Newcomer / Intro Saitek X52 bindings

[Rhonda]

Hey,

I use a Saitek X52 HOTAS since Elite's release and there are a few buttons/sliders which I never found a use for. So, what functions have you applied to the following knobs and sliders?

1.) Precision Slide: it is the small slider on the upper side of your throttle;
2.) Rotary 1 and 2: the small wheels on top and front side of the throttle;
3.) Ministicks: on the front side of the throttle.

Thanks for suggestions.

 

[dp642]

I don't use the X52 any longer, but I had:

1. used for changing distance in the radar, zooming in and out.
2. Rotary one on the top of the throttle was used for zooming in and out on the Gal map, rotary two I never bound as I found it was easily accidentally turned when using or resting my hand on the throttle.
3. Used for thrusters, up, down, left and right, really really useful ministick/button/switch.

But it's all a matter of taste, after they are mapped, it's just getting everything placed in the muscle memory.
Good luck

 

[aRJay]

1) Used for radar scale/zoom
2) Rotary on top used as an alternative trigger 2 for things like Kill Warrant or Wake Scanners that I want to have permanently on. The other is used to rotate the galaxy map.
3) The larger one I use for vertical and lateral thrusters, the other is currently un used but I am considering trying it to find a more comfortable set of FSS controls and possibly something in the SRV.

 

[SMcA]

Hey,

I use a Saitek X52 HOTAS since Elite's release and there are a few buttons/sliders which I never found a use for. So, what functions have you applied to the following knobs and sliders?

1.) Precision Slide: it is the small slider on the upper side of your throttle;

In combat mode I use the Precision Slide as a toggle for FA on or off. I also use the Wheel Button on the throttle as a hold for FA off.
In analysis mode I use the Precision Slide for tuning. I use a large deadband so only the top and bottom part of the slide is used.

2.) Rotary 1 and 2: the small wheels on top and front side of the throttle;

In combat mode I don't use the Rotary 1 pot but use its button to enter head look.
In analysis mode I use the Rotary 1 pot for absolute tuning. I keep it set to Ammonia Worlds as ELW and WW bracket that frequency. So a quick look using a macro* that enters FSS from speed lets me know if I want to stop and examine the system.

In combat mode I use the Rotary 2 pot for the radar and the button as Fire Group 2.
In analysis mode I don't use the Rotary 2 pot. I use the button to fire the probes.

3.) Ministicks: on the front side of the throttle.

I don't use the Ministick but I use the [enter] button to see the backside of the planet in FSS.

Thanks for suggestions.

* It took me ages to get macros to work.
FYI You need to delete the 3 pinkie modes and not have the HOTAS properties open for it to work.

Also out of laziness I sometimes use the same fire groups for FSS and combat. I get warnings about not being able to use "this" module in that mode but who reads warnings anyway?

And talking about the X52: Mine is getting on ( > 5k hours) and some of the buttons are giving "double bounces" e.g. when I pressed deploy hardpoints it deploys them and about 60% of the time retracts them immediately. That can be worked around using the software.

 

[Azreh Helas]

Hey,

I use a Saitek X52 HOTAS since Elite's release and there are a few buttons/sliders which I never found a use for. So, what functions have you applied to the following knobs and sliders?

1.) Precision Slide: it is the small slider on the upper side of your throttle;
2.) Rotary 1 and 2: the small wheels on top and front side of the throttle;
3.) Ministicks: on the front side of the throttle.

Thanks for suggestions.

1 Reverse and unreverse (?)
2) radar zoom
3) lateral thrusters

 

[Stabby_Dave]

The slider I use to adjust scanner range. The others I’ve never been able to get to work.

Are you all using the X52 software?

 

[SMcA]

The slider I use to adjust scanner range. The others I’ve never been able to get to work.

Are you all using the X52 software?

I am.
A test:
First backup your bindings and HOTAS s/ware profile.
Open your HOTAS properties. Press and hold the Windows key on your keyboard and then press the letter R. This will open the Run box*. Type USB then click usb controller. Click Properties.
In Elite go into controls and see if your X52 is properly recognised. (The rotary pots are recognised and work in game.)
If that does not work then sorry I don’t know what to do next.
If it helps then you can run with the Properties open. I did that for two years but the macros did not work.
Lastly: In the HOTAS s/ware delete the three Pinkie modes and save and send to your X52.
Check the X52 behaves as you would expect in game.

The above worked for me.

* This shortcut did not work for me today. So Windows key and click on the run box to type USB.

 

[Stabby_Dave]

Cheers.

I'll give it a go,

 

[Rhonda]

Thanks for your ideas, guys.

@aRJay: have scanner stuff on rotary now too, I did not even think about smthg. like that, but it is super handy

I have the radar scale now on the slider too, but since I rarely ever use it (either you are full zommed in, or full zoomed out), Im not sure Ill stay with it.

@SMcA: my HOTAS shows the exact same wear&tear, especialy on the 'clutch button' and 'Fire D' which more often than not seem to be double-clicked. Also the stick recently started creaking/squeaking. You think I can use some WD40 on it?

 

[Davetiger]

Hey,

I use a Saitek X52 HOTAS since Elite's release and there are a few buttons/sliders which I never found a use for. So, what functions have you applied to the following knobs and sliders?

1.) Precision Slide: it is the small slider on the upper side of your throttle;
2.) Rotary 1 and 2: the small wheels on top and front side of the throttle;
3.) Ministicks: on the front side of the throttle.

Thanks for suggestions.

1. radar zoom
2 both unassigned
3 for thrusters makes landing a breeze (up/down..left/right)

 

[CMDR DeCollis]

Thanks for your ideas, guys.

@aRJay: have scanner stuff on rotary now too, I did not even think about smthg. like that, but it is super handy

I have the radar scale now on the slider too, but since I rarely ever use it (either you are full zommed in, or full zoomed out), Im not sure Ill stay with it.

@SMcA: my HOTAS shows the exact same wear&tear, especialy on the 'clutch button' and 'Fire D' which more often than not seem to be double-clicked. Also the stick recently started creaking/squeaking. You think I can use some WD40 on it?

Hi,

No, you should not use WD40 on the stick. It is made of plastic almost everywhere inside (except the pots and the electronics of course) and WD40 will rather harm it on the long term. If the buttons start to fail you may rather think about a replacement of the entire stick.
If you are adventurous go and open it (there is pretty good youtube videos around to show you your way). Use silicon grease on the moving parts and have a look if there is maybe dirt around the buttons' micro switches. You will certainly be able to remove the squeaking but I cannot make you much hope with the buttons.

Cheers
Frank