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{{Infobox item |
{{Infobox item |
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|games =FO1, FO2 |
|games =FO1, FO2 |
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| − | | |
+ | |icon =Icon Fo1 water chip.png |
| − | |image |
+ | |image =FO2 Water Chip.gif |
|weight =2 |
|weight =2 |
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| − | |value = |
+ | |value =10,000 |
| + | |value fo2 =10 |
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| − | |footer =<span style="text-align: center">[[File:FO2 Water Chip.gif]]<br />In-game Art</span> |
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| + | |quests =[[Find the Water Chip]] |
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| − | }}{{Games|FO1|FO2}} |
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| + | |proto ={{proto|055}} |
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| + | }} |
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| + | {{Quotation|A water purification control computer system chip. Looks surprisingly like the chip that your Vault needs.|''Fallout'' in-game description}} |
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| − | A '''water chip''' is a device which regulates the filtering and recycling systems of a water purifier and monitors the output for any contamination. It is a standard piece of equipment included in all [[Vault-Tec]] [[Vault]]s. |
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| + | The '''water purification control chip''', usually called just the '''water chip''', is the cornerstone of the [[Vault-Tec Corporation]]'s water purification systems installed in [[Vault]]s. The events of ''[[Fallout]]'' begin after Vault 13's only water chip breaks, and the only means to compensate for the diminishing water supplies is to leave and find a new chip. |
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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| + | <section begin="Background"/>The chip that controls the system is a fine example of 21st century electronics. It is a large circuit board with embedded vacuum tubes that regulates the filtration systems inside the water purifier and monitors the output for signs of contamination.<ref>[[Kane]]: ''"{156}{}{A water chip? Never heard of it, we only sell drinks. Go see Bob's Iguana Bits, if you're hungry.}"''<br />The [[Vault Dweller]]: ''"{157}{}{It's an electronic device that regulates the filtering system of a water purifier and monitors the output for any contamination. Mine's broken and I'm looking for a replacement.}"''<br />([[KANE.MSG]])</ref><ref>[[PRO ITEM.MSG (Fallout)]]: ''"{5500}{}{Water Chip}"''<br />''"{5501}{}{A water purification control computer system chip. Looks suprisingly like the chip that your Vault needs.}"''</ref> While the water chip can be jury-rigged for small scale water purification,<ref>[[Vault 101 terminal entries#Experiment PP216|Vault 101 terminal entries; Vault 101 medical data system, Experiment PP216]]</ref> it is specifically designed to interface with vault water computers (via a specific slot and jack; the chip still requires independent power supply through its own cord), making it useless for large scale water purification without a vault.<ref>The [[Vault Dweller]]: ''"{104}{}{Do you have a water chip?}"''<br />[[Martha Rastello]]: ''"{112}{}{Water chip... hmm. Oh, those old Vault purifying control chips. Well, I'm sure I speak for the entire town when I say you won't find one here. Without the proper equipment they're worthless. Only a Vault, or maybe Necropolis would have any use for one. Why do you ask?}"''<br />([[MSTMERCH.MSG]])</ref> |
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| − | The events of ''[[Fallout]]'' begin after [[Vault 13]]'s only water chip breaks, and the only means to compensate for the diminishing water supplies is to leave and find a new chip. The original [[Vault Dweller]], although not the first to be picked for the task, is sent on a [[Find the Water Chip|quest]] to find a replacement in [[2161]]. After encountering many people and places in the wastes of southern California, he finds a suitable replacement chip in [[Vault 12]], the vault underneath the [[Necropolis]], and returns it to Vault 13. |
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| + | While it is theoretically designed to last, the chips were manufactured by a low-bid contractor, resulting in poor quality and a high failure rate. Such was the case with [[Vault 13 (Fallout)|Vault 13]] in [[Timeline#2161|2161]], made worse by the fact that the process was too complicated for a workaround system.<ref>The Vault Dweller: ''"{105}{}{Do you have a water chip?}"''<br />[[Paul (Fallout)|Paul]]: ''"{134}{}{A Water Chip? The ones from the old Vault-Tec shelters?}"''<br />The Vault Dweller: ''"{135}{}{Yes!.. Do you have one?}"''<br />''"{136}{}{No. Those things were junk, they were prone to failure. We don’t deal with purifying our own water here. We have water delivered by caravans from the Hub.}"''<br />([[PAUL.MSG]])</ref> However, they are easily replaced: Chips are interchangeable and work in any Vault water computer, they just require a self-test and reboot after connecting.<ref>[[Jacoren]]: ''"{156}{Over_31}{Okey-dokey. One moment, the chip is initializing. Here - here - here - There it goes . . . Self-test is green . . . re-boot is good . . . Hah! It's working! And it looks like we have a winner! Haha! [The overseer sighs with relief.] You -- you've saved us. You've done it!}"''<br />([[OVER.MSG]])</ref> The fact that they were shipped in boxes of five chips each is further testament to their expected failure rate.<ref>[[PRO ITEM.MSG (Fallout 2)]]: ''"{5500}{}{Water Chip}"''<br />''"{5501}{}{This is a Vault-Tec water chip. They are typically packaged in groups of five to a box.}"''</ref> |
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| − | Ironically, due to a mix-up with shipping orders, [[Vault 8]] received the additional water chips that Vault 13 had ordered in place of their second allotted [[Garden of Eden Creation Kit]], which went to Vault 13. On the second level of [[Vault 8]], hundreds of them can be found and taken, though they aren't very valuable for monetary bartering. |
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| + | Vault 13 did not have surplus water chips due to a clerical error. A shipping mishap resulted in [[Vault 8]] receiving additional water chips that Vault 13 had ordered in place of their second allotted [[G.E.C.K. (Fallout 2)|Garden of Eden Creation Kit]]. The GECK was instead shipped to Vault 13.<ref>[[Vault City central computer]]: ''"{241}{}{Cross-reference the GECK shipment information.}"''<br />''"{244}{}{Due to a shipping error, it appears Vault 8 received a box of surplus water chips intended for another Vault. The other Vault most likely received Vault 8's second GECK.}"''<br />([[VICENCOM.MSG]])</ref><section end="Background"/> |
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==Characteristics== |
==Characteristics== |
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| + | The water chip is the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacGuffin MacGuffin] that kickstarts the plot of ''Fallout'' and provides the impetus in the first act of the game. It has no additional role in the game beyond delivering it to Vault 13 to remove the initial time limit. In ''Fallout 2'' it's a miscellaneous item found in bulk in the living quarters of [[Vault 8]]. |
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| − | The game's referral to the device as a "chip" is questionable given that, in the ''Fallout'' universe, integrated circuits (the origin of the word, as in "silicon chip") were apparently never invented. All technology relies on masses of discrete components and consequently are huge and cumbersome. |
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| + | ==Locations== |
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| − | Indeed, the in-game visuals of the device, both the 3D rendering and the background circuit diagram, indicate that it is built entirely using thermionic valves, not even discrete transistors, in the traditional style of such 50's technology, as a metal box chassis with protruding glass vacuum tubes - the "chip" may not actually contain any silicon at all. The name is also slightly misleading in that the chip itself does not produce or process water, but controls other equipment that does. |
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| + | * {{Icon|FO1}} [[Vault 12]]'s command center, in a computer. |
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| + | * {{Icon|FO2}} One can be found in a locked footlocker in [[Vault 13 (Fallout 2)|Vault 13]]'s command center. |
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| + | * {{Icon|FO2}} A grand total of 420 chips can be found on the second floor of Vault 8, in crates in certain rooms that can only be opened with a high [[Lockpick (Fallout)|Lockpick]] or [[Strength]]. |
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==Behind the scenes== |
==Behind the scenes== |
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| + | <section begin="BTS"/> |
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| − | * The blueprint shown in the photo is actually a schematic diagram for a type of vacuum tube radio receiver. |
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| + | {{Quotation|The visual of the waterchip just evolved into a visual joke while I was modeling it - I thought it would be funny to be showing the simplest, most basic motherboard type thing while the overseer was describing something so complex they couldn't hack together a workaround. That was how a lot of the design went on those things - we'd just come up with something we thought was funny while we were filling in the details. A specific detail I've never seen anybody mention is that the schematic behind the waterchip is actually for a Moog synthesizer.|[[Leonard Boyarsky]]}} |
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| + | * Technically, the water chip is not a chip at all. The term is reserved for devices using integrated circuits, an invention that has never really caught on by 2077, printed on circuit boards. The water "chip" is a large processing unit built on a full metal chassis with thermionic vacuum tubes. |
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| + | * The blueprint shown in the background of the intro is actually a schematic diagram for a [[wikipedia:Moog synthesizer|Moog synthesizer]].<ref>[http://archive.is/sq7xp RPG Codex interview with Leonard Boyarsky]</ref> |
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| + | * In ''Fallout 2'', the [[Guardian of Forever]] special encounter allows the player character to break the water chip and set the events of ''Fallout'' in motion.<section end="BTS/> |
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| + | ==Gallery== |
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| − | * Through an ironic twist of fate - primarily due to the [[Guardian of Forever]] - the [[Chosen One]] in ''[[Fallout 2]]'' can be shown as the guilty party in breaking Vault 13's original water chip by traveling back in time to the ''[[Fallout]]'' era, setting that story in motion (whether or not this is ''[[canon]]'' is debatable). |
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| + | <gallery widths=200 captionalign=center> |
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| + | Vault 12 water chip.png|{{Icon|FO1}} This is the computer one wants to search in [[Vault 12]]'s command center |
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| + | Fo2_GECK_and_water_chip.png|{{Icon|FO2}} Water chip in the footlocker on the right in [[Vault 13 (Fallout 2)|Vault 13]]'s command center |
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| + | Fo2 Vault 8 Living Quarters.png|The chips in [[Vault 8]]'s living quarters |
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| + | Fallout-WATERDemo.png|Water chip in the [[Fallout Demo|''Fallout'' Demo]]. Alters slightly from the implemented chip |
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| + | Fo1 Intro Water chip.png|Intro render |
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| + | </gallery> |
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| + | |||
| + | ==References== |
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| + | {{References}} |
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| + | |||
| + | {{Navbox miscellaneous items FO1}} |
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| + | {{Navbox miscellaneous items FO2}} |
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[[Category:Fallout quest items]] |
[[Category:Fallout quest items]] |
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[[Category:Fallout 2 quest items]] |
[[Category:Fallout 2 quest items]] |
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| + | [[Category:Vault-Tec technology]] |
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| + | [[es:Chip de agua]] |
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| + | [[pt:Water chip]] |
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| + | [[uk:Водяній чіп]] |
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| + | [[zh:净水芯片]] |
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Latest revision as of 23:07, 17 September 2023
“A water purification control computer system chip. Looks surprisingly like the chip that your Vault needs.”— Fallout in-game description
The water purification control chip, usually called just the water chip, is the cornerstone of the Vault-Tec Corporation's water purification systems installed in Vaults. The events of Fallout begin after Vault 13's only water chip breaks, and the only means to compensate for the diminishing water supplies is to leave and find a new chip.
Background
The chip that controls the system is a fine example of 21st century electronics. It is a large circuit board with embedded vacuum tubes that regulates the filtration systems inside the water purifier and monitors the output for signs of contamination.[1][2] While the water chip can be jury-rigged for small scale water purification,[3] it is specifically designed to interface with vault water computers (via a specific slot and jack; the chip still requires independent power supply through its own cord), making it useless for large scale water purification without a vault.[4]
While it is theoretically designed to last, the chips were manufactured by a low-bid contractor, resulting in poor quality and a high failure rate. Such was the case with Vault 13 in 2161, made worse by the fact that the process was too complicated for a workaround system.[5] However, they are easily replaced: Chips are interchangeable and work in any Vault water computer, they just require a self-test and reboot after connecting.[6] The fact that they were shipped in boxes of five chips each is further testament to their expected failure rate.[7]
Vault 13 did not have surplus water chips due to a clerical error. A shipping mishap resulted in Vault 8 receiving additional water chips that Vault 13 had ordered in place of their second allotted Garden of Eden Creation Kit. The GECK was instead shipped to Vault 13.[8]
Characteristics
The water chip is the MacGuffin that kickstarts the plot of Fallout and provides the impetus in the first act of the game. It has no additional role in the game beyond delivering it to Vault 13 to remove the initial time limit. In Fallout 2 it's a miscellaneous item found in bulk in the living quarters of Vault 8.
Locations
Vault 12's command center, in a computer.- One can be found in a locked footlocker in Vault 13's command center.
- A grand total of 420 chips can be found on the second floor of Vault 8, in crates in certain rooms that can only be opened with a high Lockpick or Strength.
Behind the scenes
“The visual of the waterchip just evolved into a visual joke while I was modeling it - I thought it would be funny to be showing the simplest, most basic motherboard type thing while the overseer was describing something so complex they couldn't hack together a workaround. That was how a lot of the design went on those things - we'd just come up with something we thought was funny while we were filling in the details. A specific detail I've never seen anybody mention is that the schematic behind the waterchip is actually for a Moog synthesizer.”— Leonard Boyarsky
- Technically, the water chip is not a chip at all. The term is reserved for devices using integrated circuits, an invention that has never really caught on by 2077, printed on circuit boards. The water "chip" is a large processing unit built on a full metal chassis with thermionic vacuum tubes.
- The blueprint shown in the background of the intro is actually a schematic diagram for a Moog synthesizer.[9]
- In Fallout 2, the Guardian of Forever special encounter allows the player character to break the water chip and set the events of Fallout in motion.
Gallery
This is the computer one wants to search in Vault 12's command center
Water chip in the footlocker on the right in Vault 13's command center
The chips in Vault 8's living quarters
Water chip in the Fallout Demo. Alters slightly from the implemented chip
Intro render
References
- ↑ Kane: "{156}{}{A water chip? Never heard of it, we only sell drinks. Go see Bob's Iguana Bits, if you're hungry.}"
The Vault Dweller: "{157}{}{It's an electronic device that regulates the filtering system of a water purifier and monitors the output for any contamination. Mine's broken and I'm looking for a replacement.}"
(KANE.MSG) - ↑ PRO ITEM.MSG (Fallout): "{5500}{}{Water Chip}"
"{5501}{}{A water purification control computer system chip. Looks suprisingly like the chip that your Vault needs.}" - ↑ Vault 101 terminal entries; Vault 101 medical data system, Experiment PP216
- ↑ The Vault Dweller: "{104}{}{Do you have a water chip?}"
Martha Rastello: "{112}{}{Water chip... hmm. Oh, those old Vault purifying control chips. Well, I'm sure I speak for the entire town when I say you won't find one here. Without the proper equipment they're worthless. Only a Vault, or maybe Necropolis would have any use for one. Why do you ask?}"
(MSTMERCH.MSG) - ↑ The Vault Dweller: "{105}{}{Do you have a water chip?}"
Paul: "{134}{}{A Water Chip? The ones from the old Vault-Tec shelters?}"
The Vault Dweller: "{135}{}{Yes!.. Do you have one?}"
"{136}{}{No. Those things were junk, they were prone to failure. We don’t deal with purifying our own water here. We have water delivered by caravans from the Hub.}"
(PAUL.MSG) - ↑ Jacoren: "{156}{Over_31}{Okey-dokey. One moment, the chip is initializing. Here - here - here - There it goes . . . Self-test is green . . . re-boot is good . . . Hah! It's working! And it looks like we have a winner! Haha! [The overseer sighs with relief.] You -- you've saved us. You've done it!}"
(OVER.MSG) - ↑ PRO ITEM.MSG (Fallout 2): "{5500}{}{Water Chip}"
"{5501}{}{This is a Vault-Tec water chip. They are typically packaged in groups of five to a box.}" - ↑ Vault City central computer: "{241}{}{Cross-reference the GECK shipment information.}"
"{244}{}{Due to a shipping error, it appears Vault 8 received a box of surplus water chips intended for another Vault. The other Vault most likely received Vault 8's second GECK.}"
(VICENCOM.MSG) - ↑ RPG Codex interview with Leonard Boyarsky
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