Author Topic: creating a profile for the Saitek X45 need tips (Read 550 times)

Starmage21 · « **on:** January 27, 2006, 11:56:07 AM »

So im working on a profile for the Saitek X45 joystick that I'd like to make available for everyone (when its complete).

Problem is, I grew up on Lock On: Modern Air Combat (LOMAC), and flying a prop propelled plane is a whole lot different than im used to, leading to many crashes, and a general suckyness at this game.

Getting an efficient profile together is only going to help me learn the game faster, so help me organize my buttons! This will help other newbs learn the game as well!

to start i extracted all of the default key commands into a word doc and created a spreadsheet (based on someone's elses profile spreadsheet) so that as i edit the profile, i can edit the spreadhseet simultaneously. I also went into the game and cleared all of the default joystick functions except rudder control, throttle control etc.(in general, buttons that arent ideal for remapping, such as the joystick itself).

What I need:
Tips for where to remap buttons on this control
Hosting space for 3 small files (or 1 small zip file) that I will have free access to until the project is basically finished. (You can email or instant message with me for sensitive information)

Thanks a bunch!

Mustaine · « **Reply #1 on:** January 27, 2006, 12:14:15 PM »

many people are very different about how they map the profile

a few things i did when i had an x45:

the thumb button on the throttle was programmed as "look up" so while holding that and the hat i got 16 total views.

i did not use the pinkie switch far alt mode or whatever, i set it to toggle WEP

make sure to make the rotaries analog, then you can map them in AH as axis for elevator and aileron trim (or rudder, whatever you prefer)

on the index finger hat on the throttle, i set it for:
DOWN = mic channel
UP = mic range
LEFT = clipboard
RIGHT = auto level (kind of odd place for it, but it worked for me)

on the thumb hat on the throttle i set it for a 4 way hat, front and back did flaps (or shifting gears in a GV, same keys)

there are sooooo many options, i think it is best to play around, and see what keys you personalyl use the most, and find where they are comfortable.

last, if you are using rudder pedals, you have a free axis in the rocker. i banded it, and made it "move head right and left"

Schatzi · « **Reply #2 on:** January 27, 2006, 12:24:07 PM »

Hi Starmage!

Hopefully in the next few days, im going to get my X45. After i set it up, i can tell you more about what to map where.
Mustaine already gave you good tips. The most important thing is that youre comfortable with it.

Also, you need to be able to work your rudder, flaps, views (including view up), WEP and maybe trim simultaneously in a fight.

Here you can download a one page "cheat sheet" for default key commands from http://www.netaces.org . Thats a very good page, where you will find the answer to almost any question you have about AH.

Ive never flown Jet sims much, but yes its a lot different flying from WW2 planes. Also, AH has one of the most accurate flight models..... which makes for a steep learning curve. But its definitly worth it!

Welcome to Aces High

.

>S<

Schatzi

Starmage21 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 27, 2006, 12:28:03 PM »

Quote

Ive never flown Jet sims much, but yes its a lot different flying from WW2 planes. Also, AH has one of the most accurate flight models..... which makes for a steep learning curve. But its definitly worth it!

LOMAC has awesome flight models too (why i bought it), which is why you cant fly any of the newer planes (only planes available in LOMAC are all mostly declassified)

Also, what i want to do with the X45 is create a nearly keyboard free flight experience, so the user's attention isnt divided as much. Currently my favorite plane is the P-51D.

Current Settings for the basic fighter profile is:
Pinky Switch = mode shift (enabling 1 button to perform 2 functions)
HAT 1 = Look directions
Fire A = Primary Weapon Select/Flaps Down
Fire B = Secondary Weapon Select/Flaps Up
Fire/Launch Button (one with cover) = Engine On/Off toggle + Bail Out
HAT 3 (throttle HAT) = view modes
Trigger = Fire All weapons/Fire Secondary
Mouse Button = Toggle Gear Up/Down
Mouse HAT = Combat Trim + Autopilot functions
Fire C = Wheel Brake
Fire D (throttle fire) = Fire Primary

Eagler · « **Reply #4 on:** January 27, 2006, 01:15:20 PM »

Hi
I have a AH X45 profile in my sig
It uses ch pro pedals for rudder but you can open it up in your profile software and get some ideas

I have found the pinkie switch was best for wep as I do not need another layer of commands. I do not think you sharing flaps and fire commands will work as you need both to be on top layer.using the Mode switch can get you three different profiles which is more than enough

gl

Starmage21 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 27, 2006, 03:21:31 PM »

im temporarily hosting the basics of my work on my geocities site, but they suck.

http://www.geocities.com/starmage21/aceshigh2saitekx45layout.doc

http://www.geocities.com/starmage21/aceshigh2keymap.doc

please do a "Save As" when you get those files.

Mustaine · « **Reply #6 on:** January 27, 2006, 04:05:54 PM »

you are going to find some of those buttons you can do without... just a thought... also you can map all thats needed without the mode shift. (i just used the mode switch on the throttle for a plane / gv / bomber stick set)

i am going on memory here, so bear with me but this should have been my whole stick:

main stick:

trigger = fire MG's
hat 1 = 8 way view hat.
the covered button selected secondary weapon (select primary weapon is almost never used in AH)
the button up left of the hat was fire secondary
the button up right of the hat was toggle gun zoom

the second hat was a 4 way hat:
up = auto speed
right = toggle fuel tank
left = toggle damage display
down = move head up
the index button in front of the main trigger = toggle combat trim
pinky = WEP

throttle:

thumb = look up
mouse hat:

forward = flaps down
up = toggle engine
back = flaps up
down = toggle gear

rotaries as axis for trim

index hat:

down = mic channel
up = mic range
left = clipboard
right = auto level

with that setup the only thing i needed to touch the keyboard for was typing on the text buffer. there arent much more controls you need for AH to fight really.

Starmage21 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 27, 2006, 04:32:00 PM »

I intend to use the 3 separate modes for the different things you can do.

Mode 1 is for fighters
Mode 2 for bombers
Mode 3 for vees and on foot

atm im only worried about mode 1, for fighters. I can barely get a bomber off the ground.

Starmage21 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 27, 2006, 05:42:10 PM »

did some additonal work

http://www.geocities.com/starmage21/docs/aceshigh2saitekx45layout.doc

Starmage21 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 04, 2006, 09:35:22 PM »

for those that have been here and there since i posted this: Im still working on the profile; it's just that I'm terrible with bombers and im still learning what I can with them.

Author Topic: creating a profile for the Saitek X45 *need tips* (Read 550 times)

Author Topic: creating a profile for the Saitek X45 need tips (Read 550 times)