Author Topic: Saitek X-36 USB keymapping (Read 689 times)

Replicant · « **on:** July 12, 2000, 07:42:00 PM »

Hi

Just bought the X-36 combo and spent most of the night trying to sort a few problems with it. I downloaded RangerBobs profile and tweaked a few settings. The main problem I am having is with the main hat control. Even with the setup by RangerBob I can't get it to operate properly when in F8 Pan mode and even snap view is irratic. I remapped the keys several times but still no joy. In the end I just set it to a 8 way hat in the profile setup but that's without setting a key command. It will then work in AH but only in the F8 Pan mode. In the end I had to remap actually in AH to get the hat working properly but as it works fine in pan, I now can't get the rear view in snap! Hmm...

Would mapping in AH conflict too much with the profile setup?

I am also having problems with the actual dead band/dampening setup. No matter what I set it too the stick still isn't reacting as well as my old MS PPro - e.g. the roll in the Fw190a5 isn't anything special with my new stick!!

Help! I don't want to go back to my old stick just yet!

'Nexx'

RangerBob · « **Reply #1 on:** July 12, 2000, 08:51:00 PM »

I had all sorts of problems in the beginning trying to get that 8 way hat working. I mean I spent days on it. Finally, I found that if I left AH alone and just entered each view command in the Saitek setup profile it worked great in snap mode.

I don't use the pan mode as I find it too slow to quickly look around.

The only thing I can suggest is to reset AH keymapping to its default for those views and then use the profile. The profile is just sending keyboard commands, so if your keyboard commands work for views they should work fine on the stick. The problem might be coming from a remapped AH.

Hope you get it worked out.

Ranger Bob

DrSoya · « **Reply #2 on:** July 12, 2000, 11:30:00 PM »

If you use RangerBob's profile, maybe you should unmap (clear) all joystick buttons in AH setup. That's what I did to make sure I got what I wanted.

I wanted the views to work as they did with my old SW 3D Pro though. I had programmed two buttons on the base for Up and Down view. RangerBob's profile only uses the Up view on the Pinkie switch.

I use the pinkie switch for Zoom instead, and the Launch button as autotrim level. I'm more comfortable using my left thumb for Up/Down views, so I use the mouse hat switch as 4-way (instead of autotrim). I programmed Up/Down position for the Up/Down views, and Left/Right for zooming in and out. This takes some getting used to though.

(I'm considering programming the mouse hat as 8-view and map the supplementary positions as Up/Down plus Zoom In/Out combinations so I still have the command I want when I fall between the 4 main positions.)

In order for this to work, I had to program the main hat switch on the stick as POV instead. I remapped the Views in AH setup to the hat switch positions. (I ended up deleting most of RangerBob's views commands in SGE setup since I don't use them anymore.)

I also programmed the pinkie switch as an action key instead, so there is no pinkie switch mode.

If you program the main hat switch as POV, you would need to program the pinkie as an action key in order to get Up views.

Either way, everything works fine on my end.

As for the feel of the stick, you're right, Microsoft SideWinder joysticks are a lot more sensitive, but I think they're more sensitive than all the other joysticks. I don't think it's with the damping and deadband you have to play with though if you want to increase the joystick response, but with the other sliders.

I have yet to experiment with those.

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DrSoya
308 (Polish) Squadron "City of Cracow" RAF [AH]
315 (Polish) Squadron "City of Deblin" RAF [WB]
Part of the Northolt Wing (First Polish Fighter Wing)

[This message has been edited by DrSoya (edited 07-12-2000).]

Replicant · « **Reply #3 on:** July 13, 2000, 06:51:00 PM »

Thanks...

I managed to get my 8 POV switch sorted out, though had to do it through AH.

The only thing I can't get to work is the Throttle 'D' button to transmit on Roger Wilco. I've tried alsorts of different keys and setting in RW and AH.... anyone got an idea?

'Nexx'

[This message has been edited by Replicant (edited 07-13-2000).]

danish · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2000, 03:57:00 AM »

Replicant:
hmmm I have the standart T setup on the D fire button (use RangerBob's standart for this one) - works ok here.

Untill now I have only been able to fiddle a little with the programming, as I have to be a family man for a couple of weeks (darn I hate holydays heh..), but at least for the View's I have to do some reprogramming.One of the first things I have done so far is to add the "lean out and look back" views - so far positioned at the Stick Fire A&B buttons.

Have taken a few sorties so far: all I can say that its an all new experience.Ie being a Sidewinder man I have to *think* rudder before I can use it: will sure take some time to get used to..

danish

RangerBob · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2000, 10:50:00 PM »

I had the same problem with my stick and found others reporting this problem. No matter how I programmed or remapped it the only key I could get to work consistantly was Aces High's "T" key. As a result I left the standard "T" key as the programmed transmit key.

As far as adding the "lean out and look back views" I'm not sure why you would have to add them to my profile? I already have the look back key, and I have setup and saved head positions for each plane I fly with the pilot leaning out and looking around.

As a result looking back will now have the pilot lean out, up , and back. Use the arrow and page up keys during your views while sitting on the runway. Position your head so it's just right for each and every view. Then save the head position. Do this for each plane you fly.

After you save this head position every time you look in a certain direction you will get that particular head position view.

I would think you would want to save the fire A and B buttons to fire different ordinance such as bombs, guns, or rockets etc rather than use such valuable keys as an extra view key.

Ranger Bob

Replicant · « **Reply #6 on:** July 15, 2000, 04:47:00 AM »

Hi

I guess the most useful button setup is the trim adjustment on the 4-way hat switch on the throttle! Already it's saved me a couple of times - thanks RangerBob! Additionally in Mode 3 setup (got it setup for Vehicles) I have mapped the up/down part of the 4-way hat to change gear on vehicles.

I will have to retry the 'T' button and see if I can get it to work. I have the throttle D set to the Map now. As I don't have rudder pedals I had to use the rudder toggle for that but it's pretty sensitive and landing/taking off is one hell of a challenge! In helping me take off I've changed the top rotary to the rudder trim.

Regards

'Nexx'

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[This message has been edited by Replicant (edited 07-15-2000).]

RangerBob · « **Reply #7 on:** July 15, 2000, 10:56:00 PM »

Thanks,

You might want to note that in Mode 3 for vehicles the rudder flapper on the throttle I have programmed to set flaps in planes is set to switch the gears in vehicles. One way is up and the other is a downshift.

I try to keep all operating keys such as gears, flaps, wheels etc on the throttle and reserve the stick hats for views and positions.

Testing indicated that when you mix them there is a chance for costly errors in combat such as hitting a hat to look and finding something else going on just because you forgot to change the mode key or something.

Ranger Bob

DrSoya · « **Reply #8 on:** July 16, 2000, 12:27:00 PM »

For RogerWilco, I use F12.

I found that F11 and F12 don't have any functions assigned to them.

F12 on my X35 D button works fine.

------------------
DrSoya
308 (Polish) Squadron "City of Cracow" RAF [AH]
315 (Polish) Squadron "City of Deblin" RAF [WB]
Part of the Northolt Wing (First Polish Fighter Wing)

danish · « **Reply #9 on:** July 16, 2000, 07:58:00 PM »

RangerBoB:
I guess Its only natual that one fiddels with a setup to meet personal tastes.Fx being a "light" man 100% of the time, I simply dosnt need to be able to change between loadouts ect.

Another thing is I like the "Quickview" (cant remember whats its called, but comes with F9), but the "lean-out-and-look-views" only goes with F7 (and F8?).Further more I like the "lean-out-and-look-back" both to the left and right side - a thing that cannont be obtained on the same button without the Pinkie Shift (or mode shift, or...) if I understand things right.

I also like The direct views set up a little different - that also comes from nothing more than habit.

Also I try to press the Web, the autopilots + the flaps over on the more robust and handy hats and buttons of the joystick (am a *little* dissapointed with the ergonomics of the throttle).I have noticed that some people dosnt use the flaps quite as much as I, but I like to have them handy ;=)

To summarise: I dont think a JS setup is "right" or "wrong", but it can be a *very* good proposal: and that is what I think your setup is.

BWT if u guys havnt tried it yet go http://www.saitekhelp.com/ and get the the utility StickTest.Very handy.

danish

PS: Im not finished yet: far from it ;=)

[This message has been edited by danish (edited 07-16-2000).]

RangerBob · « **Reply #10 on:** July 17, 2000, 05:23:00 PM »

Danish,

I'm glad you provided a bit more information about the view problem trying to lean out and look back. I think you either have some sort of a bug problem, or aren't saving your head positions.

I checked again to make sure I wasn't confused, but confirmed that I can lean out and look back using the F7(Snap) or F9(Instant) keys. The F8(Pan) view is obviously not good for this as it's a panning mode. I had no problem at all, and in fact I have these positions saved such that when I hit look back on the hat I lean out and look back using either the F7 or F9.

Try using my basic profile without making changes. Keep your personal preference profile to change back to, of course, and name mine something different. Then just look back with the hat. Now hit the page up and the arrow keys that are NOT on the number pad while you are holding the view hat button back. This will move your head around. Get to where you like it and hit F10 to save that position. It will go there every time you hit the back view on the hat.

I save positions for every single view, with and without the pinkie switching for upper views, and even when I use the keyboard to look down and around leaning outside the plane. It should work for you.

As for my profile I certainly expect folks to change it to their personal preference. It was designed as a good start for those who just purchased the x36 and need to get going. Some like it just the way it is, and others make many changes. Use it anyway you like. What's right for you is what is correct.

Hope you get that lean out and look back view.

Ranger Bob

milnko · « **Reply #11 on:** July 18, 2000, 07:20:00 AM »

A good site for X-36 help is

HELP

------------------
CyberPilots have bigger Joysticks
BANDITS ON MY SIX!!!!

<< MILENKO >>
ACES HIGH ASSASSINS Website
WB/AH ASSASSINS Website

danish · « **Reply #12 on:** July 21, 2000, 03:01:00 AM »

RangerBob:
thx for your answer, has been a few days now since I checked (holydays!) therefore the late reply ;=)
Last time I changed my view setup (on the old Sidewinder) was when around the late beta stages, so frankly I have forgotten most of the possibilities.
Anyway I use 3 "backviews", 1 directly back, 2 leaning (left & right).The first come in handy in planes like the 109, and you get it promptly in contrast to the short delay when leaning.
(here could be the time to squeak on the 6-view of the Fw in contrast to the Spit (on par) and the Messy + Pony (better\much better) but Ill let that one pass..)

PS: what milnko said, good page!

danish

Beegerite · « **Reply #13 on:** July 21, 2000, 07:46:00 PM »

Bingo Replicant;
I can't program the damn mouse fire button to rw. I tried everything and zippo. Will need to try F12 which I believe Dr. Soya suggests below.
Beeg
P.S. I have a USB keyboard could that be the problem?

Quote

Originally posted by Replicant:
Thanks...

I managed to get my 8 POV switch sorted out, though had to do it through AH.

The only thing I can't get to work is the Throttle 'D' button to transmit on Roger Wilco. I've tried alsorts of different keys and setting in RW and AH.... anyone got an idea?

'Nexx'

[This message has been edited by Replicant (edited 07-13-2000).]

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[This message has been edited by Beegerite (edited 07-21-2000).]

RangerBob · « **Reply #14 on:** July 22, 2000, 10:38:00 PM »

I've found the END key to be the best one to program for Roger Wilco transmit. Ripsnort gave me this tip. Make sure you map it, set it in the profile, and make sure it's set in Roger Wilco.

My profile naturally uses the default T key set by Aces High,, because I expect new pilots to be downloading the profile. A new pilot could get confused trying to set up the profile with Roger Wilco and finding the default transmit changed.

Danish,
I have every single view in every plane set and saved with a heads up lean out and look. For instance in the F4u there isn't a very good 6 rear view. So I hold the rear view hat back and using those arrow and page up keys I positioned my head to be looking back, up , and out the left side of the plane instead of just looking at the rear set rest. Set it to look out the rear side in the direction you might turn the most due to engine torque.

In a B26 I lean out the side windows for the side views etc etc...

Use the head position and head save (F10) for every view on every plane, even if they aren't programmed on your stick and your just using the keyboard.

By the way I don't experience any short delay when leaning in any views??

Ranger Bob