How does the in-game target plot work?

[gradenko_2000]

Long-time lurker, first-time poster.


I've gotten pretty confident with doing visual-only, in-game-only attacks, especially with the Easy AOB and MaxOptics mods: identify the target, take a range-and-bearing with the stadimeter, wait a bit, take a range again, get a course and speed estimate from the speed dial, plug in the speed and AOB, keep taking stadimeter readings, adjust as the estimate changes/develops, and so on.


I'd like to ask if anyone has done a deep dive on how the target plot works, specifically:


- is there a preferred or minimum time between taking readings? Intuitively you'd want to do it when there's actually a significant change in the range-and-bearing.


- is there a maximum time between readings?


- I know that you need at least two readings for the thing to work, but does it actually take multiple readings into account, or just the last two?


- It *feels* like the estimates always change significantly on third (and every succeeding odd-numbered) reading that I take. It's enough that I always take readings in pairs now: 1 and 2, then get an estimate. 3 and 4, then get a new estimate. And so on. This is just a gut feel though, and I'm wondering if there's actually anything to this.


- if I'm changing targets, does the game know that?


- if I attack a target, and miss, and come back later when/how does the target plot reset?

[Aktungbby]

gradenko_2000!:Kaleun_Salute:...after a 13-year 'silent run'!:up:

[Bubblehead1980]

I often patrol without map contacts nor external camera, for the challenge and also no outside plotting devices etc. My favorite way to run a patrol, just far more time consuming and stressful than say contacts on. One difficulty is the stadimeter in SH 4 has long had it's issues with proper measurements, but most mods correct it. I run TMO with my update and stadimeter works pretty well, but can be very sensitive. I also plot the on the map to double check it.



- is there a preferred or minimum time between taking readings? Intuitively you'd want to do it when there's actually a significant change in the range-and-bearing.

One to Three minutes is ideal.

300 yards per minute at 3 minutes is 900 yards=9 knots. Sometimes don't
have that much time and learn to estimate, where a nice spread of fish comes in handy as well. My experience three minutes works best.


- is there a maximum time between readings?

Hmm I'd say no but 3 minutes does seem the ideal in my experience.


- I know that you need at least two readings for the thing to work, but does it actually take multiple readings into account, or just the last two?

I believe the two most recent are taken into account. The "plot officer" becomes confused it seems.


- It *feels* like the estimates always change significantly on third (and every succeeding odd-numbered) reading that I take. It's enough that I always take readings in pairs now: 1 and 2, then get an estimate. 3 and 4, then get a new estimate. And so on. This is just a gut feel though, and I'm wondering if there's actually anything to this.


Well could be target did slightly reduce/increase speed, angle, heading
or the stadimeter reading was a little off. As mentioned from the days of stock the stadimeter had trouble, not correctly measuring mast heights etc. Make sure have identified target with recognition manual, clicked the check so data is in the TDC. The stadimeter as mentioned, is far more reliable in mods like TMO, FOTRS, RFB, etc but still sensitive. My back up plotting on the map has saved me a few times due to bad stad readings or other factors such as could not raise periscope without being detected at moment needed etc.

I am careful to take in all sound, radar (if applicable) and visual data.


- if I'm changing targets, does the game know that?

No, not unless you tell it, but entering the new information from the recognition manual. Unless you are on auto target, which you are not obviously.


- if I attack a target, and miss, and come back later when/how does the target plot reset?


Well, if ship is still on same base course and speed, you have an idea,
but always best to confirm with new plot.

If you had the position keeper on, it will follow until X yards then over time it degrades and role over. Always good to deactivate the PK after an attack.