GWX newby: some comments and a question about search patterns

[Jay]

After getting a more potent computer (Dell Vostro 1500 with Core 2 Duo T7500 @ 2.2 GHz, 2GB ram, Nvidia 8600M GT), I recently installed GWX. Wow! It's quite true that there is no comparison between the stock SH3 and GWX. My compliments to all those individuals who have worked on GWX.

I've followed the suggestion of using German voices with English text, and it really adds a lot to the experience (plus I'm learning some German in the process).

I tried the 16km Atmosphere option, but it really messed up both the video (the sky always was pitch black) and the audio (periodically there was a lot of static). After removing that mod, all is well. The manual warns that this option increases CPU loading significantly, and to use use this option only if they have a system that exceeds the recommended specifications for Silent Hunter III. I found out from the GWX help screen that Ctl+F8 displays FPS. With the 16km Atmosphere I got 60fps; without it, I'm getting around 120fps (both measurements taken while using the view from the bridge).

One question: in stock SH3, you can order the navigator to plot three types of search patterns (spiral, X, and zig-zag). In GWX, I find only zig-zag, plus Kiel canal in and Kiel canal out. I should mention that I'm starting my first career, and it's 1939. Do the GWX options for search patterns change later in the war?