Moving from XBox Controller to X52 Pro

Viper2kUK · Oct 13, 2017

Ok peeps, firstly not sure if this is the right area to post in (couldn't find a hardware support area of the forum).

Tomorrow I shall be having a delivery from those storks (yes they've diversified into Amazon delivery drones) who will be dropping off an X52 Pro HOTAS (Yay I hear you cry (about bloody time if you ask me I hear others mention)) - I wasn't a K&M user but an XBox Controller dude (who's survived most things so far)

So I've been trawlling all your various youtube videos (ChaosWolf, IrishLad, etc.) and forum posts but I have a question...de de derrrrrrrr

Are all those videos and forum posts still relevant to someone who's just purchased the kit and will be playing ED 2.4?

As I'm expecting - yeah you know you're giggling or at least grinning - is the kit I'm going to get going to be more reliable, sturdy, etc. now it's part of Logitech and I assume (just thought of minions there giggling at ) be of a better quality than what MadCatz produced?

Should I of gone trawling for an earlier version (Gen1 if you will) on the hopes that it could be a better build quality?

Any advice would be appreciated and do please feel free to move this post into the relevant section that does not have the name of Recycle Bin.

V2k.

p.s. I'm a coffee table player so I don't have those super duper curved computer desks.

Asp Explorer · Oct 13, 2017

Enjoy the new kit! Only way to find out is to give it a good waggle tomorrow

Anyway - the two specimens I have here are from two "good" batches. Serial ranges M1341xxxxx and M1346xxxxx - solid black text on white label that fits entirely within it's recess.

The "bad" ones I have seen had dot-matrix like grey blue text on a much larger white label - but that was years ago.

Muadiib Santiago · Oct 13, 2017

As a 360 user on both the PC and XB1 when I moved to the X52 PRO the one thing i really missed was the headlook. I know all them buttons etc, but I still couldn't find a solution that really suited me so i've been playing for about 6 months without head look.

I also couldn't get to grips with SRV driving with a HOTAS, So I still use my Pad for driving around on planets. So you can mix and match your control scheme how you see fit. Crafting your setup can take some time, it is worth giving up play sessions to get the most out of your HOTAS. But don't try and make the perfect setup in one sitting, focus on one aspect for eg take off, exiting station, plottting a course, supercruise, asking for docking, landing. Then test that out cause you need to be able to recall stuff, sometimes in a hurry. Then move unto other areas like combat etc etc. Until you are happy.
There are also some pre-built schemes that commanders have put up so you could also, download one and play around with it and customise it, that could save you some time. I also believe there is a scheme on the logitech website for download but I have not looked at it so I cant comment on its quality.

Hope that helps.

Mole HD · Oct 14, 2017

Viper2kUK said:
Ok peeps, firstly not sure if this is the right area to post in (couldn't find a hardware support area of the forum).

Tomorrow I shall be having a delivery from those storks (yes they've diversified into Amazon delivery drones) who will be dropping off an X52 Pro HOTAS (Yay I hear you cry (about bloody time if you ask me I hear others mention)) - I wasn't a K&M user but an XBox Controller dude (who's survived most things so far)

So I've been trawlling all your various youtube videos (ChaosWolf, IrishLad, etc.) and forum posts but I have a question...de de derrrrrrrr

Are all those videos and forum posts still relevant to someone who's just purchased the kit and will be playing ED 2.4?

As I'm expecting - yeah you know you're giggling or at least grinning - is the kit I'm going to get going to be more reliable, sturdy, etc. now it's part of Logitech and I assume (just thought of minions there giggling at ) be of a better quality than what MadCatz produced?

Should I of gone trawling for an earlier version (Gen1 if you will) on the hopes that it could be a better build quality?

Any advice would be appreciated and do please feel free to move this post into the relevant section that does not have the name of Recycle Bin.

V2k.

p.s. I'm a coffee table player so I don't have those super duper curved computer desks.

I moved from Xbox 1 to PC just over a year ago and got the X52 pro flight to go along with the shiny new stuff. I was fortunate enough to get one of the newer gen Logitech ones rather than the MadCatz issue...there were problems with some of those seemingly.

Couldn't be happier with it all in all. Can't see the issue with headlook though, before I added a Tobii 4c eyetracker...I used the primary hat switch for headlook with a toggle button.

CMDR IPL Victim · Oct 14, 2017

I had an X52 pro for about 1.5 years worth of ED. It was pre-Logitech, but seemed to be one of the better builds in that it lasted longer than 6 months...
- At some point, the throttle indent wedge came loose, so I had to tear into the base to remove it as it would prevent the throttle from achieving full range. Relies on gravity and a VERY sticky gel to hold it in place.
- the massive glowing LCD screen on the throttle could not be dimmed without it flickering from day 1. Covered it with a sheet of craft paper to mask it.
- as time went on, the sensors became increasingly sloppy, so I had to increase dead zones to avoid constant drift.
- several of the controls had zero use in ED that I was able to map (lack of skill in using the scripts perhaps?)
- finally, the end came when the stupid/worthless nipple mouse on the throttle shorted out and started pegging the mouse to the top of the screen. All. The. Time. Literally could't use the computer with the HOTAS plugged in. 'Disabling' the mouse in the software failed to prevent this issue.

I am now using a Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS and Flight Pedals kit.

If the post-Logitech quality is better, then it is a great intermediate level HOTAS. I do miss the yaw on the stick.

Asp Explorer · Oct 14, 2017

Yes - the throttle indent is a common problem. Most of mine have had it removed, and a similar story with my friends that use them. I've got one set with the indent still in place, but that's the rarely used one.

The LCD flickers as that is how they designed the screen to dim. It's simply on fewer times per second, and I've seen one person "fix" this by adding some capacitors.

Drift issues are caused by a few different things. Disconnecting the PS/2 cable usually fixes this, and I've seen at least one mod to do that with a switch. There was also a mod out there to replace the PS/2 connection with RJ45 sockets. I've not been able to find it - but I've been wanting to do that for years.

Some of the controls cannot be bound. The software can fix some of this, but requires a bit of planning and a lot of setting up. I gave up with that a long time ago.

The mouse acts differently on some versions, and I haven't taken enough apart to figure out why that is.

Turranius · Oct 14, 2017

I’ve had my X52-pro for 1 1/2 years, using it with Oculus Rift.

My throttle also could not stay at 100% after about a year so I also removed the indent piece or whatever its called.

I have not had to increase the deadzones much except for the twist as that got worse and worse. I took the stick apart and sprayed IPA contact cleaner on mostly everthing and that took care of the twist!

One suggestion I have is to disable ”clutch” mode in the settings and bind that button to ”shift”. You can then bind all buttons twice in Elite. One where you just press the button and another function when holding that button first.

No problems driving the SRV with it. When driving, I have the throttle set to full range, meaning I can go back and forward with it. I the increased the deadzone in Elite setting when in an SRV so its easier to go to 0% in the middle of the throttle range without having to be too precise.

Viper2kUK · Oct 14, 2017

UPDATE: Well it's here and I've been using it for a couple of hours now. Have to admit, it's certainly bigger than I thought it'd be and does feel great when playing and although I'm still getting used to it and trying to remember what I've assigned the buttons for I was a lot quicker with my xbox controller in getting to the menus, etc. so turn around in a station is a lot longer (hopefully with time and usage this will decrease). I was hoping for a blue colour for the LED's (would of been nice) but I've got specific colours set up for specific functions.

The throttle indent thing - yeah not a fan of it although it does give you the feeling of turning the dial all the way to 11.

So what's the next thing -VoiceAttack. I'm going to look at that with this system to go with the Eden HCS profile I got.

Thanks to all for the suggestions and to ChaosWolf's video from way back on setting up the controller.

V2k.

Kevin Kyle · Oct 14, 2017

I have had mine for at least 3 years. I did later on remove the detent, it started being a problem. Ive mounted mine to my pod so nothing moves. A couple times I had to take the throttle apart and mess with the connector plugs due to buttons becoming unreliable. Fixes that issue. After a bit, you wont have to think about what button does what, its just automatic.

I do use voice control and HCS's Astra. Not for everything by any stretch. Buttons are faster but it sure is nice to do things when you dont have time to take your hands off of the stick. I also use a tablet with PowerGrid. Only thing I actually use that for is docking. I still use my mouse now and then for things. Also use TrackIR 5 on a triple screen setup. All that together makes for a very enjoyable experience.

Took me a long time to bring all of that together. Most of it was from my love of simulation racing so I already had the big items. Counting racing, its been 17 years getting it all together which includes my self made custom racing pod. Im a Tool and Die maker so I just made it myself. Its basically like getting into the car. So I devised a way to place the HOTAS where the wheel goes. Takes about 3 mins to change over. One piece at a time. No, Im definitely not rich. Thank goodness I became a machinist.

CAPT. Ho Chi Minge · Oct 14, 2017

Just replaced a 2nd hand x52pro with another (wear and tear issues after extended use). This one has the logitech name attatched and so far not had any issues at all though its only been a couple of weeks in.

Viper2kUK · Oct 15, 2017

Well after not even a day, Ive had my backside handed to me on a plate. An Anaconda & a Python decided to join forces and all I got out of it was a rebuy. First day on the job as well. I'm sticking with the X52 Pro though regardless. With the Xbox controller and my familiarity of it, it could of saved me quite a few dineros.

It's going to take time I know so I'm going to get a cheaper ship to practice with - anything's got to be better than a 30mil rebuy.

V2k.

Mole HD · Oct 15, 2017

Viper2kUK said:
Well after not even a day, Ive had my backside handed to me on a plate. An Anaconda & a Python decided to join forces and all I got out of it was a rebuy. First day on the job as well. I'm sticking with the X52 Pro though regardless. With the Xbox controller and my familiarity of it, it could of saved me quite a few dineros.

It's going to take time I know so I'm going to get a cheaper ship to practice with - anything's got to be better than a 30mil rebuy.

V2k.

Coming from Xbox just over a year ago with almost 2 years of E-D on a controller...flying E-D with the X52 on PC had me n00bified for a bit too [where is it]

Valethar · Oct 15, 2017

I use the mouse button on the throttle for my VA 'listen' button. It's conveniently located under the thumb, and puts an otherwise useless button to good use.

Make sure to check the Logitech website for the latest software update. I don't know that they've done anything but rebrand the hardware thus far, but the software got some work done recently (still need to DL that myself).

Once the muscle memory kicks in, you'll be amazed at how little you think about what you're doing with that thing. As much as I hate the crappy workmanship from Saitek/Madcats on mine, I love the unit itself when it's behaving itself.

Loosen up the dial on the throttle a bit, and that should help you with the bump in the detent. Mine barely catches at all now. I'm still going to remove it at some point though, before it breaks like the first unit did (working with a warranty replacement now, the original is boxed up as repair parts if I ever need them

).

EDIT:

If you have the right type of chair arms, you can also attach the HOTAS to a pair of VESA mounts, and have them comfortably close, rather than having to reach for them on the desk. This is what I used:

Brackets:

http://www.amazon.com/Bracket-Pole-Mount-VESA75-100/dp/B00OPC47RG#productDetails

Velcro:

http://www.amazon.com/Velcro-Heavy-...Q9AK/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=A3BUJ4ZPESQSK2

Your chair will need to have full sized arm rests, not the little platforms that a lot of chairs come with now. You'll also want to think about how to protect the PS/2 cables that come out of the front of the unit (if they haven't engineered that particular stupidity out yet) as they're extremely susceptible to damage if you don't do something to avoid clipping them on the edge of the desk.

There was a thread here on the forums back in 2014 that showed how to build this out, but the image links have all expired. Give me a few minutes, and I'll upload the pics I took of mine when I built it and add them to this post

Images:

VESA mounts and Velcro.

VESA mounts with Velcro applied.

Left mount attached.

Right mount attached.

Both mounts attached.

Throttle mounted.

Stick mounted.

HOTAS mount complete.

Asp Explorer · Oct 15, 2017

X52 is a tool, and it'll take time to learn how to use it

Go through the tutorials again, experiment with different bindings, find some setup that works for you personally, and enjoy!

Viper2kUK · Oct 15, 2017

Valethar said:
I use the mouse button on the throttle for my VA 'listen' button. It's conveniently located under the thumb, and puts an otherwise useless button to good use.

Make sure to check the Logitech website for the latest software update. I don't know that they've done anything but rebrand the hardware thus far, but the software got some work done recently (still need to DL that myself).

Once the muscle memory kicks in, you'll be amazed at how little you think about what you're doing with that thing. As much as I hate the crappy workmanship from Saitek/Madcats on mine, I love the unit itself when it's behaving itself.

Loosen up the dial on the throttle a bit, and that should help you with the bump in the detent. Mine barely catches at all now. I'm still going to remove it at some point though, before it breaks like the first unit did (working with a warranty replacement now, the original is boxed up as repair parts if I ever need them ).

EDIT:

If you have the right type of chair arms, you can also attach the HOTAS to a pair of VESA mounts, and have them comfortably close, rather than having to reach for them on the desk. This is what I used:

Brackets:

http://www.amazon.com/Bracket-Pole-Mount-VESA75-100/dp/B00OPC47RG#productDetails

Velcro:

http://www.amazon.com/Velcro-Heavy-...Q9AK/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=A3BUJ4ZPESQSK2

Your chair will need to have full sized arm rests, not the little platforms that a lot of chairs come with now. You'll also want to think about how to protect the PS/2 cables that come out of the front of the unit (if they haven't engineered that particular stupidity out yet) as they're extremely susceptible to damage if you don't do something to avoid clipping them on the edge of the desk.

There was a thread here on the forums back in 2014 that showed how to build this out, but the image links have all expired. Give me a few minutes, and I'll upload the pics I took of mine when I built it and add them to this post

Images:

VESA mounts and Velcro.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4510/37700256521_0c041aa02b_z.jpg

VESA mounts with Velcro applied.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4504/23847030878_9d87421cf4.jpg

Left mount attached.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4445/23847030038_4273f4ee24_z.jpg

Right mount attached.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4446/37700255161_3bb8d79640_z.jpg

Both mounts attached.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4484/37700255751_3a284afe08_z.jpg

Throttle mounted.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4469/23847029038_92bf31df06_z.jpg

Stick mounted.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4486/37700254511_042da0b875_z.jpg

HOTAS mount complete.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4468/23847029458_212cef400d_z.jpg

+1 rep just for the innovative use of Velcro & VESA mounts

V2k.

Asp Explorer · Oct 15, 2017

For regular desks, a squirt of hairspray on the suckers works wonders

jasonbarron · Oct 15, 2017

I started out the same way in ED: first an Xbox 360 controller, then found an unused X52 Pro gathering dust in my closet that I bought several years before and forgot about without even un-boxing. I've since used several other setups, too, but I think the most fun I ever had was with the X52.

Valethar · Oct 16, 2017

Viper2kUK said:
+1 rep just for the innovative use of Velcro & VESA mounts

V2k.

To be fair, I used the same method outlined in the original thread from 2014.

I just posted my own images, since the OP's have expired.

Bryan K · Oct 16, 2017

I had such high hopes when I replaced my dying X52 with an X52 Pro last year, but within a few days, it started causing all sorts of problems. It would significantly lengthen the startup time for my rig, sometimes causing it to not start up at all and forcing me to run startup repair. Then the bluescreens came...

Turns out the drivers were bad. They were so messed up that even attempting to uninstall them caused another bluescreen. I tried a myriad of internet solutions and none worked, and after a couple months of putting up with the thing, I finally just gave up and bought a T.16000 and TWCS throttle. Not as cool as the X52 Pro, but at least it actually works.

That experience has pretty much put me off Saitek gear for good. I've heard all the horror stories about the X55/56, and while I love the original X52, I learned the hard way that those contact sensors in the base of the stick give it a limited lifespan.

Curse you, Madcatz! You ruined a great brand. Logitech certainly has their work cut out for them.