Hardcore playing and the chronometer

[btaft]

I don't have an issue with the chrono as it is now, though I can see how others would. I believe in real life the skipper would obtain speed through one of three methods

1) Taking two positions and measuring the distance and time to get rate

2) Use the method of seeing how long the target takes to pass thru a mark and use the length and time

3) Match speed and course

I think the chrono works fine for all three of those. The only potential argument comes into play with method #2. I believe in real life a skipper could use a "wheel" to find the time length and time time to get the distance. The "as advertised" chrono would in essence simulate turning the wheel to the correct speed (thus not requiring any real calculations).

Like I said I am ok with it and have in fact just set up a spreasheet to do what a wheel would do for #2 anyways.

One thing that does make manual targeting a bear is the discrepancy (sometimes quite large) between the visual mast heights and the ones used in the stadimeter. These can lead to fairly gross plotting errors and thus make calculating speed via #1 very problematic. I realize this is easily fixed...modded. I would like to know if this is an intended feature (i.e. intel on the enemy was not perfect and was in fact variable to a certain extent within the same class). If so I am ok with it since it kind of adds to the immersion by making a skipper lean more towards a typical spread to ensure at least a couple hits on a high value target (although the mast height differences on a couple of the carriers are off quite a bit).

I do like one aspect of the chrono though......and that is I can pull it up on any screen I want. It really helps with doing other tasks and keeping an eye on when I need to take another range reading.

[AirborneTD]

I agree with Btaft. I also know (from extensive reading) that real sub skippers would usually have the speed (and true course, zig zags, etc) worked out by using radar. This is something you can also do now with this game.

I have no problem with the chronometer not working as advertised. I use manual targeting and calculate speed myself using radar and/or visual sightings over time between 2 points--using the in-game chronometer.