using GetLOS, GetDistance, GetDetected to maximize engagement range

[irswat]

I'm working on a sniper mod. I am trying to get these snipers to react/detect/fire upon the player from as far away as possible. I figure this range should be about 8000-12000 units. Due to engine limitations it seems to be impossible to create a sniper that can...well....snipe!

What quirky engine limitations do I need to know about Line of Sight and NPC Detection. I have a script together that should work but for some reason these snipers refuse to engage the player from a distance any further than 4000 units. Do the snipers need to be at eye level with the player to detect him/her? I read that Line of Sight is calculated from the NPC's feet. Is this true? What is the maximum number of units away an NPC can detect a player? Am I pushing it hoping for 8000? 11000?

 

Here is my code:

scn SniperModScript

int hfPlayer
int AlertFlag
ref rSniper

begin GameMode

    set rSniper to GetSelf
    set hfPlayer to 0
    set AlertFlag to 0
    set rSniper to 00000000
    set hfPlayer to rSniper.GetDistance player
    
    if player.IsInInterior == 0
        MessageEx "Sniper Mod Debug Game Mode"
        if rSniper.GetDead
            MessageEx "Sniper %i is dead" rSniper
            set hfPlayer to -72
        endif
    
        if hfPlayer <= 8000
            if hfPlayer != -72
                MessageEx "Sniper %i is %g units away" rSniper hfPlayer
                set AlertFlag to 1
            endif
        elseif hfPlayer > 8000
            set AlertFlag to 0
            MessageEx "Player out of range by %g units." (hfPlayer-8000)
        endif
    
        if AlertFlag == 1
            if player.GetDead == 0
                Look rSniper
                rSniper.Look player
                MessageEx "Player within range."
                if (rSniper.GetDetected player)
                    MessageEx "Player detected. Firing!"
                    rSniper.UseWeapon WeapNVGhillieSniperRifle rSniper player 6 0 0 1 0
                elseif (rSniper.GetDetected player == 0)
                    MessageEx "%i unable to detect player. Unable to fire" rSniper
                endif
            endif
            if player.GetDead == 1
                set AlertFlag to 0
            endif
        endif
    endif
end

Edited March 11, 2014 by irswat

[irswat]

In short, does UseWeapon require LineofSight? Is Line of Sight really calculated from the feet? Is there a way to force an NPC to detect a player?