Your manual and key chart are probably on the disk as PDF files. Try learning the game as pure patched 1.4 or 1.5, then start using mods to change the things you don't like. Many seem to indicate the un-modded game might be easier to play for a new player.
As mentioned, you are probably trying to use the surface radar before the war period in which it is installed. Regardless, you have air radar and it's on all the time. Take a look at your navigation map. Be sure to zoom in and out to get perspective and detail.
Even without the surface radar you can get a lot done. There are areas of the pacific where if you know where to look, when, there are a lot of targets.
-Pv-
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