New Stick, Saitek X55 Rhino HOTAS?

SeeJay · Post by **SeeJay** » Thu Feb 19, 2015 7:20 am

Hi all.

My old friend, Saitek X52 Stick/Throttle is giving up on me and is about to retire
after a very long service.

I need a replacement Stick/Throttle.

I'm thinking about getting my hands on the Saitek X55 HOTAS Stick/Throttle.

Does anyone have any input on this device? I can't find a store nearby that has it in
stock so I can actually hold it and get a feel for it, so I need to order one online.

- How does it feel? (Plastic, robust etc)
- Any issues with configuring it?
- Have you tested it with Evochron and/or a flight sim such as FSX?

It uses Hall effect sensors, so it shouldn't wear down on the axis like my X52 has
over the years.

I love Saitek products, so I'll probably order one soon if I can stop my dog from eating
socks so I don't have to go to the Vet all the time getting them out. (Expensive LOL);)

Any feedback is most appreciated.
/SeeJay

[Edited on 2015-2-19 by SeeJay]

Post by **Marvin** » Thu Feb 19, 2015 3:57 pm

Wait 'till summer to buy the joystick. That way, you'll have more time to collect feedback ... and you can wear sandals without socks!

SeeJay · Post by **SeeJay** » Thu Feb 19, 2015 4:03 pm

LOL Marv.

Well, then I can't fly much more at all right now. It's going downhill fast.

Post by **DaveK** » Thu Feb 19, 2015 4:56 pm

I've got a spare X45 that might keep you going. You're welcome to it. If you look on eBay there as some good older sticks offered that might keep you going in the shorter (or longer) term. It's where I got my X52Pro

Minuteman · Post by **Minuteman** » Thu Feb 19, 2015 8:47 pm

Maybe this is a dumb question. I've never opted in for the whole Saitek anything, but have always had eyes on it. I've only generally used logitech joysticks (without any bells and whistles or anything). Is the difference significant?

SeeJay · Post by **SeeJay** » Thu Feb 19, 2015 9:27 pm

I've never used a Logitec Stick, so I wouldn't know what
the difference might be.

I've always used Saitek and I love them.

Thanks for the offer Dave. I'll probably order the X55 soon
since I trust Saiteks stuff. The downside with X52 and X52 Pro is that
surfaces inside wears down since it's mechanical.
On the X55 it's magnethic Hall sensors instead.

Nigel_Strange · Post by **Nigel_Strange** » Fri Feb 20, 2015 4:55 am

I got an X52 recently, but I haven't really gotten the hang of using it. For one thing, I use the keyboard too much, so it would be hard to find controls for everything that I already use the keyboard for.

For another thing, the throttle controller is a bit lightweight compared to the stiffness of the control, meaning that when I move the controller forward or back, it tends to slide rather than change the throttle position. This is made worse by these "bumps" that are in the middle of the range, and near the top. I wish I could smooth this out a bit. There is some kind of control on it for adjustment, but it will not adjust far enough, nor will it remove the bumps.

So, for the time being, I'm still using the Thrustmast T16000. Pity, but it works.

Valander · Post by **Valander** » Fri Feb 20, 2015 5:56 am

You can adjust the tension on the X52 throttle. If it's too tight, it will slide the whole thing around like you describe. Might also relieve the "bumps" in the range. It's a little dial off on the side of the main housing.

[Edited on 2-20-2015 by Valander]

Minuteman · Post by **Minuteman** » Fri Feb 20, 2015 2:08 pm

Shoot my ol' logitech 3D doesn't even really have a throttle (just a little lever on the base of the joystick). I am thinking I need to give a saitek a shot. Time to start saving my pennies.

Post by **DaveK** » Sun Feb 22, 2015 8:16 pm

lots of them!

SeeJay · Post by **SeeJay** » Fri May 29, 2015 6:38 am

I have installed the new X55 now and I'm working with creating/testing a profile.

I really love it. So many shining green buttons LOL! Lot's of features on it.

I noticed one problem using the profile software. (Think I had it with the X52 as well tho).
When creating a function using Alt + a key, it doesn't work. (Alt + B to toggle tractorbeam on/off).
My work around is to change/add the right arrow key as Tractorbeam, and then program right arrow key to the stick/throttle.

Anyone else have this problem? Any solution to it?
(I don't want to add Alt to a stick/throttle button, I want to program the function/macro).

[Edited on 2015-5-29 by SeeJay]

Rubber Chicken · Post by **Rubber Chicken** » Fri May 29, 2015 8:17 pm

I don't have an x55, but I did search the key mapping list pages for functions labeled "Secondary Control". My 'B' key now locks the tractor beam on without the use of ALT.
I also have a mapping on the keyboard and my controller for "Quicksave Secondary". One button and saved.

Maybe eliminating as many 'ALT+' combos as you can with those secondary options will help.

SeeJay · Post by **SeeJay** » Fri May 29, 2015 9:04 pm

Thx RC.

I remapped the one that are using Alt.

The thing is that it should work using Alt, Shift, Ctrl etc + a key in the software.
I just don't know if I'm doing something wrong or if it's an issue I need to address Saitek with.

Rubber Chicken · Post by **Rubber Chicken** » Fri May 29, 2015 10:54 pm

Agreed. The program should work as intended. I'm pretty new to Saitek products so I haven't played around with the editor yet.

I am glad that there is at least a temporary solution that works until you can get it sorted.

You gotta admit though, 1-button quicksaving is pretty sweet.

SeeJay · Post by **SeeJay** » Sat May 30, 2015 1:54 pm

I agree, the one button QS is great to have.

I'll try different approaches and see if I can come up with a solution. A macro might do the trick.