X52 Controller - Disappointed!

[112th_Rossi]

Hey all

 

I wonder if any of you can help me before I throw this thing out of the window!

 

First of all, my system specs:

 

AMD Athlon II X4 640 3.0Ghz

4GB RAM

Windows 7 64 Bit Home Edition

ATI Sapphire Vapor-X 5770 1GB (Running latest ATI drivers)

 

I used to own an X45 a few years a go but I sold it. Now I have an X52 and thought it would be better. I'm not that impressed, the unit feels much lighter and less well built, the LCD display is pointless, the mode switch is now a rotary on the stick rather than a selector on the throttle (makes it harder to reach). The trim controllers feel plasticy and theres no feel to the notch in the centre. Rudder is a twist, which is to heavy to move, prefer it as a rocker underneat the throttle.

 

Anyway, enough with that. My issue is this:

 

I have downloaded the latest version of the drivers and profiling software from the Saitek site. The drivers install fine and windows registers all axis and buttons without any issue. The main issue is with the profile software. I have programmed a basic profile and can select it using the profile icon in the system tray. However, after a short period of time the profile stops working. The joystick still works but none of the programmed commands will work. I try to 'Clear Profile' but it sticks and will not clear from the joystick. Also if I try to change profile the icon changes to a 'waiting' icon and stays put. The profiler just hangs and nothing but a task manager 'end task' will kill it. The profiler will start up again but it won't load any profiles (resulting in a freezing again). And on top of all that, when the the profiler has hung, web browsing and general computer use becomes slow and generally unstable. The PC will not shutdown and I have to hard reset.

 

Just for the record, I know my way around computers. I am a software developer by trade and have been for 15 years. I never had this issue with my X45 which worked flawlessly.

 

So, does anyone know what it might be? Or do I consign this stick to the recycling bin?

 

Thanks in advance :)

[EagleDougie]

I can't offer any help but have an X52 and am having a similar experience. I setup a profile that works for a bit and then some parts of the joystick stop being seen/responding. I am pulling my hair out. Right now everything is working but cannot control the steering of the front wheel. My rudder works with that axis but the wheel does not.

[tecumseh]

I had similar problems off and on with my X52pro.

 

In my opinion, you're better off to uninstall everything Saitek, let windows install generic X52 drivers (when you first plug the stick in after the uninstall this should happen automatically) then assign every button and axis in DCSA10C.

 

You'll know you've done this right when the LCD is blank.

 

By ditching the saitek software you lose the modes and "bands", but you gain fps and stability. You can use the in-game modifier function to give you a lot of options. I set pinky as a modifier and that's enough options to cover all the HOTAS functions.

 

Hope this helps

[wtfisgoingon]

I had same issue with mine it was because i made the mistake of plugging in my x52 before I had run the driver install problem. So the drivers and SST would install but wouldn't work correctly at all and drove me nuts. Even though I could change some settings and it appeared to kind of work, it wouldn't load profiles even if I made a simple one with 1 key and saved it (that would work) but try and load it and fail!

 

Try following theses steps. And do *NOT* skip any or it will fail:

 

1. Unplug your x52 from the computer, and do not plug in again.

 

2. Uninstall the drivers.

 

3. Uninstall the SST programming software.

 

4. Delete the Saitek folders from the following paths :

C:\Program Files

C:\Windows\Temp

 

5. Delete ALL Saitek registry entries (here's how):

Press and hold the Windows key on your keyboard and then press the letter R. This will open the Run box. Type regedit and then click ok.

 

The Registry Editor will have a list of folders on the left hand side. Go down into the following folders in order by clicking the + next to the folder name.

 

+HKEY_CURRENT_USER

+System

+CurrentControlSet

+Control

+Media Properties

+Private Properties

+Direct Input

 

Delete any folder inside the Direct Input folder that begins VID_06A3.

6. Reboot

 

7.Install the latest drivers

 

8. ONLY plug in the x52 AFTER you run the driver install program and it asks you to plug it in. If you plug it in first, it will not work and you'll have to redo everything.

 

This should fix your x52 problem hopefully. If not its a great start towards fixing it! Mine just wouldn't work properly at all until I did this.

 

I'd also suggest skipping the SST software completely its just a pain in the ass. However, it should work fine hopefully after this.

 

Best of luck! :)

[shu77]

Cant say I've had these issues. I agree the X-52 is not so sturdy, however Mine works fine with the SST software. The biggest issue I have with the set up is that DCSW wouldn't recognise the pinky as a modifier, so I had to map it to RALT, and theres no axis control for the speed brakes in game so you have to map letters to an axis, which then go nuts if you don't centre them Have a look at JF Bauers profile which is a great way to use the X-52.

[galagamo]

Cant say I've had these issues. I agree the X-52 is not so sturdy, however Mine works fine with the SST software.

Agreed and same here I've had and heavily used an X52 for about 2 1/2 years. It still works, like new. Never had the problems you are describing, guess I got a good one:)

Could be defective hardware in the hotas, maybe you should consider exchanging it

Edited May 1, 2011 by galagamo

[112th_Rossi]

wtfisgoingon... (love your nick lol)

 

Thanks for that. I did indeed plug the joystick in before the software. I was under the naive assumption that it was 'just a joystick' and windows drivers would be fine. I'll give it a go. If it doesn't work I'll just map the buttons in DCSW.

[S77th-konkussion]

My experience with Saitek was the same- always install the drivers first. Personally I would use the SST, but that statement is based on SST from a couple years ago. Had 3 x45's.

[Xxx]

Agree with the comments.

 

I have been using Saitek X52, now the Pro, for several years. Install software drivers first then plug the stick in.

 

I have all A10c commands on the X52 pro software. One thing I have done is disable the Saitek Direct output LED/MFD support in Services. That seems to have improved the stability. Also deleted and reassigned some key assignments in A10c GUI.

 

The weakspot on mine is the ps2 connector on the stick and it is plasticky. I would like the X65F, but its similar price to the TM Warthog, wonder which is superior?;)

 

My profile is attached if anyone wants a look. There are some duplications in the list menu, I messed around a little:doh:

[Chaz]

Accipiter, you wouldn't happen to have a visual diagram of your profile?

[deflag]

I'm sure once you get your X52 working properly you will be more than happy with it.

 

I downloaded the following profile which is really good and has 99% of the commands you need so you dont need to touch the keyboard after start up.

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=58484

[Xxx]

Accipiter, you wouldn't happen to have a visual diagram of your profile?

 

This works for me. attached as jpg.:)

Edited May 2, 2011 by Accipiter

[112th_Rossi]

Well. I've managed to map most, if not all of the essential controls using the DCSW options. I think some people here might like it, I'll post up when I get home.

[Speed]

The biggest problem I have observed with the X52 is that the connectors can be VERY flakey. The PS2 can easily can come half of the way out, which shuts down the stick but sometimes leads to a blue screen of death or other Windows anomolies. A loss of profile can occur too.

 

Maybe the cord, the connection into the throttle or stick, or the plug in the throttle or stick is bad, or coming loose periodically?

 

I'd try duck-taping the cord in place on both the throttle and stick. That is what I did at least, it greatly minimizes problems.

 

The weakspot on mine is the ps2 connector on the stick and it is plasticky. I would like the X65F, but its similar price to the TM Warthog, wonder which is superior?;)

 

My profile is attached if anyone wants a look. There are some duplications in the list menu, I messed around a little:doh:

 

The price is not the same, the HOTAS Warthog is 50% more expensive than the X65F. X65F: $309 on Amazon, TM WH: $468 on Amazon.

 

After 12 years of X36 or X52 controllers, I'm finally upgrading to a top end controller myself. My X65F is scheduled for delivery tomorrow :joystick:

[oritpro]

The price is not the same, the HOTAS Warthog is 50% more expensive than the X65F. X65F: $309 on Amazon, TM WH: $468 on Amazon.

 

After 12 years of X36 or X52 controllers, I'm finally upgrading to a top end controller myself. My X65F is scheduled for delivery tomorrow :joystick:

 

I have an X65F and absolutely love it. The force sensing stick was really easy to adjust to, it truly is "think, fly." There's no way I could go back to a regular stick now.

 

Saitek packed a lot of parts into the box and a few of them were hard to find, so make sure you get everything before throwing the packaging away.

[Xxx]

Here is my updated X52 profile, with some more functions I find useful. Of course not everyone will like it, however it does work for me!

 

EDIT Just clear any duplications in the GUI in A10c and this profile works well. Remember to disable "latch" for the "i" fire button on the throttle. This is used as the Trim modifier and Trim reset!:)

WARTHOG.zip

Edited May 20, 2011 by Accipiter

[sparkie66]

Hey all

 

I wonder if any of you can help me before I throw this thing out of the window!

 

Anyway, enough with that. My issue is this:

 

I have downloaded the latest version of the drivers and profiling software from the Saitek site. The drivers install fine and windows registers all axis and buttons without any issue. The main issue is with the profile software. I have programmed a basic profile and can select it using the profile icon in the system tray. However, after a short period of time the profile stops working. The joystick still works but none of the programmed commands will work. I try to 'Clear Profile' but it sticks and will not clear from the joystick. Also if I try to change profile the icon changes to a 'waiting' icon and stays put. The profiler just hangs and nothing but a task manager 'end task' will kill it. The profiler will start up again but it won't load any profiles (resulting in a freezing again). And on top of all that, when the the profiler has hung, web browsing and general computer use becomes slow and generally unstable. The PC will not shutdown and I have to hard reset.

 

 

 

had the same issue, alsmost same system specs too. Cause: (i used the jackbauer profile, mouse wheel down would hang the whole sst software, had to unplug and plug back in and force close sst or reset pc.) the mfd can only hold 16 digits, any button description longer will hang sst when that btn is used.

 

In Dcs i erased the button assigs for the saitek for boat switch and programmed the keyboard commands in SST. So mouse wheel down etc translates to R alt and arrow. This makes the description for the saitek button something like "unnamed 9" or whatever you put there. this is no longer more than 16 digits and now everything works well.

[Lane]

Interessant to know about the 16digits.

 

I had no freeze, but only the flightstick and throttle was stop working after a while ( button etc )...

 

I have start to use the same profile .. the SFJ SST profile have only few functions set, other are set by the game ( the throttle mouse for control TGP slew ) .. I have change them and set all directly in the game.

 

So finally all my controller setup are set directly in DCS .. I don't use anymore SST profile and it work completely fine. But if i redo some settings, i will watch thoses 16 digits conflict.

Edited September 6, 2011 by Lane

[Gannon]

I've been stuck without the profile software since I updated a month or two ago. When I try to launch the profiler, it just stalls at the splash screen. I've contacted MadCatz with very little success. I've gone to installing the driver and mapping everything in DCS. =(

[WildBillKelsoe]

Mate, I gotta warn you X52 is rubbishimo compared to the T-flight Hotas X by thrustmaster. I had a DOA X52, and wasnt impressed at all with it, so I returned it to Amazon and got a T-flight Hotas X instead. Never looked back.

I've been playing with it for 3 months now, and never had a profile problem. In fact, it's chip allows you to map and store different commands. Not to mention that it works on both PC and PS3. The majority of the videos on my channel now, were made with it. Throw that thing away and get 2 for its price...

[pixelpilot]

I had issues untill i moved mys x52 to a usb port on the rear of my pc, the hub nor the front usbs on my case seemed to put out enough power, been flawless since then.