X-55 Throttle Issues

[Rainwhisper]

So, my Saitek X-55 arrived, and it seems absolutely perfect for ED. I've got my bindings where I want them.

I'm only having one issue. I have the resistance on the throttle dial set to minimum/low.

When I let the throttle sit for a few minutes, the first time I go to engage it takes a huge amount of force.

Then it moves back and forth easily.

Anyone else have trouble with this?

Also, I was able to bind every single button on the stick and throttle in E without installing the software or drivers. The only exception was the SLD slider, which E doesn't seem to see.

 

[lefty1117]

Yes, I had this issue. All I can tell you is to keep the tension dial at minimum. Eventually you will "break it in" and it won't be so hard to move. In fact I took to rapidly moving it up and down before playing a few times. Think of it like wearing in a baseball glove or a new pair of cleats.

 

[Aussiedroid]

Its an issue for me too. It tends to build up the resistance when not in use, so I often find myself just moving it back and forth when I can afford to do so.

I am maybe 50hrs into the game, but it is better than when I got it new.

Looked around for someone who might have pulled the throttle apart, as I was curious if there was a way to loosen it further internally.

 

[aRtFuL]

Yes, I had this issue. All I can tell you is to keep the tension dial at minimum. Eventually you will "break it in" and it won't be so hard to move. In fact I took to rapidly moving it up and down before playing a few times. Think of it like wearing in a baseball glove or a new pair of cleats.

Yeah I notice that x55 requires a lot of breaking ins.

The twist yaw is also quite stiff when you first bought it. It loosens overtime.

 

[moondog]

Haven't had that experience with mine. I just set the tension wheel to minimum anyway. Might sound like a crazy question, but are you playing in a cold room? Could the grease they apply internally to the throttle be somehow hardening when you leave it for a long time?

 

[lefty1117]

Once it breaks in it's really a pleasant experience. Love using this setup on ED, it's just perfect.

 

[Aussiedroid]

Haven't had that experience with mine. I just set the tension wheel to minimum anyway. Might sound like a crazy question, but are you playing in a cold room? Could the grease they apply internally to the throttle be somehow hardening when you leave it for a long time?

In my situation, its mainly been warm (Australia summer temps).

Saying this, the X55 was severely lacking lubrication on the one I got (it was basically dry). Started squeaking very badly in less than an hours use, and then in the next hour started griding on the shaft collar. All pulled apart and lubricated up and is super now. Twist still a little stiff but much better. Throttle is probably the stiffest currently, but that is still untouched as such.

It is still too much for me as the OP also finds. Still moves on hard wooden desk when tension is high.

 

[Kashre]

which spring do you guys prefer?i haven't switched yet but the default spring seems too stiff to me.

 

[Aussiedroid]

which spring do you guys prefer?i haven't switched yet but the default spring seems too stiff to me.

I am using the softest one (Red I think). Tried the others but softer seems to have better finer control for me.

I also used the X55 software to change the curve slightly to try to overcome the initial 'lip' tension you need to overcome for finer movement. It helped a bit but still I jump a little from time to time since I am very noobish to HOTAS atm

 

[LXIV]

which spring do you guys prefer?i haven't switched yet but the default spring seems too stiff to me.

I have the second-lightest one in; the lightest one wouldn't center fully. The whole thing breaks in well, give it a week or two.

 

[Drawcut]

I'm glad I'm not the only one having this issue.

Haven't had that experience with mine. I just set the tension wheel to minimum anyway. Might sound like a crazy question, but are you playing in a cold room? Could the grease they apply internally to the throttle be somehow hardening when you leave it for a long time?

This is exactly what it feels like except that my room is plenty warm. I've been considering opening the throttle up and seeing if I can clean off the factory grease and regrease with something different. But I keep hoping it will break in more.

Loving the X55 other than that.

 

[Midnight_Sun323]

I am using the softest one (Red I think). Tried the others but softer seems to have better finer control for me.

I also used the X55 software to change the curve slightly to try to overcome the initial 'lip' tension you need to overcome for finer movement. It helped a bit but still I jump a little from time to time since I am very noobish to HOTAS atm

A little petroleum jelly will fix that sticky cup thing.

 

[Aussiedroid]

X55 I think has got a bit of a bad wrap due to some earlier issues .. even with mine I was a bit disappointed initially, but feature wise and feel is good once its broken in. Has everything I need anyways

 

[aRtFuL]

which spring do you guys prefer?i haven't switched yet but the default spring seems too stiff to me.

I actually uses the second stiffest one. found the softest and second softest one to be too light (not enough resistance) for precise movements.

X55 I think has got a bit of a bad wrap due to some earlier issues .. even with mine I was a bit disappointed initially, but feature wise and feel is good once its broken in. Has everything I need anyways

Yeah Saitek has always have quality issues. x52 is the worst offender out of all their HOTASes. x55 if you are unlucky enough to get their earlier stock (with the white colour buttons that is shown in the picture on the box/menu) they have some issues with dud buttons and stuff. The later stock (grey buttons, possibly their later batches that came off their production line) seems to have good quality.

 

[moondog]

In my situation, its mainly been warm (Australia summer temps).

Saying this, the X55 was severely lacking lubrication on the one I got (it was basically dry). Started squeaking very badly in less than an hours use, and then in the next hour started griding on the shaft collar. All pulled apart and lubricated up and is super now. Twist still a little stiff but much better. Throttle is probably the stiffest currently, but that is still untouched as such.

It is still too much for me as the OP also finds. Still moves on hard wooden desk when tension is high.

With all this talk of sticky throttles, I am sure asking you what lubrication you used will raise eyebrows, but I will do so nonetheless

 

[Hooplah]

Even with the Saitek X-55 throttle set to the lowest tension there is still some resistance. I suspect this was all about dealing with the needs of Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane which it was designed for. Elite Dangerous came later. Now it nails every control feature in ED allowing the player to make changes with the online support in the controls menu. No need for a profile. Plug n' play.

 

[Aussiedroid]

With all this talk of sticky throttles, I am sure asking you what lubrication you used will raise eyebrows, but I will do so nonetheless

LOL just be thankful we are not talking about the nipple controls too

But in answer to your question, on my joystick I started with what I found recommended online .. it was a Dry Lube PTFE (I think I got that right). It was a WD40 brand. If you are in AU too, I got it from Bunnings.

Now for the most this worked really well, but needed a few applications to get it smooth. Seemed to rub off a little.

The shaft which had the collar moving up and down though, the PTFE wasn't good enough. I also had some graphite lube (another dry lube) around so used a super small amount just on the shaft. Once worked in this was great and hasn't made a sound since.

Hope it helps.

 

[moondog]

LOL just be thankful we are not talking about the nipple controls too

But in answer to your question, on my joystick I started with what I found recommended online .. it was a Dry Lube PTFE (I think I got that right). It was a WD40 brand. If you are in AU too, I got it from Bunnings.

Now for the most this worked really well, but needed a few applications to get it smooth. Seemed to rub off a little.

The shaft which had the collar moving up and down though, the PTFE wasn't good enough. I also had some graphite lube (another dry lube) around so used a super small amount just on the shaft. Once worked in this was great and hasn't made a sound since.

Hope it helps.

Shaft. Lube. SNURK!

Awesome, cheers mate. I'll go an buy some. Hopefully they sell it in 'discrete brown paper packaging'

I am in NZ, not Aussie. We do have a refugee programme if you'd like to sign up - although you have to fail the IQ test to be let in

 

[Aussiedroid]

No worries moondog!

The dry lube should prevent gunk from building up over time. My advice is just to go slow and add a bit at a time .. work it in and then repeat to prevent using too much.

There was also a video online to pull the handle apart to get the twist done if you needed. Shouldn't be too hard to find.

 

[moondog]

No worries moondog!

The dry lube should prevent gunk from building up over time. My advice is just to go slow and add a bit at a time .. work it in and then repeat to prevent using too much.

There was also a video online to pull the handle apart to get the twist done if you needed. Shouldn't be too hard to find.

Splendid, thanks buddy. Trouble is (and I guess it's a problem in your climes too) is we have a LOT of dust and it just gunks everything up. Still, this stuff sounds perfect. I'll just have to remember my lubing regime. Such is the Internet