Realism questions

[B.N.R.T.]

Hello, fellow kaleuns!

I have returned to SHIII after a long time and really enjoying it again. Currently, I'm on my first patrol in July 1940 and on the way back home after a Destroyer wrecked my hydrophone with DC's. Quite a nerve-wracking experience, I can tell you. Still one torpedo left, but there's very stormy weather, so we'll see if I can find some target on the way back.

Anyhoo, after my first patrol, I want to tinker with some additional mods. Currently I have the latest GWX and SH3C, but I have some questions about additional mods:

1. I currently have integrated orders on, but I'd like to try Hitman's Optics mod, because the stadimeter is uselless at long (8000m+) ranges. I know it conflicts with integrated orders, but I'm not quite sure what I'll lose if I turn IO off. Could anyone enlighten me?

2. I don't like the current sound of the DC's, with the rattling. Are there any recommended extra sounds or sound packs for GWX?

3. What is the most realistic repair times mod? Or is GWX already realistic and did I just suffer minor damage (I think the flooding was stopped in about 5 minutes)?

4. Does anyone know of any quality mods or extra's that are not standard included in GWX?

And next some more questions:

5. I am currently keeping a log book, in a real hard cover notebook, in semi-authentic KTB format. It's quite dry (place, weather, events) but would people be interested in me typing it out and posting it somewhere online? Personally I find it really interesting to read the real KTBs and accounts of people over here.

6. Nah...forget about 6.

7. The grid squares..aren't square at all. Does that have to do with the projection of the SH3 map?

8. And finally a historical question. What maintenance was needed on a U-boat? Other than repairing malfunctions etc., what general maintenance was performed? In KTB's there are daily mentions of dive tests, which I plan to include in my own patrols, and torpedo maintenance. I guess this was done submerged in heavy weather, as the torpedoes would have to be loaded out/in the tubes. Am I right in thinking this? Also, what was needed to make a torpedo firing ready? In the game you can immediatly fire a torpedo, but I think I read something about warming them up first. How long did this take?

ETA: 9. How does the uncontrollable-crash-dive-bug work exactly? I don't always have the room to submerge to the standard 80m. Is there a way to change that?

So, there's my questions for now. I'm sorry if there seem to be a bit many, but from what I remember this is a very friendly forum, with very much expertise and knowledge. If you could answer just one or two questions, it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

BNRT