GWX newby: some comments and a question about search patterns

[Jay]

After getting a more potent computer (Dell Vostro 1500 with Core 2 Duo T7500 @ 2.2 GHz, 2GB ram, Nvidia 8600M GT), I recently installed GWX. Wow! It's quite true that there is no comparison between the stock SH3 and GWX. My compliments to all those individuals who have worked on GWX.

I've followed the suggestion of using German voices with English text, and it really adds a lot to the experience (plus I'm learning some German in the process).

I tried the 16km Atmosphere option, but it really messed up both the video (the sky always was pitch black) and the audio (periodically there was a lot of static). After removing that mod, all is well. The manual warns that this option increases CPU loading significantly, and to use use this option only if they have a system that exceeds the recommended specifications for Silent Hunter III. I found out from the GWX help screen that Ctl+F8 displays FPS. With the 16km Atmosphere I got 60fps; without it, I'm getting around 120fps (both measurements taken while using the view from the bridge).

One question: in stock SH3, you can order the navigator to plot three types of search patterns (spiral, X, and zig-zag). In GWX, I find only zig-zag, plus Kiel canal in and Kiel canal out. I should mention that I'm starting my first career, and it's 1939. Do the GWX options for search patterns change later in the war?

[GoldenRivet]

the Kiel canal was not included in stock SH3... it was added by the GWX team. Because the canal is so narrow, it is very time consuming to plot an accurate course through the length of the canal, it is also extremely time consuming to sit there and manually steer through the length of the entire canal.

Because of this, the GWX team included the Kiel Canal OUT and Kiel Canal IN course plots to assist users in traversing the canal effeciently. These plots never change and they are for users who are based in Kiel.

If you are based in Kiel, when your mission starts, dont move an inch, just plot the kiel canal OUT course by clicking the "kiel canal out" pattern. there you have an instant course that will get you safely through the canal and will save you a great deal of fuel by saving you the longer northern route.

when you are reay to head back to kiel... just plot a course which ends on the kiel canal IN point on the map and plot the kiel canal IN plot.

because of the constraints of SH3 - there will only remain the Ladder search pattern... you will have to use this search pattern from now on if you choose to use a search pattern at all.

[Spin Doctor]

I personally never use search patterns. You can easily make your own if you want.

[TarJak]

GR is quite correct the search options sty the same the entire war.

[Pablo]

Originally Posted by Jay

I tried the 16km Atmosphere option, but it really messed up both the video (the sky always was pitch black) and the audio (periodically there was a lot of static). After removing that mod, all is well. The manual warns that this option increases CPU loading significantly, and to use use this option only if they have a system that exceeds the recommended specifications for Silent Hunter III. I found out from the GWX help screen that Ctl+F8 displays FPS. With the 16km Atmosphere I got 60fps; without it, I'm getting around 120fps (both measurements taken while using the view from the bridge).

Hi!

Here comes the standard litany of questions:

1) Did you completely uninstall Silent Hunter III (as discussed in the GWX Manual) and the re-install and patch to V1.4b before installing GWX?

2) Are you using SH3 Commander? Failure to roll back SH3 Commander before installing GWX can cause the problem you observed.

3) Are you using any other mods? GWX changes many files, and unfortunately the GWX Team cannot check for the compatibility of GWX with anything except stock Silent Hunter III.

Pablo