TDC vs Position Keeper discussion

[XLjedi]

First off, thanks to all for the feedback, since I'm still searching for my "zone" with this targeting gizmo I'm glad for any and all feedback/suggestions.

AVGWarhawk first... I need to followup with you on a couple of your comments.

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

The TDC works fine. I find more of a problem solver than anything. I can see where my calculations are off and I can then reset. My biggest obstacle is the speed calculations. I can determine this somewhat easily by watching the AOB dial. If it is change radically as compared to the vessel on the scope, the I know it is off. As far as convoys, once you speed is set and AOB, you just need to get the distance for the next ship you are going after. Update the TDC and your good to go. Not as slick as the German version, but it works.

When you say you can "see where your calculations are off", is that because you're checking the solution on the attack map vs. a map update plot? ...or are you sayin, you just tell from the attack map solution whether or not it looks right.

As for your comments on convoy solutions, if I understand the thing correctly, you need more than distance, you'd need a new AoB as well... If you had a lead target and just changed the distance for another in tandem, your solution will pass well ahead of the second target, unless you update AoB. Again, the scope does not functioning as an aiming device.

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

Sounds like you have read up on the submarines, you probably noticed that they constantly popped up the scope getting bearings and speed. They did this all the way up to the point of firing. In reality, if you get the PK dead on, you can fire your torpedoes with scope down (many keep it up so as to see the torpedo at work).

You can also just point and shoot if you want. Leave the TDC off! Don't give up, it works!

Yes, I've read many books on fleetboats and uboats, history, tactics and so forth...

By leave the TDC off, do you mean never send a value to the PK? ...or are you sayin as long as I toggle off the red light on the PK it defaults back to point and shoot? cuz I don't think it does, I've tried it. I've fired fish with the PK disengaged and scope on a zero bearing and watched three or more fish all take 90° turns toward a supposedly disengaged PK solution.

Yeah, they popped up, took extremely brief peeks and kept on the attack submerged. I actually thought I'd really like that and attempted an interesting tactic to exploit such features. I came up immediately astern of a target, matched it's speed, got the distance, bearing 0°, AoB was a no brainer 180°, then I submerged with the PK tracking. I was planning a submerged end around, and I briefly popped the scope up to check the target vs. PK. Was working GREAT until I got about 20° ahead of the target, at which time the PK just disengaged...

I'm gonna keep searching for how best to exploit the thing. I'll stick with it, just right now I'm fightin against it more than anything.