Hardware & Technical x52 lubrication.

Ned Starwind

Ned Starwind
I recently got my x52 and I've done all the mods to it already, all I'm missing now is to lubricate it =3 anyone have a good guide on it? I cant find any. And I don't wanna overlubercate it or I dunno what.

Edit: Figured it out and found this post. For anyone who might need this =]

Thanks for reply..one guy described it as "stiction" which really fits. I think it is the rub on the lower disk..I use a cue tip and lithium grease and have tried silicon spray..glad to hear it works itself out as I like the x52 pro setup. I called the Saitek tech number before posting this thread..I talked with a lady with quite an accent and she had no tech information but did say they would exchange it for another. After a few days further use I felt another would do the same as it is in the design...but sure wanted to talk to a techie in Cali.
It bothers me when making small incremental movements..I must push to overcome friction, must recover, and would much rather have the smooth feel of a real ac in minor movements..not that I have flown a real one!
I wanted to avoid any contamination of whatever is below the stick so use grease, minimal on a swab! I did order the x65, kept it two hours, and returned it. It does not move, it transmits signals that give control cues..and it is very long..I meant to write Saitek suggesting they advertise it for guys with big mitts. I would need to release it to jump up to hats and buttons. Worse than "stiction"!! Appreciate your experience.

Original Post
http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/showthread.php?t=32042
 
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Snyperal

S
What mods did you do to it?

If the throttle is stiff isn't there an tensioner on the left hand side? (I've only just got mine out the loft so I'm only guessing) if it's the joystick itself I'd probably try some WD40.
 

Ned Starwind

Ned Starwind
Added 4 extra magnets for increased accuracy. Which made a huge difference to my surprise.
415Fq0YtjJL._SX355_.jpg
(Hardware store: $4)

Added a 1/4 drum kit cymbal felt under the joystick for increased tension. You can cut the felt to decrease the tension.
1127966_17996_popup.jpg
(Music store ($2)

Smooth Throttle Mod
http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=115981
(Just need a screw driver)

As for lubercation I heard wd40 is no bueno since it can mess up the plastics and electronics. I'm using a silicon lubricant.
300.jpg
(Amazon: $14)



And the joystick is great, feels smooth. The lubricant is for added protection and longer lasting quality. I just don't wanna apply it in the wrong spot =P
 
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natte hond

natte hond
Snyperal said:
probably try some WD40.
Click to expand...

some lubricants just eats away the plastics.
so don't just try one.

I know silicon prays are save for plastics and metals.
but I don't know the electronics in there.
better wait for a good answer from one who really knows.
 

Snyperal

S
Hell yeah disregard my comment! I'd heard about all the great things WD40 is good for and thought try it. I use it on everything hell I'd even have it my toast !? Sounds like you've had your x52 stripped down and rebuilt!

I think I adjusted the wrist support. Once.
 

Ned Starwind

Ned Starwind
Snyperal said:
Hell yeah disregard my comment! I'd heard about all the great things WD40 is good for and thought try it. I use it on everything hell I'd even have it my toast !? Sounds like you've had your x52 stripped down and rebuilt!

I think I adjusted the wrist support. Once.
Click to expand...

Nah these mods are super simple, I highly recommend them to any x52 owner.
 

xxThe_Dice_manxx

xxThe_Dice_manxx
natte hond said:
some lubricants just eats away the plastics.
so don't just try one.

I know silicon prays are save for plastics and metals.
but I don't know the electronics in there.
better wait for a good answer from one who really knows.
Click to expand...

WD40 is safe to use with plastics, used it on many joysticks and tamiya models, but I would really recommend a silicon based lubricant/grease like the type used on rc cars.
 

Snyperal

S
I'm still getting the buttons setup and memorised. The default settings are a little... Blank it seemed like every button deploys and or fires the weapons! Although I did like the push button to change from forward throttle to reverse, I hadn't thought of that and was wondering how that would work.

I don't really have any issues with it in terms of feel though, maybe down the line parts will get a bit tired and need tweaking.
 

Ned Starwind

Ned Starwind
Snyperal said:
I'm still getting the buttons setup and memorised. The default settings are a little... Blank it seemed like every button deploys and or fires the weapons! Although I did like the push button to change from forward throttle to reverse, I hadn't thought of that and was wondering how that would work.

I don't really have any issues with it in terms of feel though, maybe down the line parts will get a bit tired and need tweaking.
Click to expand...

Yeah first thing I did is mess with button layout for like 4 hours. I finally got it down perfectly. I have my throttle for forward thrust only and I use that little slider on the throttle as the reverse thrust =]
112.JPG
(On a side note, anyone know how to resize?)

I also removed that thing inside the throttle that gives the throttle a break point. I prefer a fully smooth throttle.
Incase anyone is interested in that,
http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=115981
 
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xxThe_Dice_manxx

xxThe_Dice_manxx
Ned Starwind said:
Yeah first thing I did is mess with button layout for like 4 hours. I finally got it down perfectly. I have my throttle for forward thrust only and I use that little slider on the throttle as the reverse thrust =]
112.JPG
(On a side note, anyone know how to resize?)

I also removed that thing inside the throttle that gives the throttle a break point. I prefer a fully smooth throttle.
Incase anyone is interested in that,
http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=115981
Click to expand...

Can you explain how the slider works as your reverse now please, and how you set it to work as reverse.
 

Antmax

Antmax
I use a dry film PTFE lubricant that sprays from an aerosol. There are many brands but my local Home Depot had RZ-50 for about $7 for a 9oz can. I've had the same can for about a year and use it for RC car suspension hinge pins and other moving parts that you want to dry lube so they don't collect grit offroad, locks and now my joystick.

A quick shake and spray down the shaft and on the disk and all the friction goes away.

Spiel about RZ-50

RZ-50 is a PTFE Polymer developed for NASA by DUPONT ®. It contains no oils or silicone. RZ-50 is the perfect DRY FILM LUBRICANT for literally hundreds of applications.

RZ-50 was developed to possess a friction coefficient of .02 (teflon is .05) and will not attract contaminants, moisture or dirt.

When applied, RZ-50 exhibits a remarkable, ball-bearing like surface that can last for up to 3 full years. It can be applied to metal, plastic or wood and will not stain any surface. - INCLUDING FABRICS!

RZ-50 dries in seconds to a slick, colorless, odorless film that reduces friction, stops squeaks, reduces wear, repels dirt, dust and moisture... and stays where applied longer than any oil or silicone lubricant.

Home, office, worksite, or recreation. RZ-50 offers products designed for almost everything. If it ROLLS, SLIDES, SPINS or MOVES, use RZ-50!

Look to RZ-50 for the most innovative lubricants and products available today.

At home, work or play, RZ-50 has the right product for you.
 
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Armante

Armante
TO take nothing away from the OP and all the tips you're providing, can I ask why you would get an X52 and then have to do all this to it, rather than just get an X52 Pro? I really like mine and haven't had to do anything to it.
 

dognosh

dognosh
Ned Starwind said:
Added 4 extra magnets for increased accuracy. Which made a huge difference to my surprise.
415Fq0YtjJL._SX355_.jpg
(Hardware store: $4)

Added a 1/4 drum kit cymbal felt under the joystick for increased tension. You can cut the felt to decrease the tension.
1127966_17996_popup.jpg
(Music store ($2)

Smooth Throttle Mod
http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=115981
(Just need a screw driver)

As for lubercation I heard wd40 is no bueno since it can mess up the plastics and electronics. I'm using a silicon lubricant.
300.jpg
(Amazon: $14)



And the joystick is great, feels smooth. The lubricant is for added protection and longer lasting quality. I just don't wanna apply it in the wrong spot =P
Click to expand...

the throttle bumps : I like them as they tell me without looking where throttle is !(the 75% bump is perfect for SC, the 25% for docking)
increased tension and smoothness : tbh my joystick feels perfect
lube ?
The only one I will try is the magnets, as I already bought them 2 months ago, but haven't modded my X52 pro yet(also I will try your reverse throttle slider thing) :cool:

p.s. Maybe mine feels good because it is 9 years old ?
 

Calico Jack

C
I used silicone lube on the ring on my X-55, it went from being very 'farty' to super-smooth. 'Stiction' seems to be coming back after about 3 months.
 

Antmax

Antmax
The pro has the same problem as the standard where nonlinearity and precision are concerned. There is a better magnet mod to fix it which uses the existing magnets centered on the hall sensor. All you need is some mounting/bluetac to relocate the four existing magnets.

You can see the difference the magnet mod makes here: When you draw circles with the stick in a joystick monitoring tool you can see a huge difference.

BEFORE

F-jC0xkfAxM.jpg


AFTER

-f6y_fGWQuA.jpg


Here's a video tutorial, it's completely reversible. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfJNiHmEszk
 
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S.H.A.D.O

S
My X-52 was driving me up the wall, it began to squeak when I banked left, then it started when turning right and soon any movement and it was squeaking away and driving me insane.

I tried a huge variety of things to stop it. I wont list them all but I tried everything from silicone lubricant to axle grease. (no really..)

but nothing stopped the squeak for more than a couple of hours, then I read a tip online, thought it was a joke but tried it anyway and by god it worked! I used it 2 months ago and still theres no squeaking!!

What did I use?

Well you might find it hard to believe but a chapstick, yes a regular chapstick that you use to smear on your lips when going into cold weather. it worked a treat!
 
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