Simple X55 mods I've done

[mooserov]

Two things I've had issues with the X55 joystick. Button placement was kind of far apart, and yaw squeaked a lot. the squeak was so bad it would cause the ship to jump as I was trying to perform precision movements.

For the button problem, I made a paper template of the handrest, and traced it onto self adhesive craft foam sheets http://www.amazon.com/Adhesive-Foam-Sheet-White-Creatology/dp/B00OQII2JS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420737710&sr=8-2&keywords=creatology+adhesive+foam
It's ugly for now, but I'm not sure if I won't be adding another layer or not. Going to trim it up later.

The squeak was more problematic. I've opened up the controller and re-lubed with lithium grease, but this only worked for a little while. I found this stuff http://www.amazon.com/WD-40-300052-Specialist-Resistant-Spray/dp/B00CMT9QJ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420737895&sr=8-1&keywords=ptfe+spray
and it works great, is plastic safe. I decided to drill a small hole that is lined up with the potentiometer assembly inside that is the cause of all the squeaks. This way, if it starts squeaking again, all I have to do is put the tube from the can in and give it a short spray. The hole is chamfered by using a larger drill bit by hand to de-burr, you can't feel it while using the stick.






Now I have a smooth yaw function and it's more comfortable to use all the hats and buttons.

Let me know what you think.

CMDR ManHammer

Template. 8.5" by 11" full page print will be perfect.

 

[Hooplah]

Great Ideas,

Button placement for me was OK but the hard palm rest really needs a soft pad for hours of play.

 

[mlow]

If you want to free up the throttle action a significant amount you can take the bottom off and use an xacto/razor and scrape off the excess lube on the friction paddles and the slot they fit into under the throttle grip. It really frees it up a lot and feels much nicer, no more sticking/etc.

Spoiler

 

[Bear]

I had a squeak on mine so I just told Saitek about it and they sent DHL to collect and replace it with a new one free of charge.
Not had any problem with it since.
I like your hand rest though - great idea.

 

[ZZ_Hugh]

Just got my brand new X55 couple days ago. great stick and I love. Crap ton of buttons/hats etc.

But...... same issues. My twist action is not quite as smooth as it should be and I can tell it's going to squeak more anytime now lol. Plus a couple of the further hats/buttons up on the stick are a little difficult to reach so I'm stealing your hand rest design! Patented? hope not!

 

[Aleksej]

X55s batches sold by Mad Catz since 25.07 do not have the described squeaking issue(s).

 

[mooserov]

Just got my brand new X55 couple days ago. great stick and I love. Crap ton of buttons/hats etc.

But...... same issues. My twist action is not quite as smooth as it should be and I can tell it's going to squeak more anytime now lol. Plus a couple of the further hats/buttons up on the stick are a little difficult to reach so I'm stealing your hand rest design! Patented? hope not!

i'll get you a scan of it if that will help you.