The profile editor looks VERY intimidating when you first try to figure it out. They made it especially difficult with the lastest version, because there are no pictures to help out with things (something about the image part isn't compatible with vista's DX10... and as a result they removed it so the same software can be used on XP or Vista.... it's supposed to be fixed with the next release).
Once you start working with it though, it's not too bad. Also Saitek has EXCELLENT online support through their forums.. to the point to where you can upload them your profile, and they'll tell you what you screwed up in it! (Saved my butt once).
http://www.saitekforum.com/They even mailed me for free... a updated parts kit to install onto my Saitek rudder pedals to prevent them from jumping the tracks.
Anyways.. I DO use the SST software on my X52 for aces high. I assigned the pinkie trigger as a 'shift' button, so each button on the joystick can be assigned two functions.
All of the non-shift buttons I have blank in the SST, but have programmed into AH instead. This minimizes the use of "pressing keys" (which is how the SST software reports button presses). The "shift" buttons I have assigned through the SST software for certain things.
For example, the "D" button on my throttle is for "look up". The primary hat on my joystick does the looking around, so if I hold down D while moving the hat, I get an upward view of the different angles.
I have "SHIFT D" assigned to look down... so to look down and to the right of the wing, I hold down the pinkie trigger, hold down "D", and hold down RIGHTHAT at the same time. It sound difficult, but is actually very fluent once you get used to it.
Another example... "B" on the joystick is for landing gear. "SHIFT B" is for tail hook.
I tried to group "similar" commands together like that.
As a result, I have almost all of the functions I need programmed into MODE 1 of my joystick. The only time I ever have to use the keyboard is to type on text. I originally wanted to set Modes 1,2,3 as Fighter, Bomber (attack), GV like you do.. but things are so smooth using only one mode this became unnecessary. I simply cannot find enough commands to even begin to fill in modes 2 and 3!
You can also assign multiple keystrokes in goofy ways... my FIRE button (behind the safety) is for open bomb doors. If I hold down the pinkie trigger (shift) and hold down that same button, "ENTER ENTER ENTER" gets sent to AH (eject). When I RELEASE that button, "O" gets sent to AH (Open Chute).
I'll be more than happy to send my profile to you if you want to supply your email address.. I'm still always tweaking it a bit here and there, but it might give you a good starting point so you can alter it to suit your needs.... but like I said most of my unshifted commands are unprogrammed in the software, so you'll need to set them all up from within AH.
