Author Topic: Probelem with throttle on Saitek x-52 joystick (Read 799 times)

jfergie · « **on:** July 31, 2006, 10:30:42 PM »

Hello. First time poster and total newb. I downloaded the game 2 days ago. I couldn't seem to play it via keyboard only so bought a Saitek X-52 joystick yesterday.

The throttle control is either on or off. Nothing in between. In the game it shows as 0 or 65535, nothing in between. I've tried changing the throttle from the slider control to the 'throttle' control and it does the same thing.

In windows control panel I can see the throttle move smoothly throughout the motion, so it appears to be an Aces High issue. Is this by design, or do I need to change some setting?

Wolfala · « **Reply #1 on:** July 31, 2006, 10:46:36 PM »

Gotta calibrate within the game - not just windows.

jfergie · « **Reply #2 on:** July 31, 2006, 11:21:25 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Wolfala
Gotta calibrate within the game - not just windows.

Thanks for the quick response. I actually did do that. I've actually done it several times. After calibrating, when I go to Options / Controls / Map Controller it shows either 0 or 65535 for both the slider and the Z-Axis (which is the separate throttle controller that comes with the Saitek). All the steering controls (the joystick) scroll smoothly from 0-65535.

For some reason, it appears the game is reading "All or none" on the throttle controller, though windows shows it as an analog control that has the full range. I assume that the game doesn't force you to have either 0 or 100% throttle power, so I must be missing some setting. I've gone through all of the menus and done all the calibrations, however.

I'll try to find another game to see if the throttle control works with it. Since it is working in windows, I assume another game will work correctly. I'll check anyway.

SFCHONDO · « **Reply #3 on:** July 31, 2006, 11:50:58 PM »

A ton a guys use that stick in AH with no problems. i am sure one of them pop in here and explain what ya have to do.

jfergie · « **Reply #4 on:** August 01, 2006, 03:47:35 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by SFCHONDO
A ton a guys use that stick in AH with no problems. i am sure one of them pop in here and explain what ya have to do.

Cool. I hope so. Just downloaded FlightGear (130 mb). Going to see if it works with that. On a side note, since i just bought it, I can probably return it for a different stick that probably works with Aces High if I can't figure it out. The quality and feel of the Saitek seems excellent though.

I guess I'd ask the veterans here, what is the best stick for Aces High? And if the Saitek is up there, how do I make it work as out of the box it doesn't work with Aces High.

OOZ662 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 01, 2006, 03:56:27 AM »

I have the X52, and in the three years I've spent fixing other people's AH tech issues, the only thing that caused such a thing was an incorrect in-game calibration of the joystick. If you don't move the throttle during the AH calibration, it will be an "on-off" setup like you have described. Otherwise, I've never heard of this problem.

jfergie · « **Reply #6 on:** August 01, 2006, 03:57:24 AM »

Flight gear recognized the throttle control and used it by default (as opposed to Aces high which defaulted to the slider control, though with the same 0-100% problem). Other than that though, the programs have the same problem. FlightGear is also 0 or 100% throttle. Though windows shows a bar that goes smoothly through the range. What am I missing?

I am running Microsoft Windows Media 2005 (basically pro) with all the latest patches. Joystick works fine in control panel, but not in Aces High or Flight gear as far as throttle control is concerned.

I happened to see a pic of the last con and saw what looks like a Saitek Controller (not exact, but prob the previous model) so there must be a way to get them to work. I bought the joystick as I have a couple of friends that play and they are trying to get me to try it.

I'll monitor this thread for a week or so and hope someone can help or recommend a different joystick. Otherwise I guess I'll wait for Halo 3.

OOZ662 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 01, 2006, 04:02:56 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by jfergie
though with the same 0-100% problem

That also supports that you're not calibrating correctly in-game.

Wolfala · « **Reply #8 on:** August 01, 2006, 04:07:27 AM »

http://tailslide.firelightsoftware.com/Files/AcesHigh-MSPrePro.zip

Put this in your aces high\settings directory after u unzip it. See if you still have the 0-100 problem.

If it works, recalibrate within the game and u should be good.

jfergie · « **Reply #9 on:** August 01, 2006, 04:08:50 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by OOZ662
That also supports that you're not calibrating correctly in-game.

Perhaps I am not. I've tried several times. I move throughout the full range of motion as requested. Is there anything else I can do? I personally don't think it is a calibration issue as the joystick clearly goes through the numbers 0-65535, while both the slider and throttle control (separate from joystick) show 0 until the exact halfway mark then jump to 65535. It is on or off.

If I am missing a calibration option let me know. As far as I know I've gone through all the menus, but if others are using this joystick I am obviously missing someone simple.

Doubt it matters, but just in case, I am running Windows Media 2005, 4 gig ram, dual x64. It is an hp m7580a.

And thanks to everyone taking the time to try to help. It is appreciated. I hope to get this solved and see you guys in game!

OOZ662 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 01, 2006, 04:19:50 AM »

Go into your Aces High II directory, then the settings folder. Find the file named "saitekx52flightcontroller.jsm" and "cut" it (ctrl-x), then paste it somewhere else, like the desktop. Start the game, check the throttle/slider. If the problem's still there, calibrate it. If that still doesn't fix it, put the old settings file back, then...well, I'll think about it some more.

jfergie · « **Reply #11 on:** August 01, 2006, 04:45:46 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by OOZ662
Go into your Aces High II directory, then the settings folder. Find the file named "saitekx52flightcontroller.jsm" and "cut" it (ctrl-x), then paste it somewhere else, like the desktop. Start the game, check the throttle/slider. If the problem's still there, calibrate it. If that still doesn't fix it, put the old settings file back, then...well, I'll think about it some more.

I did that. And again, thanks for all the help. My friends had told me what a great community this was vs what I have been playing and I totally believe it. Everyone helps everyone here.

Anyway, I moved the file. Surprisingly (at least to me) it has not been recreated even now. Anyway, no change. Throttle and slider both (both on seperate throttle control on X-52) both split 0 and 65535 in the middle. FlightGear seems to share this. Windows though shows the full range in a red bar in control panel. This is a new install of media (this computer is 7 days old). I am surprised this hasn't happened to anyone else.

Basically, I bought the computer, installed Aces high. Bought the joystick. 7 days in. Nothing else installed. I am very confused to say the least.

I don't want to waste everyone's time. I will happily return this joystick and get another.

Just tell me. What is the best joystick for Aces High?

OOZ662 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 01, 2006, 05:06:03 AM »

Seriously, it depends on the person. The X52 has been my favorite. The CH product line is also a great one, but costs hundreds of $$$.

Awake2 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 01, 2006, 05:31:51 AM »

Ah yes.....get the best.....get CH....got mine some years ago and they still act like new....worth the cost....

Wolfala · « **Reply #14 on:** August 01, 2006, 04:22:56 PM »

Tell ya what. I've got an X52 - i'll send you my stick config file. If it works - great. If not - we'll know its something else. Send me your email.

Wolf