Does the moonlight affect the possibility of being detected at night?

TorpX · 01-25-11, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Ravelli

Sorry if there´s any thread about this. The thing is that, if it does actually affect visibility, then it´s possible to adjust our plans acording to the moon phases, when approaching an enemy base, for example. Does the game actually reflect the changes in moon phases? If it´s so, then an almanac would be really welcome, as Diopos asked for in a different thread

It definately does in RFB. I was stalking a Jap patrol boat on a parallel course at night. As it was hours before sunrise, I had plenty of time (or so I thought). However, the moon rising caused the sky to lighten just enough so I was spotted. This occured before the moon was actually above the horizon, BTW. The question about phosphorescense is a good one, but I do not know the answer. I have not made very many night surface attacks in SH4, but so far, I've found it difficult to get in as close as in the RL accounts. Conditions are highly variable though.

Pitts2112 · 01-26-11, 01:24 PM

TorpX, your night surface experience has been a lot like mine. When I first started playing, I went for night surface attacks since that was what many captains preferred in the war. I quickly discovered that moonlight might as well be daylight. I then discovered that I could be seen even when I couldn't see the enemy. In the end, I've given up on surface attacks at night but do get a bit closer than I would in daytime. I still submerge for the final 5-6,000 yards, though, just to be on the safe side.

Bubblehead1980 · 01-26-11, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pitts2112

TorpX, your night surface experience has been a lot like mine. When I first started playing, I went for night surface attacks since that was what many captains preferred in the war. I quickly discovered that moonlight might as well be daylight. I then discovered that I could be seen even when I couldn't see the enemy. In the end, I've given up on surface attacks at night but do get a bit closer than I would in daytime. I still submerge for the final 5-6,000 yards, though, just to be on the safe side.

are you playing stock? The AI visuals in stock are screwed, they spot you at night as if you are a battleship lol always killed me. TMO and RFB made it better.

Armistead · 01-26-11, 08:53 PM

There's an old mod that adds the moon phases to one of the tabs in the F1 key guide. I'll try to find it. It's combined with several other items, intended to a version of SH3 commander for SH4, but easily broken out.

TorpX · 01-27-11, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armistead

There's an old mod that adds the moon phases to one of the tabs in the F1 key guide. I'll try to find it. It's combined with several other items, intended to a version of SH3 commander for SH4, but easily broken out.

I think you are referring to Combat Information Center by Greyrider. I saw it in the mods section. I haven't tried it though (I got too many as it is).

Pitts2112 · 01-28-11, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubblehead1980

are you playing stock? The AI visuals in stock are screwed, they spot you at night as if you are a battleship lol always killed me. TMO and RFB made it better.

I was at the time. I've just loaded up TMO and 3D TDC, but haven't played much with those mods yet. I'll give night surface another go!

Bubblehead1980 · 01-28-11, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pitts2112

I was at the time. I've just loaded up TMO and 3D TDC, but haven't played much with those mods yet. I'll give night surface another go!

Night surface attacks are much more possible in TMO, does of course depend on the moonlight etc.The flank escorts are usually you biggest problem, if you can wait until one of them decides to peel off and search way out in never never land, move in and attack real quick, then speed away, best bet.Timing and patience are everything.Mark 14's and the low speed setting at especially helpful.Usually have to fire from around 4,000 yards on a heavily escorted convoy which is unfortunate bc in real life they could get inside the screen and not be spotted.All depends on moonlight, sea state, your speed and how the convoy is set up.You will figure it out.Def a lot of fun.

Armistead · 01-28-11, 05:38 PM

I actually pulled through the escorts and sank a carrier doing a night surface, small group though, 2 carriers, around 6 escorts. Rough seas, light fog, let the first escort pass and instead of leaving my flank exposed, I helmed and fell behind following the lead escort at about 2500 yards and was parallel to the carriers, so stern was facing flank. However, the second a torp hit, I turned to run away at 45 degrees and got caught, torps hit home as they opened up...crash dive.

01-26-11, 01:24 PM	#2
Pitts2112 Watch Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 30 Downloads: 15 Uploads: 0	TorpX, your night surface experience has been a lot like mine. When I first started playing, I went for night surface attacks since that was what many captains preferred in the war. I quickly discovered that moonlight might as well be daylight. I then discovered that I could be seen even when I couldn't see the enemy. In the end, I've given up on surface attacks at night but do get a bit closer than I would in daytime. I still submerge for the final 5-6,000 yards, though, just to be on the safe side.

01-26-11, 08:53 PM	#4
Armistead Rear Admiral Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: on the Dan Posts: 10,880 Downloads: 364 Uploads: 0	There's an old mod that adds the moon phases to one of the tabs in the F1 key guide. I'll try to find it. It's combined with several other items, intended to a version of SH3 commander for SH4, but easily broken out.

01-28-11, 05:38 PM	#8
Armistead Rear Admiral Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: on the Dan Posts: 10,880 Downloads: 364 Uploads: 0	I actually pulled through the escorts and sank a carrier doing a night surface, small group though, 2 carriers, around 6 escorts. Rough seas, light fog, let the first escort pass and instead of leaving my flank exposed, I helmed and fell behind following the lead escort at about 2500 yards and was parallel to the carriers, so stern was facing flank. However, the second a torp hit, I turned to run away at 45 degrees and got caught, torps hit home as they opened up...crash dive.