Searchlights sometimes being used - sometimes not

[kakemann]

Hi!

Played SH4 patched to 1.2 for some time now, and I see that the convois or task forces sometimes uses the searchlights when they know that there is a sub in the area, and sometimes they don't use them at all.
They just keep cruising around in the dark, pinging or listening or whatever.

I have created a test mission with the mission editor, and in this mission I saw that the warships used their searchlights when dark.
But it seems like the warships have non working searchlights sometimes when playing campaign - even if it is totally dark.

I know that the searchlights is used sometimes, but I don't understand why the ships from time to time just won't turn them on even if they know i'm in the area and it is past bedtime?

Anyone else has the same question?

and...

Does anyone know if there is a fix for this or something?
I would like them back everytime!

[kakemann]

I'm wondering if it could have something to do with the campaing files. The AI rating.

If there are an tech guys here. Would be nice with some suggestions :up:

[CCIP]

Hm. I'm not sure what to say, other than that I do see them used with 1.2. All my escorts are modded to at least competent AI however. :hmm:

[kakemann]

Ok!

But have you axperienced that they sometimes don't use them at all?

Thanks!

[FAdmiral]

Here is something I experienced in dealing with a DD looking for me.
As soon as my torp hit the cruiser, the DD to my port side turned
on the searchlight and started to scan the area. I (at PD) downed the
scope and continued moving a 2 kts. The DD came to a complete stop
just behind me scanning the water on the opposite side (using external
cam for testing). I made a 90 degree turn to starboard to pursue the
damaged cruiser, still creeping at 2 kts but no silent running. The DD
was still stopped using the light on the other side. As soon as I got
slightly ahead of the DD, I heard pings. Almost immediately the DD turned
off the light and picked up speed and turned in my direction to start a DC
run. I went deep immediately and did a full right turn at flank speed.
He dropped close but too shallow to give me any damage. As long as I heard
the pings, the DD did not use the light. After awhile the DD lost me and on
came the light again. Conclusion: If they hear you underwater, why use the
searchlight....

JIM

[kakemann]

By testing a lot, i finally found the answer to my question:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=113687