[WIP] Optical Targeting Assist, with Omnimeter

[Hitman]

Of course you have a point there, and it actually isn't incompatible at all with what I wanted to highlight: Do the optics as you see better, and then update the other angluar angle views of the open bridge, etc, to match. What I want to stress is the importance of keeping the proportions, and not being used to see the enemy ship at a certain distance when still surfaced, and then suddenly it appears much closer when submerged. This can easily screw your approach because you lose a sense of how far or close the enemy is, and you miscalculate the space needed to maneuver.

1.5x should allow keeping the tactical view, 6x all details and getting accurate masts measuring, etc. as you rightfully point out.

[CapnScurvy]

Hitman, your point is well taken.

I had not thought of looking at the bridge view and have it relate to the new scope views until you brought it up. The only views that give you the tools for making assessments for measurements were the scope views, so I have concentrated my efforts on them. I'll be able to make the adjustment to the bridge view, making it a bit smaller than the scopes. It's just that I'll have to "eye ball" the relationship (yep, pun intended).

Here's the difference between the two views as they stand now. As Hitman pointed out the difference between the two is too great to be considered accurately portrayed.





The above (and below) pictured test mission is having the Akita at a 1000 yard distance (1001 to be exact).





If you wish to check target ships with the same type of mission test I'm using you can download it HERE. It's simply called "Test 21" and will be found in the "Quick Mission" menu of the main game screen. It has several target ships positioned around a stationary sub. The down loadable "Optical Test Mission Pack" (JSGME compatible) has two mods. The above mentioned test mission and Captain Cox's "Big Bearing" compass for the attack periscope. The compass should help as you check the field of view degree findings. Extract each mod separately to the JSGME "MODS" folder to activate.

Using both mods, you can check the stock field of view yourself, and come up with your own conclusions. Try the 1280x1024 resolution for a different size than the rest!! Depending on the monitor you use, some of the various resolutions will of course appear distorted. But, as you compare the relative compass bearing to the outer views edge you will see a consistent degree figure used (except for the1280x1024), no matter if the view is distorted or not.

[Hitman]

I will give it a try, but if you use 1.5x in the scope as basic zoom, then it's all a matter of setting for the bridge view the same aperture angle as for the scope

[CapnScurvy]

Hitman I'm wondering if you know (or anyone else), what is the Field of View for the TBT in the real life fleet boats? For that matter, the UZO for the U-boat. I've tried the Internet and have come up empty regarding the TBT. Little information all together.

The stock game has the magnification at 7x. When reading the FoV within the TBT it covers 3 1/4 degrees to the edge (from center) meaning it's 6 1/2 degrees total FoV. Just wondering what was it in real life?

[Hitman]

Yes I know, the TBT had a FOV of 7.25 degrees and a 7x magnification.

I can't quote where I got it, but I will look for it. In any case, bear in mind that there were some unofficial TBTs handmade by the crew using a pair of standard B&Lomb 7x Navy binoculars and a pelorous and installed on the bridge like f.e. USS Tang had, and also the later "official" Mare Island TBT which was equipped to all submarines twice (Front and rear of bridge). This last one had a simple crosshair that I replicated in an earlier mod of mine:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=150785

As for the german UZO, it was the same, 7.1x and 7.25 degrees.

In this one I can quote the source: http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-570BritishReport.htm

EDIT:

I forgot to add that 7x was not chosen randomly. There was a good reason to use this magnification, read more here: http://www.opticsplanet.net/binmarine.html

[CapnScurvy]

Thanks Hitman for the information.

I'm just wondering out loud, did the WWII vintage TBT look the same as what's on the USS Bowfin now? I had read your post before (regarding the modification you made), and since the Bowfin was decommissioned in 1947, recommissioned in 1951 (probably due to the Korean Conflict) then decommissioned again in 1954. I'm wondering if a change in the TBT was made when it was refitted? Or, maybe a newer TBT was installed just for the museum?

Guess I'm asking, What did the view through the WWII vintage TBT look like? Did it have Telemeter marks as the game view, OR did it have the simple "cross hairs" that the Bowfin's TBT has now?

[Hitman]

Well the USS Cod has exactly the same one and it is claimed by the curators as WW2 original , so I think it's safe to asume that this is the Mare Island official one. Look through it is like shown in my other thread, and I have never heard of any model with graticle. But as with many other things, crews "customized" this, so probably there were some (I have a list of several different B&L binoculars handed to the marine and many of them had milliradian markings for range finding).