I use 512 for traversing long distances. When I have a contact on the map and want to intercept, I use between 32 and 128 depending on the distance. When a ship or convoy is spotted by me or the watch crew I play out the battle in real time.

This routine has consistently worked well for me. I should also mention that during the day I go submerged (60 meters) to avoid aircraft and conserve fuel.;)

Mine really varies anywhere between 1 and 1024. If I'm traveling long distances then I go for 1024. If I'm in a potentially rich/semi-rich target area then I drop back to 256 or 128. If I'm traveling at high TC and I see the computer's performance starting to get choppy then I drop it back 32 max and do a hydrophone check. Honestly though, the way I play sometimes is pretty reckless and aggressive. I usually go by the saying "Audentes Fortunas Juvat" (Fortune Favors the Bold) :D. I've been known to do 128, 256, or even 512 in enemy harbours, but that's when I'm either getting into them or getting out, not when I'm actually in battle or avoiding patrols if they spotted me. If they haven't then I keep the TC up.

128.....it takes about 11 minutes to cover 24 hour period...sooo there are some boring times. I usually read a book, clean the house or watch TV will waiting for the next Radio message or contact report....once in the area...every 3 hours I do a sound check surface max conserve and repeat until I completed a search through most of the square...usually about a day and a half. After that proceed to an area of high volume traffic and more search patterns until I'm out of fuel or out of Torpedos...what ever comes first.