[2.9.18.12899] Radar contacts disappear when holding first-stage trigger in 100 and 200 nm scales

[Stickler]

The attached track shows a B-52 straight ahead at 45 nm.

Note how its radar contact is clearly visible in MAP and BRST modes in the 50, 100 and 200 nm range scales as well as when holding the first-stage trigger in MAP mode in scales up to and including 50 nm.

Conversely, the contact is not visible when in MAP mode in a greater scale than 50 nm when holding the first-stage trigger.

 

first_stage.trk

Edited yesterday at 05:19 PM by Stickler

[Zabuzard]

The attached track shows a B-52 straight ahead at 45 nm.
Note how its radar contact is clearly visible in MAP and BRST modes in the 50, 100 and 200 nm range scales as well as when holding the first-stage trigger in MAP mode in scales up to and including 50 nm.
Conversely, the contact is not visible when in MAP mode in a greater scale than 50 nm when holding the first-stage trigger.
 
first_stage.trk

Most likely because when you hold down half action the radar runs automatic gain control, ruining your perfect gain setting and hence the contact dropping.

If thats the case, it is intended behavior.

[Stickler]

Why does AGC gain out the contact in 100 nm and 200 nm range, but not below these settings? On a related note, I understand AGC to be a feature of track mode (see here). During Manual Search (e.g. when holding the first-stage trigger and not attempting lock-on with the second-stage trigger), we are not in track mode which implies that ACG is not active.

I should have mentioned (but this is also visible in the track) that I do not press and hold the first-stage trigger ON the contact, but centered horizontally and vertically on the radar scope with target dead ahead.

Edited 15 hours ago by Stickler

[Zabuzard]

1 hour ago, Stickler said:

I understand AGC to be a feature of track mode (see here).

AGC is also active when you hold half action while not in track mode. Afaik it then adjusts the gain automatically based on where your cursor is currently pointing at.

[Stickler]

Thanks for the clarification. Returning to the main question at hand, why does AGC gain out the contact in 100 nm and 200 nm range, but not below these settings?

[Zabuzard]

Im not an expert on the system. Maybe someone else can dive into the details of how AGC works exactly and provide you with them.