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03-30-22, 12:11 AM | #721 | |
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That's just perfect!
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"Quando omni flunkus moritati" United States Navy 1979-1982 "AD2" Aviation Machinists Mate 2nd Class VT-23, HS-1, USS Carl Vinson CVN70 (Plank Owner) NAS Kingsville, TX; NAS Jacksonville, FL; NOB Norfolk, VA FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist, Fairbanks, AK 2000-2020 (Ret) |
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03-30-22, 11:36 AM | #722 | |
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So, over time, I've learned more about the sim, how the real skippers operated, and learned more about things like the TDC. At first I'd use the "Dick O'Kane method" which was my way of playing while not knowing what the hell I was doing with the TDC. After reading WAHOO and TANG patrol reports, as well as RADM O'Kanes books, I found he used a constant bearing, divergent spread attack. Here's how to do it: https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/sho...ybrid&t=237668 Using it with my mag exploders, the spread, with about 7-9 seconds between shots, on slow speed, I've reduced my premature count to very low numbers. I could be WAY off, but I feel the separation between fish keeps them from actuating the exploders on the magnetic signature from the other fish fired (again, could be super wrong but it gives me warm and fuzzies, and helps to sink the "sunzabitches"). This method also brackets the target, fore and aft with a three to four shot spread. Even if the target zigs aggressively, you're likely to get at least one hit (as long as youre using fish from mid-'43). As for the radar(s) and DF: BH, got a few questions (I'm completely ignorant as to modding this or any other game as you currently are, so please bear with me). Been reading SILVERSIDES and BATFISH reports lately, and both around the beginning of '44 start mentinoing the introduction of the PPI, and are also able to pick-up radar "interferrence" from what they suspect are other SJ sets, land based sets, and are able to navigate using the SJ returns from land masses. Also, both boats had a general SOP of using the SD for something like 5 seconds on, 45 seconds off, so as to not be DF'd by any lurking air cover (at a certain point, SILVERSIDES decided to not use it at all, pretty much for the remainder of the war). They also were able to use SJ to acquire aircraft. Is there any way to incorporate these kinds of things? like an automation for SD for the "operator" to turn it on/off automatically on a time-scheme? or to have the PPI only available after a certain date? Not sure if geography showing up on radar would work, but it'd be pretty cool to use in certain situations. Same goes for picking up other radar signals on own radar in-lieu-of an SS board RWR. |
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03-30-22, 03:16 PM | #723 | |
Navy Seal
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Personally, I never cared for the "designer" shooting methods, tried some once back when first started and thought they overcomplicated things. Plus, having read some things as was learning to I have also noticed they get too much hype in lieu of doing things historically accurate (within bounds of sim) way using a well modeled TDC. "designer" methods serve to confuse new players more than anything else. New Captains really need to learn the fundamentals of manual targeting before switching to those methods. Great thing about the 3D TDC and Radar Range mod incorporated into TMO is the radar is actually a functional tool, not just one there as a façade to make it appear have a radar. UBI was quite lazy developing a KEY tool US subs had during the war . Personally only thing I've noticed that reduces premature rate in TMO are: 1.Keeping torpedo run 1000 yards or less. Basically, longer torpedo run, more time the torpedo has to prematurely detonate. From 41-October 1943 torpedoes not arm until reach 450 yards, so at a 1000 yards or less, not far to go. Takes sim time to decide if going to make it a premature. Noticed longer torpedo runs, more chance of premature. 1(a) Firing them at longer intervals does reduce chance of magnetic detonators being triggered by another torpedoes explosion due to distance. However, this can cause misses as well, depending target. 7 seconds is a long firing interval in most cases. I usually fire at 5 second intervals, which was typical but if 7 works, why not. 2. Playing a reloaded save game. This is a old SH 4 bug, basically loaded save games, seems to reset some things for remainder of patrol. I have noticed a much lower premature rate in saved games vs those not saved. I rarely play a saved game , as have a PC set aside just for SH 4. During testing of mod, when I have had to reload saved gams I noticed my premature and at time dud rate was way lower than supposed to be. Did further testing to confirm this. Funny story. Recently, I was testing New Construction 1943 career start off New London CT (will be in forthcoming version) against a US DD(friendly fire) DD for "Depth Charge Indoctrination" Fired a practice torpedo which startled the DD, turned towards me, fired a second. Panicked DD, dropped a couple depth charges as it ran toward my scope (lol) They were set shallow and exploded...the second torpedo was close enough that the DC explosion, set off the torpedo lmao. Even though practice torpedo had the exploder set to contact only and running depth of fifty feet (have to shoot practice torpedo's below MOT to get a hit, which is how real torpedo practice was done on moving targets). Basically, in new construction player has opportunities to learn how to use TDC properly. In all the extensive work and testing , I've never found that speed setting of torpedo is a factor in premature explosions. There is nothing in the files linking the two. Two factors I listed are what appear to be the factors involved with premature rate in TMO Update. However, it is possible that something in the code (which we can not see) has speed play a role, but again I've seen no indication. I plan to do some testing just to check on this. I assume you are usually playing a reloaded save game like most players and believe this is the cause of less prematures, but I could be wrong. There is a reduce dud chance setting in the files, which I removed since the way it worked in the sim made torpedoes far too reliable, even when the reduction rate was set very low. Example, set reduction rate if torpedo speed is on low power to 0.5 percent from 10 percent reduction chance and torpedoes were still too reliable vs on high speed. Default way that the sim determines premature is by wave height, with chance increasing at certain intervals of height. Calm seas, less prematures, heavy seas, prematures increase. Really disliked this, its kind of gamey, created predictability of torpedo performance and not reflective of what caused the issue. I tweaked the settings so that sea state now has very little to do with premature explosions and now have basically same chance in calm or heavy seas. I slightly reduced the premature chance in the upcoming version to prevent what were overall a absurd number( I had 20 out of 22 torpedoes on one patrol in testing, 19 out of 22 on second) , but still plenty of them. Have also altered things in upcoming version so contact exploder is not so reliable and depth control issues are not so predictable easy to work around. Basically, have them performing as close as possible to how they performed in early war. Far as Radars and RDF in TMO... Unfortunately there is no way to have SJ radar pick up land/geography or display radar interference from other radars without a hard coded fix, which we are unable to do. The APR-1 Radar Warning Receiver is how we can detect radar emissions currently and it was historically a vital piece of equipment once in service. Detect radar emissions without putting out your own as its a passive device. SJ could not always detect radar interference from enemy anyways, most of time it was from other allied subs. In V2.0 operating with Wolfpacks, APR-1 can give a idea of where you pack mates are located if can't pick them up on radar. SJ can detect aircraft in SH 4 TMO, if they are flying low enough, will detect them and pip will show on screen. I had a BETTY other day flying in low, SJ had its pip on screen. Thing is aircraft typically tend to fly higher than SJ can detect. As mentioned UBI was lazy in how it implemented SJ radar. Now, certain land objects such as destructible fuel tanks (which will be in the update, can shell them, order crew to shell them) can be detected on SJ in some cases. There is a invisible photo target which is actually just a invisible ship, which can be placed on land (fix for photo recon missions, place invisible target in front ) and SJ will detect it. These can be placed at key spots on land such as promontories etc, so can pick up "land" in that way. Problem is that is very time consuming and will just just show up as a lone pip on the scope. Far as PPI scope, unfortunately am not aware of anyway as this time to hide the PPI scope until appropriate time and it has been discussed since I started with SH 4 in 2009 lol. Again, laziness by UBI to not make it where only the A scope is available at first. What I do is when have the SJ Radar, I only use the A scope, never look at PPI scope. When get the SJ-1 radar, start using both as that is when PPI scopes were introduced, with the SJ-1. Yes, would be better for immersion if it could be hidden or the screen blanked out at minimum via a mod until ready to use. Far as SD radar....I am working to make it where can be turned on and off, like it is in FOTRS, so that can turn on and off as required, like on real patrols. I have improved the deck crews visual sensors as they were quite weak by default. Pretty ridiculous when you as player can see a contact at ten miles via smoke and outline but your deck watch can't, so they can see ships 8-10 miles depending on conditions, on very clear day a little further. This makes operating on surface without SD radar on in areas with heavy air traffic not suicidal as planes can be spotted in time , but then again sometimes they are not. Of course there is risk but planes are not always spotted. Overall if player can see it, they can see it, but they can actually see things further many times, which is fine, they are lookouts on elevated position. Unfortunately, the team member for FOTRS mod who accomplished making the SD turn on and off is no longer active, so it is a process to figure things out to make the change without guidance. Caveat is, with this change in TMO we will lose to ability to raise the SD mast (which real subs ) had due to limitations of the sim, it is a either or situation, can have the choice to turn it on and off or have a extendable mast. Personally, I'd rather have it where can turn SD radar on or off. Always annoyed me UBI made it stay on at all times...clearly failed to do their research. With on a limited basis enemy units having ability to detect radar signals, discretion in radar usage will be important in V2.0 One approach I have considered as a stop gap is removing SD radar, making the SJ Radar able to detect planes at higher altitudes, essentially become multi purpose radar which can turn on and off. Problem can be for those of us who often run without map contacts, how will be determine if contact is a plane or ship if both are showing up on the scope, were as normally if not on scope, can assume its a SD contact. Also will have SJ providing far too accurate contacts on aircraft as they have different parameters for performance. I am not sure, but do not believe it is possible to have the AI turn the radar on and off at intervals. I wish there was because it is needed for SJ as well. I know SJ you can hit the button to make a sweep then shut off, but have to order the SJ back on and give the order again. Nice. Have read SILVERSIDES and BATFISH reports as well. The book "In the Course of Duty" by Don Keith , about the BATFISH is excellent. Covers her career, including sinking the three subs in 1945 and her post war life, the vets efforts to get her to a museum in OKLAHOMA lol. Quite a story how they moved her up there. Great read. Should note in the TMO, the subs she sunk in Feb 1945 all appear at historic time and places, so can attempt to replicate the achievement. Like as it happened(as may have read or will read), IJN sub's radar emissions help player locate them via the APR-1, as surfaced AI subs will not show up on SJ(they will in V2.0) , which makes it a challenge. Player will receive a ULTRA about the subs. Quite a challenge to track attack and successfully sink them. Believe I've done it once in a actual career, once in testing. In testing one of the subs detected me and hit me with deck gun lol. In V2.0 I've added a patrol objective to SubPac based Balao for that time period, where operating in the area with other subs as BATFISH was, get the ULTRA, orders to the Babuyan Islands to locate the subs. Basically, cam replicate BATFISH's patrol to some degree. Oh, the surface Japanese AI subs in V2.0 will fire torpedoes also. |
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03-30-22, 04:08 PM | #724 |
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You ought to read Adm. Eugene B. Fluckney book "Thunder Below" about the USS BARB.
I seem to remember reading somewhere that standard torpedo attacks was to use high speed. So that is what I've been using except once when I couldn't get any closer than 4300 yards and I used slow speed. I seem to have figured out how to shoot a torpedo spread. I usually fire 1st amidships then at the stern and then at the bow. I've tried walking shots stern to bow, but it doesn't always work for me. So far I've had only 1 premature explosion, 2 or 3 duds, 1 run under target and explode on the other side and 1 run deep and explode against the harbor wall.
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"Quando omni flunkus moritati" United States Navy 1979-1982 "AD2" Aviation Machinists Mate 2nd Class VT-23, HS-1, USS Carl Vinson CVN70 (Plank Owner) NAS Kingsville, TX; NAS Jacksonville, FL; NOB Norfolk, VA FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist, Fairbanks, AK 2000-2020 (Ret) |
03-30-22, 04:21 PM | #725 | |
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I live about 2 hours away and still haven't visited the Batfish. Need to do that soon.
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"Quando omni flunkus moritati" United States Navy 1979-1982 "AD2" Aviation Machinists Mate 2nd Class VT-23, HS-1, USS Carl Vinson CVN70 (Plank Owner) NAS Kingsville, TX; NAS Jacksonville, FL; NOB Norfolk, VA FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist, Fairbanks, AK 2000-2020 (Ret) |
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03-30-22, 04:36 PM | #726 | |
Admiral
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is it, or can it... possibly be done up... for the contacts air or sea wise... to be differentiated by a color schema... for example... air contact a light sky blue & sea conatct, a med. or somewhat darker blue color, contact box icon... If doable... then that I would think, would alleviate the issue on telling them apart. Just a thought & suggestion.
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03-30-22, 04:42 PM | #727 |
Admiral
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On the aspect of those who run 'without' map contacts, a simple drop to peri depth will tell the tale... if the contact disappears, then it was an air contact... if it shows up a sonar line trail... then... yeah. Don't think I need to finish the rest of that train of thought there.
As, the end of it, should be self-explanatory, I'd think. M. M.
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03-30-22, 06:09 PM | #728 | |
Navy Seal
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03-30-22, 06:25 PM | #729 | |
Navy Seal
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I've read "Thunder Below" several times over the years and referenced it a lot when creating the TMO Update mod. Can replicate much of the BARB's patrols in the mod. One example is the Auxiliary Cruiser she sunk in November 1944 shows up a proper time and place etc. There have been attempts by other modders to make a rocket launcher as a upgrade in summer 1945, as the BARB had. V2.0 I added a special mission to send a sabotage party and later recover them. Yes, most attacks with MK 14 were made on the high power setting. Submerged 1000 yards or less was ideal, on surface 2500-3000 yards was ideal firing range. I make all shots on high power unless forced to fire from longer ranges, which sometimes happens, esp later in war due to heavy escort screens, larger convoys and spacing. Real subs ran into same issue, which is one reason MK 23 inventory was scrapped/converted back to MK 14 so had the low power/longer range feature if needed. |
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03-31-22, 11:13 PM | #730 | |
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Sounds interesting.
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"Quando omni flunkus moritati" United States Navy 1979-1982 "AD2" Aviation Machinists Mate 2nd Class VT-23, HS-1, USS Carl Vinson CVN70 (Plank Owner) NAS Kingsville, TX; NAS Jacksonville, FL; NOB Norfolk, VA FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist, Fairbanks, AK 2000-2020 (Ret) |
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04-01-22, 06:24 AM | #731 |
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BH,
Just returned from a patrol (workin on report, tedious stuff), got a whole plethora of goodies like SJ-1, cut bridge, and all the other late ‘43 early ‘44 sexiness. Apparently, the bosses want us to go on eternal patrol by reconnoitering Rabaul for the carrier TF. I remember you saying there’s a way to change the orders to something more realistic. Should I try that or just ignore and go hunting? |
04-01-22, 10:14 AM | #732 | |
Navy Seal
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Ah, so glad I've eliminated that nonsense (photo missions like that) in the upcoming version lol. Yes, there is a way, fairly simple. I will post soon, just need a free moment. |
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04-01-22, 10:57 AM | #733 |
Navy Seal
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In testing, it was interesting. Only thing is obviously can't make it as dramatic as would like, since can't set up explosions ashore . Landing party when enemy lookout posts, shore based radar, and patrol boats in area certainly brings a certain bit of tension. Then coming back to recover later, searching for the rafts, esp if patrol comes into area. Second time PT boats boxed me in while was recovering one of the rafts, couldn't dive in shallow waters nor outrun PT boat so ordered guns manned, when one spotted me opened fire and attempted to run me down, opened fire with 5 inch and 40 mm guns (gotta love the AA gun mod, makes the crew fire them at surface targets) set one on fire, which slowled and eventually sunk managed to evade the second one. |
04-01-22, 02:40 PM | #734 | |
Navy Seal
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*Always back up all files before editing.* 1. Go to PC/Documents/SH4/data/cfg/save games You will see numbered files. If you have multiple save files best way to tell which is which is when in the office, go to the load screen and note the exact save time, can match them. 2.Once located proper save file, click on it, will see a CareerTrack.upc file, click on it, should open with notepad. 3. You will see something like this.... [CareerTrack 1.CareerStatusLast] ID=ID Reason=CSS_LastStatus NameDisplayable=NULL CurrentDate=1944-01-02 13:00:00 PlayerRankAchieved=LTCDR PlayerCurrentLastPromotionDateTime=1944-01-01 13:00:00 CurrentFlotilla=PearlHarborCommand CurrentFlotillaBase=PearlHarbor CurrentSDepartureDescription=-1.89536e+007,2.56312e+006,269.646 CurrentUPCFlotillaUserPlayerUnitType=F1Porpoise CurrentDifficulty=Easy PlayerCurrentRenown=5000.000000 PlayerCurrentRating=0.000000 PlayerHighestRating=0.000000 PlayerPatrolsCompleted=0.000000 PlayerTonnageSunk=0.000000 PlayerWarshipsTonnageSunk=0.000000 PlayerMerchantsTonnageSunk=0.000000 PlayerShipsSunk=0.000000 PlayerCurrentMedals=NULL CrewMembersCurrentMedalsRepository=NULL CrewMembersCurrentPromotionsRepository=1 PlayerCurrentObjectiveCode=Honshu PlayerDefaultObjectives=ID94 PlayerCurrentObjectives=ID287 PatrolStartDateTime=1944-01-03 13:00:00 4. Put this aside for a moment and again, back up the save files before go any further. 5.Go to Drive/UBI/SH4/MODS/TMOUpdate/UPCData/UPCCampaignData/PatrolObjectives. Open the PatrolObjectives file. 6. Scroll down, can see the different patrol objectives or can hit Ctrl+F to find. Lets say you want orders to Honshu for patrol. Search Patrol Honshu, this will come up. Not the sections in bold. [Section 54] ID=ID54 FileName=data/Campaigns/Campaign/PatrolObjectives/Patrol Honshu 01/Patrol Honshu 01.mis StartDate=19411207 EndDate=19451201 GameModes=Career InclusionProbability=100 MinimumDifficultyRating=0 MinimumPlayerRating=-3 ExclusiveLayer=No ExclusiveLayerID=1 EvaluationReason=FirstObjective AllMatch=Honshu ObjectiveType=0 BriefingMapName=NULL BriefingMapIcon=NULL BriefingMapIconPosX=0 BriefingMapIconPosY=0 If you want to see where these orders are on on the map, can open the campaigns/patrol objectives with Mission Editor. Find Patrol Honshu 01 and open it as scripted layer. This will show the patrol objective on the map. 7.Now, go back to the CareerTrack.UPC file. [CareerTrack 1.CareerStatusHeader] ID=ID UserPlayerNameDisplayable=James Calvert CareerStartDate=1944-01-01 13:00:00 [CareerTrack 1.CareerStatusLast] ID=ID Reason=CSS_LastStatus NameDisplayable=NULL CurrentDate=1944-01-02 13:00:00 PlayerRankAchieved=LTCDR PlayerCurrentLastPromotionDateTime=1944-01-01 13:00:00 CurrentFlotilla=PearlHarborCommand CurrentFlotillaBase=PearlHarbor CurrentSDepartureDescription=-1.89536e+007,2.56312e+006,269.646 CurrentUPCFlotillaUserPlayerUnitType=F1Porpoise CurrentDifficulty=Easy PlayerCurrentRenown=5000.000000 PlayerCurrentRating=0.000000 PlayerHighestRating=0.000000 PlayerPatrolsCompleted=0.000000 PlayerTonnageSunk=0.000000 PlayerWarshipsTonnageSunk=0.000000 PlayerMerchantsTonnageSunk=0.000000 PlayerShipsSunk=0.000000 PlayerCurrentMedals=NULL CrewMembersCurrentMedalsRepository=NULL CrewMembersCurrentPromotionsRepository=1 PlayerCurrentObjectiveCode=Honshu This is called the "Allmatch" in the patrolobjectives file. PlayerDefaultObjectives=ID94>>>Can leave this as is or change it. PlayerCurrentObjectives=ID287>>>Change the ID found in patrol objectives to ID number of desired patrol objective PatrolStartDateTime=1944-01-03 13:00:00 >>>Can select start date and time. I try not to edit the dates beyond a day or two but sometimes I do, as over time changing the date can throw campaign track off but the start time of the day generally does not matter. I dislike starting in middle of the night because for most part subs departed in daylight, at dawn or dusk for safety reasons, avoid friendly fire etc. With friendly fire a possibility, safer to depart in daytime so can identify contacts. Once changed, save as CareerTrack.UPC, 8. Start up SH 4, load the file to the office. Delete current save file, save new with different name. Click on map, should see new orders. Let me know if have any questions. |
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04-01-22, 03:41 PM | #735 | |
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I can't seem to find that AA gun mod.
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"Quando omni flunkus moritati" United States Navy 1979-1982 "AD2" Aviation Machinists Mate 2nd Class VT-23, HS-1, USS Carl Vinson CVN70 (Plank Owner) NAS Kingsville, TX; NAS Jacksonville, FL; NOB Norfolk, VA FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist, Fairbanks, AK 2000-2020 (Ret) |
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