Noob questions about SJ Surface Radar

[Havan_IronOak]

I got my first SJ radar equipped boat and I want to know all about my new toy...


I turned this on after I left the vicinity of Pearl (I didn't realize that it defaulted to off until I got my first sighting contact the "old fashioned" hydrophone way.)


I switched the set on by manually going to the set and flipping the switch. Actually, I tried the Ctrl T hotkey and didn't see anything in the message window so I tried it again. When that failed I went to the set and flipped the switch.

I now understand that the Ctrl T hotkey actually worked the first time but that no message gets displayed. Trying it again actually turned off the unit.

I see that there are three range settings... is there a downside for selecting anything other than max?

I also see that there are two modes, Sweep & Focus can someone either tell me or point me to an explanation of what the differences are?

Finally, some questions on how this type of Radar is modeled in the game...
1) Will always having this on really attract a lotta flies? It doesn't seem like it should because the Japanese were pretty oblivious to Radar but I'm guessing that in-game that's not really true.
2) Should I turn OFF my SD radar now that I've got the SJ set? I understand that it picked up airborne contacts as well.

[XenonSurf]

I have recently explained elsewhere how the 2 radars are operated (at least in FOTRSU mod but it works that way elsewhere too I think). Please read my response here at post #1363:


https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/sho...243064&page=91


In the TMO mod you can raise or lower the SD radar antenna at periscope depth, and there is NO option to turn the radar off AFAIK, it will always be working whatever the radar station looks like. In the FOTRSU mod, as explained in the link above, you can switch off both radars.


When setting max range with the knob you don't get a good idea of the range, I would switch it on middle range and 'sweep'.


Focus: the radar wave is directed in one precise bearing without the radar antenna turning around, this yields a fast update on located targets.
Sweep: The radar antenna turns around to locate all possible targets in a 360° arc. Air targets may also be detected, the blip doesn't differ from that of a ship.
In the FOTRSU mod, when leaving radar station the game always changes from sweep to focus, nothing you can do, but it doesn't matter for target detection. Whatever method the radar uses, all targets will appear on the NavMap as grey icons. Those icons which read "speed very fast" are planes.


Theoretically warships could triangulate your position if more of them detect your radar waves, but I have not seen this in the early war stage during game. Maybe in the late war years.


Cheers,
XS

[dlsa]

Hi,

I have installed FOTRSU mod up to version 2.6. This one is new to me I have played TMO in the past. I dont know what to expect from the radar operation.
I have started a patrol in 1942 with an SD radar. I turn the radar on, and go to the radar station. The on-off button is still in the off position and when I click it it does not move. I read somewhere in this forum that radar contacts now appear on the map. Is the radar station disabled and we are supposed to use the radar from the map, or am I missing something ?

Thanks,
Regards

[Bubblehead1980]

Originally Posted by Havan_IronOak

I got my first SJ radar equipped boat and I want to know all about my new toy...


I turned this on after I left the vicinity of Pearl (I didn't realize that it defaulted to off until I got my first sighting contact the "old fashioned" hydrophone way.)


I switched the set on by manually going to the set and flipping the switch. Actually, I tried the Ctrl T hotkey and didn't see anything in the message window so I tried it again. When that failed I went to the set and flipped the switch.

I now understand that the Ctrl T hotkey actually worked the first time but that no message gets displayed. Trying it again actually turned off the unit.

I see that there are three range settings... is there a downside for selecting anything other than max?

I also see that there are two modes, Sweep & Focus can someone either tell me or point me to an explanation of what the differences are?

Finally, some questions on how this type of Radar is modeled in the game...
1) Will always having this on really attract a lotta flies? It doesn't seem like it should because the Japanese were pretty oblivious to Radar but I'm guessing that in-game that's not really true.
2) Should I turn OFF my SD radar now that I've got the SJ set? I understand that it picked up airborne contacts as well.

While my experience in FOTRS is limited as opposed to TMO but here is my view.

1) The SJ definitely does attract attention in the sim, has to be used sparingly, much as in real life. Use periodic sweeps, every 15-30 minutes, especially 44-45. In real life, not every escort or even capital ship had radar warning equipment though so for my personal install, will be changing this.

Basically, the front line escorts such as Destroyers did and battleships such as Yamato had it in mid to late 43. Late other capital ships like heavy cruisers received and some of the dedicated ASW vessels as well by end of the war. I recall in Admiral Gallatins books "TAKE HER DEEP!", he discusses (while in command) of Halibut in January 1944, Halibut and her Wolfpack mates were tracking the Yamato. Yamato's Captain was a pro, he sailed along just fast enough to keep them from overtaking him, appearing oblivious to the subs tracking, then at dusk made a sudden course change at high speed. All they could do was watch their scopes as range opened until they all lost contact. They were too far to have been visually spotted, their radar emissions gave them away as Yamato did have radar detection equipment at this point.

Part of my TMO upgrade, I am considering adding radar warning equipment to ijn vessels.

2) Would not depend on the SJ to detect aircraft, it is meant for surface contacts. If planes are flying low enough will detect them but SD is made for aircraft contacts. I am honestly not sure if they can detect the SD signal the same since it operates differently. I do know the in real life, many skippers range without the SD in continual operation since were afraid could be detected.

Then again, since the SD is ALWAYS on in stock and TMO, it could be why aircraft always seem to magically be in the area? In FOTRS with SD off have not noticed a huge difference but as said, do not have as much time in FOTRS compared to TMO.

[Sangamon Taylor]

Originally Posted by Bubblehead1980

[...snip...]

Part of my TMO upgrade, I am considering adding radar warning equipment to ijn vessels.

2) Would not depend on the SJ to detect aircraft, it is meant for surface contacts. If planes are flying low enough will detect them but SD is made for aircraft contacts. I am honestly not sure if they can detect the SD signal the same since it operates differently. I do know the in real life, many skippers range without the SD in continual operation since were afraid could be detected.

Then again, since the SD is ALWAYS on in stock and TMO, it could be why aircraft always seem to magically be in the area? In FOTRS with SD off have not noticed a huge difference but as said, do not have as much time in FOTRS compared to TMO.

You making a TMO upgrade? That's great! Any ETA?