I have found a couple tips that make the sonar more accurate.
1) If you fail to get a ping return then adjust your hydrophone direction. If you have the bearing tool mod and contact plotting on the chart then go by the bearing displayed on the chart and NOT by your ears. As little as one degree can prevent a return at the longer ranges.
2) Try to take sonar readings at around 90ft of depth. The closer you are to the surface in bad weather the less likely you will get a return on your ping due to surface clutter. Remember that below 99ft you cannot fire torpedoes.
3) When pinging at long distance LISTEN for the return. The range dial only goes to 5000yds. So after the range needle sweeps back to "0" you will hear the return. The click on the range button and you will get a reported range in excess of the 5000yds.
The convoy I have been attacking has two escorts, but multiple pings has not tipped them off to my location. It is not realistic, but it does help the learning.
Hope this helps.
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