I just spent 2 hours digging through the forums here and elsewhere and trying to get my old Saitek X52 Pro to behave properly in Elite Dangerous and I can't figure out the right combination to get it to work right. Is there not a post somewhere that describes how to configure the X52 for ED? Imagine a blank slate. New computer (new for what we're doing, not brand new), HOTAS never before plugged into it, and a fresh install of ED. What are the steps to get a functional HOTAS in ED that I can then go in and modify the buttons after getting at least something basic and functional?
If I could figure out what causes those two things and fix it, I think I could then figure out rest of it myself (getting a working set of binds). For example, I'd like the frameshift and hyperspace to be on the throttle side and I want easy access to things like system and galactic map, landing gear and cargo scoop, and stuff like that on the joystick side. I also want to be able to "shift" and be able to access the navigation panel or modules stuff as long as the pinky trigger is held down. I would also put the freelook toggle as the mouse button on the throttle and use the mouse (on the throttle) for freelook.
Would anyone be willing to help walk me through this? If they are, I would be willing to write up some decent documentation explaining this for other people. Thank you kindly in advance.
- Connect HOTAS to computer
- Go to Logitech's site (because they apparently bought Saitek at some point) and download and install the latest software (this appears to be 8.0.213.0 as of 14Feb2021 although that version is from 24Sep2018). Minor gripe here - Logitech's site is atrocious. They show one installer (they "autodetect the OS") but it's for x86. If you hit "Show all downloads" then they aren't in order so finding the latest version and the 64 bit version of that is a pain in the tookus.
- Installing the software changes the options in the Windows 10 Settings panel for Game Controllers. The important reason for doing this is that allows you to check or uncheck a box called "Enable Clutch Mode". I'm still not sure what the correct setting for this should be since there's no explanation whatsoever for what it does but I've seen this mentioned a few places and it took me forever to find it.
- You also now have access to a program called ST (no idea what this stands for). It has a section called "Programming" and this is where you can load in .pr0 files. Once you've loaded a .pr0 file, I think you have to hit the button that looks like a targeting reticle with a blue center (it says "Profile" when you hover your mouse over it). That might or might not do anything.
- Once you've got clutch mode set whichever way is the right way and a .pr0 file loaded, now it's time to launch ED. Go into your control options and select the Saitek X52 Pro control scheme (I guess?).
- Some of the things I've tried have resulted in the (i) button actually working while other things cause it to flash a light on the joystick but not actually do anything.
- Some of the things I've tried have resulted in the (pinky) trigger acting like a shift button to change what all (maybe only most) of the other buttons do while other things cause it to do... nothing.
If I could figure out what causes those two things and fix it, I think I could then figure out rest of it myself (getting a working set of binds). For example, I'd like the frameshift and hyperspace to be on the throttle side and I want easy access to things like system and galactic map, landing gear and cargo scoop, and stuff like that on the joystick side. I also want to be able to "shift" and be able to access the navigation panel or modules stuff as long as the pinky trigger is held down. I would also put the freelook toggle as the mouse button on the throttle and use the mouse (on the throttle) for freelook.
Would anyone be willing to help walk me through this? If they are, I would be willing to write up some decent documentation explaining this for other people. Thank you kindly in advance.
