Thanks PeriscopeDepth, much appreciated.
Manual TDC is not that difficult, it takes a lot of practice however. Once you have determined your range, target speed, and AOB, it's all a matter of entering the data on the tricky TDC dials.
Target range estimation is only required to ensure your torpedo has the range to hit the target. It's not required to be entered on the TDC (unless you want a countdown). I don't even bother with it, since I shoot when the target is within a guestimated 2-3000 yds (or meters in the case of SH2).
What is the course of the target in relation to your boat? This takes some guesswork, but it's easier to hit the target when it's course is 90 degrees from yours.
I fire all my torpedos on the lowest speed setting, I've had more success in this regard.
Each increment on the TDC bearing dial is set at 7.5 degrees. I've made shots in SH2 at angles to port and starboard (fore and aft tubes) and have been moderately successful. All it takes is practice and the ability to imagine where the target is in relation to your bow.
Of course, you can also fire an eel at zero gyro angle using an intercept angle if you know the target speed (there is data I believe on the battlebelow.com website).
Don't forget the "down the throat" zero gyro shot on those charging DD's and DE's
Finally, Redwine's tutorials and those on the Dutch Submarine website are highly recommended. The U-boat UkdtHbk handbook is also recommended for target data (Subsim downloads page). Also downloaded Jap ship data from BattleBelow.com and other SH1 websites.
Yours, Mike
IYAAYAS!
PS- Practice, practice, practice!!!