Newbie questions--hydrophone
 

Hi,

I'm new to SH3, haven't tried any mods yet. Great game I got for only $10 on Steam! What is the detection range of the hydrophone when submerged? When the sonarman says "short/medium/long" range contact, does that mean 1-3km, 3-5km, >5km respectively? Why does the sonarman not hear the contact sometimes--I have to listen manually, even when the contact is medium range? Does it matter if I go "all stop" on the engines so that it's quiet for listening to hydrophone?

Also, what is the detection range of the hydrophone when surfaced? General historical question--how many hydrophones did German WW2 subs have? I see one hydrophone when I'm on the bridge and it's on the bow. Did they have one on the underside, too?

Thanks!

If I recall correctly: short - 1km and under; medium - 1 t0 10km; long - over 10km.

The better trained and qualified the crewman in the sonar slot, the better he is at detecting sounds. Even so, I've had ships within 500 meters my soundman has missed. Also, if a contact is in your hydrophone 'blind spot' (which changes depending on they type of hydrophone you have, but always includes immediately aft due to your own propeller cavitation) he'll never hear it even though you can manually adjust the hydrophone and hear the contact.

Unless you're submerged the hydrophones don't work. Now and then, especially in heavy seas, they might pick up a contact as the bow plunges under.

And welcome aboard!!

Also, this should give you more info: http://www.uboataces.com/hydrophones.shtml

Good to see another new guy here! Welcome! :DL

Hi rvorti01 and welcome from another newbie.
There's some helpful stuff in here
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=96026
raduz's hydrophone hunting tutorial

Good hunting

Short = Under 1.000 meters.
Medium = 1.000 to 3.000 meters.
Long = 3.000+ meters.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=107303

http://rapidshare.com/files/20422865...orial.rar.html

Thanks!
 

Thanks, all of that is helpful! Happy hunting!