The Silent Hunter 4 TDC discussion

[Spectre-63]

HI all -

started a second career today using manual TDC and things did not go nearly as well as I'd hoped.

The first thing I noticed was that virtually all of my range estimations (using the stadimiter) were well short of the target's actual range. I think I'm using it correctly: setting the horizontal line in the periscope along the waterline of the target, selecting the correct ID in the recognition manual, bringing up the image splitter/stadimeter, and placing the waterline in the top image on the top-most point in the bottom image. At first I thought I was mis-identifying the targets, but the sampan fishing trawlers couldn't be misidentified because there was only one with the correct number of sails.

The other thing I noticed is that, over time, the position keeper appears to get confused as to where the target actually is. The only thing I can think of is that my constant re-configuration of the target info is confusing it?? The lack of a functioning chrono is certainly hurting my speed estimates, but I think I can overcome that. I've got the 'turn off map updates' off, so I'm cross-referencing where the target appears on the map with where the TDC thinks the target is (white X with a tail indicating direction of movement).

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Seadogs]

Originally Posted by Spectre-63

I've got the 'turn off map updates' off, so I'm cross-referencing where the target appears on the map with where the TDC thinks the target is (white X with a tail indicating direction of movement).

I am using the same method to train myself on manual TDC. It works great. I'd say it works even better than auto tracking.

Having problems with my ranges too tho. Using the method above I can easily correct it, but I don't plan on playing like that forever.

Can anyone provide a good zoomed screeny of perfect standimeter alignment? It would help alot as I think it's an issue of finding the sweet spot.

[ryuzu]

Originally Posted by Spectre-63

HI all -

started a second career today using manual TDC and things did not go nearly as well as I'd hoped.

The first thing I noticed was that virtually all of my range estimations (using the stadimiter) were well short of the target's actual range. I think I'm using it correctly: setting the horizontal line in the periscope along the waterline of the target, selecting the correct ID in the recognition manual, bringing up the image splitter/stadimeter, and placing the waterline in the top image on the top-most point in the bottom image. At first I thought I was mis-identifying the targets, but the sampan fishing trawlers couldn't be misidentified because there was only one with the correct number of sails.

The other thing I noticed is that, over time, the position keeper appears to get confused as to where the target actually is. The only thing I can think of is that my constant re-configuration of the target info is confusing it?? The lack of a functioning chrono is certainly hurting my speed estimates, but I think I can overcome that. I've got the 'turn off map updates' off, so I'm cross-referencing where the target appears on the map with where the TDC thinks the target is (white X with a tail indicating direction of movement).

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!!

Did you check what measurement units the stadimeter is giving you?

If you're using imperial measurements, the units on the stadimeter dial are yards - not feet... There are 3 feet in a yard.

Oh, and the stadimeter measurement is supposed to be done while the scope is at high magnification (although this would lead to over rather than under reading).

r.

[Spectre-63]

Originally Posted by ryuzu

Did you check what measurement units the stadimeter is giving you?

How would I check that? Anyone got a quick conversion from yards to nm?

Originally Posted by ryuzu

If you're using imperial measurements, the units on the stadimeter dial are yards - not feet... There are 3 feet in a yard.

Oh, and the stadimeter measurement is supposed to be done while the scope is at high magnification (although this would lead to over rather than under reading).

r.

I am using imperial measurements and I would expect that the proper information is being passed from the stadimeter to the PK. I am using high-magnification.

I know one other poster suggested it: can we get a picture of the correct stadimeter alignment? I'm guessing it's something I may be doing incorrectly, as my ranges are usually off by about 1/3rd.

[Shrap123]

Ok so assuming I use the table or manually calculate the speed how do I enter it in the TDC?

[Deep Six]

I concur with the above can Neal or one of the boys post a pic of a correctly aligned stadimeter on target.Neal Vid was awesome but with the screen a little small i was unsure if he was.
A.Aligning the Stadimeter id ON TOP of the target is completely covering the target

B.Aligning the Stadimeter where the Stad was just touching the HIGHEST part of the target i.e the mast head?
I have used both and my aim is still crap!!!....Just want to know what is right for stadimeter range input.

Deep six

Originally Posted by Deep Six

I concur with the above can Neal or one of the boys post a pic of a correctly aligned stadimeter on target.Neal Vid was awesome but with the screen a little small i was unsure if he was.
A.Aligning the Stadimeter id ON TOP of the target is completely covering the target

B.Aligning the Stadimeter where the Stad was just touching the HIGHEST part of the target i.e the mast head?
I have used both and my aim is still crap!!!....Just want to know what is right for stadimeter range input.

Deep six

its hard to get a exact estimate. but tbh you dont need one. Thats why you fire in spreads

but you can try it out yourself. I cant do it any better then you can. Run a game with manual tdc and map updates, you can then try wich alot of different settings and see how it affects your position keeper marker.

[Charos]

Sorry for the incorrect information I posted before -- looks like Ive been too busy virtual flying instead of sailing

Good TDC article on Wiki.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torpedo_Data_Computer


I got Track angle mixed up with AOB.

[akdavis]

First of all, is anyone else having their torpedoes' detonation settings randomly reset after switching from influence to contact?

Also, does anyone know if there are, or can be enabled, keyboard commands for TDC and torpedo controls. A simple increase/decrease control for each of the torpedo settings (especially the need-to-use-it-quick spread dial), and for the current (range, AOB or speed) function of the TDC input would work wonders. I find the mouse very jumpy, slow and very aggravating to tendonitis.

Down those same lines, is there any way to navigate the ID book without having to click through every damn page to either find a ship you already know the identity of, or return to the page for a ship you just identified. A good feature addition would be the ability to enter text in the area beneath the flags and jump directly to a known class.

[PeriscopeDepth]

Originally Posted by Spectre-63

How would I check that? Anyone got a quick conversion from yards to nm?

I am using imperial measurements and I would expect that the proper information is being passed from the stadimeter to the PK. I am using high-magnification.

I know one other poster suggested it: can we get a picture of the correct stadimeter alignment? I'm guessing it's something I may be doing incorrectly, as my ranges are usually off by about 1/3rd.

2000 yards = 1nm

[NefariousKoel]

Originally Posted by Spectre-63

How would I check that? Anyone got a quick conversion from yards to nm?

There is ~2000yards in one nautical mile. The Imperial system actually works with nautical ranges quite well.