Joy and misery of X52

:FI:Ghost · Post by **:FI:Ghost** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 3:38 pm

Hello guys!

I wanted to share this story with you. I ordered Saitek X52 two days ago, after a long consideration. I was counting hours until it arrived and I cannot describe with words how happy I was today, around 11am when the delivery man finally rang my bell. I opened the box and I was thrilled to finally hold it in my hands. I plugged it in and began to do all the install thingies and when I started to do buttons programing misery came upon me. The flight stick ceased to work, to be more precise the X axis gone dead. I've searched through Saitek forums and apparently my case is not the only one. I've contacted the shop I bought it in (and they are the exclusive Saitk suppliers for Serbia) and they told me to send it back, and then they will see to it and decide whether they'll fix it or send me a new one. Of course, they told me that this was the only one in the shop (which now explains a lot) and that the new supply will arrive in some 10 days. So tomorrow I am sending it back and crossing my fingers to get a new one as soon as possible. Damn, it kills me to see it, standing next to me on the floor, broken...

Post by **:FI:Gadje** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 10:40 pm

Just a thought Ghost sometimes the software can cause problems. I would uninstall it, just install newest drivers and let Windows pick it up... which it should and you can calibrate in there...and see if it works just in case. I dont use the software and it works fine.

:FI:Ghost · Post by **:FI:Ghost** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:19 pm

:FI:Gadje wrote:Just a thought Ghost sometimes the software can cause problems. I would uninstall it, just install newest drivers and let Windows pick it up... which it should and you can calibrate in there...and see if it works just in case. I dont use the software and it works fine.

Thanx Gadje, but it was not the software problem. I tried the joystick on my friend's computer and the problem remained. I tried to install new drivers and new SST program, and it didn't help. There seems to be a problem with software as well, cause when I installed new drivers my SST program got lost and now when I try to install it again it cannot be found anywhere on my computer. I'll write them a mail and see what they will have to say about that.. Tell me, how long have you had yours?

Post by **:FI:Gadje** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 6:02 pm

18 mths

Post by **:FI:Moe** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 9:43 pm

Sorry to hear about your problems Ghost. I've had my X52 since launch and have had no serious problems.

Hey Gadje, have you done any physical mods on the stick? Care to share your sensitivity settings? I've never been happy with the pitch and roll rate.

:FI:Falcon · Post by **:FI:Falcon** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:08 pm

Gah!

If you two are gonna start talkin' about your sensitivity and happiness then take it to the PM's!

F

:FI:Heloego · Post by **:FI:Heloego** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 6:38 am

I agree with Gadge.

The software really isn't necessary for basic ops, but it did enable a few extra functions of my Throttle Quadrant so I installed it anyway.

Sorry to hear of your probs Ghost. Hope the new unit works better.

:FI:Ghost · Post by **:FI:Ghost** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 2:47 pm

Thanx guys.. Is it possible to use all 6 modes of the joystick if you don't install the SST?

:FI:Heloego · Post by **:FI:Heloego** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 7:38 am

If you want to be able to use Modes 1, 2, and 3 you will need to install the SST software.
I'm limited to one mode without it.

Post by **:FI:Gadje** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:56 pm

Moe I just use the throttle, and the stick as a somewhat gaudy buttonbay. Missus bought me a CH fighterstick a while back and I use that. Its a bit more accurate than the Saitek but has a few probs itself.....nowts perfect.
Regarding settings I have them set at 100 right across......apart from rudder. At first this is great for practising spin recovery

but you get used to it and I like to think its better to have the stick as sensitive as possible. Imagine your cruising along in your P-11 when bullets whizz past you from your six. You want that roll and split S you evade with to happen as fast as it can... no? Thats my thinking anyway.
I Think Mikester has it set the same too.

Post by **:FI:Moe** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 12:41 am

Thanks for that Gadje.

I might have to bring my old Sidewinder out of retirement to replace the X52 stick.

:FI:Ghost · Post by **:FI:Ghost** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 4:07 pm

I got it back today. Apparently, one of the wires in the stick got unconnected and they repaired it in 2 minutes.. It's working fine now, all I have to do is learn to fly on it:)

:FI:Heloego · Post by **:FI:Heloego** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:57 pm

A helpful tool:

For those with the X-52, the proprietary connectors' pins may lose their pinch fit over time, causing a loss of function(s) due to poor connections. This can be verified by wiggling the connector in its socket to see if any of your joystick or throttle LEDs blink.

Investing in a bottle of Stabilant 22 will save the heartbreak of losing a function or two during a session.

I should point out that it is available as Concentrate (22) and diluted (22A).

Go to : http://www.micro-tools.com/Merchant2/me ... e_Code=MTE

or check at a local Electronics or Audio shop for this nifty (did I say "Nifty"?) dilectric. It will provide superior transmission of those electron thingies between the pins and sockets of your connectors. This is the required dilectric used on all Eurocopter products and I haven't found anything more reliable. It beats Dow-Corning 4 hands down!!!!

The only downside is that if you regularly disconnect the connectors you should re-apply the Stabilant 22 before re-connecting.

Also excellent for any other connectors you may have inside or outside the PC.

NOTE 1: Prior to application thoroughly clean the contacts/pins with a cleaner designed specifically for electronics (ie Misty II). Use the supplied BRUSH to apply the compound...DO NOT use the pad. The brush is for finer pins such as those used in the PC, and the pad is for LARGE High Amperage pins. If your purchase does not include a brush, use a fine artist brush. Always apply the compound to the pins, not the sockets. (I speak from experience here.

) It may also be used for SATA and USB connectors, but greater care needs to be taken during application to avoid bridging between contacts.

NOTE 2: For our purposes on the helicopter we don't mix the concentrate with isopropanol. the dilution is too thin. We use it full strength.
For PC use, follow the manufacturer's recommended dilution.

You may also visit the manufacturer's site at: http://www.stabilant.com/ and check out the Application Notes.

The stuff isn't cheap, but it's worth every cent, zloty, or whatever...
A bottle will last a VERY long time. It will probably expire before you finish it.

:FI:Airway · Post by **:FI:Airway** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 3:52 pm

Just today someone in the German language forum wrote about the same problem.

He opened the stick and saw that one of the cables was loose because a plastik part grinded it off.

He soldered the cable on and it worked again.
But he said it would be good to check if the problem is current even in sticks without any error.
It's like a prevention check

Joy and misery of X52

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