X-52 Pro Owners - Strafing With Saitek X-52 Pro

[Deus]

So I was watching this video

http://youtu.be/ceOdOytgT64

while I'm waiting for my X-52 pro to get delivered, and it drew me to the fact that the x-52 throttle doesn't have a thumb stick, or at least an 8-way hat on the thumb, to control strafing.

My question to the owners is do you have trouble strafing with this setup? if so, what is your alternative method?

 

[stephen_usher]

So I was watching this video

http://youtu.be/ceOdOytgT64

while I'm waiting for my X-52 pro to get delivered, and it drew me to the fact that the x-52 throttle doesn't have a thumb stick, or at least an 8-way hat on the thumb, to control strafing.

My question to the owners is do you have trouble strafing with this setup? if so, what is your alternative method?

It has an 8-way hat on the index finger.

 

[Deus]

It has an 8-way hat on the index finger.

I saw that, though I thought it seemed awkward.

 

[Tinman]

So I was watching this video

http://youtu.be/ceOdOytgT64

while I'm waiting for my X-52 pro to get delivered, and it drew me to the fact that the x-52 throttle doesn't have a thumb stick, or at least an 8-way hat on the thumb, to control strafing.

My question to the owners is do you have trouble strafing with this setup? if so, what is your alternative method?

But it DOES have a 8 way hat switch...just not for the thumb...

Edit: Ninjad...that's what I get for finding a relevant picture and adding markings to it...

 

[Iskariot]

So I was watching this video

http://youtu.be/ceOdOytgT64

while I'm waiting for my X-52 pro to get delivered, and it drew me to the fact that the x-52 throttle doesn't have a thumb stick, or at least an 8-way hat on the thumb, to control strafing.

My question to the owners is do you have trouble strafing with this setup? if so, what is your alternative method?

Thank you so much for pointing me to that review. I have been looking everywhere for something like that. Very useful! It enabled me finally to decide to buy a CH setup. Seems the better choice.

Perhaps we should have a thread with links to important joystick reviews.

 

[Antaniserse]

I saw that, though I thought it seemed awkward.

Actually, it is quite confortable to use for strafe commands (haven't tried with ED, but plenty of other games)

A thumb alternative might be to use the little mouse stick... it can be mapped to a 4-way digital input with the Profiler software

 

[Mu77ley]

I saw that, though I thought it seemed awkward.

I've not found it at all awkward, and it feels pretty natural using it when docking.

 

[Bikky]

But it DOES have a 8 way hat switch...just not for the thumb...

Edit: Ninjad...that's what I get for finding a relevant picture and adding markings to it...

Going to have to watch this in full another time, but I use the 8way as a strafe toggle for playing x-series.


*edit*
Also note, the play that the video clip had in the Saitek is programmable. It has an option in the software to alter the deadzone, and to change the sensitivity. I've narrowed my deadzone from standard 10 (i think) to about 3, and eased back on the sensitivity, so it's a slower uptake in the centre region.

 

[Deus]

Thanks for the reply guys

after watching the video, do you think you would be at a advantage/disadvantage in a dogfight against someone with the CH control setup?

 

[noodle]

Also note, the play that the video clip had in the Saitek is programmable. It has an option in the software to alter the deadzone, and to change the sensitivity. I've narrowed my deadzone from standard 10 (i think) to about 3, and eased back on the sensitivity, so it's a slower uptake in the centre region.

Where's the sensitivity setting? I've not noticed that.

 

[noodle]

Thanks for the reply guys

after watching the video, do you think you would be at a advantage/disadvantage in a dogfight against someone with the CH control setup?

It's personal preference. That video didn't represent my feelings with the X52 Pro at all.

 

[Bikky]

Where's the sensitivity setting? I've not noticed that.

errm.....

http://www.saitek.com/uk/supp/x52fsx2.html

The final thing to do before flight is to make sure that the sensitivities of the axes are set. To do this, go to Settings > Controls > Calibration, and select the X52 Pro in the controller type menu. Then select the Advanced Controls option. The settings that FSX assigns are fine, but as an example, this is how I usually set my X52 Pro up.
Aileron – Sensitivity 75%, Null Zone 5%
Elevator – Sensitivity 75%, Null Zone 5%
Throttle – Sensitivity 100%, Null Zone 0%
Rudder – Sensitivity 75%, Null Zone 5%

Thanks for the reply guys

after watching the video, do you think you would be at a advantage/disadvantage in a dogfight against someone with the CH control setup?

I think the players skill will be a bigger advantage than either joystick. Some people may be better with the Saitek than they are with the CH and vice versa.

Some people will be better with mouse. I'll be using a crappy 2 button digital joystick/keyboard cos I'm so Elite that I need the disadvantage

 

[noodle]

errm.....

http://www.saitek.com/uk/supp/x52fsx2.html

The final thing to do before flight is to make sure that the sensitivities of the axes are set. To do this, go to Settings > Controls > Calibration, and select the X52 Pro in the controller type menu. Then select the Advanced Controls option. The settings that FSX assigns are fine, but as an example, this is how I usually set my X52 Pro up.
Aileron – Sensitivity 75%, Null Zone 5%
Elevator – Sensitivity 75%, Null Zone 5%
Throttle – Sensitivity 100%, Null Zone 0%
Rudder – Sensitivity 75%, Null Zone 5%

That's set from within Microsoft Flight Simulator X, not from within the Saitek software. So we can't adjust the sensitivity in ED, as far as I'm aware. Which is annoying.

 

[Bikky]

Oops, Gimme a little while. I discovered it at home while fiddling with settings for x3, I'm positive it was in the saitek software.

 

[noodle]

Oops, Gimme a little while. I discovered it at home while fiddling with settings for x3, I'm positive it was in the saitek software.

I'll be very happy if I've overlooked it!

 

[Mazhurg]

I'll be very happy if I've overlooked it!

You can change the sensitivity of the X52 joystick (Pro should be the same) by going into profile Editor and changing the wanted axis from un-programmed to directional axis. At that point, you will get a sensitivity box and options to program both Axis+ and axis-.

 

[Adept]

Thanks for the reply guys

after watching the video, do you think you would be at a advantage/disadvantage in a dogfight against someone with the CH control setup?

The reason I'm so enthusiastic for the CH is that you get to put in your own control-response spline. Precise movement near the center, more pronounced towards the edges. The only way to fly

 

[noodle]

You can change the sensitivity of the X52 joystick (Pro should be the same) by going into profile Editor and changing the wanted axis from un-programmed to directional axis. At that point, you will get a sensitivity box and options to program both Axis+ and axis-.

Nice find. Cheers. I'll check that out when I get home.

 

[noodle]

You can change the sensitivity of the X52 joystick (Pro should be the same) by going into profile Editor and changing the wanted axis from un-programmed to directional axis. At that point, you will get a sensitivity box and options to program both Axis+ and axis-.

Found the setting, but the positions of the sensitivity sliders don't seem to save? When I close the editor and re-open it (after saving), the sliders are back in the middle positions.

 

[smsKONG]

Found the setting, but the positions of the sensitivity sliders don't seem to save? When I close the editor and re-open it (after saving), the sliders are back in the middle positions.

I've only used this for the mouse stick on the throttle and haven't had any issues saving the config.
But it did have a funny the other day and didn't save a bunch of other stuff I was setting up....

I expect the editor is having a fit in general; keep trying or perhaps reinstall the editor.
In my experience all these programming apps cause a boatload of problems (saitek and logitech past experiences) or just don't work right for very long!

Good luck