(New Player) Assistance with setting up Saitek X52 Non-Pro

[oshtwtf]

Greetings all,

 

I'm new to the DCS simulator (specifically the P-51D module) and am having trouble importing a Saitek X52 (Non-Pro) profile that I located elsewhere on the forums.

 

I have downloaded the .pr0 file and injected it in to the included profiling software - all is well in this department and the MFD is displaying the name of the profile properly.

 

The primary issue that I'm having is I am unsure how to import this physical profile (designed to work with the X52 software) in to the DCS simulator so that I can use it to fly.

 

I see that the DCS "options menu" is detecting my X52 but if I attempt to import any controls it asks me to point to a .lua file. I'm not sure what an .lua file is or how I would make one.

 

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

 

(Profile downloaded can be located in this thread: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=89684)

[oshtwtf]

Bumping for the necessity of newb-help.

 

Help a pilot out, guys! :cry:

[jay43]

I'm not sure if there are any lau files for the x52 but what you can do is just bind everything manually in the options and controls tab in DCS GUI just click on a box and click on add then click the button on the X52.

Check the Axis are in the right place they should be by default and remember there is a sim set of controls and a game set of controls.

[Tetra]

The Saitek profile you downloaded should basically be a representation of the keys laid out in DCS World. Ie if you hit a button on your HOTAS it will send that keystroke to DCS, there should be nothing to set up aside from assigning your throttle and the joysticks X&Y axis in DCS world. So load your profile first in the Saitek software, make sure it is running, then launch DCS World and the keystrokes should be sent through to DCS. Once inside DCS just assign your throttle and joystick to the appropriate axis functions for the P-51D and you should be good to go. The Import function in DCS is just for exporting and importing the actual assigned keys/joystick functions if you have assigned things directly inside DCS world, in your case that should not be necessary.

Edited September 11, 2013 by Tetra

[oshtwtf]

I'm not sure if there are any lau files for the x52 but what you can do is just bind everything manually in the options and controls tab in DCS GUI just click on a box and click on add then click the button on the X52.

Check the Axis are in the right place they should be by default and remember there is a sim set of controls and a game set of controls.

 

I had considered this, but the majority of the control surfaces on my HOTAS (for instance the dials on the throttle) aren't being detected, so I can't set up axis' for things like trim controls. Any ideas on that?

 

The Saitek profile you downloaded should basically be a representation of the keys laid out in DCS World. Ie if you hit a button on your HOTAS it will send that keystroke to DCS, there should be nothing to set up aside from assigning your throttle and the joysticks X&Y axis in DCS world. So load your profile first in the Saitek software, make sure it is running, then launch DCS World and the keystrokes should be sent through to DCS. Once inside DCS just assign your throttle and joystick to the appropriate axis functions for the P-51D and you should be good to go. The Import function in DCS is just for exporting and importing the actual assigned keys/joystick functions if you have assigned things directly inside DCS world, in your case that should not be necessary.

 

Awesome instructions! If this has been working, than I haven't noticed it. Would it then be necessary for me to clear out all of the preassigned keys? What about the throttle dials that I mentioned in the reply above? Would I need to assign those axis' as well?

[Tetra]

For safe measure try the following.

 

 

In the above make sure you do them in number order 1/2/3/4/5.

 

Do the same for the "Axis" drop-down too.

 

This will clear ALL the currently assigned X-52 controls in DCS world so nothing from your HOTAS should be defined in DCS world any more.

 

Now go back to the axis drop down and set up your throttle axis and your joystick pitch/roll axis, these will probably be the only two things you need to assign in DCS world directly.

 

Now Ok all that, close DCS world, run the Saitek profile in the Saitek control centre (system tray) make sure it goes green and the profile is shown on the MFD. Now launch DCS world and try again.

 

Usually (in the case of Saitek profiles) rotaries simply send key-presses as the rotary moves, so it's not treated like a normal axis as such in the profile.

Edited September 11, 2013 by Tetra

[oshtwtf]

-snip-

 

Another awesome post.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll give it a shot when I get home!

[oshtwtf]

I'm at a bit of a loss. I followed the directions to the T.

 

DCS is not detecting my throttle axis as I have it assigned. The keys for the other functions do *seem* to be working.

[Tetra]

I'm at a bit of a loss. I followed the directions to the T.

 

DCS is not detecting my throttle axis as I have it assigned. The keys for the other functions do *seem* to be working.

 

Post a screen-shot of your throttle assignment in the DCS world input screen, would be easier to tell what's going on. Normally to assign (if you haven't done already) just go to the Axis section, double click on throttle under the X-52 column and then when the pop-up screen comes up just move the throttle all the way forward and back until it shows the correct input in the box.

 

EDIT: Also to note...make sure you are using the correct version of the controls. I don't have the P-51D but if it's anything like A-10C you should have "P-51D SIM" and "P-51D GAME" in your controls dialogue. One set of keys is for when you are flying in game mode (simplified flying kind of arcade style) and the other for full sim-mode (the real deal). You can change which mode you are in by going to the options and then gameplay tab and make sure it is on Sim (if you want the full realism). Have a look at mine for reference.

 

 

Note that turning on "Game Flight Mode" and "Game Avionics Mode" will essentially put you back in to "Game mode" so make sure those are turned off. When you are done setting that up then hit OK. Then go back to the controls options and assign your throttle and stick axis under the "P-51D SIM" drop down in the controls settings. That way you will be flying in "SIM" mode and your controls will also be assigned to "SIM" mode. Also if you did clear your joystick mapping but did it in game mode by accident then follow my previous screenshot again making sure you are clearing the "Sim" mode controls.

Edited September 12, 2013 by Tetra

[oshtwtf]

-snip-

 

My throttle is assigned to the Z axis, as it should be. Editing the axis confirms this.

 

I even attempted setting JOY_SLIDER1 to prop controls, however, when I start any mission my throttle does nothing and the JOY_SLIDER1 controls the plane's throttle, but inverted.

 

EDIT: Also, I attempted to take a screenshot but it didn't work. I'm -semi- familiar with configuring input devices for other sims or games, but this one defies my logic.

Edited September 12, 2013 by oshtwtf
Additional information.

[Tetra]

Did you check all the above I posted about the correct game/sim mode for the controls? If so post a quick screen-shot of your axis section in the controls options.

[oshtwtf]

Did you check all the above I posted about the correct game/sim mode for the controls? If so post a quick screen-shot of your axis section in the controls options.

 

My mistake! I thought I had verified those settings but you were correct! Thanks for the help. Much appreciated. :joystick: