More questions from a way too curious person

[Waervyn]

Hi!

Sorry for all the questions! Hope you don't mind.

So, I've been watching some let's plays by theNorseCast, and he seems to have a completely different method of sinking ships. Instead of the four bearings method he doesn't use the hydrophone at all, and does most things on sight. Speed with the U-jagd, range with the stadimeter etc. Ships are spotted using smoke on the horizon while patrolling.

Now my question, which method do you prefer and why? Just curious mostly. Does the hydrophone have a longer range than my crew members with their amazing smoke-spotting skills?

Question 2: Where can I find the length of a Gryf class minelayer. I came across one, and try as I might, I simply cannot seem to find it in the book, nor in the 'ship recognition sheets', but I'm pretty sure I must be looking at the wrong place.

Question 3: If I click on my gunner, and click on 'firing solution', what exactly does he do?

Sorry again for all the questions. Trying to get in to this game, so have to learn a lot :)

Cheers!

[THEBERBSTER]

Hi Waervyn
Shaefer uses real navigation so there are no map contacts showing. He shows you quite a lot of information of how to plot and find targets etc.
You might find these tutorials by Stoianm useful.
Post #59 Convoy Hunting For Ships In The Same Row By Stoianm (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2197867&postcount=59)

Post #60 Convoy Hunting For Ships In The Same Column By Stoianm (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2199064&postcount=60)
The hydrophone is is quite powerful, even more so if you pick up a convoy, compared to limited range sighting from the bridge due to weather conditions.
The Watch Officer has a 'Nearest Visual Contact' icon where he will estimate the range.

The Gryf Class minelayer is in the 'Escorts' section of the recognition manual.

http://i65.tinypic.com/10hoi2h.jpg
The Gunner icon is a misnomer as he is the 'Torpedo man' and nothing to do with the deck gun.
IIRC he will give you a firing solution after you have done 2 stadimeter ranges which will give you the targets speed.

Never apologize for asking questions even if you feel they are stupid ones; knowledge is valuable and it is free.

Peter

[Waervyn]

Thanks for the swift response! Let's see if I can sink that minelayer :)
Just to elaborate, would you say it was true then that:

Visual checking + Stadimeter + U-jagd is preferable when it's good weather (as it's much faster).
Four bearings is preferable when it's bad weather?

And last question (for now :p). Let's say the hydrophone picks up on three ships. One of which is a merchant, but it's not the closest ship. How can I make sure he keeps following the merchant? As far as I can see, I can either choose follow closest or follow warship.

Thanks once again, really appreciate it!

[THEBERBSTER]

Hi Waervyn
If you are not using real navigation and have map contacts you can use the 3 minutes and 15 seconds method to get the speed.

Four Bearing would be used when your target is a long way off.
Remember you need around 20 minutes per bearing and you still have to allow time to move your boats to get the 4th bearing.

Check out your 'Sound Guy's' icons as there are options there you can use.
Also keep an eye on your message box as his information goes in there even though the sonar room does not identify the target the message box will.

Peter

[Waervyn]

Thank you once again!