Hardware & Technical HOTAS Joystick on Mac OSX - Just successfully tested the Saitek Rhino X55

[[VR] Frank_G]

Elite: Dangerous - OSX and Sim Hardware Discussion

Hello!

This thread previously concentrated on the X-55 Rhino HOTAS running under Mac OSX. I am recently building a gaming PC along with some new simulator input devices. So besides being able to use them on windows, i will test them on OSX on my iMac as well an report things here. If you have anything to share, concerning Mac OSX and any sort of input/output devices for Elite Dangerous, feel free to post, ask, discuss it here.

I can also recommend the Mac OSX FAQ thread by Foddy.

Be seeing you in space commanders!

Frank






Original Text below...

I have seen many questions by mac users here on the forums, concerning HOTAS joystick compatibility with Elite Dangerous.
As i cant really wait to finally play the game, i thought... start with a cockpit and be as ready as possible when Elite Mac Beta launches.
So i pioneered a bit, for all of us Mac users and went on a little odyssey.

My search for OSX compatible joysticks lead me to the Saitek Rhino X55. I chose this joystick, because Saitek stated, that it would work natively with XPlane on Mac and i found an article on another page that said, it would make use of the standard OSX input controller. Today i finally received the package, after it was sold out for three weeks or so.

Long words short... it really works like a charm in all aspects. I have tested it with Kerbal Space Programm under OSX so far and it is easily configurable by just going to the settings and assign the buttons. So... anyone searching for a mac compatible HOTAS System... the Saitek Rhino X55 works very well under Mac OSX 10.10.1. No driver installation is required. I should mention, that there is no configuration software for OSX. So the highly advanced input curve options and so on are for windows users only. All other functions are supported.

One thing i noticed, while searching for a HOTAS was the constant lamentation about moving the stick out of the center. I don´t know if i got lucky and received a very swift moving one, but i cant confirm any of those problems. It moves nice and easy with no problems. It can be possible, that Saitek listened to all the rant and silently changed something in the newly produced series.

I can´t guarantee, that the Saitek Rhino X55 will work with the Mac version of Elite, but there is simply no reason, why it shouldn´t. So if you plan on buying a HOTAS system for your Mac, you should take a look at the X55. Its a pretty decent product for a relative small price, looks and feels great and features a nice button layout (i have pretty big hands though)

So, i hope you find this little article helpful. Hopefully i don´t have to sell my cockpit, when Mac Beta is finally there .

Bee seeing you around

Frank

 

[Serpent]

Thank you for this information. I actually just ordered an X55 Rhino specifically for Elite Dangerous and with the hope to use it on my Mac as soon as the client becomes available (much anticipated!). So I really hope the X55 works fine with Elite Dangerous on the Mac.

 

[[VR] Frank_G]

Thank you Serpent, that discussion we had about this topic via pm was very useful and rewarding (finally )!

So, to all other mac users here, a problem was encountered with the USB-Overdrive installation of Logitech Mice. If you have installed this software, the joystick will fail to initialize, so you have to remove the software to run the system correctly.

There is also still an issue with the little joystick on the throttle component, which isn´t recognized. But, i have a MadCatz R.A.T 9 mouse installed, which uses special drivers. After upgrading to OSX 10.10.x the mouse stopped working unless i re-installed the driver. The stick on the throttle component is described by saitek as a "mouse stick", so the problem might be located somewhere around the mouse driver. And it would make much sense, why this specific component isnt listed, when testing the joystick buttons.

Talking of testing, i came upon two very useful apps while talking to Serpent to get rid of the encountered problems. They are both available from the app store. I won´t post the links here, because it would be some sort of advertising, but here are the apps:

The first app, "Joystick Show" for -,99¢, checks for connected input devices and lists all buttons, hats and axis and allows you to test, if the button is working and if the axis are supporting the full range of motion.
I found this very useful to check, if both controllers of the Rhino X55 are addressed correctly, because there were some issues with mapping it to Kerbal Space Program. The problem was no real problem, because you just have to know if the input feature is a button press or an analog axis and that is indeed not solved very logically on the X55 internal setup. Joystick Show helps you to see what button is actually what type of input and makes configuring the joystick much easier.

View attachment 19153

The second app is "Joystick Mapper" for 4.99 $. It allows you to build joystick input maps and arrange them in easy to switch sets. You can configure multiple joysticks which each set, allowing for complex cockpit configurations. You can also reconfigure axis to button presses and so on.



I haven´t figured yet, if Joystick Mapper will support the 3 way set switch of the Rhino X55. If i have some new information, i will post it here.
Hopefully it will also support TrackIR. More on this topic later, i am about to order one and test it on a mac with Elite: Dangerous.

If you have any questions or problems with setting up the X55 on your mac feel free to contact me, either here in the thread or via pm.

 

[Serpent]

Good information. You have been very helpful Frank.

Also I may add that the little mouse stick on the X55 throttle isn't recognized for me either, although every other button and hat are which is great. The functions seem very adequate to Elite Dangerous gameplay from basic to advanced.
On OS X have tried removing mouse drivers and experimenting with that but still can't find a way to recognize the little mouse input on the throttle. Would be nice if we could make that work as well so lets continue to investigate.

 

[[VR] Frank_G]

I will send an email asking about the "Mouse Nipple" to Saitek today. Maybe they can provide a small driver to address this issue, to ensure a base of lucky customers. I´ll get back to this thread, if i get any answer or results.

[edit]

The ticket has been filed to Saitek. Lets see, if we get a reply.

[/edit]

 

[krysohmyz]

Hello, Frank_G. I hope for you, that Frontier makes progress in bringing Elite to Mac as soon as possible.

I just wanted to say something about the centering spring, you've mentioned. I guess that with right amount of strength in your hand, the problem is non-existent, however it IS a bit awkward concept. My hand and wrist is fairly weak, I have to say, so even with the lightest spring and excess of vaseline, it is not completely comfortable. I still have to kind of yank it out of the centre. But the truth is, that the stick is simply too big for me, altogether.
Other than that, this piece of hardware is really awesome.

Oh, and just for chuckles - the mouse nipple doesn't work properly on PC, also. I think it's there simply to annoy us by its uselessness. >.<

 

[[VR] Frank_G]

Thank you Krysohmyz!

Its good to know, that the mouse nipple isnt really supported on PC too. When i get an answer from saitek this information might really come in handy. I will keep steppin´ on their nerves until i get something out of them. It indeed made me chuckle, but its actually not funny to sell hardware that isnt even proper supported on the targeted operating system.

When i bought the joystick i actually thought, the spring is really a bad thing, but after a few days of play it really gets more smooth in the center. I use the second weakest spring (the weakest just didn´t has any resistance for me) so it meets my expectations of a light moving joystick best. I have pretty big hands though, i have no problems reaching all the hats on the joystick with my thumb without lifting my hand from the supporting hand rest. Same goes for the throttle unit. I almost have problems not moving the rotary at the upper right of the controller when i rest my hand on the grip. I was actually very pleased with the size of the controller set, but i really understand that it will not fit smaller hands or cause ergonomic problems resulting in stressed and aching joints. I don´t know if you saw that, but someone on the forum is offering 3d printed pieces, that fit the hand rest and heighten the position of the hand. I don´t have the link at hand, but i will post it here when i find it.

And thank you for the friendly thumbs up on the early arrival of the mac version Can´t really wait anymore as i backed almost 6 months ago. (i do fly from time to time on a bootcamp installation on my mac though )

 

[[VR] Frank_G]

Ok... In my query to Saitek a few days ago i asked about how to configure the mouse nipple on the throttle controller of the X-55 HOTAS using MacOSX.
I also asked if there is a driver or software available or will be in the future if not. I also thanked them for building this excellent controller and that it works so well with a Mac, besides this little problem.

Fellow forum members, to avoid any injuries, please put your chair in an upright and locked position and fasten your seat belts before reading this competent answer i received from Saitek today... It is in german (i enclosed a screenshot for those who care but x-ed out the names, so no one gets personally insulted here). I translate as follows:

Dear Frank...

Thank you for contacting our MadCatz technical support team.

Your case-no. is 02279386.

I am sorry, but we don´t have any informations regarding this. If something will be released, it automatically appears on our website.
We will hand off this information and will consider it.

With kind regards...

Ok... hmm... hand off what to whom? Consider what? Honestly? What a nice way to say "We don´t care at all".
Thank you Saitek, thank you big time! I will answer this Mail, but it wont be appropriate to be posted here, that is for sure... maybe i´ll get at least an apology for this bullsXXt.

Sorry for the lack of further information. I really wished i could offer something here.

 

[AirZeee]

Franks very much Thank! ;-)
Legend, I've thus far been playing Elite on a 2014 MBP boot camped with Windows 8.1, not ideal as its a second install & i refuse to pay another £180 for something that only cost £60 in the first place, so i've had to put up with occasional "authorise windows please" screen (Alt + Tab = goodbye, back to game, thanks very much).
However, your post is music to my ears, as I've been using the X55 Rhino, so it could well mean i never had to use the bootcamp partition ever again! (once Mac version is released properly).

Anyway, waffle over, Rep up for you for your efforts, Fly Safe-ish!

I've just been playing the Mac Beta, the only thing I haven't been able to bind was my custom macro for requesting docking permission, programmed via the HUD software, although i may be able to upload the profile under windows, then reboot into OS X, it might stay.
Anyway, worse case scenario I have to manually request docking - boo hoo!
Anyone know if voice attack is available for OS X ?

hopefully i'll be able to port my PC CMDR profile with it's Fat Stacks & Asp when the full release occurs.

tomorrow i have to set up the Oculus Rift

 

[AirZeee]

Hello, Frank_G. I hope for you, that Frontier makes progress in bringing Elite to Mac as soon as possible.

Oh, and just for chuckles - the mouse nipple doesn't work properly on PC, also. I think it's there simply to annoy us by its uselessness. >.<

Hi Krysohmyz - I managed to get the mouse nipple working on the throttle, that said it was crap as a mouse controller. I found using the secondary stick mappings with a modifier button worked well instead, in the galaxy map for example, or one of the hats on the stick for navigating menus etc.
hoping i'll be able to port my PC bindings over to the Mac...

 

[AirZeee]

Thank you Serpent, that discussion we had about this topic via pm was very useful and rewarding (finally )!
if Joystick Mapper will support the 3 way set switch of the Rhino X55.

The 3 way set switch? do you mean the 3 Mode selector switch? This is discussed elsewhere in the forums, but the general consensus was that it does't actually have a great deal of effect (in game) - i.e. for setting 3 sets of throttle curves. I may be wrong, as thats from memory from 4 months ago when I was first setting mine up. Shame really. However, I believe you can use the mode switch to assign different keys to the same switches in the Saitek HUD software on the PC, but i don't know if that software is available on the Mac. i guess i'll be finding out soon! ;-)
Cheers!

 

[[VR] Frank_G]

There is no software and no support from saitek. The 3 way mode switch and the mouse nipple dont do anything on the mac as the setup would require software. The rest works just out of the box. And its an awesome controller. The X55 is a good choice!

 

[DukaDK]

АГОНЬ!!!

Finally , I bought a X55-Rhino .. today I will try to tear the enemy))) type joystick inspire confidence - it terrific ) ) . By the way - I bought it for 157 dollars, stunned ) )


Resume:

I am glad to report - testing device passed to the " cheers" !!! Speed ​​landing station ( any type) , since the output of hyperspeed occurs for 48-58 seconds !!! Employs almost all of the axis during landing ... Galactic guardians do not have time even to clean the scanner ) ) In short - I advise you to buy , but everyone has their own vision of ...

 

[dhgerber]

Hello space commanders,

I've bought this joystick, and I have to say I'm very satisfied !
But one thing is quite awkward : the setting of this material in ED !
There are so many buttons and the UI in ED for this task is not so appealing !
Would anyone of you give me an advice ?

Thank's

 

[[VR] Frank_G]

Nice to hear, that you share my positive impressions of this piece of hardware.

@dhgerber - Sorry about the late reply. I found the setup pretty annoying at first, but i know have a pretty decent one for my type of playing.

- I can recommend to put your energy management keys to the front switches of the throttle control, where you can access them fast and easy.
- I put maneuvering thrusters to the two small joysticks on the throttle unit.
- Controlling Map swivel and zoom can be nicely added to the two swivel units on the base of the controller.
- Remaining switches on the throttle are nice for FSD, landing gear, lights and stuff.
- All combat related action go to the buttons on the stick, including head motion, target selection and weapon configuration.

I hope this gives you some direction.

 

[CRMX]

Hi,
I've got a Saitek X52 Pro that works perfectly on my Mac. The only thing that doesn't work are the lights + MFD on the throttle. All other light work just fine + throttle LEDs work on my PC. Anyone out there managed to get their X52 Pro lights & MFD to work under OS X?

 

[[VR] Frank_G]

Thanks for the information CRMX! Very useful.

I also have some new infos:

To be prepared for the upcoming Horizons update, i installed Elite on my new PC a few days ago and moved the control-hardware over. Since then, i experience extreme problems with X-55, getting ghost inputs or complete function denial...
After ripping the mouse, cockpit LED-lights and headphones out of the (decently) powered hub (which i used in the EXACT same configuration with my iMac), the X-55 components suddenly started to work properly.

My guess is, that PC USB ports, even those directly connected to the motherboard, are not delivering enough current to devices, regardless of the powered Hub.

So if you plan to play Horizons under Bootcamp, your X-55 should run as intended. If you switch to a PC be warned... your X-55 might need some extra external juice.

If someone gets more information on this topic, it would be nice to know. Thank you

 

[imacken]

I'm surprised that no one has posted about the issues of controllers on El Capitan. On all my Macs, although my Logitech G27 and Thrustmaster Hotas X T.Flight show up in the System Report as being connected, none are recognised an any game - Elite, F1 2013, GRID, etc.
I contacted Feral support, and they are aware of the issue as customers have contacted them about it.
Has anyone got any controller working on El Capitan here?

 

[[VR] Frank_G]

My Saitek X-55 connects and behaves as usual under OSX El Captain. I have encountered no problems at all... I will test my G27 with Grid though and report back.

 

[imacken]

Thanks. It was a beta issue. All sorted now!