Aces High Bulletin Board
Help and Support Forums => Technical Support => Topic started by: LTCClark on May 30, 2007, 04:31:28 AM
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First of All, Do not use the X52 in a hub, that is not powered, or dedicated to the X52. It would be best to spend the 10 bucks and grab a PCI to USB 2.0 Card and install it in your computer to work your stick and pedals, this will increase the reaction time as well as make the stick faster to respond to your controls and through the game.
You may also want to make sure that you have enough power to power the X52. Becuase it has the fancy LED's and the MFD, it sucks a bit of power, and your powersupply has to be able to keep up with it, and everything else that is running in your computer. So either get a Dedicated Powered Hub, or Upgrade the power supply if you find that the controls are sluggish, or it has difficulty responding.
We always say, the best gaming computer is the one that you custom build, and upgrade at your financial ability. The Power Supply is one of the most important core parts of the puter that you are building, its better to have excessive power, and more cooling fans in it, then to have a whimpy power supply and you to be wanting to toss your puter in the trash after playing a game after upgrading hardware but not your PSU.
Known Issues with Aces High II
I ran into the problem of the POV hats not wanting to recognize 8 function switches, and this is due to the software not defaulting the hat switches to 8 function, as well as the inability to assign them as a seperate button using the saitek software, profile editor, you will notice the Not Enabled sign located beside each diagonal function, the only way to map this function is to assign it a seperate keystroke using a macro, or recorded keypress. Also, you will have to right click on the POV Hat and select Buttons, and Make it an 8 way instead of a 4 way POV. This should resolve this issue.
Having problems with the shift key locking on you? this is due to the pinkie switch being a shift button. Your computer recognizes it as a shift button, and this is why you have the problem, especially while working with views, and other things that already have a shift button assigned. Now we are not going to recreate the wheel here, but if it seems as though the shift button is locking when you get out of windows, and you click an icon and it selects everything within that square, or section, or you have a selecting problem with your keyboard, go to your control panel, and under accessibility options make sure that you do not have sticky keys enabled, especially under the shift, ctrl, and alt keys. Some people enable this, as a function, and i do believe that it is defaulted when you load the accessibility options under windows. which is default in XP, XP Pro, and Vista.
One more thing, if you plan on using the stopwatch function on the MFD, or Multi Function Display, you should not map these keys to any buttons, because you have to use the function to look at the stopwatch, and then reset, as well as start, stop. These buttons are mappable in other games, but I cannot think of anything that should be used to map them to in AHII, or any other game that I play.
Flaps, and Visibility Suggestions- Alot of pilots on AHII, dont like to have to use Trim Settings, However, these can be used for the knobs and thats also what they are for, but I have found that you can use the axis, as Bands, and set them up to mapped keyboard keys, for flaps, and visibility ranges, such as (in order) Ground, Short, Medium, Full, these modes will help your frame rate as you get into a dogfight, this is a very important thing because you are only as good as your gunsight, and your gunsight is only as good as your frame rate.
The mouse function, some guys like having this function setup, however you can also use it as bands, for setting up a trim setting, I have found that it is kind of difficult to get used to, but it works, and can also be used to look around the cockpit, or by enabeling, mouse look, or the SHIFT M buttons on your keyboard.
Hidden Scroll Wheel - There is a scroll wheel located just to the left of the 3rd hatswitch on the throttle, map it to whatever you like, i have mine set to zoom, becuase it has 3 functions, and the button on it being the zoom default.
The Pinkie switch - This is very useful to map 1 button to have 2 functions through use of depressing the switch and then hitting the button, IE Weapon Select Secondary as a button, and then use the same button to fire the Secondary Weapon.
2 stage trigger - Be careful with this, do not map the 2nd button to B, or global fire secondary, the reason for this is becuase this should be used to fire ALL Guns. Map this one to N if you would like to use this function.
Throttle Control and RPM. AHII automatically assigns the slider control as the throttle, and this must be changed if you want to use the authentic style throttle, I recommend using the Slider switch as RPM analog input becuase you can "feather your prop" to save fuel, as well as keep you slow on landing with full throttle, or to use as a type of engine brake without having to put forth the effort of reversing the throttle.
Toggle Switches, some want these set as Salvo settings however you must resolve the pinkie switch issue first. Toggle switches can be set to just about anything that you like, however you can double the functionality by using the pinkie switch in conjunction with them, so you get 12 functions out of 6 buttons.
Clutch Control - Pressing the clutch button does nothing for the game, and due to the fact that it is recognized as a button in windows under control panel, AHII does not recognize it as a button, This little beauty is what you can use to switch profiles on the fly, and triple or even quadruple your button functions of the X52 controller. How to do this? If you are sitting there scratching your head, simply press the button and then hit the POV 1 switch up and down, and you will see that it changes profiles. Set up a profile such as AH 1, and then make another one called AH 2, you can switch back and forth between profiles, so you can have one for vehicle, and 1 for fighter, 1 for attack, and another for bombers, or you can even have another one setup for engine control etc etc etc.
You can also set this to a latched position to momentarily switch to a different profile comletely during gameplay, and then press it again to switch back to the main profile.
How many profiles should you have?
Make as many as you like, however you must be aware that while playing AHII, you have to set one as a primary and then select between the two of them at the start of gameplay by pressing the button, and then releasing it.
This also serves as a "Whats that button again?" function. simply press it and press the button that you want to find out what it does, (if you gave descriptions when you setup your profile by renaming the macros to what function is serves) and the MFD will display the text from the profile below the Mode Indicator LCD Section.
The Mode Switch.
Since we are setting up key mappings on the controller Vehicles use their own neat little variations of throttle, gun positions, etc etc etc. So it is wise to use the mode function for switching between vehicles and bomber gunnery modes, becuase it will save you time by simply moving the position, as well as save you from hitting the keyboard and mapping the keys for mode 1 2 3 4 etc.
Getting used to the joystick.
First of all I am going to say that yes, the stick is a little fancy, and looks like something out of star trek, however it is not as forgiving as most of the sticks out there and you should not yank, jerk, and pull it around, and keep all wires away from the family pets, especially rabbits (they chew wires and you cant sweep up rolling poop). One of them once chewed through the TV Power Cable, The TV went out, and I said to my father "Dad, I think your gonna need a new rabbit". Spend a few hours and log some training time in with the new stick and get used to it. You may also want to setup the damping and scaling to move the way that you want it to, due to the ease of pulling back and such on the stick.
Some people choose not to use the joystick but keep the throttle, due to these factors.
Rudder hardness - the X52 has a rugged rudder design, and you have to nudge it a lil, and strengthen that wrist and forearm to control the rudder. Dont get any dirty ideas, the only way to get used to this is to play the game and spend a few hours in the Training Arena, or in offline mode.
It is best to get a set of rudder pedals and brakes because it gives you more control over the aircraft and also enhances the experience.
Softness of X and Y Axis - This stick is designed as an electronic equipment, it is definitely not as cheap as the MS Sidewinder, or the Logitech 3D Extreme, and it will not take the same beating, be gentle with the controls, the high position of the stick gives you the ability to rest it in your lap with a good old fashioned redneck style TV Tray, or set it up on a pedestal beside your Chair so you can get the F-16 Effect, or for some of you Grognards, and Fligh Sim Fanatics out there, you can also make your own mount for the stick to sit where it would be in the cockpit of your aircraft so you can get the realistic effect that you are looking for.
It has suction cups as well, for glass desks, and these should be used if at all possible, or if you feel that you want to void your warranty you can dissasemble it or drive some screws in place to lock it down in your contraption that you have made to hold the stick for you.
I am working on the profiles that will be able to maintain all functions of AHII in one profile, as well as a secondary for engine control etc etc. to be used in conjunction and they will be located on my website http://www.squadsites.com once they are completed.
http://www.squadsites.com
Get your squad or Clan a website
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Nice write up Clark :aok
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Nice work Clark. Do you know of a way to set the stick up fora left handed person?
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I'm left handed and use the X52 normally (i.e. as a right hander would). It doesn't cause me any problems - you get used to it pretty quickly. Most left handers develop at least a degree of ambidexterity (is that a word? :confused: ) through necessity.
I'm not aware of any way to set it up specifically for left handers. There's no way to use the stick in your left hand and throttle in your right (at least not comfortably).
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"Back in the old days, parents used to try to make left handed children right handed by binding the left hand, or tying objects into it forcing the children to use their right hand". This however did not work, and according to psychologists people that are left handed actually are born being left handed and it is a natural instict, that a person is born with and cannot be totally inadapted.
Even though this is a learned behavior and you may not very well be able to do most things right handed. It is simply muscle memory, and reflex memory that will allow you to commit to bodily memory such as riding a bike, and driving a car, to be able to fly with your right hand on the stick and left hand on throttle.
The brain computes by memory, and instinct. But learned behavour actually ovverides instinct. And its the best advice that anyone can give, is that if you notice on mostly all fighter aircraft, excluding 2 seater fighters, all the throttles are on the left side.
My best advice that I can give being the "self proclaimed" expert of the X52 Controller, and Joystick evaluator, is that you simply fly until you get used to it.
I had some trouble adjusting, and after about 100 sorties I was able to fly right with my new X52, switching from a Logitech Extreme 3D. I noticed that the axis were totally different in feel, as well as the rudder controls etc etc.
How this translates to you is that you have to overcome the left handed thinking, and its easy in this state by simply doing many maneuvers and practice, and that will ease the problem. But not only that the placement of your keyboard and throttle will help you as well.
I have the joystick up and to the right a little bit of my lap, held there by a contraption that I made.
I have the throttle directly to the left of me to where my left hand naturally rests on it, as I have buttons on the throttle that are in continual use, such as Xmit Channel, and flaps, engine, mouse, rpm, zoom, and padlock etc etc.
It took some getting used to but get your joystick away from the desk, and get your throttle to where you have to rest your left hand and fly with the stick, and do maneuver after maneuver, hit the deuling arena with a buddy to work on your gunnery skills and sight pictures and in about a week you will be totally proficient in using right handed skill.
One of the benifits of being left handed is the use of the mouse. Put the mouse right by your throttle, or at least somewhere you can get access to it without taking your hands off of the stick
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very nice indeed. I have been setting up the stick in sst with some degree of success. I have a couple areas that are sticking points in that cannot get that damn little hidden scroll wheel on the throttle to become zoom. I have set three bands to it with band 1 = zoom in, band 2 = null and band 3 =
zoom out. Not sure if this is correct.
My original intention was to map the trigger 1 to become default zoom, fire and second trigger to default zoom fire all. What happens is I zoom, Ifire a small burst and it zooms out. Hardly accurate at all. <---that is likely due to pilot error.
I am trying to get the hang of this game but I must say it is probably one of the hardest to fly. I need to figure out why my plane is a big block of iron and the ground is a big magnet, and also why my plane is a big magnet for all yall' s bullets. :lol I thought that target picture was for show.
What do you mean by "authentic style throttle?"
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Just a quick question, i use a Belkin hub that connects through my monitor and havnt noticied any issues, what kind of speed and response changes are you seeing when plugged straight into PC?
Also, i thought that i remember hearing that powered hubs were causing x52's to burn out, have you heard about this too?
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any way to use the mouse thingy on the throttle without install the saitek profile software? I cant get AH to see it in the AH setup.
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Originally posted by Eagler
any way to use the mouse thingy on the throttle without install the saitek profile software? I cant get AH to see it in the AH setup.
To use the mouse the driver has to be installed I am pretty sure. I bet you can find the driver (MS magic mouse) somewhere else, but I am not sure.
I installed the profiler and mouse software, but my mouse drifted hard left on install. I disabled it and contacted Saitek. They sent me an update that helped, but didn't cure the issue. I emailed back, and they said run the update again, haven't had time.
I hope it works, I think it will be cool to use the mouse when GV'ing...
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Originally posted by clerick
Just a quick question, i use a Belkin hub that connects through my monitor and havnt noticied any issues, what kind of speed and response changes are you seeing when plugged straight into PC?
Also, i thought that i remember hearing that powered hubs were causing x52's to burn out, have you heard about this too?
The speed of reaction time is directly relevant to the amount of USB devices that you have on the bus, or USB adapter root. IE, 1 bus contains 2 outlets, and can have a 8 port hub that will run 8 x 2 = 16 devices, granted that they are self powered, or that the PSU can provide enough power to run the devices.
I noticed once I added a PCI USB 2.0 card with 2 outlets, my response time from my controller was cut in 1/2. becuase it doesnt have to go from a hub, to a root, then to a bus.
Also it has to do with the RAM, and processing power of the computer, we all know this to be true.
The power issue, X52's burn out frequently due to Undercurrent, and overcurents becuase people dont plug these little powered hubs into a surge protector. Ask best buy home theatre specialists about surge protection, and if they are worth their salt, they will explain about when the AC unit of your home kicks on, the lights may flicker, this is a perfect example of overcurrent, and undercurrent, which causes PC's to have problems with hardware getting burned up.
Not only that but telephone lines that are plugged into your computer, or DSL modem can also have alot of problems
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Originally posted by Eagler
any way to use the mouse thingy on the throttle without install the saitek profile software? I cant get AH to see it in the AH setup.
You have to use the drivers provided with the CD that came with the joystick and install all of the software. Now if you want, you can uninstall the software profile editor after you install all of the drivers.
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Originally posted by weeges
very nice indeed. I have been setting up the stick in sst with some degree of success. I have a couple areas that are sticking points in that cannot get that damn little hidden scroll wheel on the throttle to become zoom. I have set three bands to it with band 1 = zoom in, band 2 = null and band 3 =
zoom out. Not sure if this is correct.
My original intention was to map the trigger 1 to become default zoom, fire and second trigger to default zoom fire all. What happens is I zoom, Ifire a small burst and it zooms out. Hardly accurate at all. <---that is likely due to pilot error.
I am trying to get the hang of this game but I must say it is probably one of the hardest to fly. I need to figure out why my plane is a big block of iron and the ground is a big magnet, and also why my plane is a big magnet for all yall' s bullets. :lol I thought that target picture was for show.
What do you mean by "authentic style throttle?"
Okay, now first of all, I am using the scroll wheel hardly for anything now. Due to the fact that it is pretty akward. Instead i am using the third pov hat as the zoom control, and with pinkie becomes the padlock control.
I have mapped the mouse stick on the throttle to be the map zoom in and out, as well as the brakes left and right, for taxiing, but dont use these anymore now that my foot is in the picture using the pedals.
The map zoom in feature by use of the joystick increases the time and effort needed to zoom in and out on the map.
The third pov hat that is located beside the scroll wheel i have mapped left, zoom toggle, or z , right, is zoom default, or shift z , and the up and down is [ ] .
And what i mean by authentic style throttle, look in the cockpit of a 51 d, or any other plane and you will see a little bar, located on the left of the cockpit, that moves up and down, similar to the throttle, or look at the cockpit of any fighter aircraft that is in the US arsenal, today, the throttle is always by the pilots left hand and about midway down the theigh. the stick on the F16 is forward and right side of the cockpit, and nothing is between his legs except for the nav, radios, and armament equipment.
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I find that that scroll wheel is perfect for flaps since you can throw out a notch or two or four as needed.
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Concerning lefty to righty or righty to lefty conversion:
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The lucky few that survive stroke and try to resume their life, the few that try and don't let depression rule their lives learn that their brains can be retrained just like a baby starting from scratch. I've seen people do it, even drive their car and numb all down one side. It is all about not being so damaged that one can actually do it physically and wanting it so badly that nothing will stop you to achieve your goal. Stroke can damage beyond hope.
I survived a cerebral hemorrhage in 2001 and I'm pretty good at getting shot down in here :confused:
Most you young squirts aren't even damaged goods, yet.
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I just ordered a X52 setup this afternoon. Thanks for the great writeup. Looks a little intimidating to me though, I hope I'm able to handle the setup !! I've been using various Logitech sticks for over 6 years now, and decided to get a nicer setup.
Avenger8
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Have you, or anyone esle, been able to set up the SST software with Vista? I lost the "magic mouse" and "magic keyboard" when I upgraded and I don't seem to be able to install the SST software again.
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You may want to check out the "beta" drivers and software. It, in my opinion, works much better than the standard CD software and drivers. Many more options :)
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Originally posted by iaqmya
You may want to check out the "beta" drivers and software. It, in my opinion, works much better than the standard CD software and drivers. Many more options :)
I agree, I happened upon the beta after constantly getting the BSOD (blue error screen to those that don't know) and tracking it down to the joystick drivers. I used the beta and haven't had a problem since, and prefer the beta setup.
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Dang, I hope you still read this thread. I posted this at the Saitek Forums.
My first X-52 (and all X-45 sticks I had) I could map views for a flight sim (Aces High) to the hat switch on the stick, then map a button on the throttle to look straight up. That way, I could rotate the hat switch for one set of 8 views, then hit the button on the throttle and rotate the hat switch on the stick for 8 more views.
I've recently had to replace my original X-52 because it died. (Plays the Taps)
The replacement X-52....it no longer lets me have 2 sets of views as described above. It will let me use one *secondary* view at a time, but I have to release the button mapped to *look up*, move the hat switch on the stick, then hit the *look up* button again. It no longer lets me cycle through the second set of views while holding down the *look up* button on the throttle.
I took that stick back to Best Buy thinking it was as defective as a 3 dollar bill. Same issue with the new one. This issue shows up in Windows as well, so it's not an issue with the game.
Has something been changed with the X-52 stick so that this no longer works? I tryed to use the throttle hat and the same button for the *look up* command, and that actually works in Windows. Only problem is, Aces High only recognizes that hat as a 4 way hat and not 8 way.
I don't use the profiler software since Aces High has a very nice stick mapping solution and besides, this issue is also in Windows.
Ideas? Suggestions?
*edit* btw, I would love to use the rotary switches on the throttle to adjust elevator and aileron trim. Every time I try, I only get movement one way. For example, I map one of the rotary switches to elevator trim and I can only move the elevators up. The last time I tryed to figure this out, after mapping elevator trim, my elevators were stuck in the up position, nothing I did allowed me to trim them down.
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ahhh..... beta drivers did it for me. Thank you, gentlemen:aok
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elfie,
use the sst program and you won't have any of those problems. I know the idea of programming the functions looks daunting, but it's quite easy once you play with it a bit.
I only have the axis mapped in the game, every other button is programmed through SST. Works like a charm, try it.
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Originally posted by Kami
elfie,
use the sst program and you won't have any of those problems. I know the idea of programming the functions looks daunting, but it's quite easy once you play with it a bit.
I only have the axis mapped in the game, every other button is programmed through SST. Works like a charm, try it.
Will that cure the problem in Windows as well?
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I just installed the SST program and this problem still persists in Windows:
The replacement X-52....it no longer lets me have 2 sets of views as described above. It will let me use one *secondary* view at a time, but I have to release the button mapped to *look up*, move the hat switch on the stick, then hit the *look up* button again. It no longer lets me cycle through the second set of views while holding down the *look up* button on the throttle.
This is my primary issue, I can continue using the second hat on the stick for trim tabs.
Also, I have never had to install the SST program in order to map a *look up* button on the throttle to get a second set of views while using the hat on the stick. I have used X-45 and X-52 sticks for some time now and never saw this issue before in the game or in Windows. Now 2 sticks in a row this is an issue.
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I'll need to check mine out, but there is an option that lets you apply multiple key sequences at the same time, not just one at a time i.e.
your doing this:
8 down 8 up
5 down 5 up
and it should instead look like this:
8 down 5 down
5 up 8 up
just like you'd really do it on a keyboard. I'll look in the program to see if they call a macro or something else. Either way it works great for shift buttons
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just so you know, I use the x52 and for my views i have
closest hat to thumb on j/s is my 360
hat on back of throttle is my up/down view
i hold up on throttle hat and then use j/s hat to see 360 up
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Originally posted by Kami
just so you know, I use the x52 and for my views i have
closest hat to thumb on j/s is my 360
hat on back of throttle is my up/down view
i hold up on throttle hat and then use j/s hat to see 360 up
I got the forward/up view issue figured out, I was pressing 8 and 5 (as I should have) I just wasn't pressing them at the exact same time. (I don't think I was very clear in how I was doing that)
I think you are using the same hat that I used to use for my views, the one directly in line with the perpedicular center line on the stick. That is the one that I can no longer combine with another button (in my case, the Fire D button on the throttle) to get the second combination of views. ie...back/up, back left/up etc. Interesting that either one of the other 2 hats this works.
Like I said before, my first X-52 all 3 hats did work that way. I'm wondering if I just have a bad stick? Although it would be pretty wierd if I got 2 bad sticks in a row with the same problem.
And still no answer from the folks at Saitek on the Saitek boards.
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Hey Elfie - Just picked up an X52 and had the 45 previously. Sounds like I use the hats the exact same way you do and I also am having the same problem.
The other problem I'm having is I can't map the mouse control on the throttle at all. All I can get it to do is move the cursor around with it. On the old 45 I had it set to move my veiw forward and back.
Third problem is the mode selector on the stick works like a button, I had some functions mapped to it and it worked.. Changed my screen resolution and now those controls are not working.
Going to mess with the software that came with it and see what happens as suggested by Kami
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Originally posted by MotorOil1
Hey Elfie - Just picked up an X52 and had the 45 previously. Sounds like I use the hats the exact same way you do and I also am having the same problem.
The other problem I'm having is I can't map the mouse control on the throttle at all. All I can get it to do is move the cursor around with it. On the old 45 I had it set to move my veiw forward and back.
Third problem is the mode selector on the stick works like a button, I had some functions mapped to it and it worked.. Changed my screen resolution and now those controls are not working.
Going to mess with the software that came with it and see what happens as suggested by Kami
Ya, use the SST software. The mouse is regular for me in mode 1, but mode 1 w/ pinkie it allows padlock friendly, enemies, and switching. You'd be surprised by just how much you can do with SST
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btw im really new to this game, but I used to play competition in another game and I have found that setup of controls is crucial.
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Originally posted by MotorOil1
Hey Elfie - Just picked up an X52 and had the 45 previously. Sounds like I use the hats the exact same way you do and I also am having the same problem.
The other problem I'm having is I can't map the mouse control on the throttle at all. All I can get it to do is move the cursor around with it. On the old 45 I had it set to move my veiw forward and back.
Third problem is the mode selector on the stick works like a button, I had some functions mapped to it and it worked.. Changed my screen resolution and now those controls are not working.
Going to mess with the software that came with it and see what happens as suggested by Kami
If you figure out how to get the main hat working with a button on the throttle for combo views let me know please. I still haven't figured that out.
Still no answer on the Saitek boards either, I might email their tech support and see what happens.
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Originally posted by Elfie
If you figure out how to get the main hat working with a button on the throttle for combo views let me know please. I still haven't figured that out.
Still no answer on the Saitek boards either, I might email their tech support and see what happens.
Ahhh great. I came on here hoping you had it figured out by now. I'm running into the same problem wether I use HTCs setup or Saitek's.
Also still haven't figured out how to use the mouse switch to mimic the "head position move left", head position move right" ect.... like you could do on the old 45.
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Originally posted by MotorOil1
Ahhh great. I came on here hoping you had it figured out by now. I'm running into the same problem wether I use HTCs setup or Saitek's.
Also still haven't figured out how to use the mouse switch to mimic the "head position move left", head position move right" ect.... like you could do on the old 45.
I know w/ the beta sst software u can assign the mouse emulator as a 4 way hat and assign each direction a function (head position left), not sure about the software that came w/ it though.
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Originally posted by Kami
I know w/ the beta sst software u can assign the mouse emulator as a 4 way hat and assign each direction a function (head position left), not sure about the software that came w/ it though.
Is the beta software just for windows vista? Or can it also be used for Win XP?
If it can be used for Windows XP, I just might try that and see if it helps.
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Originally posted by Elfie
Is the beta software just for windows vista? Or can it also be used for Win XP?
If it can be used for Windows XP, I just might try that and see if it helps.
I am on XP and installed the beta drivers last night after reading this post and getting the BSOD.
I will report back any issues/success'.
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Beta drivers do NOT fix this issue.
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Originally posted by Elfie
Beta drivers do NOT fix this issue.
beta drivers or beta sst?
beta drivers fix driver related bsod
beta sst is the software I use to manage the joystick. It is a newer version of the sst software and the profiles are saved as .pro instead of .dat
In it you can click the top of a box for the j/s mouse emulator and change it into quadrants instead of a regular mouse. You might be able to do that with the current sst software but I can't remember.
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Originally posted by Kami
beta drivers or beta sst?
beta drivers fix driver related bsod
beta sst is the software I use to manage the joystick. It is a newer version of the sst software and the profiles are saved as .pro instead of .dat
In it you can click the top of a box for the j/s mouse emulator and change it into quadrants instead of a regular mouse. You might be able to do that with the current sst software but I can't remember.
I wasn't getting the blue screen of death. I'm having the issue where the main hat can't be combined with any other button. SST software isn't going to fix it since the issue is in Windows and in Aces High.
I am seriously considering not buying anymore Saitek products. It isn't funny just how many Saitek sticks I have taken back to the store because they were defective right out of the box. I purposely buy them at Best Buy so I can also buy the extended warranty just because I have never had a Saitek stick last for more than 6 months.
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Originally posted by Elfie
I wasn't getting the blue screen of death. I'm having the issue where the main hat can't be combined with any other button. SST software isn't going to fix it since the issue is in Windows and in Aces High.
I am seriously considering not buying anymore Saitek products. It isn't funny just how many Saitek sticks I have taken back to the store because they were defective right out of the box. I purposely buy them at Best Buy so I can also buy the extended warranty just because I have never had a Saitek stick last for more than 6 months.
okay so you have your main j/s hat setup for 360 viewing right? And you want to press another button and then press a direction on your hat to say "look up left". Can you press the keyboard button and the hat to get the desired effect? Are you using sst software to have the joystick emulate keys or are you just using AH to program it? Do you have the hat setup in sst for the keyboard buttons or are you letting ah program it. I have my hat setup like keys i.e. hat forward in sst is key 8. Then I don't need to program ah to my j/s since the sst programs the j/s to ah keys. In other words don't program your hat thru AH, instead use SST.
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Can you press the keyboard button and the hat to get the desired effect?
Yes. However, that kinda takes away from the whole concept of not using the keyboard for anything other than text chat. Kinda hard to use the throttle while using the keyboard also. ;)
Are you using sst software to have the joystick emulate keys or are you just using AH to program it?
I've tryed both. It's not going to work in AH or SST software if it's not working in Windows (which it isn't). Control panel/Printers and other hardware/game controllers...that window that opens up......where you can test all the buttons and stuff....it doesn't work there.
I downloaded the drivers and installed them, downloaded the beta sst software also but didn't install that since the beta drivers didn't correct the issue.
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I also fired off an email to Saitek tech support, waiting to hear from them on this issue. I honestly think it is an issue with the stick itself and not Windows or my comp since the X-52 that went belly up and every previous Saitek stick before that actually worked.
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gotcha, sorry i couldn't help
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I didnt read the whole thread so forgive me if I suggest something thats been mentioned allready. I have the x52 as well with xp, I found the sst software cumbersome at best compared to my old speedkeys ch. So.. I mapped all through ah only and stayed with the original saitek driver only nothing else. To get the views you describe I use the main eight way hat and the button between the two rotaries on the throttle. Normal hat eight views, push the button which is tied to kp5 I believe and the hat and I get up left, up right, back etc.
I use a button on the upper hat on the stick to switch modes, so I have a Fighter, Vehicle, PT, and Bomber selection or four sets of controls. If I sent you my jsm file you could open it in notepad and see the configuration if that would help.
Good Luck the x52 is fine for me allthough I do think my old ch combat stick and pro throttle had a better button layout the 52 has worked flawlessly for the last 8 months.
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Eagler, had same problem i found that if i plug the X-52 in while game is runnin it will not see it, u gotta plug it in b4 and make sure the sticks have lights and r properly plugged
and u dont need 2 load the softwear
-Bigbob1
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Elfi, let me know how you make out with Tech support on your X52 “clutch” button problem. I’m having the exact same issues with my new one as well. (I also buy them from Bestbuy for the warranty).
I believe there was a post awhile back that said you have to completely remove the SST program from your pc in order to re-map the clutch button(5). I haven’t figured it out yet but found that you can map the pinky switch as your look up button and scroll through all the views as we had done previously. I’d rather have it back the old way though.
Thanks, Katsass
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I don't have any button issues, just can not reverse mode the throttle. Any ideas?:t :noid
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Originally posted by DustyR
I don't have any button issues, just can not reverse mode the throttle. Any ideas?:t :noid
reverse mode? do you mean invert the axis?
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reverse mode? do you mean invert the axis?
That is correct, I have followed all of the setup instructions, calibrated in Windows and also Aces High. The throttle op still remains in the default position that Saitek defaults it to.
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Elfie and others wanting to use clutch button:
you have gone to your icon in the taskbar, right clicked it, chose "control panel", then "mfd", then unchecked "enable clutch mode" right? Otherwise your clutch button would negate any other joystick command being sent to the game.
as for Dusty:
have you tried going into aces high options, under map controllers, then pick your throttle axis, click "advanced", then click "invert axis". Might do what I think you want it to do.
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I just bought an X-52.
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Rich46yo I just bought an X-52. Wise choice, enjoy. ;)
have you tried going into aces high options, under map controllers, then pick your throttle axis, click "advanced", then click "invert axis". Might do what I think you want it to do. Kami
Thanks for the input Kami, I've tried that done that with negative results. I have deleted the stick file & went thru the entire procedure with negative results as the stick still reverts to default throttle position. I'ave had the throttle software work correctly in past, just abit quircky this installation. :confused: :noid
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Well, I've switched my "shift" button to the actual pinkie trigger on the main stick as it was designed for. Views seem to be seamless now. However it sucks when trying to keep an eye on the plane behind you while manoeuvring. I proffered using a thumb button off the throttle for that function as it worked on the X45. So I mark this up to a slight disappointment with the X52.
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Anyone know how I get the i button on the throttle to work ?
it says button 30 in the thing but it doesnt do anything in game.
Also, can someone explain to me how to make the big E button on throttle work as this:
eject and .ef
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Originally posted by mrshiver
Nice work Clark. Do you know of a way to set the stick up fora left handed person?
Well, it's not a Saitek but it's a HOTAS for left handers (a conversion of CH Products' Fighterstick and Pro Throttle), so I thought I'd share it nevertheless:
The Lefty HOTAS (http://www.ch-hangar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3313):
(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n199/snomhf/hotas.jpg)
And yes, he also made according setup files for AHII...
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...and yes, he also can (has done already) add rotaries to the throttle ;) , either integrated:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v179/531Ghost/100_0109.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v179/531Ghost/100_0108.jpg)
or in addition:
(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n199/snomhf/piggybacktrim/piggyBackTrimSide.jpg)
(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n199/snomhf/piggybacktrim/piggyBackTrimRear.jpg)
Nothing's impossible :) ...
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Originally posted by RumbleB
Anyone know how I get the i button on the throttle to work ?
it says button 30 in the thing but it doesnt do anything in game.
Also, can someone explain to me how to make the big E button on throttle work as this:
eject and .ef
To get the "i" button to work, you have to turn off the clutch function in the control panel. If that function isn't available, you have to update to the latest drivers.
The scroll-wheel and button left of HAT 3 on the throttle will only work if you program it through the SST software.
For eject and/or .ef... again you have to use SST. Eject is easy... just program a macro for "ENTER ENTER ENTER" with a mild delay between each (.05 seconds or .1 seconds each should do -- I put an initial delay for the first ENTER as 1 second, so if I hit it on accident I have a chance to let go before it takes place). I also added in when I release the button it sends "O"... so I freefall while I hold the button in.. then the chute opens with I release it.
For .ef... again set up a macro for "/ . e f ENTER" , but you have to put a small delay in between / and . for it to work (in my case it's .1 seconds).
Good luck!
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Originally posted by DonULFonso
...and yes, he also can (has done already) add rotaries to the throttle ;) , either integrated:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v179/531Ghost/100_0109.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v179/531Ghost/100_0108.jpg)
or in addition:
(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n199/snomhf/piggybacktrim/piggyBackTrimSide.jpg)
(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n199/snomhf/piggybacktrim/piggyBackTrimRear.jpg)
Nothing's impossible :) ...
man homeboy is freaking awesome too bad im not left handed lmao
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hey skuzz any chance we can get this thread stickyed?
i just bought one and it helped me greatly.
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just to add somethign else for anyone using the sst software.
something i did that really helped me was i saved the first untitled profile beore i put anything on it then i printed it to have a blank sheet to work from.
then on a note book i went in aces high and wrote down every command i could use for my three modes im setting up (fighter, bomber, gv/gunery).
i then used the blank sheets to set my stuff up the easiest way for me.
much quicker though ill probably change it later on.
i didnt go with analog trim it was way to sensitive and didnt want to spend the extra time geting used to it so i put it on a hat. (the sticks gonna be hard enough).
i decided that since the x52 has about twice the pull length of my st290 that i could go with no scaling, so far i havent seen the nose bounce issues i was having. i am gonna scale the rudder though i like a more refined control cause its stiff and bounces me sideways with little input.
i figure after about a month or so ill be used to it and ready to go after a few da trips i can already tell its helping.
does anyone know if you can set the throttle so that at the top range of motion it kicks in wep?
could you set it in a band so that it slides up from zero to say
0..........60% then button throttle full then wep?
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Originally posted by Tigger29
To get the "i" button to work, you have to turn off the clutch function in the control panel. If that function isn't available, you have to update to the latest drivers.
The scroll-wheel and button left of HAT 3 on the throttle will only work if you program it through the SST software.
For eject and/or .ef... again you have to use SST. Eject is easy... just program a macro for "ENTER ENTER ENTER" with a mild delay between each (.05 seconds or .1 seconds each should do -- I put an initial delay for the first ENTER as 1 second, so if I hit it on accident I have a chance to let go before it takes place). I also added in when I release the button it sends "O"... so I freefall while I hold the button in.. then the chute opens with I release it.
For .ef... again set up a macro for "/ . e f ENTER" , but you have to put a small delay in between / and . for it to work (in my case it's .1 seconds).
Good luck!
Thanks, I figured the /.ef macro out but I didn't know how to do get the I working.
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not adding much here but i was having the issue of the views sticking whenever i tried using throttle button for the up view.
ive been trying to figure this thing out since wendsday. and its sunday now.
im a little dissapointed with saiteks software, i followed the advanced instructions tried everything and the views still stick.
so while im still disapointed here was my solution.
i made an empty profile.
maped my stick in ah2 im using the shift button for look up view.
then to the empty profile i made my rotaries for something else cause i dont like analog trim. (too sensitive even with scaling)
i also set up macros for the switches made the mouse hat for head positoning the mouse button for zoom and clipboard.
so i ended up with using ah2's three modes foir veh fighters and bombers.
with a combination of sst for the stuff i couldnt map in ah.
rotary 1 is my flaps rotary 21 changes vew modes in four bands.
i still like the stick its just taking some getting used to.
i dont liek that the rudder is so stiff that when ever i try to do right rudder my thumb wants to slide off the pov to the left. i think thats just a wrist strenght issue, i plan to get pedals later anyway but its gonna be a while.
other than than the stick is very smoth and fluid. had one issue where i yanked too hard into a snap stall and the stick recalibrated itself off center.
i unpluged it and it fixed the calibration. as long as im gentle with it it stays in tune.
for anyone having the veiw mode problems i recomend this fix.
and if anyone wants my maping ill post it for them.
just dissapointed that i couldnt get every ah command on the stick and throttle. but i have it to where i will only have to take my hand off my controls to cut off the engine change fuel tanks, set some salvos. delays and text chat which i rarely use. over all i like it. just not the sst.
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lol i was wondering if i coudl find a cheap stick with a twisty and take it apart add a cross bar to it screw it to something heavy and use it as rudder.
probably would be hard to use.
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Before I had an X45.. started getting a little glitchy after 2 1/2 years. I still have it in a closet. I never bothered with SST as I was able to map EVERYTHING through Aces High.
Now I have the X52 (got it two weeks ago). I've found several functions I love using, but it either wouldn't work right, or not work at all without using the SST.
With the X45 I could program the switches as buttons to perform the necessary functions, but with the X52 AH won't recognize it as anything. Also the scroll wheel and button does nothing, so SST I went!
I was a bit disappointed.. the latest SST software won't show a graphical representation of the joystick (Has something to do with Vista incompatibilities, and even though I have XP, the software is written to work with both).. so it took me some time to figure out how to use the software in chart mode.
The only thing I have programed through AH is the joystick and throttle axis. I have rudder pedals so I had programmed the twist stick to view left/right position, but that acts a bit goofy (when I release the stick view won't return to center fully.. it's always off to the left or right just a little bit, even though the numbers settle to the same exact thing everytime).. but no biggie.. it was a bit annoying anyway.
I also use the pinkie shift and it's working out great. With the X45 I didn't like using the pinkie switch because it worked great for the secondary (cannon/bomb) trigger, but since the X52 has a dual stage trigger I don't need to use the pinkie trigger like that anymore.
I have the trigger set up like this.. first stage = primary (MG), second stage = fire all (MG + CANNON). SHIFT+first stage = secondary (CANNON -OR- BOMBS, whatever is selected). SHIFT+second stage = secondary (also) so in case I pull the trigger too hard it still works.
I have the scroll button set for zoom select and the scroll wheel for zoom. Shift+Scroll button = map, and Shift+Scroll = map zoom.
The slider I use for view type... 0-33%=Internal(F1) 34-66&=Chase(F3) 67-100%=God mode(F5).
The HAT on the backside of the throttle I use for flaps (UP/DOWN) and Full/Ground detail (LEFT/RIGHT). SHIFT+HAT on the back of the throttle controls my auto pilot controls (LEFT=COMBAT(CTRLx) DOWN=LEVEL(x) RIGHT=SET TRIM(.) UP=CLIMB(or AUTO SPEED ALTx).
HAT 1 is for views, the D button on throttle for look up. Shift+D is look down. I can use those in combination with the HAT.
The i button is for WEP, SHIFT+i = damage display.
Mouse button = channel voice, Shift+mouse button = range voice.
HAT #2 (on the stick) does a variety of things. UP=Select weapon, Left/Right is for target selection (gets used rarely), DOWN is.. unprogrammed as of now... still working on things. SHIFT+HAT2 switches gunner positions (1 2 3 and 4)... still need to figure something out for planes that have more than 4 gunners.
FIRE=Bomb bay doors... SHIFT+FIRE=EJECT (and open chute when I let go)
A=Check 6, SHIFT+A=Dive Flaps
B=Gear, SHIFT+B=Tailhook
Mouse control stub thing get used for my manual trims... as does the bottom knob. Top knob is used for RPM.
My switches are used for bombsite view, calibration, .resetv (get occasional noise distortion.. driver issue i think), engines, and .ef.
It's still a work in progress though.. but it's all slowly coming together
I'm about running out of things to program. I even only have modes 1 and 2 set up so far.
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and you dont have the problem of your up veiws sticking on you?
im guessing your using the beta version of sst too im not.
:D
i may go back later and mess with it some more but i said the heck with it i ahvent played since wend and i wanna play. lol
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So Goober, you never figured out how to program the forward throttle detent to select WEP?
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Originally posted by Kami
Elfie and others wanting to use clutch button:
you have gone to your icon in the taskbar, right clicked it, chose "control panel", then "mfd", then unchecked "enable clutch mode" right? Otherwise your clutch button would negate any other joystick command being sent to the game.
You can only disable clutch mode with the latest drivers. If you don't have that option, update to newest, and you will.
The drawback to the latest version, (especially the SST software) is it does not support .dat profiles anymore... the new ones are .pr0
And there are no converters out there, so you have to rebuild your entire profile.
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Originally posted by Mace2004
So Goober, you never figured out how to program the forward throttle detent to select WEP?
nah i gave up lol
woul be cool but not necesary lol
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My X-52 setup is a little strange but Ive learned to like it. Its taken a long, long time to finagle the thing and get SST to work with AH mapping. Ive had a hard time getting 2 key press maps to work in SST so I have changed a lot of AH key mapping around to accomodate this, often changing a 2 press command to a 1 press one. I have a bomber profile, Jabo one, and fighter is #3. I have 3 AH profiles with 1 for bombers, #2 for GVs, and #3 for fighters.
My views are mapped in AH on Hat #1. I have "up" view mapped to the click wheel on my throttle. So when I want to look up left I press hat 1 left and throttle wheel in. When i want to see over my head I just press throttle wheel. A and B buttons are for auto climb/auto level. With clutch they are combat trim and film record. Hat #2 is for flaps and radio channels with clutch.
Basically I have everything mapped and fly 99% of the time without ever having to touch my keyboard.
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OK, for those of you interested I figured out not only how to map WEP to the throttle but also engine start/stop.
The way I have it now I push the throttle forward to the forward detent and I get military power (that's full, non-WEP power). Press through the forward detent and I get WEP. Back off out of the detent and I'm back in normal power. Pull the throttle aft to the aft detent and I'm at idle. Pull all the way back through the detent and the engine shuts down. Push forward and the engine starts.
The trick to this (and something I didn't know previously) was that you can set your throttle to bands and it will still provide the normal analog input for the throttle in AH while being able to assign buttons/macros for different bands. Using SST, set "throttle" to bands and add three bands. Drag the top line to the 90% setting. Drag the bottom line to 3% and the center line to 5%. Right click on the top band and select Macro. In the Macro window just type in P, click the check, name it and hit enter. Now, right click between the lower two bars (between 3% and 5%) and select Macro. Enter E, check it, name it and hit enter.
Now thats done, save the profile and load it in the controller. Start up AH and launch your favorite plane. Select controller mapping, find the throttle and select Advanced so you can see the sliders. Push the throttle up to the forward detent and back it off about 1/4 inch. Hit calibrate and pull the throttle lever back to the aft detent then accept the calibration.
OK, so what does this all do? By calibrating the throttle this way, AH will set the ranges so that you get full idle to mil power settings when you're between the detents. I start the calibration just a little bit behind the upper detent to make sure I'm always getting full military power when I'm anywhere near the detent. By using Macros, you avoid the throttle sending repeating commands which I've found will cause your system to lag. You can set a single upper band because AH will automatically deselect WEP when you reduce the throttle to below 100 percent (mil power). The narrow lower band is because you want to pass through it when pulling the throttle back to send a single "E" to shut down the engine. Then, when you push forward you go back through the band and send another "E" which starts the engine. You should play with your system a bit to tailor the calibration and position of the bands in such as way that it works best for you.
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Here's another tip for those of you with an X-52 or X-52Pro and TrackIR.
With TIR you want to select "forward view" to cage the TIR line of sight directly forward when you're firing guns or dropping bombs, otherwise the gunsight isn't accurate.
Previously I had just used POV1 to do this but I've found a great use for the two-stage trigger (and now use POV1 as a trim hat just as in real aircraft.) This is very simple to do. Map your first stage trigger (both for shifted and non-shifted states) as "8" which is forward view and map your second stage to fire. Now, just when I'm getting ready to fire I'll pull the trigger to the first stage to cage the TIR view forward, line up my shot, and pull to the second stage to fire. It's very quick and easy. You can map the second stage to let you fire all or fire secondary according to your shift key position.
This also works with GVs. Previously, I had always turned TIR off when in GV's because you can't see much from the driver and main gunner position with TIR; but, after mapping the forward view to the first stage of the trigger I got some other ideas. I've mapped macros so that when I select different positions, TIR goes on and off automatically. When I select driver or main gun, TIR goes off so I can use the stored head positions (which I've raised for the driver) or just so I'm correctly lined up with the gunsite when I'm in the main gun or hull MG position. However, when I select the Commander's position (Pintle gun) it switches on again so I can use TIR to help lookout.
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wow mace that's really awesome too bad i was to lazy to try to do the wep on the throttle thing lol totaly cool man.
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Originally posted by goober69
and you dont have the problem of your up veiws sticking on you?
im guessing your using the beta version of sst too im not.
:D
i may go back later and mess with it some more but i said the heck with it i ahvent played since wend and i wanna play. lol
No Goober, no problems with it sticking at all.
I installed the latest driver... the beta isn't available anymore so I think they made it official.. which is what I have.
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cool maybe ill get it
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mace i did the thing with the wep on throttle it works really well, solves the problem of me forgetting to turn wep off.
either of you ever have the problem of the stick recalibrating itself off center?
it hasn't happend to me since the second day.
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Originally posted by goober69
mace i did the thing with the wep on throttle it works really well, solves the problem of me forgetting to turn wep off.
either of you ever have the problem of the stick recalibrating itself off center?
it hasn't happend to me since the second day.
Yes, I had this problem. I had both an X45 and X52 previously and had no problems like this but, after about two years I had some minor problems with the X-52 (slider was spiking) so returned it Best Buy (gotta love the extended warranty) and brought home a brand new X-52. It had several problems including the self-recalibrating so took it back and managed to get a refund from BB and put that to a new X-52Pro. Haven't had a single issue with this. I'm guessing that it could be your stick but first try installing the latest drivers and see if that fixes it.
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you guys are great lol
:D