X56 set up and programming

[Andrew u.k.]

Hi

 

I have recently purchased an X56 which I'm pretty happy with.

 

I used to just fly the Huey and used a sidewinder force feedback 2, not much programming need there!

 

But now I wish to get to grips with the A10 c and other modules and learn how to program the joystick correctly using Saitek software.

 

I have only used DCS to configure controls and key binds.

 

I'm sure this is really simple and maybe I'm just having a bad day but how does the Saitek software interact with DCS? I understand about loading profiles. So just so I can get my head around it could someone tell me if this thinking is correct.

• Joystick is a keyboard
  
• I press button 1 and that needs to relate to a key
  
• Does that key relate to a keyboard key? Can I have G on the keyboard as a CDU input and button 1 as G in the Saitek software? Or would button 1 now press G on the CDU?
  

 

I've looked on the internet but I'm struggling finding a simpletons guide:doh:

 

Cheers

Andrew

[LithiumR]

You don't really have to do anything in the Saitek software.. though at some point you'll probably want to. Just double click the control you want in DCS and then click the button on the X56 that you want to perform that command (Buttons on the joystick/throttle do NOT have to be associated with a keyboard key). That should be enough to get you started. You really only need to make adjustments in the Saitek software for things that the DCS bindings come up short on. For example: in many modules calling for bogey dope cannot be mapped to a joystick... but you can make an advanced macro in the Saitek software that will hit the appropriate keys (\ F2 F4 or whatever) with one button press.

 

Also if you are running the A10C I highly recommend that you create a modifier. For me I use the pinky switch on the stick. This will effectively double the amount of bindings you can create in DCS. When you go in controls at the bottom there should be a button that says "modifier". Click that button. In the drop down menu select the appropriate Joystick and then click the button you want to make the modifier. Now when you bind your controls you can use them twice. For example.... Trigger for guns, or pinky + trigger for weapon release.

 

Happy binding!!

 

Edit: I have attached my Saitek .pro profile and my DCS bindings for you to check out if you'd like. Feel free to edit them to suit your own needs.

X56 H.O.T.A.S. Stick {065B1B10-88F1-11e8-8001-444553540000}.diff.lua

X56 H.O.T.A.S. Throttle {065D8C10-88F1-11e8-800B-444553540000}.diff.lua

A10C.zip

Edited October 12, 2019 by ZoSo

[Andrew u.k.]

Thanks, I really appreciate it.

I've been flying with the dcs bindings but it niggled that I couldn't have laap options all on one switch so I decided to give the saitek software a go.

 

After trying to load the .Pro file directly in to dcs for a couple of hours it dawned on me that the joystick is basically a very clever keyboard. I just had to match the .Pro and dcs by hand.

 

So I'm just getting my head around it, sorted out latching and I've even got the knee board on a rotary that when turned will advance a page a second, which I thought was pretty cool.

 

I am struggling with the coolie hat long command. I'm not sure how to do that. Any help would be really appreciated.

 

Cheers Andrew

 

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

[einarabelc5]

On 10/12/2019 at 9:12 AM, ZoSo said:

You don't really have to do anything in the Saitek software.. though at some point you'll probably want to. Just double click the control you want in DCS and then click the button on the X56 that you want to perform that command (Buttons on the joystick/throttle do NOT have to be associated with a keyboard key). That should be enough to get you started. You really only need to make adjustments in the Saitek software for things that the DCS bindings come up short on. For example: in many modules calling for bogey dope cannot be mapped to a joystick... but you can make an advanced macro in the Saitek software that will hit the appropriate keys (\ F2 F4 or whatever) with one button press.

 

Also if you are running the A10C I highly recommend that you create a modifier. For me I use the pinky switch on the stick. This will effectively double the amount of bindings you can create in DCS. When you go in controls at the bottom there should be a button that says "modifier". Click that button. In the drop down menu select the appropriate Joystick and then click the button you want to make the modifier. Now when you bind your controls you can use them twice. For example.... Trigger for guns, or pinky + trigger for weapon release.

 

Happy binding!!

 

Edit: I have attached my Saitek .pro profile and my DCS bindings for you to check out if you'd like. Feel free to edit them to suit your own needs.

X56 H.O.T.A.S. Stick {065B1B10-88F1-11e8-8001-444553540000}.diff.lua 7.23 kB · 198 downloads

X56 H.O.T.A.S. Throttle {065D8C10-88F1-11e8-800B-444553540000}.diff.lua 6.2 kB · 173 downloads

A10C.zip 6.5 kB · 107 downloads

 

Reviving this thread as is on of the few talking about this problem.

The X56 is SUPPOSED to be used with keyboard emulation rather than being used directly on DCS. I used to have the X-52 and keyboard emulation worked. In this post you mentioned Macros, which is a combination of keys. Well, on this build:

Software:8.0.213

Driver: 8.0.197

 

Things aren't really working. Neither the Test screen within the Logitech software work nor DCS recognize keyboard strokes when emulation profiles are loaded up. Is there a bug somewhere in the drivers preventing this from working because every key stroke is detected and matched in the software when creating the profile. I literally used the profile provided on the DCS files page for Su-27. The only one that's decent which makes extensive use of the MODE switch.:

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3307324/

 

P.S. I already tested adding the Mode switch as a modifier directly on DCS besides having to start from scratch it doesn't really work that well yet. So the question remains, why isn't keyboard emulation working? Is there a problem with the hardware or with the drivers or is it a permissions problem?

 

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Sr.]

I have the newer X56 and I use a combo of dcs profile and some emulated functions just fine. 

 

For instance, in the logitech software profiler, created bindings for using the slider on the throttle as speed brake. And a latch function to use 1 bottom on throttle for vr zoom and the stick paddle switch as vr spyglass zoom.

 

Also using the software to allow the axis stick on throttle to move the mouse cursor.

[Taz1004]

On 12/2/2020 at 7:21 AM, einarabelc5 said:

Things aren't really working. Neither the Test screen within the Logitech software work nor DCS recognize keyboard strokes when emulation profiles are loaded up. Is there a bug somewhere in the drivers preventing this from working because every key stroke is detected and matched in the software when creating the profile.

I am not aware of any bug and all functions work fine for me.  Are you activating the profile?  Right click on the icon in taskbar and choose the profile?

 

Common mistake when using the profiler also is not using release command for things like slider and rotary.  If you assign a button command to those without release function, they will have those keys always depressed.  And will conflict.

Another issue sometimes is Windows default commands.  For example, I have language bar on my Windows and default key to toggle between languages is LShift + LAlt.  So any command in DCS with LShift + LAlt did not work.  Took me a while to figure that out.

[Sr.]

 

 

 

On 10/13/2019 at 1:20 PM, Andrew u.k. said:

Thanks, I really appreciate it.

I've been flying with the dcs bindings but it niggled that I couldn't have laap options all on one switch so I decided to give the saitek software a go.

 

After trying to load the .Pro file directly in to dcs for a couple of hours it dawned on me that the joystick is basically a very clever keyboard. I just had to match the .Pro and dcs by hand.

 

So I'm just getting my head around it, sorted out latching and I've even got the knee board on a rotary that when turned will advance a page a second, which I thought was pretty cool.

 

I am struggling with the coolie hat long command. I'm not sure how to do that. Any help would be really appreciated.

 

Cheers Andrew

 

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

 

 

Coolie Hat long means you simply give the button a long press(1+ second) as opposed to a quick press(short)

[einarabelc5]

13 hours ago, Sr. said:

 

 

 

 

 

Coolie Hat long means you simply give the button a long press(1+ second) as opposed to a quick press(short)

Love your pic, thanks!

On 12/5/2020 at 1:29 PM, Taz1004 said:

I am not aware of any bug and all functions work fine for me.  Are you activating the profile?  Right click on the icon in taskbar and choose the profile?

 

Common mistake when using the profiler also is not using release command for things like slider and rotary.  If you assign a button command to those without release function, they will have those keys always depressed.  And will conflict.

Another issue sometimes is Windows default commands.  For example, I have language bar on my Windows and default key to toggle between languages is LShift + LAlt.  So any command in DCS with LShift + LAlt did not work.  Took me a while to figure that out.

Well either Antivirus was the cause, which leads me to think the way this "keyboard emulator" thing is a security hole (shouldn't be injecting commands across programs which SHOULD trigger AV) or the fact that I had the X-52 installed and some of the "keyboard" and "mouse" hardware emulator components from it weren't uninstalled when I uninstalled it. Once I went with a fine tooth comb everything started working. 

 

The X-56 DEFINITELY has Electromagnetic Compatibility problems, starting with COMMON MODE rejection, but those can be fixed by re-arranging wires, wrapping cable bungles in ferrite and installing a filtered USB cable. I even TRIED the Powered USB Hub thing, DON'T, it sends even more noise into the thing. Specifically the external hub, which means it's gonna be though to get good grounding between the outlet and the Power Supply. I'm not paying over 100 USD for a PCI one. I rather fix it.

It would make sense that adding more current capabilities would work as more power would increase the SIGNAL to NOISE ratio, but that's a workaround, and "keep fingers crossed" one at that. You gotta get rid of the noise on the FPGAs/Microcontroller inputs to begin with and along the cables to eliminate crosstalk.

Edited December 7, 2020 by einarabelc5

[Andrew u.k.]

On 12/6/2020 at 7:17 PM, Sr. said:

 

 

 

 

 

Coolie Hat long means you simply give the button a long press(1+ second) as opposed to a quick press(short)

Cheers that seems a long time ago. All sorted now and I can say I'm still using and enjoying my x56 

[YSIAD_RIP]

On 12/11/2020 at 5:43 PM, Andrew u.k. said:

Cheers that seems a long time ago. All sorted now and I can say I'm still using and enjoying my x56 

 

Re The X55/X56 SLIDER   - I just can't stop tweaking and trying new things. 

 

When I first got my X56 I used the "famous" Laobi" video and the Logitech Software to program the slider switch for airbrake functions. 

A few months ago I came across this MOD in the User Files Downloads link posted by Shiroka called: X56 Speed Brake Slider - FA18, F16, A10C, F14, JF17, AV8B

If you like tweaking and installing MOD's this may be something to try - In Summary this MOD creates New 2 Position Slider Switch Key bindings for the listed Jets so you don't have to use the Logitech software profiles for the Speed Brake.  It is just another way to solve a problem and a potential opportunity to learn about Input LUA files in DCS.

 

Using the X56 Speed Brake Slider mod as a reference I was able to create my own updates (with comments in the LUA) for the other jets I have. See attachments for reference

Cheers.

 

 

X56_Slider_ AirBrake [ A10C_II, AJS-37, C-101, F-5E, F-86F , L-39, M-2000C, MiG-15, MiG-21 ] v1.7.zip X56_Slider [ AirBrake A-4E-C, MB-339 ] v1.0.zip