Fractional Speed in TDC

[Keelbuster]

I'm wondering if the speed entered into the TDC carries over the fractional part of the number - in the speed dial you can select values (more or less) continuously. But when you look at the TDC readout, the number is rounded. I'm wondering if I will benefit from setting the exact speed that emerged from my calculations (e.g., 7.5 knots), or should I round it?

Perhaps the more important question is - do AI ships travel at fractional speeds? Like, does the AI set for say 7 knots and travel at that exact speed, or are they affected by sea state the way that the player sub is? Rough seas adds variability to the player sub speed, or just slows it down, or both. I assume this happens to AI ships also. But when you get a contact report, they give you an integer speed value. Is it the rounded current actual speed? Or I guess, if a convoy is outside of the spawn zone, and is hence not rendered, it may have a set speed, but the effect of sea state might not alter (reduce) the convoy speed until they are spawned. Any opinions on this?

I've been inputting fractional speed info into the range dial, but then feeling weird when I see an integer in the TDC. In the german TDC, speed was represented continuously.

[Capt. Morgan]

I've noticed that the displayed speed on the status-bar for my own sub is always an integer, while the displayed speed on the dial can show fractions, so I've always assumed that the TDC/status bar is programed to only show the approximate speed.

I always enter my exact calculated speed into the TDC, and my torps. almost always hit the part of the ship I'm aiming at.

(I must say that I do like German targeting computer better though)

[magic452]

The TDC does round up in the display but the fractional speeds are used by the game in computing a solution. At long range this is important.

The Knotometer also will use fractional speeds. I use 3.25Kt. = 100 RPM
get away from escorts. Using TMO.

Magic

[CaptBackasswards]

Yes. It does recognize small increments, and as Magic452 said, 'at long range this is important.' I find the Fleetboat TDC so much more fun than the U-Boat TDC.

[Keelbuster]

Ok - thx all - good to know. I'll input my computed speed as close as possible.

Now, the second question - do enemy AI ships (e.g., in convoys) travel at integer speeds or fractional speeds? Like in perfect weather, is a 7 kt convoy doing 7kts, or not? In rough weather is a 7 kt convoy doing more like 6.5?

[magic452]

Heavy weather affects your boat in both speed and fuel usage but as far as I can tell AI ships aren't affected. If they are set to 7 Kt. they seem to stay there.

I'm not sure about stock but Ducimus programed TMO ships and convoys at fractional speeds. I've had them at 7.25 for example don't know if this was weather related or not, but I don't think so.

Speaking of Duci I haven't seen him around lately, hope everything is OK.

Magic

[Pisces]

They certainly can move at fractional speeds. If a unit seems to have a rounded speed (meausred with long duration plotting) then the campaign/mission writer probably felt like making it simple for himself.