The Joystick/Controller discussion thread

[Allain_Ekstrom]

X-52 non-pro

I went with the X-52 (non pro). Wasn't sure how much I would like it. How much different is the Pro? I've only been playing a few weeks and love using HOTAS - so intuitive. Still have some customization to do - I haven't touched the saitek software. From what I understand, I need to get into the saitek software to enable the pinky button on the flight stick. Is this true?

 

[StackR8]

When I bought the X52P on Amazon I did notice that the X55 was the same price. What stopped me from pulling the trigger on it were the reviews. Very few good ones, lots of bad ones. I didn't want to deal with the possible headache.
Like Exard3k the preconfigured x52p setup worked really good with a couple of changes but with V1.06 it no longer works (the setup) and I can't save changes I've made.

 

[Yirg]

This is working well for me, though I suspect I'll add more as I go. Eventually I'd like to grab a better joystick but I'm not sure I want to replace the G13 by going full HOTAS.

Getting my controls comfortable has been the hardest thing for me as a new player so far, so I figured it would be good to share.

Thanks for sharing.

I'm considering buying a HOTAS kit (e.g. X52 non-Pro) or a less expensive standalone joystick (e.g. T-16000M). Given that I already own a G13, would you recommend that I go for the latter?

 

[JosiahD]

Opinions sought re lubrication of X-55 Joystick

Just after some opinions folks. I have a squeak in the joystick component of my X-55 (rudder control is fine so it just seems to be the base of the joystick itself). From what I can gather, gel-based lubricants are recommended or Break-Free CLP (?). Unfortunately I've been having trouble finding something I feel comfortable trying. I've come across a Paraffin-based solid lubricant that consists of Paraffin wax and Paraffinic Oil (petroleum jelly). It is supposedly safe to use on (among other things) oil-resistant elastomers (ie rubber) and most thermoplastics (oil-resistant types). I'm testing a small smear on an old Logitech Extreme 3D Pro just to test for any reaction with the plastic but would welcome any thoughts from the crowd before I try applying any to the X-55. It looks like it might be ok but just not 100% sure.

 

[Midnight_Sun323]

Their website recommends drug store petroleum jelly. Apply a thin layer with a cue tip.

 

[Lister_of_Smeg]

Just after some opinions folks. I have a squeak in the joystick component of my X-55 (rudder control is fine so it just seems to be the base of the joystick itself). From what I can gather, gel-based lubricants are recommended or Break-Free CLP (?). Unfortunately I've been having trouble finding something I feel comfortable trying. I've come across a Paraffin-based solid lubricant that consists of Paraffin wax and Paraffinic Oil (petroleum jelly). It is supposedly safe to use on (among other things) oil-resistant elastomers (ie rubber) and most thermoplastics (oil-resistant types). I'm testing a small smear on an old Logitech Extreme 3D Pro just to test for any reaction with the plastic but would welcome any thoughts from the crowd before I try applying any to the X-55. It looks like it might be ok but just not 100% sure.

Play O Orgasmic Gel is what microsoft recommended to me.

 

[JosiahD]

Their website recommends drug store petroleum jelly. Apply a thin layer with a cue tip.

Cool thanks guys.

Yeh using a cotton bud/cue tip was what I was thinking of using as well Midnight, thanks.

 

[Tar Stone]

Silicone grease for plastics or for metal on metal polish it with furniture polish and shine it right up. (Old Epson engineer trick)

 

[nUt_rAt]

Chap stick worked for me.

 

[Thanatos]

I use a bit of machine oil for an electric beard trimmer. Does the job but need to reapply every few weeks.

 

[Davidof]

Using this:

Reapply every 2-3 weeks, lasts a long long time.

You do not actually need to apply it inside the stick, with me, but between the Light grey screwing part which you use to screw the stick to the base and the actual stick.
You do need to take the stick apart in order to apply it properly.

Here is a video of how to take the stick apart, best i've found.

He does apply lubrication inside the stick, but that with me is not needed at all, and does not improve the feel of the stick.
At 7:58 he is twisting the rudder and the camera angle is exactly where i apply lubricant, between the plastic screw and the stick itself.

Hope this helps, kind regards.

 

[Zukhov]

Use the above grease, video here shows you how... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAXTHaa1G0k this method made my x55 smooth as silk and need for screwdrivers etc.

 

[sohara]

I've just posted a critique to the X55... Why the FRACK should we have to do anything to make it work properly?

At the risk of sounding that I'm from a certain peripheral manufacturer, I'd personally save your cash and go for a Logitech 3D Pro + Logitech G13 system. I'm keeping my X55 in the hope that it loosens up/behaves consistently, but to be honest, I shouldn't be required to give this a massage to work properly.

 

[tristancliffe]

Because the stuff throttle is actually fairly realistic for modern flight sims and is actually quite good if your throttle unit is bolted down to a rig as well. The yaw squeak is probably down to a slightly poor tolerance in manufacturing that came about from meeting a cost goal. Lots of things can be improved after you've bought them, and this is one of them.

 

[Katkon]

I'd like negative forum rep brought back

I genuinely believe that it helped contain the number of rude and mocking threads, and negativity in general. That shouldn't HAVE to be the case, but I believe it is in the case of this forum. I believe that if people believe a post of theirs is likely to obtain more negative than positive rep, they'll think twice about posting the negative content.

The flip side, of course, is that currentmy anyone can basically say anything (with moderation), which does foster a more open dialogue. Unfortunately, many posts of late seem to prove that we need the looming threat of negative rep to ensure we continue to act cordially.

Just one guy's opinion, of course, but the forum did seem more "positive" overall, and the tone a lot more civil generally, when negative rep was still a possibility.

And just for the record: I only ever doled it out if I received it and felt it unjustified. I virtually never gave out negative rep, but clearly many others did given the negative overall rep of certain posters.

 

[kelticfury]

Un-nerf forum pvp!

 

[Kalpa]

Out of curiosity, was this negative rep a possibility before or after ED got hundreds of thousands additional players? I believe the causality lies elsewhere than the forum karma options, you see...

 

[Altissimus]

The community is capable of dealing with people who deserve negative rep without giving negative rep.

 

[Alien]

I'm not bothered about not being to neg rep posts, but I would like to add a comment when I rep someone.
Anyone know how to do that? Brett?

 

[Cody]

... but I would like to add a comment when I rep someone. Anyone know how to do that?

That too is disabled. Lost your avatar, Alien?