Compass heading readout

[Inajira]

Hi all,

I have played SH3 for some time and enjoyed it, but I just got hold of SH4 yesterday and have just started playing. My question is, how do I determine the EXACT compass course of my sub? The compass dial on bottom right is not distinct enough to get an exact reading, so short of changing course and having my navigator read out the new course to me (and I don't want to change course just to KNOW my course), how can I see the exact figure?

I think SH3 had the same issue but it was fixed at some point, IIRC.

Thanks

[Quillan]

The easiest way is to go to either the TBT or one of the periscopes, turn until it is oriented at 0 degrees, then hit the = key. That's the shortcut for "Match heading to view", so it won't change your course, but the nav officer will call out "New course XXX" and that's your current heading. Just remember, if you were following a plotted course, to click the "Return to course" button.

[Inajira]

Thanks! Ah well, I was hoping it would be quicker than that, but its better than peering at the compass dial :up:

[Rockin Robbins]

All real marine compasses have a lubber's line running fore and aft, aligned with the centerline of the vessel so that the pilot can easily read the exact present course and the reciprocal. SH4 for some reason doesn't have it. There was an early mod to install one, but none of the big mods incorporate it, for some maddingly inexplicable reason.

Ducimus, lurker, WernerSobe, ROW team: get to work!:up:

[Inajira]

Yeah, I've done quite a bit of sailing and navigation and the omission of such a simple device is just maddening! Does anyone know of an early mod I can grab that puts it in?

Thanks... while we are here I'm also trying to recall what range "Long" is (as reported by the crew)? 10-20nm? Usually when I get a contact report at long range I immediately go to the map and bracket my sub with two concentric circles.

[Munchausen]

Yeah, I've done quite a bit of sailing and navigation and the omission of such a simple device is just maddening! Does anyone know of an early mod I can grab that puts it in?

The mod you're looking for is called dialrings_and_heading_indicator.7z (it's a 7zip file) ... do a forum search to find it (I think it's one of DrBeast's mods). It changes the dial casings on the HUD to polished brass and adds a "v" index to the compass. You'll probably need to install it manually.

You can also check your heading on the TDC. Just look at the bottom wheel (your sub) ... the outer dial gives true bearings. Your true heading (as indicated on the outer dial) corresponds to zero relative bearing (inner dial).

[Munchausen]

Or ... you can use the following heading indicator:

Maybe you can need this.
A extra heading indicator and a new needle for the compass.

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6030/needles1xn2.jpg

The mod is JSGME conform, but to switch the indicator or needle on, you need to activate them with JTxE.(JTxE will replace lines in the menu_1024_768.ini. No interference to other installed Mods)
There are two versions:
1. for TM-Hud 2. for MetalHud

Download Link --> http://www.file-upload.net/download-653000/CompassHeading.rar.html

After installing with JSGME, you will found a JTxE in the SH4 Main Folder.

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/4172/jtxeci0.jpg

With JTxE you can switch the necessary Heading Hud or the Needle on or off, like in JSGME.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/9210/compassoz9.jpg

But remember: before uninstalling this Mod with JSGME, you must uninstall first the JTxE Parts.

Hope it helps you.


Regards
jimimadrid

:up: It works.

P.S. The link sent me to a website in German but there's an icon of a British flag, bottom left ... click on it if you want to read the ads in English. Or just click on the download icon and get the files.

[Inajira]

Thanks, Munchausen, I'm gonna check the TDC for that and if its not good enough there I will check out the mod :up:

[Munchausen]

:yep: The TDC is accurate but an index mod (either one) is handier.

[Elder-Pirate]

Not to shabby. :up: This part will be tricky for me though:...Quote: But remember: before uninstalling this Mod with JSGME, you must uninstall first the JTxE Parts...Unquote.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y116/oleman/newcompass.jpg


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y116/oleman/thanks31.gif