Making Contact Report

[McHub532]

I'm at a loss on how to make a contact report myself.

The only thing I haven't tried is being surfaced, at 0 knots, at TC 1 in the center of the convoy.

Seriously, SHIV has never made the contact report icon available to be pressed for me yet and I've had plenty of contacts in view and on the surface with functioning radio, etc.

Anyone know?

[Sandman_28054]

Originally Posted by McHub532

I'm at a loss on how to make a contact report myself.

The only thing I haven't tried is being surfaced, at 0 knots, at TC 1 in the center of the convoy.

Seriously, SHIV has never made the contact report icon available to be pressed for me yet and I've had plenty of contacts in view and on the surface with functioning radio, etc.

Anyone know?

If you hit the "M" button, it brings up the message "clip" board.

On the clip-board you have three tabs: one for your "objectives" which will be on the far left. The middle one is for all messages, all messages received, and reports sent. And the far right tab is for your captians log, a record of ships sunk.

Using the middle section, change the top center section from messages received to messages sent. In the lower left hand side of the clip board you will see two options, the one on the left, you click it and it sends a patrol status report. The one on the right, click it, and you send a contact report.

If either one is successful, you'll see the report on either one pop up indicating a message sent. Generally, a response will come right after.

One thing I have noticed though, two days ago while playing the game, I ran across two large passenger carriers. I surfaced, locked on to the target, and tried to send a contact report. It wouldn't work.

I have a theory that unless the contact is a convoy or task force, a contact report won't be sent.

Oh well, hope that helps.

[McHub532]

Originally Posted by Sandman_28054

If you hit the "M" button, it brings up the message "clip" board.

On the clip-board you have three tabs: one for your "objectives" which will be on the far left. The middle one is for all messages, all messages received, and reports sent. And the far right tab is for your captians log, a record of ships sunk.

Using the middle section, change the top center section from messages received to messages sent. In the lower left hand side of the clip board you will see two options, the one on the left, you click it and it sends a patrol status report. The one on the right, click it, and you send a contact report.

If either one is successful, you'll see the report on either one pop up indicating a message sent. Generally, a response will come right after.

One thing I have noticed though, two days ago while playing the game, I ran across two large passenger carriers. I surfaced, locked on to the target, and tried to send a contact report. It wouldn't work.

I have a theory that unless the contact is a convoy or task force, a contact report won't be sent.

Oh well, hope that helps.

Oh, I see. I had the procedure down perfect and it wasn't working.

Except.... I wasn't "locked on" to a target. I never tried that (facepalm). I thought a window full of enemy ships was good enough.

Thank you!

P.S. Do you get renown/credit for discovering the convoy? Does it really matter if you do it?

[Schani]

I though that sending a contact report was not working and/or flawed. Until last weekend.

To send a report it does have to be a SIGHTED convoy in actual visual sight at the time of contact report. The tab that sends the contact report should not be displayed as torn in the middle. That is how to you determine if a contact report is able to be sent. A radio message will be sent back to you right way verifing your message and may add to your curent mission to engage that contact and inflict losses on the convoy. That will be displayed along with your current mission status above. How much damage I'm not sure, but my guess would be at least 10,000 tons of warships and transports.

[SteamWake]

The convoy has to be in sight ... visual range... radar contacts dont count.

Typically you have to sight more than one ship.

You have to be surfaced.

The icon for report contact shall not be 'ripped' in half otherwise you havent met the other pre-requirements.

Note that being in visual range, sighting more than one ship, while surfaced, are not exactly a safe way to be conducting oneself in a time of war

[McHub532]

Originally Posted by SteamWake

Note that being in visual range, sighting more than one ship, while surfaced, are not exactly a safe way to be conducting oneself in a time of war

Exactly. I think I will pass on using this feature of the game.

It's lame.

[Schani]

That is what I kinda thought when getting a multiple visual and chance of getting spotted. So no dicking around on getting the report sent. So far no problem on getting a report off and submerging to attack postion. I guess having a lower profile than the convoy, there is the chance of you sighting them before they sight you. Just hope luck is on your side. Or prepare for some intense action with the escorts.

[SteamWake]

Originally Posted by Schani

That is what I kinda thought when getting a multiple visual and chance of getting spotted. So no dicking around on getting the report sent. So far no problem on getting a report off and submerging to attack postion. I guess having a lower profile than the convoy, there is the chance of you sighting them before they sight you. Just hope luck is on your side. Or prepare for some intense action with the escorts.

Yes your sighting range should be greater than theirs. But then again there is radar. I personally dont like to rely on luck

[Schani]

In 1941 I need luck; without my trusty radar to guide my boat tonight.

[SteamWake]

Originally Posted by McHub532

Exactly. I think I will pass on using this feature of the game.

It's lame.

Its not lame Ive had plenty of chances to use it. What sucks is when you get a persue order and their already ahead of you and your low on fuel.

[tomoose]

I've never "locked" on any sighting prior to sending a Contact Report, my problem is remembering to send the damn report as I'll get busy trying to intercept etc . If I see a ship/convoy I'll click on the contact report icon. Usually, but not always, I'll get a message directing a course of action or at least acknowledging the contact.

[Sandman_28054]

My problem most of the time is if I send a contact report, I get the reply to sink the destroyers or escorts first then sink any shipping.

Generally, I just sink then all!

[Aramike]

Is there any actual benefit to sending a contact rpt?

[A Very Super Market]

Sure! If its close enough to an airbase, the Lufwaffe, sorry, Air force will come and steal your kills