Can I start using TDC without Locking first?

Originally Posted by java`s revenge

I never lock a target, do my calculations on the map and put the
figures into the tdc. I do use the TheDarkWaith mod.
When a kind olcgui will show up i can use the scope for figures.

I want to do this and have the TDC installed however a couple of things:

How do you ID the ship? i.e Recog Manual?
How do you bring up stadimeter for range? Or what method of range estimation do you use?
IS there any way to get rid of the WO in the scope view?

I also find that inputting the AOB a little difficult to manage on the dials as it has not digital mouse over read out(As per Range dial) and the resolution of the dial its self is a little inaccurate. How do you get round this?