPS1500 and the CPS1700 the same gun? Here are some side-by-side comparisons, taken from my own personal encounters, to help you out... When I first laid eyes on the picture for the CPS1700, I thought that it was a CPS1500 with an expanded reservoir. As it turned out, SuperSoaker.com listed the capacity sizes on all their new blasters for Reservoir and Pressure Tank combined - which explained the larger capacity figure. That's beside the point. Is the 1500 and the 1700 the same gun... Lets have a Look Shall we? Reservoir- 1500 - 105oz 1700 - 102oz Pressure Tank- 1500 - 31oz (28oz in 1500 Mk.4) 1700 - 26oz Shot Time(5x/10x)- 1500 - 4sec/2.5sec 1700 - 4sec/2.5sec Output(5x/10x)- 1500 - 7.6oz/11oz 1700 - 7.6oz/12oz The Specifications of both guns do have some differences, but nothing that cannot be attributed to Measuring and Manufacturing error. Please remember what numbers we are dealing with. When you look at the Pressure tank size of the 1500, then the 1500 Mk.4, and the 1700, only differing from each other by 2-3oz (and 5oz between 1500 and 1700), how much of that is Manufacturing error? All in all, there are very few and minuscule differences in the Measurement specs. Performance Comparison The CPS1500 and CPS1700, side by side, showed very little difference, even in Range, Shooting only inches off of each other. There was no range difference, and if there was it was too little to tell. I've seen more range differential between the Dual Nozzles of the Monster XL than between these two Medium-Weight guns. They both hit targets as hard, last as long as each other, and feel the same way to pump and fire. (Although, I do say the "ka-chuk ka-chuk" problem while pumping fast is far less pronounced) Structural Comparison Measuring them side by side, there is no difference in length, width, or even differences in Detail on either gun. The Only real difference between the two, by just looking at them, is the colour. One is Grey and the other is, well, err.., Blue. The 1700 in the hands feels a bit more solid than the CPS1500. Not sure what it is, but something might be there that's different. Which Brings us to durability. If there is anything different with the 1700 over the 1500, it would be here. Only time will tell exactly what's changed there. Overall Comparison and Conclusion By testing both guns side by side, I can find no real Difference between the Two guns other than the obvious color change. I can see no real reason why Larami decided to rerelease the 1500 as the 1700, unless the Public appeal for Good Ol' Stubby was great enough to incite the Much worked on CPS1500 for a return in the Next year or two of Super Soaker life span. The 1700 even has "1997" for a Copyright date(where all other 2000 Blasters are Marked "1999"). There isn't much more to say than "what's going on here?" These are obviously the same thing... See what You Think... Take NO Prisoners!! --------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Monster XL Review - By Robert G. (a.k.a. Aquatechnology) For those who can take it and want to dish the water out (as well as have good financial status), the Monster XL will suit your soaking needs. Boasting dual-CPS pressure chambers, dual multi-choice nozzles, a bipod, Super Charger ability and an overall meanacing appearance, the Monster Xl represents the pinnacle of this years Super Soaker crop. First, let's look at the basic stats: Dimensions: 98 cm x 21 cm x 32 cm Weight: 4.32 kg Reservoir Volume: 3.5 L Firing Chamber Volume: 1.27L Pump Volume: 35 mL First off, this is that largest single-piece SuperSoaker available (no wonder the thing has a retractable bipod and shoulder strap). Size comes at a price since it is also has the heaviest dry-weight for a SuperSoaker (be prepared for a good workout when using this beast). The large size and weight of this blaster means that one's ability to move will be rather hampered. ...and don't expect to be able to sneak one around the place without being noticed. Its shape and colours are rather eye-catching, making potential hostiles rethink their attack plans and making anyone else wonder whether there is any sanity left in this world. The Monster XL's dual nozzles each has 6 different settings. On one side, one of the settings that can be chosen is an off-setting, allowing only the other side's nozzle to be used. This is great for conserving water or increasing firing time. Of course, when it is time to do some serious drenching, both nozzles can be opened up for maximum water delivery. The other nozzle settings are rated as 5x, 8.5x, 11.5x (that of an XP70), 6-way fan, 4-way typhoon-like and a multiway shower. On the side of the Monster XL which has the off setting, there is no shower setting. (Note: It has been found that some Monster XLs are rated at 8.5x, 10x and 11.5x. This suggests that there are more than one type of Monster XL on the market. However, the 8.5x setting on that type of Monster XL appears to have an equivalent diameter to the CPS1000's nozzle, making is probably more like 5x. The Monster XL reviewed has its nozzles properly labelled at 5x, 8.5x and 11.5x) Unlike previous multi-nozzled SuperSoakers, thanks to the Monster XL's monstrous firing chamber, all nozzle settings can be adequately fed with water making each setting useful: The 5x setting is the smallest single stream the Monster XL can dish out, good for conservative water use yet more power than most XPs and SCs. The 8.5x setting allows one for blast out more water (no, really!). The 11.5x setting, especially with the dual-nozzle action, can quickly drench any hostile. The 6-way fan offer 6 CPS1000-class streams firing out from the front of the Monster from 45-degrees left of centre to 45-degrees right of centre. This provides a very good and powerful area soak, especially when both nozzles are set to 6-way, 12 streams are coming out of the front of this blaster. The 4-way typhoon behaves a little differently than the 3-way Typhoon found in the CPS 3000/CPS 3200. The four streams are rectangualr shaped and tend to stay relatively close together. The advantage is that they do provide a larger area of impact when the streams come into contact with the intended target but don't provide the wide area-coverage that the 6-way blast does. The shower setting fires 20 XP-class streams in a spreading pattern from the front of the Monster XL. However, these streams do not spread out as much as the 6-way blast but do spread more than the 4-way typoon. On this setting, one can cover one's target's torso with relative ease from 15-20 feet away. Of course, to feed these nozzles, the pressure chamber of the Monster XL is the largest found in a non-backpack blaster. (Strictly speaking, the pressure chambers of the SC:BT and the SC:Power Pak are larger, but that's all the water they carry and its in a backpack) Unfortunately, Larami Ltd. opted not to significantly increase the pump volume on the Monster XL. As such, it takes over 40 pumps to full fill the firing chamber. Thankfully, thanks to SuperCharger technology, the firing chamber and reservoir can be completely filled if there happens to be an active QFD available. For the Monster XL, the QFD is an arm-saver. The main shortcoming of the Monster XL is its water reservoir capacity. At a mere 3.5L, this beast will quickly drain its resources. It is unclear why Larami Ltd. had chosen to give the Monster XL only this much water in reserve... perhaps due to the Monster XL's weight already but the CPS2700 holds a whopping 5L. It unquestionably needs a larger tank. The bipod of the Monster XL has its uses. Each leg of the bipod can be moved independantly. Atop benches, tables and chairs, the bipod will allow the use to rest some of the weapon's weight on the object and not on one's shoulders. As the bipod can be folded back, it can be kept out of the way when not needed. The minor problem here is that the feet of the bipod does partially inhibit pumping. In the end, the Monster XL can still dish out water faster than any other previous SuperSoaker available. Its size and styling definitely add to its intimidation factor. However, if you are thinking about using it, be prepared for both a hefty weight and a hefty price tag. Then again, you do get what you pay for. --------------------------------------------------------------------- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -=C=- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 1. Advertisements Visit Aquatica Yahoo Club! - http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/aquatica Nexus Newswire on the Aqua-Nexus - Your Prime Source of Super Soaker Information --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Reader Input If you would like to make a submission to the Aquatica Newsletter, or join on as an Aquatica News Reporter, send us an Email at "aquaticanews@yahoo.ca". Include the information you want us to post, your name, your Email address, and anything else you think we should know. All Information is Very Welcome.. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Subscribe/Unsubscribe Want to subscribe to the Aquatica Newsletter? Visit the Newsletter section of the Aquatica Website - "http://www.supersoaker.cjb.net". If you want to unsubscribe from this Newsletter, there should be information about it at the bottom. OR Send us an Email asking to unsubscribe at "aquaticanews@yahoo.ca". --------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Sponsors Listbot - Thanks for the Mail List Server. Aqua-Nexus and Aquatechnology - Co-Founders of Aquatica --------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Thank You's Larami - For the Awesome Line of Super Soakers.. Soaked Newsletter - For Pioneering the Super Soaker Newsletter. --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- "Aquatica" Copyright 1999, 2000 Aqua-Nexus/Aquatechnology "Aqua-Nexus" Copyright 1999, 2000 Aqua-Nexus "Aquatechnology" Copyright 1998, 1999, 2000 Aquatechnology