X55 Rhino Button Layout with Reference Card

[Spacecube]

No I haven't experienced the same. Actually not one issue with those macro keys personally.

It might be good to see if you can see if those macros work on another hat switch or toggle or something (if havent tried). In the Saitek profile you can reassign the macro to any key and see if it works (Just remember what you are overriding offcourse ) For example, maybe try swapping H3 & H4 and see if the results are the same.

Before you try that though, after you load the profile, go into Saitek software and Save and then Reapply the profile to the controllers (the target looking button I think it is). I say this as when I was setting up the controller, the software sometimes seemed to loose my newer settings saved. I would have to reload and then reapply for it to work again. Saitek software seems a bit buggy like that.

Oh and on the Autodocking, there is an outer limit for requesting docking. It used to be 7.5km, but I think it was increased to 12km. I think it also varies depending on the station type. I get caught out with that sometimes too

Well, that's exactly what I did. I just changed the mapping to another button....that was working. Maybe just a bug in the game or so.. because today when i started the game again, the H3 was working again without any issues.
Like I said...The H* was working everywhere (even in other games), just not in ED that day... that's very strange to me.

I know about the outer limit for docking. The docking request also gets denied in an open game when it's a small station and the landing pods are just all occupied. I once was in an open game with like 15 pilots waiting at the same station.... I could have switched to solo mode, but hey....where's the fun then?

 

[Aussiedroid]

Thats really strange Spacecube. All I can say is 'Good ol' Saitek' LOL.

I have had similar strange things sometimes too (not for a while now tho) other than the BSOD when I unplug the controller or put my PC to sleep. At least its not in the game! Friend of mine has had strange things like that too, restart PC and fixes it or reloading profile and things work again. Anyways I am rambling lol

 

[Insomnia]

I just got my x55 yesterday and I can only say WOW, elite is so much more fun with a proper controller. I was doing the Travel training mission to just getting used with the HOTAS as I've never tried one before. Cruising around asteroid fields with three screens and a HOTAS was amazing. Absolutely amazing.
But I did have some troubles setting it up. Mainly because its so complex. For instance I want to map the slider to be forward/reverse thrust. How do I do that? And I want the nipple to be headlook. Thankful for any inputs!

 

[Aussiedroid]

I just got my x55 yesterday and I can only say WOW, elite is so much more fun with a proper controller. I was doing the Travel training mission to just getting used with the HOTAS as I've never tried one before. Cruising around asteroid fields with three screens and a HOTAS was amazing. Absolutely amazing.
But I did have some troubles setting it up. Mainly because its so complex. For instance I want to map the slider to be forward/reverse thrust. How do I do that? And I want the nipple to be headlook. Thankful for any inputs!

Back in Beta/Gamma I used Mouse/KB then a Controller, both I found really bad to play with. I pulled the plug for a while, stopped playing and saved up for my X55. Completely agree, HOTAS is the way to go.

With the slider, you need to understand that there is no up or down on it. You can only map a key to either directions using the Saitek software. So if you wanted to set up the slider as a toggle to switch from forward to reverse thrust this will work, but you cant tell it to have up as Forward and down as Reverse if you follow my logic. There is a screenshot I took a few pages back in the thread now that showed how I have this setup in my profile for Frame Shift Drive (should work the same for Reverse toggle ie map the Reverse Toggle key to both directions).

For the nipple and headlook, I am not sure how that all maps since I use a TrackIR, but I think if you were to set your Headlook key and then maybe set the nipple to mouse controls (that should be the default anyways) it might work?

 

[Insomnia]

With the slider, you need to understand that there is no up or down on it. You can only map a key to either directions using the Saitek software. So if you wanted to set up the slider as a toggle to switch from forward to reverse thrust this will work, but you cant tell it to have up as Forward and down as Reverse if you follow my logic. There is a screenshot I took a few pages back in the thread now that showed how I have this setup in my profile for Frame Shift Drive (should work the same for Reverse toggle ie map the Reverse Toggle key to both directions).

For the nipple and headlook, I am not sure how that all maps since I use a TrackIR, but I think if you were to set your Headlook key and then maybe set the nipple to mouse controls (that should be the default anyways) it might work?

Thanks for help! I must learn the Saitek software a little better. I have no idea what to do with it but I'll sort it out. I want the forward slider to be mapped as forward thruster and backward slider to be reverse slider. It should be possible to map it as buttons yes?
-
I tried to map the nipple as a headlook toggle cuz the nipple also is a button if you press it, but nothing happened in game controller settings when I fiddled with it. I've seen people mapping the nipple to be a horizontal/vertical thruster so it must be possible to map it as an axis. I'll search the forums and this thread for more stuff. Thanks again!

 

[Aussiedroid]

No worries Insomnia!

I don't think you can do it like you want to, but I am not in front of my PC to check right now. From memory, you can't specify what up or down keys are, slider only maps a single key. So it would work if you use a forward only throttle setup and use the slider to switch/toggle between forward and reverse. Again, you won't be able to set the up and down, so will need to just slide it to the opposite direction you last used it. Anyways, this was the screenshot I was talking about for mine (for FSD).

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=21522&page=27&p=1710803&viewfull=1#post1710803

 

[Andy_Pipkin]

Here is a way to assign the nipple:

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=82304

 

[SnyperKill]

The other thing to get on top of the x55 is the trackIR5 pro. Its almost a must when it comes to
these types of games. Makes moving from one console to the next a breeze. I know there is a ED tracker, but ai haven't had the chance to use one yet. Probly pretty good as well. Anyone else have any experience with the EDTracker?

 

[Guss]

Agreed on those points!

Hi Guys,

Re agreed points as given, reason for hardwired into both stick and throttle base units was likely to avoid any complaints about broken connectors as was case with X52 and X52pro, Both of these units had a shared a single USB but connected to each other through a round 6 pin, many users found this both weak and easy to break with frequent use.

I do prefer the X55 though my X52 is still working after a good number of years, also happy with the hardwire to each base, I stow the lead around the base unit loosely though.

Have fun.

Guss.

 

[AnTwanChi]

The other thing to get on top of the x55 is the trackIR5 pro. Its almost a must when it comes to
these types of games. Makes moving from one console to the next a breeze. I know there is a ED tracker, but ai haven't had the chance to use one yet. Probly pretty good as well. Anyone else have any experience with the EDTracker?

EDTracker is awesome. Much cheaper and you won't be disapointed.

 

[perpetrator]

Okay, I've put it on eBay, listed under Saitek X55 Rhino Wrist Spacer.

Any chance you could post the .stl files for those with access to a 3D printer? I'm in the USA and GBP 11.5 (incl. shipping) comes to over $17, plus the paypal currency conversion fee, which makes it a bit pricey for a chunk of plastic.

 

[Spacecube]

Any chance you could post the .stl files for those with access to a 3D printer? I'm in the USA and GBP 11.5 (incl. shipping) comes to over $17, plus the paypal currency conversion fee, which makes it a bit pricey for a chunk of plastic.

Yeap! .stl file would be awesome!

 

[Ein_MM]

Hi...

just today I received my Saitek X-55, in next week I'll receive my Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals.

I used all the steps for the configuration Ver. 1.4 except for the TrackIR I skip it cuz I don't have the device.

after I finished all the steps the game can't recognize the joystick and throttle when I use the profile, and if I use only the binds file the flight act not normal, it moving down left.

can you please help me?

Greetings ED community! I have been meaning to share this with everyone for a while, and finally got around to putting it all together.

Firstly, I wanted to thank everyone for sharing their suggestions/configs/fixes as this really helped me greatly to overcome some initial issues I had with my setup. This thread and a few others like it were really great resources! This is the result of all that info, lots of tweaking and changes through around 100+ hours of gameplay. I use a TrackIR with the HOTAS, but should be easily adaptable to your own needs if you don't use one.

Everything you need is included in the attached .zip file, along with basic instructions for installation.


Key Features:

- Full functionality has been mapped, including the Galaxy Map, Game Menu functions etc. (Keyboard should only be required for system searches, if you don't use VoiceAttack & off course for text chat)

- Enabled Slider & Mouse 'Nipple' on the Throttle (with registry tweak included below).

- Created two Mode Switches to allow rapid access to all key functions with ease & minimal movement of your hand positions. These are listed separately at the bottom of the reference map. Hold the Thumb button on Joystick or Index Finger button on Throttle first, followed by the combination required.

- Configured Power Scheme settings for quick situational changes in combat. Primarily, these will change between full PIPS between Weapons, System & Engines. (This really helped with a bad case of RSI I have got in my thumb from constantly changing the PIPS so many times a min!)

- Auto Docking Request on Toggle switch. (Due to limitations in the key mappings this will only work correctly when you are on the Navigation panel. When coming out of supercruise it will reset so as long as you do not use your panel before using the toggle it will work).

- FPS, Bandwidth stats & Disable HUD have been included. There is also access to Screenshot capture for ED Hi Res images & for those linking into their Steam Client.

Detailed Summary:

Spoiler

The main concept behind my controller design is to maximise the use of the common (and easy to reach) keys on the X-55 HOTAS. The X-55 does have a lot of buttons, toggles & hats, but equally Elite Dangerous has a lot of commands to map. Many of these you do not want to look down or move your hand off your controls if possible.

To realise this, I created two dedicated buttons as Mode Switches (one on each of the Throttle & Joystick). Mode Switches work by pressing & holding the Mode Switch plus the secondary button. This effectively doubles the utility for many of the buttons, toggles & hats, plus can act as a safety measure to avoid accidental presses (Jettison All Cargo, Shield Cells/Chaff, Menu & Panel displays for example).

Looks complicated on paper, but in practice you will quickly get the hang of it. All Mode Switches are mapped directly in Elite Dangerous.

With regards to the Mode Switch #1, you may have noticed that the Flight Assist OFF key is also mapped to this key (Flight Assist Off is set to Hold). Initially, I thought this may be an issue, but in practice the quick click of the FA OFF does not impact the flight of your ship while using a combination button. You may want to turn off the voice response for FA Off in the Audio section though if it annoys you.

For other commands like Auto-Dock & TrackIR controls, these are safely located the furthest distance from you to prevent accidental misclicks. Conversely, all high usage & flight related controls are easily reached from the default hand positions generally speaking.

In order to utilise all the buttons on the HOTAS, a Saitek profile is also required (this allows mapping of the slider & toggles for turning TrackIR on/off for example) plus I have made some refinements to the curves of the analog axis to help negate the slight stiffness when pushing the joystick past the lip in the base from the neutral position due to the spring design. This makes it a little smoother when tracking targets in my view, but feel free to increase/decrease to your personal liking.

The Saitek profile doesn't store this information so you will need to set this manually using the values in the screenshot provided. This is covered in the install instructions.

I have also enabled the Mini Analog Mouse 'Nipple' Thumb Stick via the registry tweak. This gives access to Analog Thrusters for those without rudder pedals by mapping the axis in Windows. This allows Elite to register the axis in-game! (Found this solution on Reddit, so I can't take any credit for it). You will need to use the .reg file I have included below to allow this to function in Windows 7/8 based systems. It works, albeit it is not that precise to use in flight.

Yaw and Roll have been swapped from default. I found it more natural to track targets this way and reminds me more of the old X-Wing/Tie Fighter/Wing Commander setups (easy to swap back if you prefer the default setup).

The Slider works as a straight toggle (there is no on/off position), just move the slider in the opposite direction to last used to trigger the Frame Shift Drive.

Sensor Range analog axis was added in 1.1 so I have also included this for the top rotary dial (replacing the key strokes).

As mentioned, I use the TrackIR along with the X-55 (but this config also include direct key mappings for the UI panels for those not using a TrackIR). The TrackIR profile has been modified & tweaked considerably to allow easy 'locking' of your UI side panels while you use them, plus providing full range movement for tracking targets in combat. Acceleration is slowed slightly which gives a natural feel to use, without being overly sensitive.

You will need to set your Basic Motion Control Settings in the software for Speed & Smooth (I use 1.2 & 51 respectively). Both the Enable/Disable & Center commands are mapped to the HOTAS too!

The rotary dials on the Throttle, were not very practical for use with ship functions or flight. Really would require better options in the ED config. Not to put them to waste, I managed to find a suitable setup for FPS/Bandwith/Hide HUD & Screenshots (Steam & Hi-Res ED native). This works by having a huge deadzone (98%) in the rotary, essentially requiring you to click to the full range to register the key press. Use it by turning it on full, then turning it back somewhere around center. If you leave it on the full turn with Screenshots for example, it will keep triggering endlessly, and with Hi Res screenshots hitting 100mbs each that could be an issue! Be relatively quick turning the dial - if you turn it too slow you may get duplicate images.

I think that is about it! If you have any issues or questions, please leave a post in the thread.

TrackIR Settings:

Spoiler

http://i.imgur.com/tjyUTv4.jpg

Axis Curve Levels to Setup in the Saitek Software:

Spoiler

http://i.imgur.com/aDK4V2T.jpg

(You will need to set the Joystick axis curves manually, as from testing it did not appear these are stored in the profile directly.)

Please note that only the Joystick curves have been adjusted. The Throttle should be fine with default settings.


Reference Map:

http://i.imgur.com/OXGZALl.jpg

Printable Reference Maps (White Background):

Spoiler

Portrait: http://i.imgur.com/hKjRWZp.jpg

Installation Instructions:

Spoiler

Installation Instructions:
==========================

Upgrading from a previous version? Simply override the existing files or rename these profile settings to create separate versions.

First Time Setup:
=================
[DOWNLOAD]
1) Download & Extract the zip file containing all the profile files & reference cards.

[COPY TO LOCATION]
2) Copy 'Aussiedroid X55 Custom 1.x.binds' to your Elite Dangerous bindings folder:
C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local\Frontier Developments\Elite Dangerous\Options\Bindings

*Note* You may need to show hidden folders in Windows to see the AppData folder.

3) Copy 'Aussiedroid_Elite_Dangerous_1.x.pr0' to your Saitek profile folder:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Mad Catz\X-55 Rhino

4) Copy 'Elite.Dangerous.AD.1.x.xml' to your TrackIR profile folder:
(64bit). C:\Program Files (x86)\NaturalPoint\TrackIR5\Profiles
(32bit). C:\Program Files\NaturalPoint\TrackIR5\Profiles

5) Double click (or right click/merge) the 'x55-Rhino-Nipple-Fix.reg' to add it to your Windows registry.

[CONFIGURE SAITEK SOFTWARE]
6) Open your Saitek Software and load the profile you copied previously.

7)Go to settings, select your Joystick and adjust the Axis Curves as shown in the included pic.

Joystick X-Axis:
Deadband - 150
Curvature - 650
X-Sat. - 1000
Y-Sat. - 1000

Joystick Y-Axis:
Deadband - 50
Curvature - 785
X-Sat. - 0
Y-Sat. - 0

Joystick Rudder:
Deadband - 150
Curvature - 850
X-Sat. - 1000
Y-Sat. - 1000

Throttle is not modified (Values remain default):
Deadband - 0
Curvature - 500
X-Sat. - 1000
Y-Sat. - 1000

8) Make sure the profile is active (green icon in your system tray)!

9) Now is a good time to test out the buttons mapped in the Saitek software using the Test Profile setting. Test keys that are mapped in the Saitek profile. These include the Slider, Power Schemes, TrackIR, Steam Screenshots, Auto Dock etc. After you press them, it should register the keys in the text box. If nothing is displaying in the text box, it is either mapped in Elite Dangerous directly (no mapping in Saitek profile) or may be an issue. Check again that the profile is loaded (icon green) & uploaded to the controller (press the 'Target' icon again & 'Save' icon again to make sure its loaded).

[CONFIGURE TRACKIR]
10) Open your TrackIR software, and select the profile. If you are not using other configurations, set the profile to 'Exclusive' so it loads by default.

*Note* Selecting the TrackIR profile to be 'Exclusive' in the software will auto-load this profile every time TrackIR loads. (May not be suitable if you run multipe profiles.)

11) Set your Motion Control Settings as shown in the included diagram (Speed = 1.2 & Smooth = 51). Modify to taste. Icon for TrackIR should appear in your Task Tray when running & your TrackIR should light up green.

13) Put your headset on, look at the center of your screen and up slightly (15-30 degrees) and Press HOME to centre view. Press INSERT to Pause (or use the buttons mapped on the Joystick).

14) Test the movement in the TrackIR software.

[CONFIGURE ELITE DANGEROUS]
*If you are using a headset, now is the time to switch audio output in Windows.

15) Load Elite Dangerous, navigate to Options > Controls and select 'Aussiedroid X55 Custom Profile 1.x' from your list. Click Apply at the bottom. Now you should have full control via the X55!

16) * Optional: Set your Throttle to Full Range in the profile.

17) * Optional: If you are NOT using TrackIR and need Headlook activated. Go into Profile, and turn HeadLook on (other keys are already mapped).

18) Set your Field of View (FOV) Settings under Option > Graphics (as seen in pic).

19) You can test out most of the keys in the Training Scenarios, but please be aware some keys are NOT enabled depending on the scenario. Only in the real game can you test everything out.

20) You should now be ready to rock'n'roll!

*Note* If above is not successful or you are getting random key presses or mixed up keys, then you can also try changing USB ports on your PC to see if that fixes the issues. X55 needs a lot of power from the port and has reported issues in some scenarios when powered from external hub or others not powered directly off the mainboard. Try also changing between USB3/2 ports and retest.


Ongoing Prelaunch Checklist:
============================

(You will need to do this each time before you start playing)

1) Load the X-55 Saitek Profile. (Right Click Tray Icon - Icon turns Green)
2) Load TrackIR & the TrackIR Profile. (Good practice to Center view before entering the game)
3) Switch to your Headphones. (Optional)
4) Launch the Game!

Hope you find it helpful!


Changelog:
v1.4 - Fixed Galaxy Map text box issue, Fixed Sensor Range Axis (Inverted). Added HeadLook mappings, Forward Throttle w/ Reverse Toggle back as Default, Profiles now Numbered, Install Instructions Updated. Two Optional Rotary Mappings Added for Target/System UI Panels & Wingman Selection 1-3 (these can be used on Rotary G which is vacant if you choose).
v1.3.1 - Minor Update for v1.3. Added bypass for Debug Cam popup on Throttle Toggle, Added TrackIR 'Center' to TGL4: Down & for safety added Mode Switch #1 to Jettison All Cargo.
v1.3 - Updated for ED v1.2 (Wings). 2nd Mode Switch Added! Plus Wingman bindings, Debug Cam, Throttle Presets (0,+75,+100,-100%), System Map & Target Next Route.
v1.2 - Updated for ED v1.1. New Axis mapping for Sensor Panel & old HUD key is remapped. Mode switch changes for better performance.
v1.1 - Updated all keyboard mapped keys to keys that will not interfere with the Comms Panel when open + Some other minor things.
v1.0 - Initial Release!

 

[Gravimetric1]

OP : exactly what I was looking for.
Thank you Sir!

 

[Ein_MM]

it's working now and I dunno how XD

 

[Aussiedroid]

it's working now and I dunno how XD

Hi Ein_MM,

Sorry I just saw your post. Glad you got it all working now.

Saitek has some funny querks sometimes from what I have seen, so I would guess you ran into one of those.

Thank you!

 

[perpetrator]

Any chance you could post the .stl files for those with access to a 3D printer? I'm in the USA and GBP 11.5 (incl. shipping) comes to over $17, plus the paypal currency conversion fee, which makes it a bit pricey for a chunk of plastic.

Or failing that, I'd be willing to PAY for the .stl file, after all you do deserve compensation for the design work.

 

[Aussiedroid]

Or failing that, I'd be willing to PAY for the .stl file, after all you do deserve compensation for the design work.

Have you tried sending him a PM?

He might not be watching the thread anymore as it was a while back

 

[havoc64]

No rotational control

After playing around and changing it often I am quite happy with my layout now, so I thought I might as well post it here, too.

To whom it may be useful...

Stick:

Spoiler

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/29071998/customstick1080.jpg

Throttle:

Spoiler

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/29071998/customthrottle1080.jpg

Binds File:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/29071998/Custom.binds

Wolf, I dig your layout, but when I use your Binds file I find that my Auto Rotational Control doesn't work. Makes it almost impossible to dock. Did you change something to gink that up?

 

[Vegar]

Have you tried sending him a PM?

He might not be watching the thread anymore as it was a while back

Hi, Aussiedroid!

I have to say, I admire the effort you have put in wrt the profiling, the result looks really great. I have an x55 as well, and have been fiddling with the programming software for some time now. However, I cannot for the life of me figure out how to program "modes", as you seem to be able to. That is, I've figured out how to program buttons to have different functions when the mode switch on the throttle is set to 1, 2 or 3. What I have not been able to figure out is how to program different functions within mode 1, while holding down a mode switch (specifically: the red pinky switch). I seem to recall this was possible in the programming software that came with the X45, but I can't seem to get it working now.

Neither the Saitek/MadCatz manual nor explanatory videos on youtube (or any other site I could find via google) have been able to help. Since you obviously know what you're doing, I was hoping you could help me understand how this could be done. I'm especially impressed with how you seem to have been able to get one button to function both as a mode switch and as a concrete function (FA off)