Switching Sonar Displays

Deathblow · 02-11-06, 07:26 PM

Is it possible to switch the Akula's Sonar GUI with the 688 Sonar GUI? I just can't stand that cylindrical display

Anyone ever tried?

LuftWolf · 02-12-06, 12:31 AM

Ah man, the Western broadband is an eye and back killer... I'd much rather have my low tonals at a glance.

Perhaps if it were possible to add the waterfall in red to the Gepard, I'd be very much in favor of that... alas, its all akulas or none and I don't even want to begin to think about how to do that... out of my skill set.

Bellman · 02-12-06, 01:08 AM

It was done in SC -
http://www.subsim.com/phpBB/viewtopi...+sonar+display

LuftWolf · 02-12-06, 01:11 AM

Ack, I would want the graphics to be redone... simply using one subs interface for another... gosh how hackish.

Ingenious and fine for personal use, but I think an actual mod along these lines would have to aim higher.

Kazuaki Shimazaki II · 02-13-06, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuftWolf

Ah man, the Western broadband is an eye and back killer... I'd much rather have my low tonals at a glance.

Perhaps if it were possible to add the waterfall in red to the Gepard, I'd be very much in favor of that... alas, its all akulas or none and I don't even want to begin to think about how to do that... out of my skill set.

The FRAZ NB is better than the US narrowband A-scan, but I don't understand what's so "killer" about the waterfall or why you think it inferior.

The waterfall provides three pieces of info: intensity, bearing and time versus two. It also allows for longer integrations and thus weak signals show up better.

Honestly to today I still don't understand why the Russians don't use it until recently - it isn't that big an extra strain on processing, is it?

Hobnail · 02-13-06, 04:10 PM

The waterfall is much superior for picking up transients, I can't count the number of times I've come back to BB and been able to start searching for a contact on a particular bearing that thrashed the water 20 seconds before.

Try doing that in the Akula/Kilo.

XabbaRus · 02-13-06, 06:56 PM

Actaully you cold probably redo the Akula panel to have a BB display. I remember when SCX was about and SCU someone did a new fire control station for an Alfa i think and it only had the 4 tubes you'd get. OK maybe not an Alfa but some Russian sub.

So if you have the time and the energy open up the 688i BB Sonar bitmaps, work out the positions, Russify it and then rename it. You'd then have to copy a bunch of other files too but it could be done.

Thing is you can't get a red water fall. Not with 688 anyway. Only with Seawolf and I think even if you redid the seawolf one and mixed and matched you might not get the buttons right.

Bascially it can be done and I don't think it would be breaking the EULA as it is a copy and paste exercise where files are concerned.

Bellman · 02-14-06, 01:24 AM

Two options appeal - first importing SW NB to the Akula and second importing Akula BB to the SW.

Spotting those faint transients is vital. I take it that only the graphics sonar panel display would be tinkered in
the change with no doctrinal changes to sonar performance and ranges. So its a question of enhanced player
instrumentation and transient visibility and not shoeing in SW sonar performance. Because if that was
implemented it would change the ballance of power, in SW v Ak, to the AK by combining missile stand-off
with potentialy longer range sonar sensitivity.

The perception is correct that the SWs TA NB performance in game outstrips the Aks. Typicaly with a ratio
now of 14.5 to 8. ( 1.03) My experience is that clicking in Ak NB, where no transients show, can produce 'light-ups' ..
But not sufficient to compensate for the differential

However I have noticed in recent testing that, given repeat runnings of identical self-created Test
scenarios, detection ranges differ in a randomised (Diced?) marginalised way.

Option 2 would overcome the principle objection to the SW BB which is its, for some, confusing bearings display.
The Aks BB is much more intuitive. I ca'nt see that such a change would impinge on gameplay ballance.

MaHuJa · 02-15-06, 02:34 AM

I remember doing this sort of thing early on with Sub Command. The input to the interface depends on the sensors assigned to the platform in the database, so the sonar wouldn't become inherently more sensitive - at best, the interface will be kinder in allowing to pick it out.

The akula NB interface allows picking out any frequency the moment it appears, while the SW NB requires you to scan - but you better be there at the time, or you won't know it was ever there.

And the broadband history is quite useful in determining "what's going on" at a glance. Once you have the experience.

Anyway, it would be possible to have the akula BB be a "water drain" towards the center rather than the "waterfall" towards the bottom. If SCS decides to do that, which I'm somewhat doubtful of.
I would certainly not be surprised if I learned the russians had actually done that in their subs, rather than the time-less interface we see now.

I don't know the legal status of these modifications in DW - they certainly don't create new platforms, but then again, if the LA talked about the code and files... And I believe the steam buyers will have their DLL interface files locked anyway.

Bellman · 02-15-06, 03:53 AM

Just speculating about 'what-ifs'

Personaly I dive the SW and like her just the way she is and could'nt give up the deadly ITA BB, longer
range NB and the RL of WAA - a great Hunter-Killer combo.

But it might be worth considering any interface changes as a mod if they have any worth
for gameplay or training purposes. :hmm:

XabbaRus · 02-15-06, 04:40 AM

To do the mods you have to copy the 688 interface dlls to the Akula interface folder.

No actual tinkering of the files is done so I don't see SCS having a problem with that.

Also if you want to alter the graphics of the 688 sonar panel once you have moved it ie russify it that could be done too.

I'd like to see someone attempt it and see the result.

MaHuJa · 02-15-06, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XabbaRus

No actual tinkering of the files is done so I don't see SCS having a problem with that.

I don't remember SCU actually 'tinkering' with the files either, just switching them around, but SCU was a prime example of what SCS didn't want anyway.

Either way, going by official statements, this type of mod will be crippled or even disabled for those who got it through steam.

XabbaRus · 02-16-06, 03:36 AM

SCU actually hacked the exe file and the dlls.

Just movig a file I can't see a problem with.

MaHuJa · 02-17-06, 04:15 AM

I guess this may be something of a grey area - but the protection against it provided by steam, provided it's like their description, is indicative of SCS' intentions. Don't be surprised if they say it does violate the eula if you decide to distribute it.

If you don't distribute it, and you're not having problems from steam with it, there shouldn't be much of a problem though.

Fish · 02-17-06, 08:21 AM

He guys what do you want, a Akuwolf?

They are different, be glad, and don't mix-up with them.
We did ask for two separate subs after all, didn't we?

02-11-06, 07:26 PM	#1
Deathblow Captain Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 518 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Switching Sonar Displays Is it possible to switch the Akula's Sonar GUI with the 688 Sonar GUI? I just can't stand that cylindrical display Anyone ever tried?

02-12-06, 12:31 AM	#2
LuftWolf Ocean Warrior Join Date: May 2005 Location: Free New York Posts: 3,167 Downloads: 2 Uploads: 0	Ah man, the Western broadband is an eye and back killer... I'd much rather have my low tonals at a glance. Perhaps if it were possible to add the waterfall in red to the Gepard, I'd be very much in favor of that... alas, its all akulas or none and I don't even want to begin to think about how to do that... out of my skill set. __________________ LW

02-12-06, 01:08 AM	#3
Bellman Sea Lord Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,945 Downloads: 220 Uploads: 0	It was done in SC - http://www.subsim.com/phpBB/viewtopi...+sonar+display __________________ Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

02-12-06, 01:11 AM	#4
LuftWolf Ocean Warrior Join Date: May 2005 Location: Free New York Posts: 3,167 Downloads: 2 Uploads: 0	Ack, I would want the graphics to be redone... simply using one subs interface for another... gosh how hackish. Ingenious and fine for personal use, but I think an actual mod along these lines would have to aim higher. __________________ LW

02-13-06, 04:10 PM	#6
Hobnail Bosun Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 67 Downloads: 8 Uploads: 0	The waterfall is much superior for picking up transients, I can't count the number of times I've come back to BB and been able to start searching for a contact on a particular bearing that thrashed the water 20 seconds before. Try doing that in the Akula/Kilo. __________________ My TMA is like a drunk game of \"Pin the Tail on the Donkey\" Be kind.

02-13-06, 06:56 PM	#7
XabbaRus Navy Seal Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 5,330 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Actaully you cold probably redo the Akula panel to have a BB display. I remember when SCX was about and SCU someone did a new fire control station for an Alfa i think and it only had the 4 tubes you'd get. OK maybe not an Alfa but some Russian sub. So if you have the time and the energy open up the 688i BB Sonar bitmaps, work out the positions, Russify it and then rename it. You'd then have to copy a bunch of other files too but it could be done. Thing is you can't get a red water fall. Not with 688 anyway. Only with Seawolf and I think even if you redid the seawolf one and mixed and matched you might not get the buttons right. Bascially it can be done and I don't think it would be breaking the EULA as it is a copy and paste exercise where files are concerned. __________________

02-14-06, 01:24 AM	#8
Bellman Sea Lord Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,945 Downloads: 220 Uploads: 0	Two options appeal - first importing SW NB to the Akula and second importing Akula BB to the SW. Spotting those faint transients is vital. I take it that only the graphics sonar panel display would be tinkered in the change with no doctrinal changes to sonar performance and ranges. So its a question of enhanced player instrumentation and transient visibility and not shoeing in SW sonar performance. Because if that was implemented it would change the ballance of power, in SW v Ak, to the AK by combining missile stand-off with potentialy longer range sonar sensitivity. The perception is correct that the SWs TA NB performance in game outstrips the Aks. Typicaly with a ratio now of 14.5 to 8. ( 1.03) My experience is that clicking in Ak NB, where no transients show, can produce 'light-ups' .. But not sufficient to compensate for the differential However I have noticed in recent testing that, given repeat runnings of identical self-created Test scenarios, detection ranges differ in a randomised (Diced?) marginalised way. Option 2 would overcome the principle objection to the SW BB which is its, for some, confusing bearings display. The Aks BB is much more intuitive. I ca'nt see that such a change would impinge on gameplay ballance. __________________ Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

02-15-06, 02:34 AM	#9
MaHuJa Sonar Guy Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: 59.96156N 11.02255E Posts: 385 Downloads: 3 Uploads: 0	I remember doing this sort of thing early on with Sub Command. The input to the interface depends on the sensors assigned to the platform in the database, so the sonar wouldn't become inherently more sensitive - at best, the interface will be kinder in allowing to pick it out. The akula NB interface allows picking out any frequency the moment it appears, while the SW NB requires you to scan - but you better be there at the time, or you won't know it was ever there. And the broadband history is quite useful in determining "what's going on" at a glance. Once you have the experience. Anyway, it would be possible to have the akula BB be a "water drain" towards the center rather than the "waterfall" towards the bottom. If SCS decides to do that, which I'm somewhat doubtful of. I would certainly not be surprised if I learned the russians had actually done that in their subs, rather than the time-less interface we see now. I don't know the legal status of these modifications in DW - they certainly don't create new platforms, but then again, if the LA talked about the code and files... And I believe the steam buyers will have their DLL interface files locked anyway. __________________ Teaching DW newbies how to climb the food chain.

02-15-06, 03:53 AM	#10
Bellman Sea Lord Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,945 Downloads: 220 Uploads: 0	Just speculating about 'what-ifs' Personaly I dive the SW and like her just the way she is and could'nt give up the deadly ITA BB, longer range NB and the RL of WAA - a great Hunter-Killer combo. But it might be worth considering any interface changes as a mod if they have any worth for gameplay or training purposes. :hmm: __________________ Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

02-15-06, 04:40 AM	#11
XabbaRus Navy Seal Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 5,330 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	To do the mods you have to copy the 688 interface dlls to the Akula interface folder. No actual tinkering of the files is done so I don't see SCS having a problem with that. Also if you want to alter the graphics of the 688 sonar panel once you have moved it ie russify it that could be done too. I'd like to see someone attempt it and see the result. __________________

02-16-06, 03:36 AM	#13
XabbaRus Navy Seal Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 5,330 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	SCU actually hacked the exe file and the dlls. Just movig a file I can't see a problem with. __________________

02-17-06, 04:15 AM	#14
MaHuJa Sonar Guy Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: 59.96156N 11.02255E Posts: 385 Downloads: 3 Uploads: 0	I guess this may be something of a grey area - but the protection against it provided by steam, provided it's like their description, is indicative of SCS' intentions. Don't be surprised if they say it does violate the eula if you decide to distribute it. If you don't distribute it, and you're not having problems from steam with it, there shouldn't be much of a problem though. __________________ Teaching DW newbies how to climb the food chain.

02-17-06, 08:21 AM	#15
Fish Eternal Patrol Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Netherlands Posts: 1,923 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	He guys what do you want, a Akuwolf? They are different, be glad, and don't mix-up with them. We did ask for two separate subs after all, didn't we?