Noob has question about using the notepad to acquire firing solution

[RisingSun]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this game. I notice in the Youtube videos that people are able to click on the notepad for range, angle on bow, and speed. But I'm only able to click on ship, which then opens the book automatically with the correct ship displayed. How can I click on range, angle on bow, and speed? Thanks in advance.

[Bakkels]

My guess is that in realism options (the screen you get before your mission starts) you have 'manual aiming' unchecked. This makes the computer do all the calculations, and there is no need to be able to click range, AoB and speed. It's just point and shoot when the triangle in your periscope gets green. If I were you, I'd select 'manual aiming' before your mission starts.

You will get more renown (as you realism goes up by a hefty 10%) BUT it's still a piece of cake. You can now choose: You can let your Weapons Officer do the calculations (Just as easy as automatic aiming, you just have a little more clicking to do). But when you want to try manual aiming during your patrol you can now do that too (e.g. you can now click on speed, AoB, range). Great way too learn shooting torpedo's; if you're surrounded by ships and you gotta fire quickly, you let your Weapons Officer do the work, when you encounter a lone merchant, you might do it yourself.
For further instructions on manual aiming, check out the manual.

Oh, and if you're new to the game, I would definately install a mod (most people here play with GWX 3.0, can easily be found around here) and SH3 Commander. GWX makes the game twice as much fun and beautiful (I'm not exaggerating) and SH3 Commander is a very helpful tool for managing all kinds of stuff like crew, time compression and whatnot.

Also be sure to check out the stickied 'newbie' thread. Really helped me out in the beginning. Have fun!

[FlankSpeed]

I've just got into SH3 too and found these series of youtube vids very helpful as an introduction to basic manual plotting and targeting. His commentary is a bit quiet but the explanation and method used is very noob friendly.

[desirableroasted]

Originally Posted by Bakkels

It's just point and shoot when the triangle in your periscope gets green.

Green triangle does not mean the shot is set up properly. It means only that the torpedo will not need to deviate more than 5 degrees upon leaving the tube. AOB, depth, speed, etc are not taken into account.

I think the green triangle is one of the stupidest aspects of the game, as it actually means very little, yet seems to signal "go ahead and shoot" to many novice players.

/rant

[Gargamel]

Originally Posted by desirableroasted

/rant

It's not a rant DR, you're dead on.

That little green triangle is probably one of the most misleading things in this game (aside from assuming your 1WO will return to the bridge with the rest of the crew ).

[Gerald]

[Bakkels]

Originally Posted by desirableroasted

Green triangle does not mean the shot is set up properly. It means only that the torpedo will not need to deviate more than 5 degrees upon leaving the tube. AOB, depth, speed, etc are not taken into account.

I think the green triangle is one of the stupidest aspects of the game, as it actually means very little, yet seems to signal "go ahead and shoot" to many novice players.

/rant

Whoops yeah, I forgot about that. The triangle is only linked to the gyroscope. But I'd go for manual aiming anyway and have the officer do AoB, range and speed. Good for the immersive feel too.

[desirableroasted]

Originally Posted by Gargamel

It's not a rant DR, you're dead on.

That little green triangle is probably one of the most misleading things in this game (aside from assuming your 1WO will return to the bridge with the rest of the crew ).

We agree on that. And much else I suspect.