TDC question

[DigitalAura]

SO, when I lock the target and choose to track it, I see the AOB and range, etc constantly updating, right?

So if Im doing sonar only, and I can't Lock the target, but I choose TRACK target.... I'm seeing the range update for me, but NOT the AOB. shouldn't the TDC recognize the AOB and make adjustments based on the other paramaters?

Does it not like me to also be moving?

[Frederf]

It sounds like you're using the automatic targeting mode which is unrealistic. This makes it hard to separate the real life TDC functionality from the part of the game that is "automatic help."

In real life the TDC would have data fed into it and would evolve the target's motion mathematically using the PK function. The only updating it should do automatically is this prediction of future data based on past data which has nothing to do with the periscope, sonar, or even if the data is purely fictional.

With automatic targeting on and the periscope pointed at the contact, the TDC is continuously and constantly being fed accurate bearing, speed, AoB, and range information magically via the game's help. In real life this information would be entered after manual measurement once before the PK is turned on and then occasionally updated from more manual observations as more accurate readings are taken. Consider any time the automatic targeting reticule is over the target that a constant stream of user updates to the TDC is being entered magically by the game.

The sonar on the other hand does not provide any automatic targeting-style updating in any game mode. Sending range or bearing is the same in all modes giving a one-time input when the switches are pressed. Sonar officer tracking is simply a verbal readout of sonar data to your ears and eyes and has nothing to do with the TDC or any other torpedo firing or aiming system.

Players who use manual targeting don't notice the difference between periscope tracking and sonar tracking since neither actually update the TDC with data on their own (as it was in the real fleet boats.) The sonar, periscope, radar, etc are all just measurement devices like a thermometer, yardstick, or scale. They give the data that then must be inputted into the TDC computer by some user action.

[DigitalAura]

Well...there is SOME form of auto targeting happening even in REALISTIC mode... I just wanted to make sure that now that I'm using realistic shooting, that I wasn't missing something here. After all, when you press L to lock the target with the periscope, it DOES track the target when PK is on... my point being, without the periscope I can't similarly LOCK on.

Thanks Frederf.

There is a track button in the right panel in TDC (if that what you mean) wich can be used for tracking the target without using periscope. You need to send sonar bearing to the TDC. Thanks to the people here i manage to sink 1 small merchant using sonar only on 100% realism (TMO 1.7).

[TwinStackPete379]

If your target is moving in a straight line (hasn't detected you yet), your PK has to be activated, then you need to enter the speed AOB and range using the data entry interface in the upper right corner of ur attack periscope screen. Once you establish a setting with the 3 instruments that interface has, you must send the data to the PK by pushing the red button with triangle on it (it's at about the 11 o'clock position on the on the stadimeter,AOB, and speed entry interfaces) once that is done the PK will then Keep and Track the solution relative to the vector components you just entered. you can tell if ur PK is working by going to the attack map. if ur moving target is represented by an X with a line going in the direction of movement, you've entered the 3 parameters correctly and have a good solution (if ur data was reasonably accurate). You don't have to actually be using the periscope for this to work, it can be done with fancy sonar work and lotsa marks on ur navigation map with the various tools that are there.

[DigitalAura]

yeah...guys...it's not the PK I'm talking about. It's the other button that lights up in your torpedo indicator section to indicate you've LOCKED on a selected target.

DOes that LOCK ON mode engage some kind of behaviour OTHER THAN having the periscope lock onto the boat in your view?

[Frederf]

Originally Posted by DigitalAura

Does that LOCK ON mode engage some kind of behaviour OTHER THAN having the periscope lock onto the boat in your view?

Nope, that's all it does.

The periscope view lock simply keeps your periscope visually pointed at the contact. You'll note that it won't work if the periscope head is underwater or the contact is not visible behind a fog layer. The lock button in manual or automatic targeting mode both simply lock the periscope visually pointing at the target. The only difference is that pointing the periscope at the target in automatic targeting mode (lock or no lock) will provide all that magic TDC input while in manual targeting mode all TDC input is up to the player.

[DigitalAura]

ahh..good. that makes me feel better than.

[Munchausen]

Note: To use the stadimeter in manual mode, you need not be locked ... but some portion of the target must be in the crosshairs.