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

[FuriousMeow]

I'm using the three switches at the base of the X55 throttle for trim. I tried configuring the mouse as directional bands with keypresses but that didn't work out. The switches are working great though.

[Warpig]

I'm using the three switches at the base of the X55 throttle for trim. I tried configuring the mouse as directional bands with keypresses but that didn't work out. The switches are working great though.

I considered doing that exact same thing for now.

[Jade_Monkey]

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.

 

I dont have an answer to the modifier issue but in practical terms it doesnt matter for boms and rockets since you will not be able to use both on the same loadout. The game forces you to choose one or the other and therefore assigning the same button for both works out fine.

[VikingFjord]

Now that i have ordered a Saitek X55 i wanted to hear if anyone else have ordered one aswell?
or someone might have any experiance with it?

btw: when is the offical release date?

[Jade_Monkey]

Now that i have ordered a Saitek X55 i wanted to hear if anyone else have ordered one aswell?

or someone might have any experiance with it?

 

btw: when is the offical release date?

 

I just got it and I have to say I didnt have any issues as some people have had.

[VikingFjord]

what kind of issues? 

i still havent got mine..its still a pre order here..hope to get it this month

[Jade_Monkey]

Off the top of my head I remember some stick made noises when moving because the base was not properly lubricated.

[Warpig]

Had my stick for about 3 weeks now. No squeaking yet, and the software seems stable.

 

I have had 2 minor issues, and I'm not sure if it's the game at fault, or the stick.

 

1. Sometimes in a match, I will notice that the throttle percentage drops, while the physical throttle is still at 100%. Now, I'm not sure if this is because I'm abusing the engine or not. One example of this, I was in the Ju-87 and the throttle suddenly wouldn't go past 77% in the game, but I had 100% motion engaged.

 

2. I use the X55 software to map my keys to change as little as possible, in-case 777 decides to wipe our game control configs. When mapping commands like CTRL+T, there's a side effect. I can use the CTRL+T and it will work, but if there is another mapping that uses just T, it will also get triggered upon using the CTRL+T command. I have a work-around, but it needs to be addressed.

Edited June 2, 2014 by Warpig

[Warpig]

@ Warpig, when using Normal settings the engine management kicks in to stop you getting the engine.

That's the reason for your #1

Ahh ty for clearing that up for me. I thought that might have been it, but this weekend is the first real quality time that I've spent in the game.

[Rederick]

Hi everyone, 

 

I have been having an odd issue with my X-55 since i got it a week ago now.  I have noticed the momentary toggles (SW 1, SW 2, SW 3) on the base of the throttle seem to randomly engage while im flying in BOS.  I have it bound as follows:

 

SW 1 Up: Landing Gear Up/Down

SW 1 Down: Tail Wheel Lock/Unlock

SW 2 Up: Canopy Open/Close

SW 2 Down: Interior Lights On/Off

SW 3 Up: Landing Lights On/Off

SW 3 Down: Exterior Lights On/Off

 

I would say on average every ~ 30 minutes or so, my gear will pop down, interior lights turn on, canopy opens ( mid flight!) , or some other lights will turn on.  Often time both things assigned to the up and down of whichever switch fails seems to actuate, so its not like its stuck one direction a bit too far.  I thought i was accidentally hitting them based on their location on the throttle, so i started keeping my hands off the throttle as often as possible, and it was still happening while not touching it.  Have any of you has any of the Toggle switches do this?

[VikingFjord]

sound strange to be honest
i still keep struggling to find the best stick for BOS

[Jade_Monkey]

Hi everyone, 

 

I have been having an odd issue with my X-55 since i got it a week ago now.  I have noticed the momentary toggles (SW 1, SW 2, SW 3) on the base of the throttle seem to randomly engage while im flying in BOS.  I have it bound as follows:

 

SW 1 Up: Landing Gear Up/Down

SW 1 Down: Tail Wheel Lock/Unlock

SW 2 Up: Canopy Open/Close

SW 2 Down: Interior Lights On/Off

SW 3 Up: Landing Lights On/Off

SW 3 Down: Exterior Lights On/Off

 

I would say on average every ~ 30 minutes or so, my gear will pop down, interior lights turn on, canopy opens ( mid flight!) , or some other lights will turn on.  Often time both things assigned to the up and down of whichever switch fails seems to actuate, so its not like its stuck one direction a bit too far.  I thought i was accidentally hitting them based on their location on the throttle, so i started keeping my hands off the throttle as often as possible, and it was still happening while not touching it.  Have any of you has any of the Toggle switches do this?

 

That's weird. I didnt get any issues like that. Not sure if it matters at all but are you using the Saitek profiles or the in game mapping?

 

The only weird issues I get is when I am on Windows either browsing or doing something else and the saitek profile is active, it starts messing things up. I have to clear the profile and things will be fine.

I wish Saitek made profiles that activate with the games executable (like the Logitech software) and it's off when you are not playing the game. That would just be the cherry on top!

[VikingFjord]

Is there a lot of problems regarding the X55?

[Kvaari]

Hello,

 

I got my unit yesterday. Hardware seems to be working fine, but I have a problem with the programming software. After I installed the drivers while hotas system was plugged in powered up usb ports, the software started to recognize both controllers which it didn't before. Now when I push buttons the interface shows which buttons I'm pressing in both joystick and throttle unit, but none of the throttle buttons does anything when I program some function to them and try to use it in the test screen or elsewhere, like notepad. Any solutions for this? Joystick buttons works as they should if I program something to them.

[Warpig]

Hello,

 

I got my unit yesterday. Hardware seems to be working fine, but I have a problem with the programming software. After I installed the drivers while hotas system was plugged in powered up usb ports, the software started to recognize both controllers which it didn't before. Now when I push buttons the interface shows which buttons I'm pressing in both joystick and throttle unit, but none of the throttle buttons does anything when I program some function to them and try to use it in the test screen or elsewhere, like notepad. Any solutions for this? Joystick buttons works as they should if I program something to them.

In the software programming interface look for a little blue icon to make your profile active.

[Kvaari]

In the software programming interface look for a little blue icon to make your profile active.

It does not work with the throttle. A moment ago I was fooling around in Arma 2 and after I closed the game and relaunched the programming software, the slider switch started to do its function, but then I couldn't change it. If I do, it still does the old function. I don't know exactly whed did that slider start to do something. Was it after closing the game or launching the programming software. I can disable and enable the slider, but haven't found a way to update its function. The program interface itself shows the new function which I have typed in, but when I try it in the test window nothing has changed. I have tried to reconnect the controllers, restart the programming software and profiles. Nothing has helped so far.

[Kvaari]

And now I got it! I have mode 2 selected in the throttle and all the functions I have put there went to the first mode. I automatically had thought that the software would edit the mode which is physically selected. After I switched to the view mode from the software, I saw it wasn't so. Everything seems to be working now.

[Jade_Monkey]

Glad you figured it out. I think the slider is a really tricky control. I'm not sure how to properly configure it

 

Also, does the latched property work well with the slider?

[Kvaari]

An update. I seriously consider returning the product. I have only one day time to decide. There has been new problems with the throttle unit. Toggle switches doesn't always register clicks when trying to use them. Then there are ghost button presses. When I'm playing War Thunder, map might flash quickly on the screen on its own, which I have mapped to one of the toggle switches. And couple of times War Thunder's view mode has changed on its own which i have mapped to one of the hats in the throttle unit. And the latest problem is in the throttle axis. It doesn't hold its position. When I put the throttle to, say 95 %, it slowly or more quickly rolls down to wep setting (all the way down). To avoid that, I have to tighten the axis to almost maximum. Should I buy Warthog instead?

[Jade_Monkey]

Idk if you should buy the Warthog bc thats a lot more expensive and you will need to buy pedals on top of that (no twist on the stick) but it seems like you should definitely RMA the X-55. See if they send you a new unit with no issues. 

[=]VLA[=Ravonmith]

What i can tell you guys: Iam using X 55 Rhino too and there are no issues with the HARDWARE. All Issues are due to the software in relation with USB driver / AMD motherboards.  There are many posts in the eagle dynamics forum and other (where HOTAS Sticks are more common).   

 

When your Axis does not work or keys are delayed: use USB 3 to plug in ! Update your driver and don´t use USB Hubs. 

 

Ghosting is an issue that is known to saitek aaaaand ... nothing happend until yet. Test your joystick on other systems (intel) it will work without problems. 

 

At the moment all guys like me with AMD boards ( not all ppl with amd got problems but most ppl with problems got AMD boards) are screwed and have to use workarrounds with shift keys or programming. 

 

Try to report to Saitek and hope they fix... because the hardware is fine and precise althoug its all plastic i like it. 

Hi everyone, 

 

I have been having an odd issue with my X-55 since i got it a week ago now.  I have noticed the momentary toggles (SW 1, SW 2, SW 3) on the base of the throttle seem to randomly engage while im flying in BOS.  I have it bound as follows:

 

SW 1 Up: Landing Gear Up/Down

SW 1 Down: Tail Wheel Lock/Unlock

SW 2 Up: Canopy Open/Close

SW 2 Down: Interior Lights On/Off

SW 3 Up: Landing Lights On/Off

SW 3 Down: Exterior Lights On/Off

 

I would say on average every ~ 30 minutes or so, my gear will pop down, interior lights turn on, canopy opens ( mid flight!) , or some other lights will turn on.  Often time both things assigned to the up and down of whichever switch fails seems to actuate, so its not like its stuck one direction a bit too far.  I thought i was accidentally hitting them based on their location on the throttle, so i started keeping my hands off the throttle as often as possible, and it was still happening while not touching it.  Have any of you has any of the Toggle switches do this?

 read my post , lock at eagle dynamics forum.  

[SOLIDKREATE]

I sure wish this stick was out in the US.

[Finkeren]

Picked mine up on monday. Still haven't had time to try it out or even install it properly.

 

Any advice on how to go by setting up the X55? I usually don't fiddle around too much with configuration software. I usually just plug the stick in, download drivers and proceed to assign keys and axis in the individual sims.

[Turil]

I am currently flying with a Thrustmaster T1600m Joystick and looking for a new HOTAS setup (+ rudder pedals). I am / was considering the X55 Rhino, but then I discovered this:

http://www.lockonforum.de/thread.php?postid=86316#post86316 - That looks really messy for the price tag

 

Question is, what alternatives are there? I'd love to get a good HOTAS setup for all purposes, flying DCS modules, IL2: BoS, IL2: CloD etc ...

[Jade_Monkey]

I sure wish this stick was out in the US.

 

It is out in the US. I got mine a while back.

 

Picked mine up on monday. Still haven't had time to try it out or even install it properly.

 

Any advice on how to go by setting up the X55? I usually don't fiddle around too much with configuration software. I usually just plug the stick in, download drivers and proceed to assign keys and axis in the individual sims.

 

I enjoyed using the software to create profiles because sometimes you lose or are forced to reinstall games (IL2 perfect example) and you might not be able to use the old config files while the profile on the Saitek software will be there. Also there are some rotaries that are only really usable using the software because the game will not let you use them. In that case you can create bands in the Saitek sowftware and use the rotaries. Also if you name your commands then it's really easy to rearrange your controls to different buttons if you want to try new layouts.

 

However, my biggest gripe with this software is that it interferes with windows when you are not in game. I wish the profiles were associated to the game's .exe files and when you are on your desktop they deactivated. It's a pain in the ass to be loading and clearing the profiles instead of having them run when the .exe runs.

[=]VLA[=Ravonmith]

I am currently flying with a Thrustmaster T1600m Joystick and looking for a new HOTAS setup (+ rudder pedals). I am / was considering the X55 Rhino, but then I discovered this:

http://www.lockonforum.de/thread.php?postid=86316#post86316 - That looks really messy for the price tag

 

Question is, what alternatives are there? I'd love to get a good HOTAS setup for all purposes, flying DCS modules, IL2: BoS, IL2: CloD etc ...

 

Infact there is no good HOTAS system out there without ANY issues.  The old X52 pro was rly good and had less issues, the new X55 is just one big issue ... one big problem for many ppl. X 55 is solid when it comes to the base and the stick it self but every button and knob or dial is made out of the cheapest plastic you could ever imagine ... not altking about the problems for AMD user abd ghostings and laags. i sended mine back. Unless you don´t wan´t to invest into the older x52 pro and don´t want to waste your money for the x55´s china plastic there is only one very expensive stick. the warthog ... but even this stick can have friction or stickyness problems ... but all in all its the best joystick and i will buy one soon. (Because its metal, and has a good center mechanism)  If you have no AMD board and don´t care about durability then get the x55 ... the stick is pricise (but the center mechanism is .... worse than in the X52)   by the way the x52 was the only one i was totaly happy with until the trigger went nuts

[Sokol1]

 discovered this:

http://www.lockonforum.de/thread.php?postid=86316#post86316 - That looks really messy for the price tag

 

 

White grease (for plastic gears) and silicone hot glue (for fix wires) is "tradition" in Saitek joysticks, you find then inside X-52, X-65, PRO and Combat Pedal, etc. No news in this aspect.

 

Sokol1

[Seren77]

Infact there is no good HOTAS system out there without ANY issues.  The old X52 pro was rly good and had less issues, the new X55 is just one big issue ... one big problem for many ppl. X 55 is solid when it comes to the base and the stick it self but every button and knob or dial is made out of the cheapest plastic you could ever imagine ... not altking about the problems for AMD user abd ghostings and laags. i sended mine back. Unless you don´t wan´t to invest into the older x52 pro and don´t want to waste your money for the x55´s china plastic there is only one very expensive stick. the warthog ... but even this stick can have friction or stickyness problems ... but all in all its the best joystick and i will buy one soon. (Because its metal, and has a good center mechanism)  If you have no AMD board and don´t care about durability then get the x55 ... the stick is pricise (but the center mechanism is .... worse than in the X52)   by the way the x52 was the only one i was totaly happy with until the trigger went nuts

 

I remember looking into the warthog when it was first released and it had so many problems that it put me off buying it. If it's been revised since then that is good to know. 

[FuriousMeow]

Have had the X55 for a few months now, still going strong and still loving it. Much, much better than the X52Pro I had. The only complaint I have is the stickiness when moving the stick but I'm working on that one. I would never go back to the X52Pro and I will never pay more than what I paid for this just so the product is made out of metal.

 

I love my X55!

Edited July 11, 2014 by FuriousMeow

[Seren77]

Wish I could find one, is none for sale in my country. I doubt amazon would ship me one they usually wont ship anything gaming related out of usa but even so says ships in 1-2 months on amazon

[SYN_Haashashin]

Hi guys,

 

I got the X55 two days ago.¡

Been my first serious try to set up a HOTAS thru its software (profiles) Im having some problems. The easiest will be if some caritative soul share a profile so I can take a look and learn how to program that thing!!. As a note the biggest problem for me is trying to make the combination of keys to work properly, i.e Control+E or similar.

[kestrel79]

They had a TON of them in the Saitek booth at EAA in Oshkosh. I was tempted....they also had the combat rudder pedals on sale for 160, but I heard those don't fit under the Obutto Ozone I have.

[SYN_Haashashin]

I got myself around that software and now I have it all set up. Took me a while but figure it out.

 

Off-topic: I visited Oshkosh to play a football tournament (soccer) when I was living in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin, nice place.

[sialo]

i got a x 55 also , im having the same trouble with the combination keys how did you get around it 

[LoneMerc]

i got a x 55 also , im having the same trouble with the combination keys how did you get around it 

 

Hi guys,

 

I got the X55 two days ago.¡

Been my first serious try to set up a HOTAS thru its software (profiles) Im having some problems. The easiest will be if some caritative soul share a profile so I can take a look and learn how to program that thing!!. As a note the biggest problem for me is trying to make the combination of keys to work properly, i.e Control+E or similar.

 

 

i got a x 55 also , im having the same trouble with the combination keys how did you get around it 

 

 

I have the x55 as well, Im using the in game settings to config the x55 I see your trying to use the Saitek profile software I'm wondering why go this route when all functions seem to be easily configurable in game I have great success reprogramming for the x55 in game. Is their some advantage of doing it on the controller side only?

 

To take a stab at your question the Saitek software has the option of adding a modifier to any command this should take care of the combo keys for the game.

Edited August 16, 2014 by LoneMerc

[GrieverGriever_XIV]

I have the x55 as well, Im using the in game settings to config the x55 I see your trying to use the Saitek profile software I'm wondering why go this route when all functions seem to be easily configurable in game I have great success reprogramming for the x55 in game. Is their some advantage of doing it on the controller side only?

 

To take a stab at your question the Saitek software has the option of adding a modifier to any command this should take care of the combo keys for the game.

I dont my my x55 yet (coming in next week, cant wait) but I think that the advantage of using the program is that your profile is always saved (if you need to do a clean install or an update resets the control scheme) AND the fact that you can only use the different profile functions (the switch at the bottom left of the throttle box) when using the x55 program.

[LoneMerc]

I dont my my x55 yet (coming in next week, cant wait) but I think that the advantage of using the program is that your profile is always saved (if you need to do a clean install or an update resets the control scheme) AND the fact that you can only use the different profile functions (the switch at the bottom left of the throttle box) when using the x55 program.

 

Understood, Well when you get your gear Im sure you will like it I am enjoying it alot and have not done much with it but basic stuff so far. In game config super easy and recognizes all the different switches and knobs on the X55 for any command. I will try the Saitek profiles and some point, so far 2 updates have not effected my in game configs for x55 or key commands only messes with plane setups so far.

 

Cheers

Edited August 16, 2014 by LoneMerc

[Jade_Monkey]

I dont my my x55 yet (coming in next week, cant wait) but I think that the advantage of using the program is that your profile is always saved (if you need to do a clean install or an update resets the control scheme) AND the fact that you can only use the different profile functions (the switch at the bottom left of the throttle box) when using the x55 program.

 

That's true. You need the Saitek software to take advantage of the three modes, which can be a pain for those who dont want to configure all the commands again outside the game.

 

Like you said though, once you make your profiles, it's much easier to back it up and perform clean installs. I decided to take my time and do it. It will pay off in the long run.

 

Also if you name your inputs properly, it's much easier to rearrange them instead of deleting and creating them again.

[71st_AH_Hooves]

Well i loved this stick all the way until this morning. when it started transmitting random buttons without being pressed.  And now my throttle axis is going screwy.  Im bummed that the reviews about quality were true and that I bought it anyway.  Now I have to go through the ridiculous RMA process.  its a shame because I really like the stick and throttle.  Ill end up sticking with it if the replacement has no flaws.  

[[BTEAM]_Shifty_]

This random keypress issue was localized to having AMD processor and Windows 7 on some forum. Do you have AMD?