Radar/Sonar Help

[fredbass]

I've done some searching and read some of those threads, but I'm still not very clear on the two subjects.

I just got radar not too long ago (april 42), but haven't heard anything from the Radio man yet. Will we hear from him, or do I actually have to monitor the radar myself?

I've heard that the radar can be detected by Enemy ships and planes. Is it more of an advantage or disadvantage? Is it best to use it only at night unless you want to use your Flak guns? I mean even if I detect Planes & Ships, couldn't my position be compromised? Basically I want to know the benefits vs the risks.

And if someone could give me some similar answers and comments regarding Sonar vs Ships, I'd appreciate it. Oh, one more thing: Can sonar be turned off too?

Thanks :-?

[SkvyWvr]

I've used my radar and have gotten reports from my radioman. It can be detected but is useful if you have to be on the surface during the day in late war. As long as you keep your TC down it will give you plenty of warning of incoming aircraft. I also leave it turned on in fog. I've been able to get nearby contacts I would otherwise sail right past. Sonar is used in much the same way to find targets. Not sure if you can turn it off or why you would want to. As long as you are not checking a range to target or depth under keel you emit nothing that can be picked up.

[fredbass]

I've used my radar and have gotten reports from my radioman. It can be detected but is useful if you have to be on the surface during the day in late war. As long as you keep your TC down it will give you plenty of warning of incoming aircraft. I also leave it turned on in fog. I've been able to get nearby contacts I would otherwise sail right past. Sonar is used in much the same way to find targets. Not sure if you can turn it off or why you would want to. As long as you are not checking a range to target or depth under keel you emit nothing that can be picked up.

Thanks. I'll be getting the sonar on my next return to base.

And I assume the sonar will cover areas which the hydrophone doesn't?

[Lzs von swe]

Hi
Yes, you will hear from your Ra. Yes, the enemy can detect your radar signals as you can his. I mostly don´t use the radar as it seems that enemy planes home in on it. If you leave it off your radar detector will still work, giving you time to react. It detects the enemy's signal on greater distance than your radar detects any objects. The same is probably true from the enemy's end. Using the radar in high seas is mostly impossible as it switches off every time the conning tower gets drowned by a wave. I have had known contacts on the hydrophone that the radar has not detected when I surfaced. Maybe the later models have greater range but I did not try it, too many aircrafts around to take the risk. As for sonar I don´t know, never used it other than to get the depth under the keel. Hope this helps:)

[fredbass]

Hi
Maybe the later models have greater range but I did not try it, too many aircrafts around to take the risk.

Well talking about radar range, I was wondering if switching from short range to long range works or do most of you keep it at short? Or are their better models later?

[SkvyWvr]

I alternate. Try not to use it in high TC. They'll pounce before you have a change to react.