CBR9

Try this link, might be what your looking for ftp://ftp.saitek.com/pub/software/beta/

And not being one to throw anything out.. here's a pic of Masterpilot Programer

Seem to remember that the Masterpilot's were just a keyboard extender, they were chained together with the keyboard. The programing module didn't work with faster computers.. There was a beta program by Dr. James Hallows of Fox 3 fame, "Master Pilot Programer" that allowed programing of the module, but you needed the "slower" bus machine to load it. The simple solution is Thrustmasters MFD's...

I have both the CH and Saitek Combat pedals. I think the major choice is price. The CH pedals are going for something around $100 at Amazon, last time I looked. The Combat pedals I picked up for around $180.00. The CH software has a lot going for it as an extra. Over on their BBS, a small program was written to give progressive toe breaks, when there is none in the sim. Some people complain about the width of the pedals, but never found it to be the problem. The Saiteks's... well they look the part.

I held off updating to the new beta drivers because my center was never really a problem. The new beta driver's center calibration and clear calibration appear to work. Plus they have fixed an issue with using shift function in the programing with SST 7 that some users had been complaining about. I had some trouble with SST 7 hanging when loading, after it had been installed a few days. Had this with three different installs and complete restores. An install of just the newest beta drivers and SST 6 did not have the hang on program startup that SST7 did. The calibration tab of the new drivers in the control panel worked fine with SST 6, just didn't show that it did (all settings set to 0) in SST 6. If that makes sense. SST 7 with the new drivers does. I reinstalled SST 7 for the 4th time, disabled the "hints" page that loads on startup, and made sure SST 7 had access to the web in my anti virus. On the startup page for SST 7 there is a link to Saiteks web page that I believe may have been causing it to hang on startup. SST 7 loads fine now, calibration works and shows settings in the control panel and SST 7. Had the connection to the stick come loose one time, but it was pretty obvious.. no lights under the hats. I have mine mounted to a playseat setup, so don't slide the controllers around on a desktop, which might be a problem for others. Before the software fix for calibration, some suggested a unplug and plug of the stick while still connected at the usb plug, re centered it. Never had to use that trick.

Here's the link for the beta's and the SST 7 software ftp://ftp.saitek.com/pub/software/beta/ While I never really had the "center" problem people have been reporting, I updated to SST7 and the latest beta's. The new beta driver have an option to center the stick, and correct a keypress problem with the "shift" option. Support over at Saitek's forum was rather thin for awhile, but it looks like that is improving. At $170.00, I think you got a good buy. Every HOTAS has its good points, and bad. Like anything it's what works best for you. I have the X65F and am happy with it, I also have a complete CH setup that is on the shelf right now as my backup.. No complaints about the CH stuff, just wanted something different. Ordered (awaiting delv) the Saitek combat rudders to complete the Saitek setup.

Been up and running for a couple of days now without a problem. I did disable the "tips" screen that pops up at start up, and made sure the program had access to the web in my anti virus.

The glutton for punishment that I am (a firm believer of the school of banging my head against the wall, because it feels so good when you stop), I've loaded up SST7 with the new 7.0.10.6 drivers. Starting up fine right now. Time will tell. There is a link on the startup screen to take you to Saiteks home page. I suspect that this is whats causing the problem. Hoping the new drivers have fixed it. Saiteks forum gave notification of the driver update, but no details. Also bit the bullet and ordered the Saitek Pro Pedals from Amazon. Free shipping and lower price amounts to about 10 per cent discount. and.. the option to return them.

And the adventure continues, While I had no problems installing SST 7 and the latest beta drivers, after a short period of time SST 7 would refuse to load. A restore back to before the update (Acronis backup) and reinstall went fine, SST 7 would load and then again a short time it would not. Three restores/install in a week. I believe it may have something to do with SST 7 having what looks like a "connection" to Saitek's web page, that shows on the Product screen of SST 7. I reinstalled SST 6.80.52 with the new drivers and it loads fine. In SST 6, the setting's page shows no updates, but the control panel (Driver 7.0.10) does and the force settings stay set. The beta drivers appear to work fine with 6.80. SST 6 does not have the "connection" as on the 7's product page. and.... new betas 7.0.10.6 for the X65 just released. Think I'll take a breather before doing the dance again. But a good sign someone is looking at the driver/software problems over at Madcatz/Saitek.

There are two files.. One File is the updated SST software 65.8meg SD7 Second File the latest driver beta 7.0.10 this is the 5 meg file of May 11th.

I finally updated my SST and drivers for the X65F. Uninstalled the old SST, installed new, then the new beta Drivers (this on a Win7 x64 system). No drama with the install. The new SST software and beta driver (7.010) appear to have fixed the center problem and saving of force settings. In case any one is looking/thinking about the X65F Amazon has them for $309.00.

As as quick note, just jumped over to Saitek's site, and new beta drivers have been released for the X65F, yesterday 7.010.1. Only one posting review, claiming the problem has been fixed. A good sign that support seems to have come alive over at Saitek. The link in my first post will get you to the site for the beta drivers and new SST for the X65.

Glad Amazon is taking it back for you. Know how frustrating waiting for something and it arriving defective. You could always place an order with Amazon and wait for the next bunch to arrive. I purchased mine direct from MadCatz when they first became avail. Paid full price, but got an extra years warranty so a trade off. Depending on how much your willing to pay, MadCatz has probably got them in stock. See some mention to ebay having them, but last time I checked, most there were just as expensive as direct from MadCatz. Lot of options once you accept the price CH, TH, Saitek. All have plus's and minus's. I would look for some dealer, that accepts returns.. fewer these days, but the best insurance policy. I have the X65F, a complete CH setup, and at one time a Cougar, sold the cougar and bought the CH.. it just was too much work to get it to work. Good luck with what ever system you choose.

Magnus, Never had the axis problems described by some on the forums or your Y axis one. If you've tried all the basic trouble shooting tech's I would try the controller on another system to eliminate that possibility. If your within the 30 day return for Amazon, I would return it for replacement with a new unit. Amazon is pretty good about that. Not having that option I would contact MadCatz for warranty replacement/repair. Perhaps the new Saitek software will fix the problem for you.

Never really had the center problem that a lot of people have been complaining about. When the problem with remembering the force settings was reported with the beta drivers, never even bothered to install those. Haven't tried the recently released software in the link so can't comment on them. Support at Saitek's web page was non existent. Only recently as far as the X65F section has there been a post of any nature and that was from Madcatz, this from Saitek's web page Hi All, This is the notes from the latest version of the callibration fix that will be going live on Thursday 28th April · After calibrating, you will be able to continue to change force settings on the other F-modes. · Calibrating will still only apply to the current F setting that the X65F has lit. · Calibrating another F-mode will un-calibrate the previous mode and will then apply calibration to the current setting. For example: You calibrate F4. Then decide to calibrate F3. F4 will become un-calibrated and F3 will be the calibrated mode. You can still change the settings for the X/Y/Rudder in each F-mode. · The Programming software and the setting in game controllers will now synchronise. The ST will synchronise immediately with changes from the game controller force tab, but you will need to close down and re-open the game controller force tab to synchronise changes from the ST. Kind Regards Saitek Pro Flight For awhile new users couldn't even sign on to the support forum. Don't know if that's been fixed.