There is an article at the AH Trainers website that describes stick set-up, scaling, etc... You may find that information helpful. It just elaborates on the settings already pointed out.
I also use a Saitek X52, and love it. Personally, I have all my sliders for ailerons, elevators, and rudder right up at the top. I don't like any exponential built into my settings, as I personally believe it leads to increased over-controlling, or at the very least doesn't teach you to NOT over-control. It's a crutch that tries to cover up mistakes you're making. It doesn't fix anything, it just hides it, allowing it to continue and even training you to continue it.
Just my opinion, and I guarantee there are those who disagree...
The reason I have mine set at the top is simple. When my stick is neutral, I expect to have no input on those surfaces apart from what trim is doing. When I put my stick all the way right I get 100% aileron- no matter what scaling I use. Same for elevator and rudder. I'm of the opinion that if I move my stick 10% right, I should get 10% surface throw. Same for 15%, or 17%, or whatever. You DON'T get that if you scale.
If you scale, for a 10% stick movement you'll get less than 10% control surface movement. How much less depends on how much scaling you use. The problem with that is it teaches you to use more stick movement than should be necessary, and you'll end up moving the stick quickly to get the desired amount of throw. The bad thing is that it allows and encourages this, but as you apply more stick, the sensitivity increases. If the initial 10% stick gave you say 7% surface movement, what does an additional 20% give you? 14%? Nope, it has to give you more, because 100% stick = 100% surface throw. See what I mean? By this time you've been allowed/taught to move the stick further and quicker tahn you should, but as you get the stick further from center you need to SLOW DOWN, and move the stick less! How confusing is that? It gets even worse (IMO again) if 10% stick gives you 6% aileron and 3% elevator, etc...
So, in my opinion, it makes things easier when you have the stick close to center, but harder as stick movement increases. When you need "a little more", you end up getting "more than a little more".
When I started, I had problems with nose-bounce, over-controlling, etc. I used scaling.
I eventually moved my sliders all the way up and fixed my problems...
I'll admit, I do fly with very small, smooth, stick movements. I don't see that as a bad thing.
My recomendation is to use little or no scaling. IMO, none is best. Learn to fly with small smooth movements. Don't allow the crutch to cover up your problem, force yourself to fix the problem. Learn to APPLY the correct stick inputs, not have the computer make it LOOK like you did.
Again, this is just my opinion, and won't be shared by everyone. I like doing things the hard way though...
MtnMan
