[REL] 3D TDC and Radar Range Unit

[razark]

Originally Posted by Nisgeis

Optical bearing and radar range
The best combination will never change
Optical bearing and radar range
Then your plot shall never be strange.

Taping that to the side of the computer.

I was using the radar bearing to try and get a handle on it for plotting long range contacts. I started beyond visual range, and once I moved closer, I took a peek through the scope to verify. I've turned map contacts back on.

Originally Posted by Nisgeis

If you must use radar bearing, you MUST use the trailing edge of the radar lobe, e.g. when you have swept over the target clockwise, when you go counter clockwise to pick the target back up after you have swept over it, as soon as you have picked up the target then that's the bearing.

That's what I was trying to do. Perhaps I was doing it wrong. I'm going to check my procedures and try again.

Originally Posted by Nisgeis

Due to faults in the sensors in SH4, the radar will pick up a target at relative bearing of 000 (due north) from 353 to 000.

000 - 353 = 7
Like I said, my bearings have been 7 degrees off. To port. Rather consistently. If had a target at 000, I'd get a bearing of 353.
(I'm thinking operator error. I'll go yell at the guy operating my radar. It seems he needs a bit more training.)

Originally Posted by Nisgeis

If you can see the target though, use optical bearings over radar bearings because they are much, much better!

That makes a lot of sense.

[razark]

Originally Posted by razark

Like I said, my bearings have been 7 degrees off. To port. Rather consistently. If had a target at 000, I'd get a bearing of 353.

Trying again today. What I'm seeing against stationary targets is that I sweep the beam across the target. Once it's past the target (no blip on the A-scope), I crank it back counter-clockwise, until it shows up again. I then use the mouse scroll wheel to advance the beam clockwise two clicks. My bearings have been dead on. I don't know if this specific measurement is affected by range, but it was consistent with three separate targets.

Back to the radar training grounds.

[I'm goin' down]

143 kts for a merdchant. Not bad IGD!!

You had a better point than I though. If the target is moving away, get ahead of it. Then you can reduce speed, per Channings post and plot the "x" close the boat. I needed some good advice. That was good!

[I'm goin' down]

I am going to wait for the tutorial before I continue using the mod. I have put in enough time to determine it will be difficult to use. If you have a contact at long range, it is difficult to plot the correct bearing because the screen is not large enough to accommodate detail over long distance, say 25,000 yds. The angle created by the protractor tool is too small to see and this fact and the length of the range line, make it difficult plot the bearing and range of the target, among all of the other issues I have raised. Now, If I were playing on my big screen TV....

[John Channing]

The size of the screen is alway going to be a problem. I can never seem to get just the right zoom level to get it perfect.

But remember, at ranges of 20 Kyds or greater you don't have to be spot on the money accurate. Initially all you need to do is establish his approximate track. Once you have that down you can begin to close his position and take your time refining your plot. Once all of that adds up you will enter the solution.

It's frustrating at first because you are actually doing the work of 5-7 people (the radar operator, the approach officer, the TDC operator, the plot team and the Captain) but once you get it down it is most rewarding.

JCC

ps. Almost done. Just have to check a couple of details with Nisgeis and fix a couple of miistakes. It's a long one, so thanks for you patience.