Radar operation question

[guymanndude]

Hey there folks,
My first post on the group, glad to see so many other enthusiasts around! I have a question about the use of radar; I'm in the spring of '42 and my VIIb has just been outfitted with radar. I'm on my second sortie with it and my operator has failed to spot a thing.
I've manned the rader myself, I've used high and lower range settings and still not seen targets. What tips do any of you have for the use of this device?

Thanks,

[donut]

IMHO.Wasted renoun!Welcome aboard

[VonHelsching]

Welcome!

DOs and DONTs with radars

- Use rarar prefferably before 1943
- Avoid using where air coverage is strong. Radar emissions attract planes
- Avoid using where DD coverage is expected (ie near ports, convoys etc) Radar emissions attract DDs
- Golden rule: If you can "see" them with radar, so can they
- Use experienced radioman with medals and sonar / radio expertise
- Radars (esp early models) have something like 20 deg. coverage in front of your boat. Later models have 40 deg / out of 360. To use them you must turn around 360 to achive full coverage
- Radars are useful for single ships mostly
- Do not confuse radar with radar detectors
- Radars do not function optimally under harsh conditions (wind, rain) - ie when they are most needed -

This is quite realistic, since the Germans were always one step behind (by some months) in radar technology. Things get (almost) even in 1945, but it's too late.

Enjoy!

[tycho102]

Originally Posted by VonHelsching

- Use experienced radioman with medals and sonar / radio expertise

Absolutely.

I'll add that your sonar/radio room operators should be the very first ones to receive medals, without regard to anyone else. Your primary radio/sonar ops should be getting all the Gold Crosses and badges. They should also be on the promote-immediately list, right next to your engine and torpedo officers.

Aside from that, you should also be diving periodically to get a good listen with the hydrophones.

I would also recommend modifying your configuration files, such that "contacts of opportunity" are reported from ranges of 8000km or more. I think the default is 1500km.

[RayRay]

Tycho,
Which .cfg are you refering to? I can't seem to find "contacts of opportunity" listed.
Thanks

[guymanndude]

Thanks for the tips! As far as promotions go, I can tell you that I made sure that the "eyes and ears" of my boat are well rewarded. I also made sure to promote my anti-aircraft gunners and watch crew too.
Because being sunk ain't no fun, but sinking 'em sure is!

[irish1958]

What config file?
irish1958