My X52 often needs recalibration

[Fud]

My X-52 is about 3 months old and it often needs recalibrating. I had it connected to a powered USB and all of the LED's and the MFD back light turned off and it still has issues.
   Soooooo, I nixed the powered USB and connected the stick directly to the back of the computer and that seemed to work.....for a bit. Some of the players in the DA suggested  unplugging/replugging and jiggle the stick a bit to "reset" it. (I have done this in the past and it has worked sometimes. While the map controller was displayed, I could see the numbers twitch all over the place). In some cases, it gets so bad that the auto pilot can't be set before I can start calibrating. I will be in the middle of a dogfight or even flying straight and level and the lower hat switch LED will blink once. I guess thats the warning light that something has gone awry.
I am also running Windows XP....

Any suggestions, tips?

Thanks,
Fudmukkr

[morfiend]

Fud,


  the cord that connects the throttle to joystick is often the reason for loss of calibration.

 What I did was use a set of splitring plyers and spread the sheild that surrounds the pins to make it hold in postion better.This basically tightens the conection,you dont need "splitring" plyers to do this the just work well and I own a pair.
   There a split in the sheild and you could insert any small screwdriver,nail etc. into it to spread the  sheild slightly.Once you've done that you could use some tape or stickyputty or the like to help hold it in place but if done correctly you really shouldnt have anymore problems as long as you "powered" hub is good.


  CAUTION:  please be careful to not break or bend the end conector,however they can be readily bought at any electronics store.

  I dont recall the type on conector,PS2 maybe.....

 Give this a try and report back if the issue persists or not.


        Hope that helps!


   

[Fud]

Thanks morfiend ...I just checked my connectors and they are lacking the split in the connector. It's a solid piece with indents for proper orientation into the base of the stick. Maybe slightly deforming the shield for a better friction fit and then some sticky putty etc?

I will see what happens with this and get back to ya...Thanks for ur help..<S> Fud

[Tigger29]

Yes it's a male-to-male PS/2 cable.  Monoprice has them for like a buck and some change:

[100Coogn]

 I used an extra ethernet cable I had laying around myself.  Cut the ends off and plugged throttle & joystick to the corresponding holes.
"I do not recommend this."  All I know is it works for me.  Never lost calibration since then. 

  Coogan

[morfiend]

Fud,

  I looked at my old X52 and your right,there isnt a split as I thought but if still just spread the sheild slightly it will make a snug fit. I had my wires held inplace with wireclips so they didnt/couldnt move,once you have a snug fit try securing the wires as best as posible.

  A chicken strap and some tape will do wonders!! Be sure to use a good powered usb hub that plugs into the wall and that should solve most of your problems.

  I often unplugged my x52 and I rarely had to calibrate it,once I had the powered hub I dont think I ever recallibrated the stick for a couple of years....



  Hope this helps,I know it cane be frustrating to say the least.



     

[badhorse]

I've had this problem too. I wrote Saitek support and this is what they said to do. It looks complicated but if I can do it anyone can.  The following is quoted from their response.

Unplug the controller, click Start>Run, type regedit and click OK. In the Registry Editor browse to the following folders in order:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SYSTEM
CurrentControlSet
Control
MediaProperties
PrivateProperties
Directinput

And delete the VID_06A3&PID_0255 folder. Plug the controller back in, rotate and twist the stick fully a couple of times and see if that has fixed it.

End of quote.

This has worked for me everytime.

[bignasdy]

I tried all that, but there is no 0255 there, or anywhere on my computer....>?
d

[Fud]

Same here...no 0255 file..btw "worked for you every time"...does this mean it happens more than once and fixing it requires regedit? <S>

[badhorse]

That folder has been there when ever I've looked.  I'm running Windows XP. Maybe that makes a difference, I'm not sure. I know I have to scroll down a ways but the folder has always been there.
I've had to do that procedure four or five times. I think I switched to the X52 back in 05 or 06. 
If the rest of the folders were there, I don't know why the VID_06A3&PID_0255 wouldn't be.