[NEW] Saitek X-55 Rhino H.O.T.A.S.

[FuriousMeow]

The three modes are only usable with the programming software. Otherwise you are limited to a single mode using in-game control assignments because the modes don't modify the button IDs. Button 3 is button 3 no matter what mode the knob is set to, so the game software has no idea that the stick is in a different mode - only the programming software can do that.

[Nage]

I have an X55 coming next month. Will it be possible to use the in game controls in the 3 modes? I looked over the saitek software which I used some years ago. The new sims ingame controls, especially the COD axis section are very nice and easier to program. Please give me opinions... Thanks

What happened to your VKB Mamba?

[germanicusbradleydog62]

Hola Tikvic...I have a friend who says he looks at the walls in his house..at his diplomas, awards, photos with famous people..and in wonder asks himself..how did I do that? No joke. I wonder at my 43 years as a dentist! Now I have to stop and think if I had breakfast and fed my dog. The Black Mamba is excellent and I am not up to it..so I sold it. Then decided as I have a x52 Pro for some years to have another go at it! I do not use CEM etc but do enjoy the sims very much as I love history especially BoB. I can get help with X55 and command software here easily. The sims are a way for me to keep active and work my memory. Get the Mamba by all means..it is a treat and a delight! Cheers.

[Nage]

Hola Tikvic...I have a friend who says he looks at the walls in his house..at his diplomas, awards, photos with famous people..and in wonder asks himself..how did I do that? No joke. I wonder at my 43 years as a dentist! Now I have to stop and think if I had breakfast and fed my dog. The Black Mamba is excellent and I am not up to it..so I sold it. Then decided as I have a x52 Pro for some years to have another go at it! I do not use CEM etc but do enjoy the sims very much as I love history especially BoB. I can get help with X55 and command software here easily. The sims are a way for me to keep active and work my memory. Get the Mamba by all means..it is a treat and a delight! Cheers.

LOL germanicus, I just hope I will be here with your age and play sims (thus Im not that far away as im very close to 40 hihi)! kudos tu you

I was asking because I was wondering what you didnt like with Mamba....

And just to be on topic. If you liked X52pro you will certaintly be thrilled with X55 as it is better in almost all aspects.

Edited March 14, 2014 by tikvic

[FuriousMeow]

Do the toggle switches on the throttle send two inputs, one per position?

If so, how do you guys handle something like say cockpit lights which work off a 1 button toggle.

 

Yep, the toggles are essentially two separate buttons. There's a few single press buttons, but generally what I do is keep things close together. I don't use hats for looking around so I use a single hat for all lights. Each hat direction is a different set of lights. In RoF two hats are used for the flare guns, side arm, shooting one or the other, and holstering them. Toggles I assign two items that are close to each other, or to switch engine control from engine 1 to engine 2, etc.

Edited March 14, 2014 by FuriousMeow

[JG27_Chivas]

I've just started to have programming issues with COD, especially the Trigger assignment no longer being seen.  I haven't programmed the stick for BOS yet.

[A_S]

I came to the conclusion that madcatz software is bugged. The bug presents itself as an input-interval flaw.

Explanation:

The x52pro used with Saitek SST software generates the same type of inputs (emulated) as one would expect from pressing the keyboard itself.
The delay of follow-up inputs and the speed of those are usually adjustable under > window control manager > keyboard - and the x52pro with SST (saitek)
generates the same intervals (if button is pressed and hold) as the keyboard itself. So the emulation is accurate , with a little delay after first input and a controled speed for follow-ups (like: L "little dealy" LLLLLLLLL)

The x52pro used with MADCATZ software (latest driver/software for x52pro after "takeover" by MadCatz) generates false and random insanely rapid input intervals not respecting the windows settings. It is noticeable if one presses a button on the stick, which emulates
a key or a letter. THAT letter (or emulated input) will be written in excessive speed without ANY !! delay from the first "letter" to the following ones. (like: LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL - no delay at all and insanly fast repetition)

The X-55 used with MADCATZ H.U.D software produces the same faulty results as the x52pro with the MADCATZ H.U.D software.

CONCLUSION: Error or bug in MadCatz software series !!!

I have tested this with:

2 different HOTAS (x-52 pro and X-55 Rhino).
2 different softwares (SST saitek by Smart-Technology and H.U.D Profiler by Madcatz)
2 different keyboards (Corsair K30 and Cherry IBM standart) plugged to the computer in order to exclude probable keyboard caused errors.



The HOTAS X-55 ITSELF produces accurate INPUTS !! but the H.U.D profiler or keybaord-input-emulation is BUGGED - most definitly.

(same text as above has been sent to MadCatz via ticket)


I hope they fix it. I applied a ticked describing the problem.

The current situation forces us to "skip" the keyboard emulation with all its benefits like MODES or SHIFT-ings of buttons via PINKY or D or other buttons and to assign everything direclty in the game itself - bummer if you ask me, big time.

What IS nice though, is that SHIFT-ing keys can be individually choosen (either pinky of D or something else).
What is NOT nice, is that SHIFT-ers on the stick dont apply to the thruttle buttons like the X52pro could do. Nor does the SBK (slider-switch) work as SHIFT-er on the thruttle.

 

I dont use the Profile at all although i used it in the X52pro. Meanwhile i link the buttons via DX directly into the game (much better infact).

 

PS: Their customer serivice is a "fooling at best".... i could explain why from many sources..but lets not go there..its already talked about in the bms forums.

 

 

NOW TO THE STICK

 

I have to say, that im very disapointed from Saitek/Madcatz:

Whereas the HOTAS system itself (the outside, the buttons, the case etc etc) are actually really sweet and qualitative "ok", the inside is an "insult" !!!

Cheap miniature plastics (joint mechanics or gimbals) used for millimetric precission tasks, which randomnly off-center just due to the nature of the built....  bah!

This is due to the fact, that the "hat" which carries the magnet is just plugged over the main shaft and not fixated to it (see pic where can cables come out). Becuase the stress it sometimes shakes a tiny bit and that über-accurate sensor registers it as off-middle centering resulting is a non-centering -especially in teh x axis.

If one uses deadzone its ok, but anyways the machanical solution is a "joke" ..seriously ..and deadzone should be options..not fixes.
This is the last time i bought Saitek, period.. afterh having had 5 stick from them now. In future only custom sticks.
I am fed up with that BS they sell on the mainstream market for high prices (X65 and Warthog, stock cougar included). It truly appears, that if one wants a really relyable good stick... only custom modification solve the problem aka.. keep the outside...fix the inside or really custom builts or mods.
Not to forget the bugged HUD software .. pfff.
This could have been a GREAT joystick if the engineers would have dedicated a little bit more passion into detail, but i assume this is a product FROM "not so much flyers". Moneymaking is not priority in this genre ... simmers are no arcadian fools !!! I am not an engineer, but even i can do better than that..seriously.
Honeslty, because 5-6-7 year old sticks or or even a 50$ VKB Cobra M5 has much better mechanics than this thing. They should have safed the money on something else, but not on the parts WHICH MATTER MOST (mechanics to sensoric and poties).

 

I qualify the interior as a "game toy build", but NOT as a pro HOTAS system

Meanwhile i am  replacing the crapy shakey 4x4cm tiny plastic cross joint:

 

with a 100% CNC metall-made double-bearing swashplate from a RC chopper

 

 

similar to this picture (not the same):

 

 

I even went couple steps further:

- the axis-joint (cross) had millimetric freespaces causing one axis to shift (move of center) .. which showed in random center issues (especially with that über-precise sensor) in the HUD software - fixed with CNC swashplate.
- the bottom of the shaft has a counter cylinder (with the magnet on top of it) which is just pressed over the main shaft carrying one axis. as it is just pushed over and not glued to the main shaft, it also had random millimetric "shakings" - fixed (superglued new retainer on the bottom side of the shaft)
- the main shaft was very tight to the sliding cone under the spring without any clearance, what caused friction in the feel while the cone had to slide along the shaft - fixed .. drill-polished the shaft and greased with PTFE special grease..now the feel is smooth as silk.
- the pinky-switch button was kinda burried into the stick which makes it sometimes hard to "feel" or press it with the insdie of the little finger - fixed . superglued an increased (button) on top of it.
- the cables from the grip down to the elecs were kinda shitty - fixed, replaced with better ones.
- the MODE 1,2,3 switch on the thruttle was  loose !! O.o.. - fixed ..tightened the screw and fixed with fixation.

 

 

My recommendation:

 

Save your money and dont buy it... UNLESS you have solid modifications for it or at least the intent to modify the interior.

Edited March 17, 2014 by A-S

[Sokol1]

Do the toggle switches on the throttle send two inputs, one per position?

If so, how do you guys handle something like say cockpit lights which work off a 1 button toggle.

X-55 switches are not "toggle" - ON-OFF or ON-OFF-ON - they are "momentary" - (ON)-(ON) - have a spring that force return to center when released.

 

If used to turn cockpit lights, is need move Up to ON and move Up again to OFF - since down is a different button (awkward... but despite DCS most games dont handle well real "toggle" switches, his command table are most in 1 press key/button - like the cockpit light example).

 

Sokol1

Edited March 17, 2014 by Sokol1

[Warpig]

Ugh... I pre-ordered this thing from Amazon. At the time of purchase it said release will be April 2nd. I checked agian today and the release date has been changed to May 1st.

[VR-DriftaholiC]

X-55 switches are not "toggle" - ON-OFF or ON-OFF-ON - they are "momentary" - (ON)-(ON) - have a spring that force return to center when released.

 

If used to turn cockpit lights, is need move Up to ON and move Up again to OFF - since down is a different button (awkward... but despite DCS most games dont handle well real "toggle" switches, his command table are most in 1 press key/button - like the cockpit light example).

 

Sokol1

 

Would be nice if developers added a check box for "hold" and "toggle" to each input similar to a first person shooter and the aim down sights option. You could then set them to "hold" and the lights (for example) would be on only when the button is held down (or switched on).

Edited March 28, 2014 by driftaholic

[Rederick]

Question for you folks who have bought the X-55 and are using it.  I am fan of most flight oriented games, i would have to say this this will be my first sim that I have gotten deeply into.  Most other games I have played are less sim like, Warthunder for example.   I always liked the the Original iL-2, but it was hard to get into as I discovered it several years after its release and it felt very dated by that point.  Nothing against the game itself as I know it holds a very high standard around the flight community and it is what made me so excited to see that BoS was announced. 

 

Anyways enough history, my main point to this post is trying to figure out this..  Will the X-55 disappoint me?  I am not a hard core flight simmer. I have been using my old Logitec Xtreme 3D forever, and its just not cutting it for me in BoS.  Its hard to tell when people review the X-55, such as A-S who seem very disappointed by it.  I cant tell if most of these problems will go unnoticed or wont have any real impact on the more average flyer like myself.  I completely understand his frustration with it, but not sure if I will feel disappointed by it myself, or will it still feel like a great upgrade from my current situation.

 

The x-55 seems to me a great price point for what I am looking to spend to upgrade my old JS and finally dive into some real flight sim action with a proper setup.  I dont want to feel like i threw away $200!  I probably didnt phrase this question concisely enough but hopefully this gets the point across.. Thanks guys for reading anyways.

[Sokol1]

 

The x-55 seems to me a great price point for what I am looking to spend to upgrade my old JS and finally dive into some real flight sim action with a proper setup.

 

It's the point,  for  this "price" ~200$ range,  what you get is "plastic", even for ~400$ you get plastic in some important non visible parts... Unless you buy from "East side of Crimea", from VKB - what dont mean "no plastic", but plastic in visible parts, no critical parts.

 

Sokol1

Edited April 2, 2014 by Sokol1

[Rederick]

It's the point,  for  this "price" ~200$ range,  what you get is "plastic", even for ~400$ you get plastic in some important non visible parts... Unless you buy from "East side of Crimea", from VKB - what dont mean "no plastic", but plastic in visible parts, no critical parts.

 

Sokol1

I didnt really mention anything about plastic vs non-plastic parts.  And definitely dont expect a full metal joystick at this price.  Im more concerned about it feeling worth the $200, and noticeably more precise/stable in the air than my 35$ logitech.

[Sokol1]

 noticeably more precise/stable in the air than my 35$ logitech.

 

Yes, you will notice this.

 

Logitech 3D (and most of entry level josytick) use "0,10$" potentiometers - that wear with use, better explained here:

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=883109&postcount=7

 

On X-55 are contact less sensor - same kind used in Warthog - on X, Y with more resolution, this give you more precise corrections, specially during aim.

 

Obvious use better sensor with bad gimbal material (A.S. point) dont improve much, but better than a cheap pot on cheap gimbal is.

 

I suggest you get this utility for joystick test - Joytester2, work in similar way to Fox Joystick Analyzer, that can be used too (look on download page of Thrustmaster):

 

The first of donwload links here: http://www.joysticks.ru/files/

 

Open then and move your stick in circular movement trying draw a spiral without reach the physical limits of the axis movement (that make the spiral more square).

Better the joystick electronics  - and gimbal  mechanism - more precise the spiral.

 

For comparison X-55 test:

 

http://imageshack.com/a/img607/1457/p245.jpg

 

Obvious the "hand of tester" factor acts on result, but this give you a reference other than subjective opinions.

 

Sokol1

Edited April 3, 2014 by Sokol1

[Sokol1]

A better X-52 Joytester, done by A-S, with gold spring.

 

http://i60.tinypic.com/21j589e.jpg

 

Sokol1

Edited April 3, 2014 by Sokol1

[Rederick]

Thanks for sharing the links on the tester, i did a few tests with the precision tester, doesnt look too pretty. I tried to do slow controlled circles.  The black area in the lower middle left is there it likes to center.

 

Looks pretty bad but i imagine they get much worse?

 

 

[Nightstalker]

I have been having an issue since I purchased this HOTAS four weeks ago.

 

I'm wondering if anyone else is having the same issue. My stick has worked well since purchasing 4 weeks ago accept for the fact the thing groans like an old board with a loose nail in it.

My throttle did not calibrate the first day I purchased it. Not in the HUD or in windows. Numerous removals of drivers and software and restarts. The next day, it calibrated in windows

and then showed up and calibrated in the HUD software. It worked great for a week and then the next weekend bam, no throttle again. Unable to calibrate in windows or in HUD software.

Fought with it for hours, same thing, drivers removed/installed and numerous restarts. The next day it suddenly worked again and was able to be calibrated. Worked great for 2 weeks.

 

Yesterday morning I was flying and having a good time. Got up to get a coffee and returned to the computer and mysteriously no throttle anymore. Unable to calibrate in windows and unable

to calibrate in HUD software. No circle appears in the axis calibration.

 

I have contacted SAITEK and I get the usual remove drivers, reinstall drivers step by step instructions which do nothing accept waste hours that I should be enjoying flying.

The throttle appears in the windows controller setup but you can't calibrate it. I have noticed if you turn the lights right down on the HUD slider you will normally still have a light on

the throttle indicating which mode switch position you are in. That light is not on now.

 

Is anyone else having problems with the throttle not calibrating? Very frustrated!

[Nightstalker]

I'm plugged directly into my pc. I actually took the time to install the software and drivers on my laptop which is win 7 64 bit like my desktop. Same problem. I think the throttle is just plain defective. I can't figure anything else out that would just cause it to stop working. I really have enjoyed this HOTAS when it has worked. Unfortunately this is the 3rd weekend out of four weeks I've owned it that I've spent more time trying to fix it than actually enjoying it. I fear I will have to ship it to Saitek and wait weeks to get it back. Not an impressive start!

[Bassly]

Few months have now passed since first ones got the stick. What's the current feeling with the springs, has the center gotten loose? Any other flaws, malfunctions or broken parts?

Edited April 19, 2014 by Bassly

[Panzerlang]

I'm plugged directly into my pc. I actually took the time to install the software and drivers on my laptop which is win 7 64 bit like my desktop. Same problem. I think the throttle is just plain defective. I can't figure anything else out that would just cause it to stop working. I really have enjoyed this HOTAS when it has worked. Unfortunately this is the 3rd weekend out of four weeks I've owned it that I've spent more time trying to fix it than actually enjoying it. I fear I will have to ship it to Saitek and wait weeks to get it back. Not an impressive start!

 

Try plugging the throttle into a powered usb hub, it could be a lack of power causing the issue.

[[TWB]classypax]

Here are some pics of it compared to a X-52.  The travel distance of the X-55 is less in both stick and throttle of the X-52.

 

And here is a setup pic. 

 

[dartuil]

Is the X-55 solid or very weak?

Thinking getting one

[[TWB]classypax]

Is the X-55 solid or very weak?

Thinking getting one

Feels more solid than the X-52, but I may be being fooled by the "new stick" feeling.

Edited April 23, 2014 by paxpaxfounder

[dartuil]

More solid?

Can you post gameplay?

Edited April 24, 2014 by dartuil

[[TWB]classypax]

More solid?

Can you post gameplay?

Like better construction over the X-52.  And the sensor is more accurate than the X-52 as well.

[[TWB]classypax]

Here is an updated pic of it. 

 

[dartuil]

Nice

[kestrel79]

I have a similar Obutto setup Pax, lookin good!

[JG27_Chivas]

I haven't used the stick much, but the profiling software hasn't worked well.   Its relatively easy to make profiles, but having them actually work in the game can be hit and miss.  I don't have time to see what the issues are, and have started avoiding the X55 profiling software, and just program the stick in game.  Not the best solution, as I like using Macros.  Hopefully the Saitek software will be improved with patches.

[FuriousMeow]

So the graphite solution is only temporary and ceases to work unless I keep reapplying it. I found an alternate solution to prevent the plastic on plastic grind/stick/squeek between base and the bottom spring retainer - and that solution is a small piece of stencil film. So far it has worked great in QMB practicing. I'm not sure how the wear will work out and I may have to cut another piece, flip it upside down so the smoother side is on the base contact rather than being held in place by the spring retainer. So far, it's great.

 

The blue stuff is the stencil material.

 

[[TWB]classypax]

So the graphite solution is only temporary and ceases to work unless I keep reapplying it. I found an alternate solution to prevent the plastic on plastic grind/stick/squeek between base and the bottom spring retainer - and that solution is a small piece of stencil film. So far it has worked great in QMB practicing. I'm not sure how the wear will work out and I may have to cut another piece, flip it upside down so the smoother side is on the base contact rather than being held in place by the spring retainer. So far, it's great.

 

The blue stuff is the stencil material.

 

stencil.jpg

Great idea, I will have to try it.  Thanks

[FuriousMeow]

paxpax, if you need any advice as to how I did it - and to learn from my serious mistake - I will gladly give you pointers.

 

I thought I could install the material by dismounting/unscrewing/etc. After a few solderings later, and a lot of vulgarities, I found the easiest way was sitting there the whole time. It's not easy to explan, maybe it is, but I'd be happy to make a few pictures and sizing info so you don't make the same mistakes I did. The X55 still works great, I just could have avoided a night of soldering and stress induced vulgar statements had I gone the easy route that I thought would have been insufficient but turned out to be the best method of getting the material in place.

Edited April 27, 2014 by FuriousMeow

[Bearcat]

My question above was not clear. If I make the commands thru Saitek software and use 2 or 3 modes, will BoS recognize and accept the commands? I can choose not to use the in games controls? I can also use the in game axis settings or will X55 allow those too. I should get mine in early Apr. I have been using the X52 PRO for many years now and from what I have been reading I am very anxious to get my X55 and reduce my keyboard usage. Thanks...

 

IMO the best way to use Saitek products is to assign keystrokes to the controls you want to use.. and then set the keystrokes up in the profiling software. The SST SW is very powerful.. you can set up all kinds of variants for controls,..

 

@G...B...D...62

 

Howdy Neighbor,

Not much of an answer from me... It's supposed to, it oughta...  I don't have BOS yet.

I can only remark this...for me, "Mode 1" covers everything in a "single engine" fighter that I need, to play IL2-1946..without touching the keyboard..and I still have more than several assignments vacant.

 

It's been my experience....Sokol1 is smarter than the average bear...

 

You did get me to thinking about?

Mode 1: Take off/Landing settings

Mode 2: Flight/combat settings

Mode 3: Bomber settings

 

Hope ya get yours soon...I'm sure you will enjoy it. 

 

I agree.. and I have my modes setup basically the same way you do. Some controls are the same in all 3 modes.. like flaps... and others are only in one mode or the other.. for instance wing fold (although not yet available in BoS) is in mode 1 only... The X-52 actually has 6 modes.. 1,2,3 1+P.2+P and 3+P.. is the X-55 the same way? I only use 3 modes on my X-52 and I have been thinking of trying to get an X-55 to mod like I did my X-52.. set up the stick as a button bay .. but for the moment my X-52 is still working fine..

[FuriousMeow]

There is new profiling software for download. No new drivers, just the profiling software. Version 7.0.33.91.

 

64Bit OS link here: ftp://ftp.saitek.com/pub/software/beta/Rhino_BETA/X55_Rhino_7_0_33_91_x64_Software.exe

Edited April 29, 2014 by FuriousMeow

[csThor]

Okay I've got a curious issue. I want to assign two buttons of my X-55 to use as Push-to-radio function for use in ARMA 3 with Task Force Arrowhead Radio (a mod simulating short range and long range radios, very handy), but I've tried everything from assigning a single button to a macro and nothing works! The profile is active, the assignments are correct ... but it doesn't work! I can leave it on my keyboard, true, but that's a little awkward when flying, you know?

[Warpig]

ERMERGERD, ERMERGERD, ERMERGERD, my stick is finally in "transit"!!! Ordered from Amazon.

Edited May 7, 2014 by Warpig

[[TWB]classypax]

paxpax, if you need any advice as to how I did it - and to learn from my serious mistake - I will gladly give you pointers.

 

I thought I could install the material by dismounting/unscrewing/etc. After a few solderings later, and a lot of vulgarities, I found the easiest way was sitting there the whole time. It's not easy to explan, maybe it is, but I'd be happy to make a few pictures and sizing info so you don't make the same mistakes I did. The X55 still works great, I just could have avoided a night of soldering and stress induced vulgar statements had I gone the easy route that I thought would have been insufficient but turned out to be the best method of getting the material in place.

Sure man, put up some pics

[Pudfark]

ERMERGERD, ERMERGERD, ERMERGERD, my stick is finally in "transit"!!! Ordered from Amazon.

NewEgg has been "out of stock" for quite some time.  Glad you found one and I know you're gonna like it. 

 

@paxpaxfounder

The "Teflon" powder I applied to my X-55 stick is still working perfectly..though, it may not last forever.

 

@FM

I would really like see some pictures too.

 

Today, I finally bought BOS premium edition....and now feel that I'm truly a part of the community here.

If anyone here were to post some settings options/configurations for a X-55 in BOS, I'd be most grateful.

Thanx and much looking forward to seeing all of you online soon.

[FuriousMeow]

Hey Pudfark and paxpax, I'm sorry - I've been busy this week without time to even play BoS until tonight, but after playing for only about two hours - I found my solution was not as great as it initially was. Turns out they are always a great start, but don't hold up for long. There is still a significant amount of grinding that I would never feel comfortable giving the advice to use. I do, however, have another idea and will be trying it very soon - but I'm not sure of the longevity of that either. It might be (probably will be) worse, but first I'm going to reverse the stencil material and see how that works. If that proves satisfactory, then I will provide the details as soon as it is acceptable.

[Warpig]

OK, so after trying to setup my new stick, I noticed that the trim axis' are not actual axis settings, so I can't assign them to the dials that I want to use to trim the aircraft. Anybody have a solution for this?

 

Also, I was trying to figure out how to make a button a modifier. For example if I wanted to use the pinky button like so: pinky + thumb button = rockets / thumb button only = bombs.

Edited May 10, 2014 by Warpig