X52 Pro free look

[neveser]

I've been trying to figure out how to look around my cockpit and clicking JOY19 doesn't seem to work for me. Is there something I'm missing here? Any other x52 pro users able to do this?

 

[el_tel]

I usually use a Rift with my X52, but have occasionally lent the Rift to a friend and used the X52 without it.
If I recall correctly, you need to use 1 button to enable free-look, and also map a hat switch to the free-look directions. The enable free-look button can either be set as a on/off toggle (which resets the head-look position), or another mapping of the same button used to reset (I can't remember exactly how I had it set up).
I do remember that I only needed 1 button to turn free-look on and off.

 

[SAB380]

Yeah I've always struggled this one !

 

[Wulfsok]

You have to update the x52 software from the website... The CD contains old drivers (i think pre-madcatz). That's why the profile manager probably crashes if you've used the CD.

To save a bit of potential frustration:

I had to follow the instructions from Saitek to properly remove all traces of the drivers and software. Then re-install driver then SST (and do not plug in the x52 until the driver program ASKS you to plug it in, and then do so).


Here are the instructions you have to follow them all or the same problem happens again:

1. Unplug your device from the computer

2. Uninstall the drivers

3. Uninstall the SST programming software

4. Delete the Saitek folders from the following paths :
C:\Program Files
C:\Windows\Temp

5. Delete Saitek registry entries:

-Press and hold the Windows key on your keyboard and then press the letter R. This will open the Run box. Type regedit and then click ok.
The Registry Editor will have a list of folders on the left hand side. Go down into the following folders in order by clicking the + next to the folder name.

+HKEY_CURRENT_USER
+System
+CurrentControlSet
+Control
+Media Properties
+Private Properties
+Direct Input

Delete any folder inside the Direct Input folder that begins VID_06A3.

6. Reboot

7. Install the latest drivers and DO NOT PLUG IN YOUR X52 until the install program ASKS you to or you will have to redo this whole process.

I've got mine setup pretty well with the profile editor.

My main hat on the right stick changes menu selection, distributes power, looks around, and is a backup lateral control thruster with up/down corresponding to forward/backward.

The mouse wheel on the throttle is set to engage and disengage freelook upon clicking it. This allows me to freelook in combat and still maintain control on the main joystick axis', the throttle control, and the lateral thrusters.

I use pinkie switch mode to dock/scoop, basically by dropping the throttle and using my two sets of lateral controls to guide me into the dark nethers. Also freelook is still available in pinkie mode.

So I say you should learn to program the thing, it's actually quite simple after you get past the Excel-type spreadsheet.

Seriously, running it straight out of the box is like driving a Ferrari in only first gear. And it's the functionality of the X52 that really sells it compared to the CH setup.

 

[Crux]

I've been trying to figure out how to look around my cockpit and clicking JOY19 doesn't seem to work for me. Is there something I'm missing here? Any other x52 pro users able to do this?

Yeah I can do it fine. You may want to untick "Enable clutch mode" in the MFD tab for the X52 config screen (right click icon in notification area, second last option "Control Panel")

I've changed around some default binds, but I have Freelook set to Toggle mode and bound to the pinky. Press once to turn on, again to turn off or double squeeze to recentre and leave freelook on.

I've managed to fit almost everything onto the HOTAS ingame. I added a couple of functions to the stick toggle switches on mode 2 and now am completely keyboard free.
Love it. Been resisting urges to buy a DK2 Rift...

 

[neveser]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I double checked the setting in the game and I wanted to verify the JOY19 setting so I went to rebind it and it registered as MOUSE2. I jumped in game and it now works!!!

Nice work being keyboard free Crux. I'd like to get there myself. I just need to sit down and get to programming. Oh, I am currently resisting the urge to pick up the DK2 as well. I just bought a 1440p monitor and a EVGA GTX780Ti ACX Superclocked, I need to stop with the spending for a bit! Wife isn't overly thrilled with my new toys, however, she is looking forward to the rift too.

 

[Crux]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I double checked the setting in the game and I wanted to verify the JOY19 setting so I went to rebind it and it registered as MOUSE2. I jumped in game and it now works!!!

Nice work being keyboard free Crux. I'd like to get there myself. I just need to sit down and get to programming. Oh, I am currently resisting the urge to pick up the DK2 as well. I just bought a 1440p monitor and a EVGA GTX780Ti ACX Superclocked, I need to stop with the spending for a bit! Wife isn't overly thrilled with my new toys, however, she is looking forward to the rift too.

Glad you got sorted.
As regards getting keyboard free and programming profiles; it's really easy (for Elite anyway). The profiler can do some awesomely complex stuff as Wulfsok as pointed out.

Unfortunately my nose starts to bleed every time I try to get my head around the more outlandish features!!

Ah, I'm just kidding, but with regard to Elite, I fit literally every control onto the HOTAS ingame, and then I simply added Lights, Gear, and Cargo Scoop to a second mode using the "flip" switches on the stick. You can see I had FA and Rotational Assist on there as well, but I've since found a handier place for that and, I've never messed about with the rotational damping.

Spoiler

I'm jealous of your pixel count!