How do you estimate range really quickly?

tomoose · 06-10-08, 11:09 AM

What usually works for me to quickly identify a merch at distance is looking at;
a. the smokestack - it's location on the hull and it's size/shape
b. the masts - shape, including rigging-shape/angle if visible

For example; if the ship clearly has the smokestack aft or rear end of the ship that narrows things down considerably and I'll quickly scan the ID book for those types of ships. If that smokestack is tall and skinny too then that narrows things down even better. You get the idea.

Occasionally I'll take a calculated guess at the type of merch (because it's too far away) just to get the TDC spun up and calculating so to speak and refine the info once I make a positive ID.

What makes things difficult for me is the sometimes "fluctuating" masts at distance (a function of the graphics being rendered I guess) and making sure the stadimeter is placed on the same spot at each reading. This is a problem at longer ranges and I'll get a speed reading of 18knots then a later reading will give a ridiculous speed of 40knots. I've learned to be patient, wait until the ship gets closer and the masts are more defined which permits better stadimeter readings. Additionally noting where the masts line up with the graduated marks on your periscope also help placing the stadimeter each time.

Clear as mud right!??

steinbeck · 06-10-08, 03:49 PM

Hunt down RockinRobbins 'Dick O'Kane' videos and Werner Sobes videos. There is a whole bunch of stuff to learn about this sim!

steinbeck..

Sailor Steve · 06-10-08, 07:55 PM

@ akdavis: source please? Not that I question something obviously from a good source, but some of us like to read it ourselves.

akdavis · 06-10-08, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

@ akdavis: source please? Not that I question something obviously from a good source, but some of us like to read it ourselves.

Oops, it is from The Fleet Type Submarine Online: http://www.maritime.org/fleetsub/index.htm

Rockin Robbins · 06-10-08, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steinbeck

Hunt down RockinRobbins 'Dick O'Kane' videos and Werner Sobes videos. There is a whole bunch of stuff to learn about this sim!

steinbeck..

http://hosted.filefront.com/RockinRobbins will get you into the whole treasure trove. Sorry I don't have any videos yet on conventional targeting.

The Dick O'Kane method doesn't care what the identity of your target is or how far away it is. You can eat your recognition manual and forget the stadimeter. And your shots will be more accurate than conventional targeting too!

tiger_tim_34 · 06-11-08, 04:04 AM

*Many* thanks for all your replies, guys and gals. Will get back to me practising and stop blaming the crew.

06-10-08, 11:09 AM	#1
tomoose Grey Wolf Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 930 Downloads: 23 Uploads: 0	Merchies What usually works for me to quickly identify a merch at distance is looking at; a. the smokestack - it's location on the hull and it's size/shape b. the masts - shape, including rigging-shape/angle if visible For example; if the ship clearly has the smokestack aft or rear end of the ship that narrows things down considerably and I'll quickly scan the ID book for those types of ships. If that smokestack is tall and skinny too then that narrows things down even better. You get the idea. Occasionally I'll take a calculated guess at the type of merch (because it's too far away) just to get the TDC spun up and calculating so to speak and refine the info once I make a positive ID. What makes things difficult for me is the sometimes "fluctuating" masts at distance (a function of the graphics being rendered I guess) and making sure the stadimeter is placed on the same spot at each reading. This is a problem at longer ranges and I'll get a speed reading of 18knots then a later reading will give a ridiculous speed of 40knots. I've learned to be patient, wait until the ship gets closer and the masts are more defined which permits better stadimeter readings. Additionally noting where the masts line up with the graduated marks on your periscope also help placing the stadimeter each time. Clear as mud right!??

06-10-08, 03:49 PM	#2
steinbeck Frogman Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 295 Downloads: 808 Uploads: 0	Watch the videos!! Hunt down RockinRobbins 'Dick O'Kane' videos and Werner Sobes videos. There is a whole bunch of stuff to learn about this sim! steinbeck..

06-10-08, 07:55 PM	#3
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	@ akdavis: source please? Not that I question something obviously from a good source, but some of us like to read it ourselves. __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

06-11-08, 04:04 AM	#6
tiger_tim_34 Gunner Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 93 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Many thanks for all your replies, guys and gals. Will get back to me practising and stop blaming the crew.