Can we talk about the hydrophone?

[Pisces]

Originally Posted by Mowgli

...

When the hydrophone operators reports a distance of "medium" or "far" just how far is medium and far?

It depends on mods I think. But check SilentHunterIII\data\Cfg\Contacts.cfg to make sure.

...
When you look at the gray line showing their bearing, is the length of that line their rough distance from you or does the bearing line continue on?

Then end of the (fading) line is where they should be at.

...
At what distance from an ASW vessel that knows you are in the area is it safe to stop running silent and increase your speed?

What range can enemy vessels detect you by noise?
What range can their lookouts see your periscope in different weathers.
...

Classified!

Meaning, I don't really know. Alot of their visual detection capability also depends on the time of night. Their crew rating comes into play, which you can't tell. When underwater and feeling like a prey I have a very bad sense of distance. I can tell how they move by the way their sound bearing changes. But when they are searching they move all over the place preventing any chance of a hydrophone tracking attempt. I only do that when they are unaware of me. Just move away from them until they lost interrest in you and hurry back to the convoy (or whatever). Then very carefully come to periscope depth, and take a cautious peek. Only at night or in bad weather, and when they are over 10km away do I consider surfacing with deck awash. And continue the stalk.