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View Full Version : Simply summary/comments of sub upgrades


Incubus
11-19-06, 09:39 PM
Since the manual is vague on the actual in-game effect of upgrades, I thought I'd add my observations about the upgrades and a practical explanation of what they do. If anyone is more familiar about it than I am, feel free to add/correct what I have to say.

Engine upgrades: Each upgrade increases a type VII sub's speed by 10% (1st upgrade 10% faster, 2nd upgrade 20% faster). Unsure the effects it has on a type II or type IX.

Hydrophone upgrades: The first ones increase the radius you can detect subs. The highest upgrade increases the hydrophone detection range from 20 kms to 30kms.

Sonar: No idea about the upgraded sonars. But I'm guessing the upgrade(s) allow you to calculate ranges from farther out. So far, with the first sonar set I have been able to ping targets from 8000 meters away.

Radar: According to the wiki article, the first radar set only covers the front of the sub (you'll only get radar contacts in front of you) and later models increase the search coverage and detection range, I believe.

Radar detectors: Best guess is that it detects enemy radar from farther out, which is a good thing. Note that the detector works on both enemy ships and aircraft.

Sonar decoys:Each progressive upgrade lasts 2 minutes longer than the previous one. The 5th version lasts about 10 minutes. These things are GREAT and I highly suggest getting the best one you can- as you are crash diving pop one at 40-50 meters, then run silent at 1-2 kts and creep away. 9 times out of 10 they will go after the decoy if you timed it right. Also, your sub seems to have an unlimited number of decoys, since I've never run out.

Anti-radar/sonar coating: I've commented on these before. I really don't know exactly what they do in terms of having a noticible improvement in stealth. I really wish the game would just say something like "Reduces enemy sonar detection range from X meters to Y meters" because that would give me a much better idea of what it is doing.

NipplesTheCat
11-19-06, 11:17 PM
Does anybody know how much more fuel the superchargers burn?

Steeltrap
11-19-06, 11:28 PM
I don't think they make any diffrerence - give you more speed at same engine setting. Wish we had that technology today.....

Krupp
11-20-06, 02:02 AM
Does anybody know how much more fuel the superchargers burn?

Some time ago I was asking if it was somehow possible to remove the engine upgrade from your boat. Reason for that was because the "maximum estimated range at current speed" was a lot less than before I got that upgrade ( it was the same weather and sea ). Also, it is less historically accurate if your boat goes 19-20 knots on surface.

So I changed to sea cow and I stay out of engine upgrades.

raduz
11-20-06, 02:36 AM
[quote=Incubus]Hydrophone upgrades: The first ones increase the radius you can detect subs. The highest upgrade increases the hydrophone detection range from 20 kms to 30kms.

That is not quite right. The hydrophone range is 34 km since 1939, no matter what kind of device is used. The upgrades just minimize the "deaf zone" behind the u-boat where your sonarman cant hear, and make the hydrophone more precise (SO gives you more precise readings). It has been discussed here:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=80804

Sonar: No idea about the upgraded sonars. But I'm guessing the upgrade(s) allow you to calculate ranges from farther out. So far, with the first sonar set I have been able to ping targets from 8000 meters away.

Actually, it si 7500m.

Sailor Steve
11-20-06, 11:47 AM
I'll bring up my old rant again: the engine upgrades are totally unhistorical. All u-boats from the type VIIb on had superchargers. The top speeds listed in the books were best speeds made with superchargers. No u-boat made 20-21 knots surfaced.

AS
11-20-06, 12:43 PM
...why not? Itīs just "pimp my dive" http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/images/smilies/rotfl.gif :rotfl:

Respenus
11-20-06, 12:58 PM
I'll bring up my old rant again: the engine upgrades are totally unhistorical. All u-boats from the type VIIb on had superchargers. The top speeds listed in the books were best speeds made with superchargers. No u-boat made 20-21 knots surfaced.

I'm sure you know this but GWX will fix it all! :yep:

Der Eisen-Wal
11-20-06, 02:01 PM
does anyone carry sonar? does it not reveal you to the enemy?

and do you actually ahve to spend the renown on each upgrade to get a culmulative effect?

Warmonger
11-20-06, 04:43 PM
Does anybody know how much more fuel the superchargers burn?

Fuel consumption seems to depend on speed in knots. So you burn more fuel running at ahead slow or 1/2 because you're going faster. Simple as that methinks.

Sailor Steve
11-20-06, 05:40 PM
I'll bring up my old rant again: the engine upgrades are totally unhistorical. All u-boats from the type VIIb on had superchargers. The top speeds listed in the books were best speeds made with superchargers. No u-boat made 20-21 knots surfaced.

I'm sure you know this but GWX will fix it all! :yep:
I don't "know" anything, but I'll take your word for it.

P_Funk
11-20-06, 06:48 PM
I'll bring up my old rant again: the engine upgrades are totally unhistorical. All u-boats from the type VIIb on had superchargers. The top speeds listed in the books were best speeds made with superchargers. No u-boat made 20-21 knots surfaced.
I'm sure you know this but GWX will fix it all! :yep: I don't "know" anything, but I'll take your word for it.
Oh you'll "know" soon enough. GWX is like discovering sex again. You never knew it could be THIS good.:|\\

AS
11-21-06, 09:04 AM
Is there a feature list about GWX somewhere? Whenever I read any complaints, thereīs someone answering "GWX will fix it!" :o Reminds me of a voodoohoodoo thing.

So hereīs my complaint:

After partying I usually have a hangover, my girl-friend will never learn to tell a VIIC from a tin can and my hair is getting thinner. :o

PLEASE TELL ME GWX WILL FIX THIS!!!:rock:

Cheers, AS

Incubus
11-21-06, 12:36 PM
Anyone have a solid answer on the Sonar upgrades?

The Following are still mysteries:

Sonar: No idea if the 2nd version has better range than the first.

Anti Sonar coating: Does this only work if you are being pinged? Or does it help reduce the noise the submarine generates?

Anti Radar coating: No idea how effective this is. In game, it would be really hard to test (since the radar detector can detect enemy radars before their radar detects you, supposedly).