A few basic questions

[jgbishop]

I'm slowly getting better at SH4, but I still have a few basic questions that hopefully someone can help out with.

1. What good is the "Attack Map"? I don't understand what to use this for.

2. Being a beginner, I'm still using automatic targeting. When I spot a target through my periscope or binoculars, I lock on to it (using the [L] key). I note that the auto-targeting locks onto the center of the target. When I fire my torpedoes at the target, even if they are set on the high speed setting, they inevitably hit the aft section of the ship. Shouldn't they be hitting the center of the ship (since that's where the targeting system was aiming)? Or should I be offsetting them using the 'right' or 'left' settings for each torpedo (when I do that, however, they inevitably miss my target)?

[LArcher]

I'm in the same novice boat as you and I will watch and see if we can get an expert to explain this to both of us. I was making the mistake of firing too soon, I've read it's best to wait until the target is at 1000 yds before shooting. But you're right the torpedo was hitting the stern or missing completely. :huh:

Larry

[Lognoreng]

The attack map is rather useless if you use automatic targetting. Apart from that you can see the torpedo route, and using that you can make sure that it will impact when target is at an optimal angle. and also for seeing the torpedoes "in action"

#2 Make sure you havent touched the "spread" dial. That would most likely be the cause. But when you are playing with automatic targetting, you shouldnt lock in my opinion. Since the periscope works like a "point and shoot". If you have the cross over the targets smokestack, the torpedo will be set for that specific point. As long as you see the green "lock" triangle. So dont use the middle ship lock, try to aim for different points and find good spots. The smokestack is always good, And aim below the front turrets on warships.

Happy hunting!

[Slang]

Firstly, the auto targetting isn't perfect. Atleast it wasn't in SH3. I haven't used it in SH4.

You guys should still be firing between 1000 and 3000 yards, and when the target is presenting a nice broadside profile. ie... between AOB 75-105. The Triangle in the scope should be green.

Yes, you should be using the offset function to put torpedoes along the length of the target. If you miss using this then you are setting too much spread. I have a good way to figure out how much spread to use.

Have the scope locked on the target. Make a note of the bearing he is on. Unlock the scope, but DO NOT move the scope at all. Wait untill the stern of the ship just gets to the vertical line, then relock the scope. Now check and see what his bearing is now. The difference between the 2 bearings will be the number of degrees you can shoot a spread and still get hits. So if the difference was lets say 2 degrees, then you know you can shoot a torpedo 2 degrees to the left, and 2 degrees to the right, to hit the bow and stern.

If the auto targeting is consistently hitting aft, then i would recommend sending the torpedo slightly forward with the offset function.

The attack map is used for having a visual image of the current active firing solution. I don't really find it that useful.

Hope this helps.


Edit: Ah, of course the auto target will target where the periscope is pointed at on the target ship, just like it did in SH3. In that case I would do like Lognoreng suggests and not use the offset. Make sure it is set right at 0 degrees.

[banjo]

If you fail to open your torpedo tube doors your torps will always hit behind. Always manually open each door prior to firing. That's your problem I bet.

[Renesisfury]

If you fail to open your torpedo tube doors your torps will always hit behind. Always manually open each door prior to firing. That's your problem I bet.
How do you manually open the tube doors?

[jgbishop]

I'm pretty sure you press the [Q] key to open the torpedo bay doors (for the selected tube).

Can I open multiple tubes at a time? For example, if I open tube 1, switch to tube 2, and then open tube 2, will tube 1 still be open?

[Factor]

I'm pretty sure you press the [Q] key to open the torpedo bay doors (for the selected tube).

Can I open multiple tubes at a time? For example, if I open tube 1, switch to tube 2, and then open tube 2, will tube 1 still be open?
nope. you could in SH3, but not here. also, you should wait a few seconds after you open the torpedo door to allow the torp to flood or you will have a delay. Fire one!!!


on your second torpedo shot, if you shoot two or three fish at a time, cycle to the next door using the "W" key, then open the door "Q" just as quick, set depth and spread settings, (that gives time for the torpedo to flood) Fire!!!

In the books ive read, they always spread thier shots by 10 seconds. in game after the first shot and adjusting setting for the next fish, i am counting to ten in my head, then i know the torp is flooded and will hit its mark.

Rinse and Repeat.

Hope this helps.

The attack map shows the estimated time of impact at the end of the green line. good for when you play with external camera off.

Factor

BTW, where in North Carolina do you live. I live in Greensboro NC.

[Powerthighs]

Actually, you can open multiple tubes at once as jgbishop described. It used to be broken but was fixed in one of the earlier patches.

[Factor]

Actually, you can open multiple tubes at once as jgbishop described. It used to be broken but was fixed in one of the earlier patches.

sweet, ill have to try that out. thanks for the heads up.

[Taurolas]

To open the forward torpedo doors just use the Q key and W to move to next torp tube for the stern use Q to open and Y to switch tubes.
Q also closes the tube... just check the command dialog and you'll see Tube 1 opening or closing etc..

If in doubt you could if you have the external camera operating pop outside and look at the front end and you'll see the doors opening and closing :D

always make sure you open torpedo tube doors before comencing the attack and remember to close the doors on torps you didnt use after an attack, fired torps automatically close the torp door for reloading.

[jgbishop]

Thanks for all the tips, guys! I'll be sure to start opening the tube doors before I fire.

Factor: I currently live in Hillsborough, NC, so you aren't that far away from me!

[jgbishop]

I tried out opening the tube doors before firing, and it made all the difference in the world! I'm also not using the lock feature any more, and I've gotten a lot better at hitting the desired areas of my targets. Thanks for these tips!