[I'm goin' down]

Not having played SH3, I have managed to get lost in the details of ATO and the KIUB interface. The two video tutorials that were recommended by Wilcke are lengthy SH3 and short KIUb videos, so I was ended up trying to pull out useful parts of the SH3 tutorial, which has different tools to enter data, although the interface was similar. The KIUB written tutorial does a good job explaining range, Aob and speed, but after that, it is more difficult for me to follow. Plus, the screen shots in the KIUB written tutorial could be larger and show the full interface on the screen shots for ease of understanding. However, the issue is not how to calculate range, aob, and speed of the target. The KIUB video and written tutorials do an adequeate job in that respect. It is how to put those features together in an attack run using the TDC dials and TDC activation button. I have a similar issue with the torpedoe attack screen and the Attack Screen, which I will raise in the questions below.

Here are most of the questions I have. Some may seem dumb, some may seem obvious, but I have thought about each and think they will enhance some players, myself included, understanding of the mod.

First, how does one plot target course without map contacts enabled? If you have to plot Aob and the target's range, it can be done based upon the method described in the KIUB written tutorial for finding range and Aob. However, one will need multiple plots of Aob and range, so when the plots are connected the compass tool can be utilized to determine the target's course. Is this the only way, and is this method correct.

Second, I understand you can plot a target's speed as it crosses the periscope at a 0 bearing. But can you plot a target's speed accurately at any bearing if your boat is stationary, and what is the disadvantage, if any, of plotting speed at other than a zero bearing?

Third, what is the deal with the TDC button? (See below for the context of this question.)

Fourth, assume you are paralleling the target after getting its speed and course, where does one set the Aob for an attack run? I assume it is set at 90 degrees port or starboard, as the case may be. Once you change course to intercept do you have to deactivate and reactive the TDC button and if you do, what is the reason for having to do so? (this relates to the thrid question)? From what I have read, if you want to intercept at 90 degrees Aob, move the Aob to 90 degrees (port or starboard, as is appropriate), move the scope to 90 degrees, and hit the = key to change the boat's heading to view. I will recheck the tutorial.

Fifth, what happens if you have the TDC button activated on the Attack Screen, but the TDC button is deactivated on Periscope screen and vice versa? Is there a relationship between the button on the Attack Screen and Periscope screen? Must both be activated? And if only one is required to be activated, does it matter whch one? (This relates to the thrid question.) I assume when the light is activated the TDC is in operation.

Sixth, assume the TDC light is activated on the Periscope Screen. You swivel the periscope from 20 to 40 degrees. I assume with the bearing and Aob dials move new settings as the periscoped is swiveled (I will check this in a few minutes). Is something happening or is about ready to happen with the TDC settings. If the TDC light is activated, how do you enter the new settings shown on the periscope screen, or are they entered automatically? Do you have to deactivate the TDC light and reactivate it to enter the new settings?

Seventh, I could use some screen shots labelling in English the various dials on both sides of the Periscope screen and on the Attack Map screen, as I do not read German. I can figure out the purpose of some of the dials, but some I have been unable to figure out.

Eighth, what do the two small numbers at the bottom center of the Aob dial mean and how are they used?

Ninth, if you have to parellel a target's course to get into positon for an Intercept, I assume the target will change course if it spots your boat. What is a "safe" range is recommended for paralleling the target so your boat is not spotted? Perhaps 3,000 yds, but that is just an educated guess?

I assume that the players who enjoy ATO have figured out the answers to the above, or at least have the answers to most of them. But I learned the sim from scratch using American boats in the PTO. I have never played the German side, and while I understand much of theory, I am lost on the practicalities, i.e. how to do it? By comparison, SH4 has an abundance of tutorials, written and video, to help one resolve the various issues. Plus it has the Easy Aob, 3D TDC and sonar readings to help you plot and set the target's course with map contacts disabled. I need help with the ATO mod, and I asume if one or two good tutorials explaining the mod are published more players in my position will give it a "shot" (pun intended.) Meanwhile, I stumble along, lost in deep blue sea, looking for a way to come up for air. What has me intriqued is that some posts priase ATO for being one of the best mods out there, and I am up for a challenge.