Hardware & Technical Saitek x55 rhino

[LatvjuAvs]

Deadzone or i am insane?

Hello commanders, I am slowly going insane.
I can't get rid of dead zone for X55 using Saitek software.
Even if I set DeadBand to 500, there is so slow drift to either x or Y axis.
Takes minutes to notice, but still not perfect.

Only way to get rid of it is set deadzone in game settings, but that is defeating the point of Saitek configuration.

Drift over 4 minutes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vfrlPxW3IM
If you click in begginging and then end you will see position of stars/space objects moving.

It is combination of micro x/y axis drift that I can't remove using Saitek tool.

I use 650 as curvature value for X/Y/Rudder.

Any suggestions would be amazing.

Thanks.

 

[Presteign]

Hello commanders, I am slowly going insane.
I can't get rid of dead zone for X55 using Saitek software.
Even if I set DeadBand to 500, there is so slow drift to either x or Y axis.

Maybe that's the ghost input I read about.
Try disabling the LEDs in the software for the Stick and put it on an active USB hub (active=one with a dedicated power supply).

 

[Presteign]

X-55 modded Stick

So I modded my X-55 flight stick as I didn't like the hat positioning and the overall ergonomics of the stick. I'm not using the throttle, not even unpacked it...

I changed the positions for the hats and also removed the gap of the witch hat, which is now at H2.
Also removed the play / imprecision for the hats by applying Sellotape (tesa).

The pinky is accessible with my middle finger and the D button with my pinky, all at the same time.

I lifted my hand by 0.8 mm, that let's me comfortably reach every button and hat.

Here are some images of the result:

Spoiler

 

[Ibelieveit]

So I had my first intense dogfights with the Rhino and I have to say, I'm not impressed.
The stick has good precision on all axis, but from an ergonomic point of view, it's rubbish!

The hats to the right (Castle and Witch) are almost unusable especially when under stress. I made a 'spacer' to lift my hand by about 0.8 cm to reach all hats. Still, because of the poor choice of 'hat types' a 'miss-click' under stress is inevitable.
I cannot even reach the lever (pinky switch) close to button D, I used plastic zips and straps to build a reachable adapter so I can use it with my middle finger.
The button D is recessed, so it is not optimal either.

After a few hours of use I really feel my hand is under stress. My cheap Logitech 3D pro (<30EUR !!!) did a much better job here.

I'm currently undecided what to do, either I heavily modify it (changing hats) or I'll send it back.

Btw. I'm not using the Throttle, instead I'm using my Logitech G13.


I used the button and hat descriptions from CMDR Solaris, see below.

Isn't the red button (button D) the pinky switch? Anyway nice diagram.

Thanks, i was looking for someone who went from a logitech 3d pro to a hotas and it seems most end up feeling disappointed.

It is hard to beat a logitech 3d pro and the keyboard combo.

 

[Presteign]

Thanks, i was looking for someone who went from a logitech 3d pro to a hotas and it seems most end up feeling disappointed.

It is hard to beat a logitech 3d pro and the keyboard combo.

Well I'm only using the stick not the throttle. I have a G13 which is better than any throttle for Elite as it comes with a Thumb joystick.
The Logitech is great for its price. the X-55 is more precise but with drawbacks. So it is definitely disappointing when comparing the price of the Logitech with the Saitek. For 200EUR I expect more, much more. Anyway, see my post above regarding my modding of the X-55 to get it to a point where I can use it properly.

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=14153&p=2064252&viewfull=1#post2064252

 

[gilkman]

X55 rotary switches

So I like the idea of using one of the rotary switches on the throttle side to switch between target and systems panels. I have one mapped in ED but I don't want to have to twist it all the way left or right. Is there a way to program it in the Saitek software to flip to each panel with minimal rotation left/right?

 

[Aussiedroid]

So I like the idea of using one of the rotary switches on the throttle side to switch between target and systems panels. I have one mapped in ED but I don't want to have to twist it all the way left or right. Is there a way to program it in the Saitek software to flip to each panel with minimal rotation left/right?

I'm not at home right now, but if it works the same as the dials on the base, then you should be able to map a button to each axis and set small or zero deadzone. I have done this in the opposite direction (98% deadzone) on my profile to use the dials only when in full turn, one key each direction. The only think with a small deadzone is that you might find it a bit touchy. Just lightly touch the rotary and could bring up the panel at a bad time

 

[Stiffmaister]

So I like the idea of using one of the rotary switches on the throttle side to switch between target and systems panels. I have one mapped in ED but I don't want to have to twist it all the way left or right. Is there a way to program it in the Saitek software to flip to each panel with minimal rotation left/right?

Yes...in the rhino software set the rotary as a "band". Then set three bands: 0%-45% (target panel) 45%-55% (nothing) 55%-100% (systems panel).
Please take note you have to set the key 1 (target panel) in press and even in the release box so every time you return in the central band of the rotary you'll come back to the center visual. The same thing should be applied to the key 4 (system panel).
You can tweak the bands just like you will enjoy more...

Update: maybe it can be useful for someone. I mapped a rotary for wingman selection (default key 7-8-9) with rotary to the left as nothing selected then rotating to the right it will select the different wingman.

 

[nuttyslayer]

x55 set up on elite dangerous

Hi everyone, I've bought a x55 saitek. I think its a good piece of kit. But When I use the in game profile for x55 for Elite dangerous the ship over heated when I'm coming into the dock and my cargo scoop come out, my handpoints come up when coming into land. I don't know if this is a bug but do you think I should programme the x55 with its own software.what you download from saitek Web page. I've never done this before as mapping buttons to profile and using saitek software. Could anyone point me in the right direction of how to do this. Many thanks

 

[Distance]

Hi everyone, I've bought a x55 saitek. I think its a good piece of kit. But When I use the in game profile for x55 for Elite dangerous the ship over heated when I'm coming into the dock and my cargo scoop come out, my handpoints come up when coming into land. I don't know if this is a bug but do you think I should programme the x55 with its own software.what you download from saitek Web page. I've never done this before as mapping buttons to profile and using saitek software. Could anyone point me in the right direction of how to do this. Many thanks

It's a bug with the x55 it's self requiring different power requirements from usb. Its random as hell and most people have tried plugging it in to usb 2 only ports or usb 3 only ports and some like myself have bought a powered usb hub just for the x55. It can also be related to the usb power setting in your motherboard bios.

I still get the issue randomly and it's quite annoying.

There's a massive x55 thread on the forum so you might want to look through that and try some of the suggestions. It's not you and it's not ED, you're not going mad it's the x55

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=14153

 

[Iskariot]

I bought a powered USB 3 thingy, because I had read about possible problems on this forum. But that is when the ghosting problems started for me.
Now I have the HOTAS plugged in directly in USB ports on my motherboard and all problems are completely gone.

 

[Distance]

I bought a powered USB 3 thingy, because I had read about possible problems on this forum. But that is when the ghosting problems started for me.
Now I have the HOTAS plugged in directly in USB ports on my motherboard and all problems are completely gone.

I have to move mine between onboard usb 2 ports, usb 2 hub and on onboard usb 3 randomly. There's no rhyme nor reason too it. Works perfectly on my work pc go figure . . .

 

[Aussiedroid]

Yes...in the rhino software set the rotary as a "band". Then set three bands: 0%-45% (target panel) 45%-55% (nothing) 55%-100% (systems panel).
Please take note you have to set the key 1 (target panel) in press and even in the release box so every time you return in the central band of the rotary you'll come back to the center visual. The same thing should be applied to the key 4 (system panel).
You can tweak the bands just like you will enjoy more...

Update: maybe it can be useful for someone. I mapped a rotary for wingman selection (default key 7-8-9) with rotary to the left as nothing selected then rotating to the right it will select the different wingman.

Hey there Stiffmaister.

Mind if I ask what were the % settings for your rotary wingman selection setup. Sounds interesting

Cheers

 

[Stiffmaister]

Hey there Stiffmaister.

Mind if I ask what were the % settings for your rotary wingman selection setup. Sounds interesting

Cheers

Hello Aussiedroid! First of all I'd like to thank you for your shared hotas config! Thanks to that I learned how to set my X55

I mapped the rotary 3 on throttle as a "bands" in the following way:

0-5% none (rest position)
5-50% wingman 1 (key 7)
50-95% wingman 2 (key 8)
95-100% wingman 3 (key 9)

In this way I can easily choose the wingman because a little rotation from the starting point (all left) is wingman 1, a great rotation is wingman 2 and a complete rotation to the right is wingman 9.
I setted a little delay (just something like 0.5 sec) so I can choose wingman 2 or 3 without cycling and selecting the previous one anytime..
I have not been able to fully test but the firts test was positive...altough there is room for tweaking and improvements
cheers..stiff..
fly safe Aussidroid and have a nice trip out there!

 

[nuttyslayer]

newbie x55 set up on elite dangerous

I'm having a few problems with the in game settings for the x55. The profile what comes with elite dangerous doesn't work properly. I'm at my witts end with this, I've checked drivers and they work ok .I've checked all switches in the x 55 software settings and it's OK. I've used many different profiles for elite dangerous in game settings and doesnt work properly. On this profile I'm using now I'm nearly there but when I go to the target panel, I can't get the cursor or high lighter to go over to the sub system page. I'm trying to go to a station but can't get there. Should I make a profile on the saitek x55 software. Instead of in game settings for elite dangerous. Ps all panel up down and left right is programmed right. I've got subsystem page mapped out to the right button also. Could someone point me in the right direction. Many thanks.

 

[Aussiedroid]

Hey nuttyslayer,

For the commands for direct access to the panels you should only need to map that and have the UI controls mapped to navigate around the menus. I assume you mean that everything else is working but just not that particular panel though (which is a little odd).

You should only need a Saitek profile if you wish to map something not directly mappable in ED controls or if you wish to change the curves of the joystick axis for example. Most do not use them.

I have posted my setup with instructions etc which might help you too, I have this mapped all working. Also running a Saitek profile. Taking a look at this might help you trouble shoot your own profile (or feel free to give it a fly yourself )

Check out the link in my sig. Feel free to leave any questions in that thread if you have any

 

[nuttyslayer]

Hi aussiedroid. Thanks for the reply, but I've never mapped a key in x55 software before, also how do I put your profile for the x55 in my x55 software. Sorry I'm new to pc,s. Is there any other profiles in a picture so I can try to map. I've opened your picture of your profile but I don't know how to map using one joystick button to do two things. But many thanks any way.

 

[Judz]

H4 on the throttle is the default toggle for moving across subsystems. I left more or less everything as standard but popped Hardpoints deploy/retract to TGL 4 up, Landing Gear to TGL 4 down. FSD (Supercruise) to TGL 2 up and FSD (Hyperspace) to TGL 2 down. Lights on/off to TGL 1 up and cargo scoop to TGL 1 down. RTY 4 is used for range extending on the minimap jobbie (hardly ever used so...) SW 5 up is used for Silent running (which I think is the default) and SW 6 is for Shield Cell.

So for example if you wanted to dock at a station, you would press and hold the red pinky button switch on the stick (UI focus) press left on H2 on the stick and then press H4 on the throttle to move across subsytems. Its more or less the same for the messaging/wingman/friends menu at the top left. Press and hold the red pinky on the stick, push up on H2 and then move submenus with H4 on the throttle.

Aussiedroids instructions are pretty much sound for a complete HOTAS configuration (click the link in his sig) but if your like you say a newcomer to Pc's it may be a bit confusing to you.

- - - Updated - - -

My CMDR name is Judz...just like my forum name...how clever is that eh. add me as a friend (because I have none...well 3 but only 1 bloody plays) and we can goto voice if you get stuck

 

[nuttyslayer]

Thanks for your reply judz, I shall give it a go. As soon as I have got these settings done I shall add you as a friend straight away.

 

[nuttyslayer]

Hi judz, everything works great now. I've sent you a friend request, I shall be on tomorrow so we can go through the comms system together as I haven't really played properly sins the wings update. But many thanks again.