You know I'm not crazy about the notepad method myself, I think tonight I'll use nav map only and see how it goes. I am using the AOB calculations just like you said, I just wasnt explaining clearly I dont think.
Anyway I think you are right, I must have the range as farther than it really is. I notice that in the recognition manual the top of a ship can be a bit different than what you are seeing through the periscope, because ships through the periscope have a flag on top and there are no flags in recognition manual. I think I have been calculating range using the top of the flag, which may not be right. Either way, hell with notepad, I'll go navmap and see how it goes. Thanks!!