Manual Targeting Problems

[CapnScurvy]

A couple of weeks ago I found a new problem with manual targeting and stated I would report on it further when I learned more. The problem has been around from day one (frankly, I've seen this problem before but I never investigated it further) which has to do with the centering point of the subs Stadimeter optical view is "off centered", creating an inconsistent reading when comparing a targets distance at the bow to the stern. This coupled along with inaccurate mast heights, and inaccurate optical field of view sizes, has plagued the game in preventing the use of manual targeting in anything but close "can't miss" firing solutions. Of course, if you use the automatic targeting option this problem does not exist. However, I would hope everyone tries manual targeting since this "simulation" offers much more than a point and shoot game.

To start, I placed one of my favorite ships to pick on (the Hiryu CV) circling a sub at 8 stationary points, at about 914 meters (1000 yards) distance. Using the stock games mast height of 31 meters I checked each targets Stadimeter found range and the following was determined.





The Balao sub was facing South with the bow reading of 758 meters found with the stadimeter.





The reason why the reading is 758 meters and not the true distance of 921 meters is the fact that the Hiryu mast height should be 37.4 meters tall not 31 meters as the stock game has it. So, you get thrown a curve with inaccurate mast heights (in this case off by 163 meters) and as the comparison to the stern target shows another 12 meters difference.

I tried another target. This time a Northampton CA set up the same way.




Again, the reason why the Stadimeter's returns are not near the true distance is because the Northampton's stock mast height is listed as 47 meters. It should be reading 49 meters.




In both tests, the inconsistency between the bow and stern views proved themselves. What it means is that roughly a half meter in mast height is the difference between the bow reading and the stern reading (not to mention the basic height inaccuracy found in these two ships).

So, how to correct this without causing too much of a problem with other factors? That's what I've been looking at and have had quite a time over these last couple of weeks.

The problem is, one fix won't fit all the subs!! I tried the one fix idea with simply changing the Cameras.dat file and this is what I got.







Yep, it's like an "out of body experience". Your looking at the back side of the Attack Periscope that is being used to view the target?! I could "clip" the scope out of the picture but this created other issues that just wouldn't look right.

Not to mention I found this "fix" didn't work with every sub. Yes, that's right. Each sub conning tower is positioned differently. So to make a fix, each tower needed to be checked (there are 18 of them) and each needed to have the tower moved the appropriate amount. I did this through the sub model, trying different factors, and finally finding the right fit for each sub. I will admit, the S Class boats are correct as they stand. No need to change the positioning of the conning tower for them. The others were not quite the same. The Balao and Porpoise were the worst, Gato and Tambor almost as much.

A couple of problems arose.




So, the deck guns had to be moved as well.

The worst problem is with the Balao rear antenna post which has been placed into the center of the torpedo refit hatch.




But, this is only a cosmetic issue which does not effect anything else.

With the correction of the stadimeter centered point and the rechecking of the height reference point for each ship, I should have a completed fix for the Optical Targeting Correction soon.