[TorpX]

It's hard to give specific advise, since there is a big difference between playing with full realism settings, and playing realistically.

However, you mentioned plotting, so I would advise you to forgo map contacts (when you are ready). This is a more difficult mode of play, but you will learn the business better, and is more realistic.

Every plot will consist of a series of observations, and every observation should provide information related to bearing, range, course, and speed. There are only 4. Knowing these provides all the information you need for a firing solution.

Bearing and range are readily understood, but many have difficulty with course and speed; especially course (i.e. Aob). To obtain good estimates of course, you must understand what the Angle off the Bow is, and be able to estimate it. Estimating Aob can be tricky, but improves with practice. If you have good plot with points accurately located (that is having good values of bearing, range and course) speed can then be easily calculated.

There is a utility in the downloads section that has a training mode where you can estimate the Aob of a ship, and then see how good your estimate was:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/down...o=file&id=1358

Also, if you don't dislike math, and are interested in non-TDC methods this will interest you:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...=200846&page=4