The most stupid questions yet?

[Seaveins]

:oops: Seaveins here...I am trying to learn manual targeting (after all these years) and can't figure out how to switch optics on the periscopes or UZO. Are they fixed or can you alternate between the described 1x, 1.5x, 4x, and 6x on the periscopes? Also, when attacking multiple targets or trying to get a quick shot in on an attacking destroyer, how do you enter all the required information so quickly? I have only been able to successfully attack my first victim in a convoy and then run out of time. I have reread the SHIII and GWX manuals but can't find the answers to these questions. Sorry to burden you folks with things so basic.

Maybe I can invite you to use this thread to share the most stupid questions you have ever asked or answered on this forum?:88)

[Effigy]

:oops: Seaveins here...I am trying to learn manual targeting (after all these years) and can't figure out how to switch optics on the periscopes or UZO. Are they fixed or can you alternate between the described 1x, 1.5x, 4x, and 6x on the periscopes? Also, when attacking multiple targets or trying to get a quick shot in on an attacking destroyer, how do you enter all the required information so quickly? I have only been able to successfully attack my first victim in a convoy and then run out of time. I have reread the SHIII and GWX manuals but can't find the answers to these questions. Sorry to burden you folks with things so basic.

Maybe I can invite you to use this thread to share the most stupid questions you have ever asked or answered on this forum?:88)

Are you using a vanilla install or any mods? For ex: OLC Ubermod (I recommend this btw, very fun to learn manual targetting with the precision tools/systems in the OLC GUI) has fixed optics so there is no zoom. I'm not sure about other mods. If you're using vanilla install though, I am able to zoom using the roll wheel between my mouse buttons. I think TAB button on keyboard also does this. UZO, however, has no zoom level that I'm aware of in vanilla. And I haven't used a mod yet that gave it zoom ability (so it's fixed AFAIK).

[Effigy]

:oops: Seaveins here...I am trying to learn manual targeting (after all these years) and can't figure out how to switch optics on the periscopes or UZO. Are they fixed or can you alternate between the described 1x, 1.5x, 4x, and 6x on the periscopes? Also, when attacking multiple targets or trying to get a quick shot in on an attacking destroyer, how do you enter all the required information so quickly? I have only been able to successfully attack my first victim in a convoy and then run out of time. I have reread the SHIII and GWX manuals but can't find the answers to these questions. Sorry to burden you folks with things so basic.

Maybe I can invite you to use this thread to share the most stupid questions you have ever asked or answered on this forum?:88)
Oops, also wanted to add re: multiple targets...

I'm learning manual targetting as well, after playing with auto on exclusively. Couple tips that may or may not be helpful, YMMV...

1) Put manual targetting on, but keep weapon officer assistance unchecked. This way you have the WO to help you in a dire situation. You can still do full manual targetting if you choose, but the WO is there to help you in case you need it. I also use this as a way to check my accuracy. When leaving dock or coming upon a friendly/neutral boat I'll lock it and go through the firing solution procedure. I'll make note of my AOB/range/speed and then ask the WO to find a solution. Since I'm not firing on those ships anyway, this is just a nice way to see how close my readings were to the WO.

2) As far as multiple targets and entering info quickly... If it's a convoy (I use GWX 2.1 btw), all the ships travel same course same speed as far as I know. So if you have a nice angle and get the solution on one of the ships, rotating your periscope or UZO to a different one for a second shot (or third, etc) and finding a new solution is really only a matter of adjusting for range I think...*

*Not sure about this if you've been spotted, or your original torps have and the convoy starts maneuvering (zig zagging, etc)

Hope this helps. I still default to getting help from the WO in most cases, but I'm slowly learning how to do this, hehe.

[_Seth_]

I have never seen any stupid questions here, mateys, but i have seen a lot of stupid answers... :yep: Everyone who is asking a question here, have a reason for it, and it doesn't matter if you are a new sailor or an old, salty seadog who has forgotten some simple things. As always: Subsim to the rescue! :up::up:

[Seaveins]

Thanks for the tips, Effigy and Seth.

I wanted to try to find the answers myself in the forum but was obviously unsuccessful. Balancing too many things and have time to experiment with the game seems a challenge at times. Successfully attacking a convoy with manual targeting doesn't lend itself to constant interuptions and even a Kaleu needs to sleep at some point.

I appreciate all Subsim offers.

[FIREWALL]

I found useing Single Mission with it's vast variety a great place to practice Manual Targeting.


Doesn't mess with your career.

[Pisces]

Are you using a vanilla install or any mods? For ex: OLC Ubermod (I recommend this btw, very fun to learn manual targetting with the precision tools/systems in the OLC GUI) has fixed optics so there is no zoom. I'm not sure about other mods. If you're using vanilla install though, I am able to zoom using the roll wheel between my mouse buttons. I think TAB button on keyboard also does this. UZO, however, has no zoom level that I'm aware of in vanilla. And I haven't used a mod yet that gave it zoom ability (so it's fixed AFAIK).Hold on there, only the "Special Gui" has fixed zoom. His original OLC Gui mod has 1.5x and 6x zoom.

For Seaveins: Which is switched by using the mousewheel. But I'm sure there is some key-combo for it too.

[Pisces]

About the mousewheel: Sorry Effigy, you allready said that. Note to self: Read before posting!

In my experience, when I am on a position 90 degrees to the target's course, and waiting for it to close in on my bow, their zig-zagging doesn't do much to evade their doom. Definately not when I've got fast torpedos. It slows them down a bit but the side of their hull will embrace my torpedos gladly. Their zig-zagging may get them too close to you to fire though, if you placed yourself 'up close and personal' (minimal torpedo arming distance).

As for doing things quick: Try not to shoot at destroyers or other baddies with a vengeance, especially when they are allready on to you. It's like swatting flies in mid air. They're too quick and agile. Diving and making low noise is your best defense.

And there are ways to seperate the measurements of speed and determining course/AOB. Also it's best to prepare these measurements well before shooting. IE, if you can ID a ship, you can let the length of the target show his speed by the time it takes to pass. Turn you scope (AND bow) right before his so he is about to pass through the scopeline, and time the passage. A bit of meter/second/knot-number juggling and presto, his speed. If you take bearings and distances at regular time, you can plot those on the map based on your boat's positions. That shows you the direction he's going. And based on where you are compared to him (assuming you placed yourself atr a good position) shows you the angle on his bow (AOB). Which remains good (and updated by TDC) as long as you do not turn your boat afterwards. Then just before firing time you can do another range check and enter that into the TDC. But this is hardly neccessary if the target is distant. Only important for close shots, and large gyro angles. (just make sure it's ballpark-ish for distant shots)

This is just a short summery of other techniques. There are threads in the forum that are more elaborate on a specific technique. But, to also add my advertisement ;), it's all neatly done with OLC's Gui mod (Ubermod or not). IM(not so)HO

[Effigy]

Hold on there, only the "Special Gui" has fixed zoom. His original OLC Gui mod has 1.5x and 6x zoom.
Aye, the Ubermod (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=134186&highlight=UBER) I made reference to comes with that specific, special gui version that's fixed. Not the previous version's zoomable ones.