*Update, edited the formatting and added more tactics; A complete redux.
Disclaimer: If you haven't already, I would like you too read my guide to defending, it has more tips for Vulcan.
This guide is for people who have purchased and know the BASIC mechanics of Vulcan.
Introduction: Welcome! Here I'll give you some basic tips about Vulcan, the newest and best turret in my opinion.
What Vulcan is: A long-ranged minigun with anti-tank capacity and tracer ammunition.
What Vulcan isn't: A turret for fast-paced attacking, or to be used like Railgun. If you do this you won't fulfill the full potential of the turret, you'll die continuously.
What the best strategy is for Vulcan: Eh, I'll just say it with no sugarcoating... Vulcan is a camping turret, it's not built to attack or be a mobile fighter, it's made for covering the flag runner or holding a single area down. You can't use it for much else, because it needs to have at least a medium hull to be effective. The lightest hull you should EVER mount it on is Hunter.
Gameplay and basic pointers:
Okay, starting off... NEVER HOLD DOWN SPACE LONGER THAN YOU NEED TOO. I cannot stress this enough, it is a common mistake that really gets on my nerves.
What you do: Aim. Press and hold space. (Once the enemy has gone behind cover or is dead.) STOP!
What this does: It saves a LOT of precious time, you see, the barrel has to completely stop before it can continue rotating.
You also will reduce the damage if any from overheating.
(But you can continue if your finger slips, it just has to be quick!)
One thing you should always remember: A little heat is okay, once you turn around the shade of red a Gayla apple is it's time to stop firing and get behind cover.
The only way I've found to work with these effects is just playing with Vulcan a lot, it just comes naturally. Eventually you'll get a feel for it, and it'll just become natural instinct.
As far as paints: Anything with Firebird protection, starting as early as Marine and ending with Zeus.
What to mount it on/the effectiveness of various hulls:
Vulcan-Dictator: Average defender, it has the speed of a lawnmower and little to no use supporting, this is the aforementioned camping combo. 8/10
Vulcan-Hunter: This one is a rover or a distraction, go in with the attacking force and draw the enemy fire, but don't just take it. Find some cover and get yourself pinned, then force them to take you out. 9/10
Vulcan-Viking: This one will get you to about the middle of the offensive, there you can support and attack the enemy if the map is open enough. It's not a good rover like Hunter, but it can be used in a similar way. 9/10
Vulcan-Hornet: Only semi-effective at the lower ranks, once you reach M3 the recoil will be way too much.
It has a similar playstyle to Hornet-Twins, but you can't get very close. 4/10
Vulcan-Wasp: Eww no. 0/10
Vulcan-Titan: Camping hull, not much to describe here. Just find a perch and fire. 9/10
Vulcan-Mammoth: This is the poster combo, the one you imagine when you think of a Vulcan. It is a complete beast with Isida support, and can fight off entire waves. 10/10
Various other things I couldn't categorize elsewhere:
How to circle-strafe (Kinda): Whenever you attack the enemy, try circling him and turning your turret in the opposite direction your hull is traveling. This should make you fire at him, provided he doesn't make any sharp turns, and you're at a close enough range.
This only really works on Mammoths or other slower hulls, and you will need Viking for it.
What to do:
Support people. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS.
Use cover to your advantage.
If all else fails, try blocking enemy attacks from hitting teammates.
What to do in a close range situation:
This will happen from time to time, there is no need to give up.
One thing you should always do is forget your overheating, especially if it's a Freeze.
If they have the flag, block them the best you can.
If they're attacking the base, give em' hell.
If you approach a Railgun, try knocking off it's aim by ramming it as it turns the turret. It should make him fire uselessly to the side and be vulnerable, then you can just mow him down and continue your rampage.
What NOT to do:
Don't attack a Vulcan with an Isida.
Never stop firing at a Mammoth, they might seem invincible but you can severely cripple them or weaken them.
Never retreat, your purpose is not to survive, it is to support.
Don't DEMAND help from an Isida, ask them politely and let them get to the main objective. Be sure to thank them.
This has been a guide to Vulcan, I hope you enjoyed it.
Feel free to offer constructive criticism, don't just say "It's bad.".