View Full Version : Wazoo's Manual Charting & Targeting Tutorial
I'm posting this because the links were down, really would like a good online copy. Hopefully this helps some like me who were late to the party from searching for it. As I get time I'll try to post the rest of the sections.
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Section I - Manual Charting While at Dead Stop
The Goal: Determine the heading and speed of the target.
Depending on the situation, you may find that it is best to have your U-Boat at a complete stop to make your observations and for charting plots. This is the easiest method of manual charting and is recommended for the beginner. However, MANY advanced and expert players only make their observations and charting from a Dead Stop, so don't feel that you are missing anything.
Step #1: Locate and ID Your Target
When a ship is sighted, center it in the scope/UZO and press “L” to lock the target.
Bring up your Ship Registry and look for your contact. Once found, make sure to check the box so the mast height is entered on the notepad as in the picture below.
Step #2: Make First Observation
It is true that the more observation points you mark on the map in manual charting/TDC mode, the better. You can, in a pinch, get by with only two observation points. However, I try to make three or four to increase the accuracy. However many points you decide to make, the technique is the same for each.
Get Range to Target
Place the horizontal line of your scope on the waterline of the target. Next, click on “Range” in the Notepad. This will switch you to the Stadimeter which you then place at the top of the highest mast of the ship. Click the left mouse button when the line has been placed on the highest mast. The range to target will then appear in the Notepad.
http://s23.photobucket.com/user/guitonne/media/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo1a.png.html?sort=3&o=0
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo1a.png
NOTE: The highest mast can be determined in the Ship Registry by looking at the target page that has only one ship on it.
Get Bearing to Target
Look at the number that appears in your scope right over the center of the target. This is the Bearing to Target in relation to your ship. In the above example, the Target Bearing is 350 degrees from the bow of the U-Boat and the range is 1635 meters.
Start Stopwatch for First Observation
Click on the stopwatch to begin what will be a three minute time period.
TIP: It is good practice to lower your periscope with CTRL-Page Down once an observation is made to decrease the probability of being spotted.
YOU NOW HAVE 3 MINUTES TO COMPLETE A PLOT OF THE TARGET’S POSITION
Step #3: Mark Observation on Navigation Chart
Hit "F5" to get to the Navigation Map and zoom all the way into your U-Boat.
Select the Ruler Tool and place one end of your bearing line in the dead center of the U-Boat icon by clicking the left mouse button:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo1b.png
Now extend the line along the 350 degree bearing line. Why 350 degrees? Because, that is the bearing to the target you noted from your first observation:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo1c.png
Setting the correct range requires a bit of estimating because when a number on the ruler changes, let’s say from 1.6km as you extend the ruler to 1.7km, you must subtract 50 meters. Thus 1.7km is NOT 1700m when it changes from 1.6km, but is actually 1650m. An annoying little issue that I hope is fixed in a future patch.
Tip: The Range Circles on the Bearing Mod appear to be the correct distances. Therefore, if your target is 1500 meters or less, you can use the Range Circles for greater accuracy.
Note: You may use either the Bearing & Range Mod that draws the Bearing and Range circle centered around your U-Boat, OR, you may use the Jiim's Compass Ruler Mod that appears at the end of the Ruler line to find 350 degrees. As long as you are plotting within 2km or so of your U-Boat, the Range & Bearing Mod is usually still visible and thus quite helpful. However, when plotting long distances, you might find the Compass Mod to be quite handy. The choice is yours and the results are identical.
Important: In the above example, BOTH the Bearing Mod AND the Ruler Compass show 350 degrees.
This is ONLY a coincidence because the U-Boat is heading exactly due north. If the U-Boat were, say, heading 20 degrees and the target was bearing 350 degrees from the U-Boat, the Compass Ruler would
NOT show 350 degrees, but instead would show the Bearing to Target from North. In this case, that would be 10 degrees on the Compass. Therefore, if you need to make a bearing line that is too far from the Bearing Mod, just match up the number on the Ruler Compass to where it "touches" the U-Boat's target bearing on the Bearing Mod. For a complete discussion of converting a Target Bearing to a
Target Bearing from North, see the discussion (http://web.archive.org/web/20071017092046/http:/paulwasserman.net/SHIII/#Step%205:%20Convert%20the%20Bearing%20to%20Target %20into%20Bearing%20to%20Target%20from%20North%20% 28WM%29) under Charting while Moving.
http://s23.photobucket.com/user/guitonne/media/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo1d.png.html?sort=3&o=0<font face=">
Step #4: Wait 3 Minutes and 15 Seconds Then Make Next Observation
Go back into your scope view (either periscope or UZO) and await the 3 minute 15 second point on the stop watch. With about 30 seconds left, raise your periscope (you DID lower it to maintain stealth, right??) and take another range reading. I usually do a couple as I approach the 3 minute mark to test my accuracy.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo1d.png
When the stopwatch hits 3 minutes 15 seconds, lower the scope and go back to the Navigation map and repeat Step #3 above.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo1e.png
Above: Plotting of 2nd Observation Point - Bearing 000 degrees
Step #5: Get The Target Speed From Your Observations
I have found that using Notepad stopwatch feature to determine target speed is often not accurate. Plus, it is more challenging and fun to do it from your charting like was done for real!
Luckily, we have taken our observations in 3 minute 15 second increments. This has a HUGE benefit of being able to calculate the target’s speed without having to make complicated calculations on the fly.
Just select the ruler tool and draw a line connecting the two target points you plotted during your two observations. The distance of your line is a very close estimation of what the target’s speed is in knots.
For example, if the length of the measurement is .3km (or 300m), then the speed of the target is 3 knots. 500m is 5 knots, etc.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo1f.png
Above: Hard to see here, but the the reading still was .3km. Thus (based upon the"bug/feature" mentioned above), the speed of the target is between 3 & 3.5 knots. .
NOTE: Up through Tutorial version 2.1, I was using a 3 minute timing instead of a 3 min. 15 second timing. The slightly longer timing reduces the error from about 8% to about three-tenths of 1% and is just as simple to employ!
NOTE: Don’t forget the ruler measuring problem (i.e. don’t forget to subtract 50 meters from your measurement) discussed above.
Step #6: Determine the Target’s Course
Now that we have a line of travel plotted from Step #5, all we need to do is measure the angle of that line to see what course the target is moving down; i.e. if you were on the target’s boat, what compass heading would you be on.
Once again, Jiim’s amazing tools come into play. Just select your ruler tool and zoom into the line you just plotted in Step #5. Now place the compass of the ruler tool so the crosshair is right on the line.
The target’s course will be the compass point where, due to the target’s direction of travel, it would have first made contact with the compass:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/a9906f22-f1fd-4226-b15a-43ebc239dd29.jpg?t=1375806448
Above: Target enters compass along Course Line at 56 degrees. This is then the Target Course.
Final Results
Assuming that we've done our job correctly, we now have the two vital pieces of information we need to properly engage the target:
Course Heading = 56 degrees
Target Speed = approx. 3 - 3.5knots
Ok there's the first part. Hopefully nothing was lost in all that copy and pasting I did. :rotfl2:
Section II - Manual Charting While Moving
The Goal: Determine the heading and speed of the target.
Depending on the situation, you might find it advantageous to make your observations and do your manual charting while your U-Boat is in motion. Often this is done to keep the range of the target ships at a reasonable distance as the farther away they get, the smaller they get, and the harder
it is to get accurate range information.
The downside is, as discussed below, you need to make more calculations compared to the Dead Stop method of plotting. It is, overall, a more complex way of plotting and recommended after you have mastered Dead Stop plotting.
Step #1: Locating the Target and Setting a Roughly Parallel Course
When a ship is sighted, center it in the scope/UZO and press “L” to lock the target. Make a visual observation of the contact’s course relative to yours and click on the compass to set a course roughly parallel to your target.
*IMPORTANT* - As highlighted in the picture below, note your new course as called out by your Chief Engineer. This will be VERY important shortly.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo2a.jpg
Do your best to get your bow heading in a direction that is ahead of the contact and will close distance over time. Perfection ain’t important here; just head in the correct general direction by not letting the contact bearing get too far behind your beam.
Step #2: Get Your U-Boat Ready
Zoom Map
While you are turning towards your new course, go to the Navigation map and zoom all the way in to your U-boat. This will make accurate markings in real-time simpler.
ID contact with recognition guide
Bring up your Ship Registry and look for your contact. Once found, make sure to check the box so the mast height is entered on the notepad as in the picture below.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo2b.jpg
Get to New Course
Confirm that you are now on your new course set in Step #1 above. You’ll know when the rudder gauge shows zero turn as in picture above.
DO NOT PROCEED TO STEP #3 UNTIL YOU ARE ON YOUR NEW COURSE!
Set Ahead Slow
By slowing down, not only do you help your stealth, you make real-time mapping a tad easier. As you get better, try upping the speed if you so desire.
Step #3: Make First Observation Point
It is a truism that the more observation points you mark on the map in manual charting/TDC mode, the better. For this method, you can, in a pinch, get by with only two observation points. However, I try to make three or four to increase the accuracy. However many points you decide to make, the technique is the same for each.
Get Range to Target
Place the horizontal line of your scope on the waterline of the target. Next, click on “Range” in the Notepad. This will switch you to the Stadimeter which you then place at the top of the highest mast of the ship. Click the left mouse button when the line has been placed on the highest mast. The range to target will then appear in the Notepad.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo2c.jpg
NOTE: The highest mast can be determined in the Ship Registry by looking at the target page that has only one ship on it.
Get Bearing to Target
Look at the number that appears in your scope right over the center of the target. This is the Bearing to Target in relation to your ship. In the above example, the Target Bearing is 310 degrees from the bow of the U-Boat and the range is 1635 meters.
Start Stopwatch for First Observation
Click on the stopwatch to begin what will be a three minute time period.
TIP: It is good practice to lower your periscope with CTRL-PageDown once an observation is made to decrease the probability of being spotted.
YOU NOW HAVE 3 MINUTES TO COMPLETE A PLOT OF THE TARGET’S POSITION
Step #4: Mark Current U-Boat position on Navigation Map
Since we are doing this without hitting the pause key, your U-boat position needs to be marked with the Marker tool to insure accurate plotting of the target.
Quickly Hit “F5” to get to the Navigation Map and select the Marker tool. Move the Marker tool over your U-boat and left click to enter a “Mark”. This is more accurate the slower you are going.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo2d.jpg
Step #5: Convert the Bearing to Target into Bearing to Target from North
As your U-boat is moving away from your observation point (the one you marked in Step #4), it is not possible to use Jase's Bearing mod that displays bearings for your U-boat. This is because there is currently no mod available that keeps the orientation of the U-boat's bearings at a marked point on the map. Thus, we need a workaround to do this without pausing and then marking from the U-boat’s “frozen” position.
To do this, we need to convert the Target Bearing into the Target Bearing from North. Put another way, if the U-Boat was traveling EXACTLY due North, what would the Target Bearing from the U-boat be?
Luckily, this is quite simple because you have your U-boat’s current course heading which we took in Step #1. To convert Target Bearing from your U-Boat to Target Bearing from North, just add your course from Step #1 to the target bearing you took in Step #3.
In this example, the target is bearing 310 and the U-Boat’s course is 44.
310 + 44 = 354 deg target bearing from North.
TIP: If your answer is greater than 360, just subtract 360 from the sum to get the Target Bearing from North.
Step #6: Draw a Bearing Line to the Target
Select the ruler tool, and extend a line from the position you marked as your observation point in Step #4 through the bottom of the compass that appears at the tip of the ruler. The key point here is to extend the line not only the distance you recorded as the range to the target, but also at the Target Bearing to North which you calculated above.
Simply have the line pass through the compass on the end of the ruler at the Target Bearing to North value. In the example below, notice how the line goes through 354 degrees on the compass’ outer ring.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo2e.jpg
Setting the correct range requires a bit of estimating because when a number on the ruler changes, let’s say from 1.6km as you extend the ruler to 1.7km, you must subtract 50 meters. Thus 1.7km is NOT 1700m when it changes from 1.6km, but is actually 1650m. An annoying little issue that I hope is
fixed in a future patch.
Step #7: Wait 3 Minutes and 15 Seconds Then Make Next Observation
Go back into your scope view (either periscope or UZO) and await the 3 minute 15 second point on the stop watch. With about 30 seconds left, raise your periscope (you DID lower it to maintain stealth, right??) and take another range reading. I usually do a couple as I approach the 3 minute mark to test my accuracy.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo2f.jpg
When the stopwatch hits 3 minutes and 15 seconds, lower the scope and go back to the Navigation map and
repeat Steps #4, #5, & #6 above.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo2g.jpg
Above: Mark #2 made for 2nd Observation
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo2h.jpg
Above: Target Bearing to North (355 degrees) =
Target Bearing from U-boat (311 degrees) + U-boat Course (44 degrees)
Step #8: Get The Target Speed From Your Observations
I have found that using Notepad stopwatch feature to determine target speed is often not accurate.
This is especially true when your U-boat is moving. Plus, it is more challenging and fun to do it from your charting like was done for real!
Luckily, we have taken our observations in 3 minute 15 second increments. This has a HUGE benefit of being able to calculate the target’s speed without having to make complicated calculations on the fly.
Just select the ruler tool and draw a line connecting the two target points you plotted during your two observations. The distance of your line is a very close estimation of what the target’s speed is in knots.
For example, if the length of the measurement is .3km (or 300m), then the speed of the target is 3 knots. 500m is 5 knots, etc.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo2i.jpg
Above: The ruler line switched to .3km a tad before this mark. Thus, I estimate the speed (based on the range "bug/feature" mentioned above as between 2.5 & 3 knots.
Note: Up through Tutorial version 2.1, I was using a 3 minute timing instead of a 3 min. 15 second timing. The slightly longer timing reduces the error from about 8% to about three-tenths of 1% and is just as simple to employ!
NOTE: Don’t forget the ruler measuring problem (i.e. don’t forget to subtract 50 meters from your measurement) discussed above.
Step #9: Determine the Target’s Course
Now that we have a line of travel plotted from Step #8, all we need to do is measure the angle of that line to see what course the target is moving down; i.e. if you were on the target’s boat, what compass heading would you be on.
Once again, Jiim’s amazing tools come into play. Just select your ruler tool and zoom into the line you just plotted in Step #8. Now place the compass of the ruler tool so the crosshair is right on the line.
The target’s course will be the compass point where, due to the target’s direction of travel, it would have first made contact with the compass.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo2j.jpg
Above: Target enters compass along Course Line at 67 degrees.
This is then the Target Course.
Final Results
Assuming that we've done our job correctly, we now have the two vital pieces of information we need to properly engage the target:
Course Heading = 67 degrees
Target Speed = approx. 2.5 - 3 knots
Now that you have your results, you my pick which Manual Targeting method you want to employ:
Section III - Fast 90 Manual Targeting (http://web.archive.org/web/20071017092046/http:/paulwasserman.net/SHIII/#Section III - Fast 90 Manual Targeting) or Section IV - Wheel Manual Targeting (http://web.archive.org/web/20071017092046/http:/paulwasserman.net/SHIII/#Section IV - Wheel Manual Targeting)
Section III - "Fast 90 Basic" Manual Targeting
Fast 90 Basic involves lining up your U-Boat perpendicular to the target's course line in preparation for shooting. This has the tremendous benefit, once you set up your TDC correctly, of enabling the rapid deployment of your torpedoes against one or more targets by just aiming your scope at the target, taking a quick range finding, and then firing. It is a perfect solution for engaging multiple targets traveling along the same course and at the same speed; in other words.... CONVOYS!
FYI: This tutorial does not address the issues of navigating to the optimal firing position vis a vis your
single or convoy targets prior to engagement. Although this example successfully engages a target
from the starboard stern position, it is often advantageous to motor ahead of a target or convoy, and engage from a position forward of the target(s).
Note: The Fast 90 Tutorial which follows uses the course and speed data collected in Section I (http://web.archive.org/web/20071017092046/http:/paulwasserman.net/SHIII/#Section I - Manual Charting While at Dead Stop) above.
Step #1: Calculate a Course Perpendicular to the Target
A perpendicular course is one that intersects the target's course at a 90 degree angle. This can be calculated using the Protractor Tool that was added to SHIII in patch 1.2.
To utilize the Protractor's 3-Click method, go to the Navigation Chart by hitting "F5" and select the Protractor Tool. Place the crosshair of the tool directly over the target's course line and left click for Click #1. Now drag the mouse down the course line overlaying the course line with the Protractor's red line. When you have a nice, overlay, left click for Click #2. Now move perpendicular to the course line and rotate the mouse until the angle at Click #2 shows 90 degrees. At this point lock it in by left clicking for Click #3:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo3a.jpg
Now that we have a perpendicular line plotted, we need to find what course that line corresponds to so we can then order our U-Boat to that new heading.
Simple. Just as we did to find the target's course, select the Ruler Tool and find where your U-Boat's direction of travel first intersects the Compass. This is the course heading that will bring you to a 90 degree intersection course in relation to the target's course (i.e. perpendicular):
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo3b.jpg
Above: Our U-Boat would enter the Compass at 326 degrees. This is our perpendicular course.
Note: For the mathematically inclined, the Perpendicular Course to Target can be determine without using any additional mapping tools. The calculation is a bit different based upon whether you are approaching the target from its starboard or port side.
Starboard Calculation:
Perpendicular Course to Target = Target Course - 90. If the result is less than zero, add 360 to the result.
Port Calculation:
Perpendicular Course to Target= Target Course + 90. If the result is greater than 360, subtract 360 from the result.
EXAMPLE: We calculated a target course in the examples above of 56 degrees. As we are approaching
the target on its starboard side, the Perpendicular Course to Target is:
56 - 90 which equals negative 34. As this is less than zero, we must add back 360 to get a result of 326; exactly what our Protractor method revealed.
Step #2: Turn to the Calculated Perpendicular Course
Now that we have the Perpendicular Course to Target, we must order our crew to turn the U-Boat in that direction.
With version 1.3, there are now TWO ways to do this.
OPTION A: Compass Clicking
Unfortunately, this is one area of SHII that is a bit of a shortcoming; the inability to easily enter a specific course.
In our example, we want to turn to course 326. Find the Course Compass in the bottom right of the screen and select the course you desire on the outside ring of the compass:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo3c.jpg
Expect several FRUSTRATING attempts to get on the course you desire.
If you are not in motion, give a command to move yourself forward at the desired speed to make your turn.
OPTION B: Heading to View Command
Patch 1.3 adds the much needed ability to turn your U-Boat to the course that you are currently viewing either through your periscope, UZO, binoculars, or naked eye out on the bridge.
However, since your bearing is relative to your U-boat and NOT to True North, you need to do a quick calculation to determine where to point your scope/UZO/binoculars prior to hitting the "+" key (i.e. turning your U-Boat to your current view).
Doing this requires a quick calculation using the following formula:
Scope Bearing = Perpendicular Course to Target - Current U-Boat Course. If the result is a negative number, add 360.
Now simply rotate your optic to the Scope Bearing result obtained above and press the "+" key. Your U-Boat will now be on the Perpendicular Course to Target.
Step #3: Enter Speed and Torpedo Settings in TDC
Go to the TDC screen and click the Red Manual Solution button so it turns Green. This tells you that you can now change settings manually.
Enter the Target Speed into the TDC
Turn the SPEED dial until it shows the target speed you determined earlier. In our example, it is between 3 and 3.5 knots.
Turn the Manual Solution button back OFF to Red
When the Manual Solution button is RED, the optical viewer (i.e. your scope or UZO) automatically updates your AoB after the AoB is entered as the bearing to target changes in the scope. This will be VERY important later on when we enter the AoB into the TDC. REMEMBER: Turn the Manual Solution button back OFF to RED after you enter your speed.
Set Torpedo fuse, running depth, and speed
Torpedoes can be set to detonate on contact or, even better, to explode when they are right under the target’s keel by way of a magnetic triggering device in the torpedo for maximum damage potential!
The target’s keel depth is listed in the Ship Recognition Manual so go back there if you need to know the keel depth. If using magnetic triggers, change from “I” to “M” on the PISTOL dial and then set the torpedo running depth on the DEPTH dial to 1-2 meters below the keel value you gleaned from the Recognition Manual.
FYI: In the real War, Admiral Doenitz issued a ban on using magnetic torpedo triggers for a period of time early on due to their horrific failure rate. If you have Duds selected from the main menu, expect some realism!
Some of the torpedoes have the ability to set running speed. Slower speeds go longer distances, but give the target more time to spot and evade the torpedo. I always set to fast speed as I rarely shoot over 1500 meters (especially when I have to first identify a ships nationality!). Flip the switch from
“S” to “F” on the SPEED dial to set them fast running.
WARNING: There is a *nasty* bug as of version 1.2 that will cause misses in certain situations if switching between different types of torpedoes with differing speeds. In order to protect against this bug, you MUST click the TORPEDO SPEED switch EVEN IF that selected torpedo only has one speed setting after you select the torpedo. This will update the gyro with the new torpedo speed.
EXAMPLE: If you have Tube #1 selected with a Type I Steam Torpedo set to FAST (i.e. 44 knots), the gyro will set accordingly for the speed of the torpedo to correctly lead the target. If you then switch to Tune #3 containing a Type II Electric Torpedo that only has one speed setting (i.e. SLOW of 30 knots), the gyro WILL NOT BE UPDATED to reflect the slower torpedo speed UNLESS TO TORPEDO SPEED SWITCH is clicked resulting in a probable missed shot.
NOTE: When clicking on the TORPEDO SWITCH for a torpedo that has only one speed setting (i.e. the Type II), the TORPEDO SWITCH will NOT move. The only indication that you have done anything with the click will be the change of position of the gyro dial(s).
Set Torpedo "Fan" Shot [Optional]
Depending on the tactical situation, you may fire a “fan” shot that will launch multiple torpedoes in succession at an angle deviation of your desire. This is good for high value targets or to increase your chances of hitting due to observational errors and/or the target's evasive maneuvers.
Determine the Degree Span of the Target
At any given range to a target, the total degrees that the target spans your optic will vary. The closer to the target, the more degrees in the viewfinder the target will span. The farther away, the less degrees.
To determine what the total degrees of view are for the target, place the vertical line of the scope at the stern of the target and take a bearing reading:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo3d.jpg
Next, quickly move the vertical line to the bow of the ship and take a second bearing reading:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo3e.jpg
The difference between the two readings is the amount of degrees your target spans at the current range. In the example above, the degree span is 337 - 329 or 8 degrees.
Determine the Fan Spread Angle
The Fan Spread Angle dictates where on your target, in relation to your aiming point, your salvo of torpedoes will hit.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo3f.jpg
As you can see from the drawing above, a spread angle will determine where the selected torpedo salvo will impact on the target.
In the above example, if a 2 torpedo salvo is selected and the Spread Angle is set to 6 degrees, one will impact 3 degrees to the left of the Aiming Point, and one will impact 3 degrees to the right of the Aiming Point.
A 3 torpedo salvo would do the same as a 2 torpedo salvo PLUS send one right along the Aiming Point bearing!
A 4 torpedo salvo (not pictured), would divide the Spread Angle into four parts and send a torpedo down each one of the four bearings.
You can see visually where the torpedoes will impact in relation to the Aiming Point on a 6 degree Spread Angle shot by moving the scope 3 degrees left or right from the Aiming Point. This is where the torpedoes will head in a 2 salvo shot. The Aiming Point will also be hit if a 3 salvo shot is selected.
Enter the Spread Angle in the TDC
To do this, first set change the little dial between the TUBE SELECTION and SPREAD ANGLE dials from “T” to “S” for salvo. Next, turn your TUBE SELECTION dial until the amount of torpedoes and from
which tubes are correctly highlighted.
Finally, select your SPREAD ANGLE on the dial to determine what degree difference your gyros should be set for each salvo in the fan shot. NOTE: Torpedo "Mix" can be VERY important in a Fan Shot. For example, if one or two of your torpedoes is a T-I steam torpedo set to FAST, it will be visible from the surface thus giving your target a chance to spot it and evade. If the others are T-III electric torpedoes, they will not have a visible wake, but they travel 14knots slower than a T-I set to FAST. It is thus best to match similar torpedo types for a Fan Shot.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo3g.jpg
Above: Two torpedo "Fan" shot set with magnetic pistols and running depth of approx. 9m. A small Spread Angle is used to inflict maximum damage to the center of the ship. Ignore the speed settings as this picture was made for the "Wheel" method of targeting discussed in Section IV..
DO NOT PROCEED TO STEP #4 UNTIL YOU ARE ON THE NEW COURSE HEADING!
Step #4: Calibrate Scope & TDC
Once you are on your new course, go to you scope/UZO view and set the bearing to EXACTLY 000 degrees:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo3h.jpg
Above: Scope at exactly 000 degrees.
Go to the TDC. Here you will manually set the scope bearing to 000 and the AoB to 90 degrees PORT or STARBOARD depending upon which direction you are approaching from.
Click the Red Manual Solution button so it turns Green. This tells you that you can now change settings manually.
First, if it is not already there, move the BEARING needle on the BEARING gauge until it is EXACTLY at 000. Next, depending upon whether you are approaching the target from the target's port or starboard side, move the ANGLE ON BOW needle until it is 90 degrees on either the PORT (Red side) or STARBOARD (Green side) of the gauge:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo3i.jpg
Above: Bearing set to 000 degrees and AoB to 90 degrees starboard.
IMPORTANT: Click the Manual Solution Button from GREEN to RED to link your TDC back to the scope.
Step #5: Final Target Observation
Aim your scope at your target
As you point your scope at the target, the AoB will automatically be calculated and updated in the TDC.
That's the beauty of the Fast 90 method. No need to manually enter or guestimate the AoB!
Take a final range reading to your target
Taking one final range reading prior to firing will both slightly increase your accuracy as well as give you an idea of when the torpedo should impact.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo3j.jpg
NOTE: Clicking the checkbox on the Range "page" only sends the new Range information to the "Primary" Notepad page. You must click the checkbox on the "Primary" Notepad page to update the TDC with your new range:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo3k.jpg
Click the checkbox on this "Primary" page of the Notepad to transfer your range finding to the TDC.
Open the Torpedo Tubes(s)
ALWAYS press the 'Q' key to open the tube of each torpedo selected. The extra second or two it takes to open a tube can make the difference between a hit and a miss.
Step #6: LOS!
Take the shot!!!
And the results:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo3l.jpg
Hmmm... long distance and from behind... who IS this Kapitaen?!
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo3m.jpg
Wait a second....
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo3n.jpg
Maybe there is something to this stuff...
werwulf
08-18-13, 10:21 PM
Thank you for this thread! I actually managed to download a version of this guide, but this one is much easier to read.
Thanks again.
Wassail.
Section IV - "Fast 90 Advanced" Manual Targeting
Ok.... so you've mastered turning your U-Boat into a perpendicular course to your target and then deploying your torpedoes. However, sometimes turning to that course does not fit with the overall tactical situation you are presented with. For example, maybe you would prefer NOT to turn directly towards that escort that is protecting the convoy. Or maybe you are playing submerged catch-up to your targets and just can't quite get ahead enough to turn 90 degrees into the target course and still have an acceptably low gyro deviation from 000 (remember, the more the gyro deviates from 000, the more prone to error and thus the higher the probability of a miss).
Fast 90 Advanced is for you Kapitaen!
Step #1 - Calculate a Course Perpendicular to the Target
This is identical to Step #1 in the Fast 90 Basic Section.
Step #2 - Turn to your Desired Course
The process of turning your U-Boat (i.e. clicking on the outer ring of the Compass Gauge) is identical to Step #2 in the Fast 90 Basic Section.
However, you may, within the limits of your torpedo gyro, turn your U-Boat to any course you desire.
In this example, using the Target Course of 56 degrees calculated in Section I and the Perpendicular Course to Target of 326 degrees calculated in Section III, I turn the U-Boat to a heading of 013 degrees:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo4a.jpg
Above: New course set of 013 degrees.
Step #3: Enter Speed and Torpedo Settings in TDC
This is identical to Step #3 in the Fast 90 Basic Section. If you need a refresher course, please go there.
DO NOT PROCEED TO STEP #4 UNTIL YOU ARE ON THE NEW COURSE HEADING!
Step #4: Calculate Scope Bearing for TDC Calibration
Unlike calibrating the Scope & TDC in Fast 90 Basic method, pointing at 000 degrees will not work because your course is NOT perpendicular. Since your bow is not on a perpendicular course, you must rotate your scope to the Perpendicular Course to Target instead and THEN calibrate the TDC as done in Fast 90 Basic.
To calculate the bearing to rotate the scope to in preparation for TDC calibration, we can utilize either the Navigation Map, or mathematical computation.
OPTION A - Determining Scope Bearing Using the Navigation Map
Create a Course Line for your U-Boat Bearing 000 degrees
Since we are now moving down a new bearing ourselves, we need to extend a ruler line from the bow of our U-Boat to several kilometers in the distance. Simply select the Ruler Tool and draw a line bearing 000 from your U-Boat's bow.
http://s23.photobucket.com/user/guitonne/media/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo4b.jpg.htmlhttp://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo4b.jpg
Extend a course line from your U-Boat's bow bearing 000 degrees. Note how the line drawn corresponds to 13 degrees on the compass.
Use the Protractor to Create a Perpendicular Line that Intersects your New Course Line
Identical to how we used the protractor to create a 90 degree perpendicular course in Step#1 of the Fast 90 Basic Section, do the same here but make sure that it extends long enough to intersect the new U-Boat course line you have drawn in the previous step.
http://s23.photobucket.com/user/guitonne/media/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo4c.jpg.htmlhttp://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo4c.jpg
Above: Make sure that the perpendicular course line extends through the U-Boat line drawn above.
Measure the Angle of Intersection Between Your Course Line and the Perpendicular Course Line
Using the Protractor Tool one last time, measure the angle created by the intersection of the Course line for your U-Boat and the Perpendicular Course Line drawn from the target's course. This angle is the bearing from the bow of your U-Boat that you will set the scope to during calibration.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo4d.jpg
Above: The protractor tools reveals that you need to turn your scope 47 degrees to port for TDC calibration.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo4d.jpg
Calculate the Scope Bearing from the Angle Measurement
Now that you have the angle measurement from the step above, you need to calculate what bearing to
turn the scope to in order to calibrate the TDC.
The answer depends on whether the target is to your port or to your starboard.
TARGET TO PORT
Scope Bearing = 360 - Angle Measured Above
TARGET TO STARBOARD
Scope Bearing = Angle Measured Above
EXAMPLE: After doing the charting, the angle of intersection of the U-Boat course line and the perpendicular line is 47 degrees. Since the target is to our port (left) side, we calculate 360 - 47 = 313 degrees.
OPTION B - Determining Scope Bearing Using Computation
Once again, for the mathematically inclined, you can forego using the mapping tools and instead do a quick calculation to determine what bearing you need to point your scope at for calibration:
Scope Bearing = Perpendicular Course to Target - Current U-Boat Course. If the result is a negative number, add 360.
EXAMPLE: From the Fast 90 Basic Section, we computed a Perpendicular Course to Target of 326 degrees. Our current U-Boat heading is 013 degrees. Thus, 326 - 013 = 313 degrees.
Step #5: Calibrate Scope & TDC
With the result obtained in either Option A or Option B above, enter your scope view and set your scope EXACTLY to the result obtained:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo%20pics/wazoo4e.jpg
Above: From the results obtained in Step #4, the scope is set to 313 degrees.
Next, go to the TDC. Here you will manually set the AoB to 90 degrees PORT or STARBOARD depending upon which direction you are approaching from.
Click the Red Manual Solution button so it turns Green. This tells you that you can now change settings manually. Next, depending upon whether you are approaching the target from the target's port or starboard side, move the ANGLE ON BOW needle until it is 90 degrees on either the PORT (Red side) or STARBOARD (Green side) of the gauge:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b363/guitonne/Wazoo pics/wazoo4f.jpg
Above: Angle on Bow gauge set to 90 deg Starboard
Step #6: Final Target Observation
This is identical to Step #5 in the Fast 90 Basic Section. If you need a refresher course, please go there.
Step #7: LOS!
Take the shot!
Thank you for this thread! I actually managed to download a version of this guide, but this one is much easier to read.
Thanks again.
Wassail.
My pleasure. I'm like the probably the worst kaleun to ever grace the keyboard (destroyed boat in navigational tutorial 'whadayamean depth under keel?' LMAO! ) so you can imagine how bad I was at sinking ships. I can't say how useful this site has been so thanks to all of you.
There is a part V but it uses a wiz wheel but I prefer the Kriegsmarine Angriffsscheibe. Not that I know completely how to use it, but it seems to do more. http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=719271
However if anyone wants part V I'll put it up as well.
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