Noob in need of advice.

[rgrlee71]

Hello Submarine Captains,

This is my first post here and SH4 has been my first introduction to submarine simulations. Having never played the previous versions of SH, needless to say it's been an overwhelming experience, but also very addictive. I have combed over these forums, read instructions and watched many tutorial videos and I'm in need of some advice.

I'm running a career right now on very unrealistic levels. Basically I'm not managing my diesel, O2, batteries or compressed air. I'm using auto-targeting instead of the manual TDC. I'm having a blast destroying lone tankers, freighters and occasionally I engage convoys with unpredictable outcomes

So here are a few questions, if someone would be so kind to answer for me.

1) When attacking convoys, I run with silent running engaged and because, at this point, I have to use my periscope to target. Is it common for Destroyers to spot your scope? Also will I be detected by sonar if I go to 2/3 speed while submerged and running in silent mode.

2) As I get more comfortable with my tactics, I want to slowly increase the difficulty level. Since you guys know the difficulties involved where should I start?
I'm thinking I should start by having to manage my diesel fuel and batteries, then move on to the O2 and compressed air, then finally begin to start manually targeting. Does this sound like a good plan?

3) As I start to practice manual targeting are there any missions, custom or stock that basically put you in an area with a target rich environment in order to practice hunting without having to travel 500 miles? I know learning to work the TDC manually is gonna be challenging and I'd like to be able to do it over and over in the same scenerio in order to figure out what I'm doing wrong.

I really enjoy this sim, but I want to be a truely skilled Skipper one day. It just seems overwhealming sometimes all thats invlolved. Any help would be appreciated.

Roger Lee
Commander, USS Phantom