Joystick Help and Profiles for BoB 2

[gdotts]

Does the force feedback work for your AV8R in BOB2?

Thanks,
gdotts

[Bucic]

AV8R is not a FFB joystick, gdotts.

[JamesB]

I have an x52 Pro profile I have been working on based on some others I have found or been sent by people who use these forums. Its not complete but may be a good starting point for others. Would you be interested in putting it up here Bucic?

[Bucic]

You mean my part would be to draw a simple graphic presenting X52 button layout - similarly to graphics I've created for Cyborg Evo and AV8R? If yes then sure. I'm currently busy with the 109 take-off video tutorial but I can grab it and work on it later. Please upload it somewhere.

[JamesB]

Yes, exactly that, I'm sure Scott will not mind if I put it on the FTP site but we would need to do a graphical explanation of it as you have done very well for the other JS.

[Bucic]

Good morning, James!

Please send me the profile or other files which will let me work on the button layout graphic. Keep in mind that I don't have X52 so I will need something which tells me what command is assigned to what buton/control and where the particular button/control is located. Also X52 pdf documentation would be very helpful. I have to evaluate if I can do it similar way to the previous button layouts - X52 has couple of times of buttons more than the previous joysticks so adding the joystick silhouette may be required. When I get the materials and profile I will let you know how much time I will need to complete the task.

[JamesB]

OK, will PM you my email address, if you let me have yours we can swap info around. Just one note, my JS is an X52 pro not the original x52. The profiles are not compatible between the two although anyone with the Saitek software can read the profile and would therefore be able to make one up for the X52 quite easily.

[StanMckhanic]

So from what I can gather, with some dissent on particular models, is that Saitek makes some fine sticks, been pricing various models, can anyone tell me what the difference between the PC/360 and the PC/PS2 Saitek Aviator is? From what I can tell, there's a different button layout on the front panel, but also the weights and prices are different. (Haven't found the Pure PC version with the toggle switches for sale here in Oz yet).

[JamesB]

Saitek do indeed make some good sticks. I can't recomend any particular one, I had a Saitek Cyborg for years but I'd be certain they don't make that anymore. I now use the X52 Pro which is their flagship but if you are not really heavily into fligh sims then it's difficult to justify the cost of that one.

[Bucic]

All the models are presented here http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/joysticks.htm Also note that all the models have different designation on the base. 01, 02, 03.

If all of the models work on PC then pick the one you like the most. For example the PC/console version has analog stick on top of the handle while the pure PC version has just 8 way switch. On the other hand PC/console versions seem to have poorer base switches sets. Look it up yourself.

In general there's not many decent joysticks you can buy for less than $90. To be realistic - there's not many decent joysticks you can buy at all even when price is not an issue. The thing is manufacturers usually don't really care about costumers. They don't have to as 90% of them are not able to check the product before they buy it and the competition is limited too.

Here's a few pieces of advices I can give you:
- rule out all of the Logitech joysticks. Poor mechanics and not better sensors.
- in terms of sensors you're rather safe to choose any Saitek joystick. Saitek uses decent sensors (potentiometers) on their cheapest joys and IIRC contacless sensors in case of X-52.
- rule out the latest Saitek Cyborg (Cyborg X). It has been "designed by ladies for ladies" - the only explanation I see.
- if the amount of money you have for js is close to $90 you should really consider buying one of the X-52 versions or look into CH products line. Or Thrustmaster's.
- check for axis play in every joystick you were considering buying at some shop. If they say they can't get it out of box for you then say thank you. To check for axis play watch the gimbal (mechanism) part which is the further down the joistick (the closest to sensors). Now move the handle with just jour fingers and watch - the part I mentioned shoul move as you move the handle. Also check the feel of the handle when you move the joystick past the neutral position. If something clicks during transision or the force on the stick is close to nothing near neutral pos while it abruptly increases as you move past the neutral - that's bad too. Note that axis play can be different for handle moving aft and forward and left to right.

You can skip checking the axis play for Saitek X-52 as it has the smallest axis play I have opportunity to test. You just won't get anything much better. The same is probably in cas of Thrustmaster T.16000 M and most of CH sticks.

[Trumper]

I have the ordinary X52 ,i could'nt think of another way of showing you my set up
Gear/ Undercarriage is the toggle up and down switch on base of joystick.
The hat switch is mapped 4 ways to Map,Radio,Lock view to gunsight and zoom view.
The little pinkie switch at the back is for centreing the Track IR





I HAVE TRACK IR SO NO VIEWS ARE MAPPED,ALTHOUGH IF TRACK IR GOES OFF THE HAT SWITCHES DO AUTOMATICALLY SEEM TO REVERT TO VIEWS.

Brakes are push button to release,re push to apply,
Flaps switch is a rocker, up and down
Rotary switches are neutral set in the middle then rotate left or right for same direction movement in the YAW or central neutral then left for nose up trim or right nose down trim.
Prop pitch is the slider,forward full fine pitch ,back is coarse.
I know i haven't used half the functions available but it works for me
I hope this may help or give someone some ideas

[Bucic]

CH fighter stick and saitek X52 - HOTAS comparison review by experienced simmer

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=15906

[Bucic]

New Force Feedback (FFB) flight controlers set (stick + throttle + pedals) from Logitech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwI8bbUiSKE

After years of experience with Logitech I recommend being cautions with this one and not going with the hype. Your main concern should be axis play and poor sensors (potentiometers) which are both a black trademark of Logitech.

[Bucic]

October 2010 Update
All future updates will be posted here http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=44992

Improved layout for X52 Pro. Contents - almost identical.
I re-distributed the blocks to minimize the risk that rearrangement will be needed. I also removed some obsolete figures.

Lots of notes included in the svg file. Open, zoom out if needed and read.



Download link http://www.mediafire.com/file/ugcb1u9db ... c_v1.1.zip

________________________________________________________

Here's the v1 set of pdf layout, svg layout (for Inkscape) and James' profile for Saitek X52 pro.

http://rapidshare.com/files/275688346/X ... 1.zip.html

As no one said otherwise, I left the unused "slots".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbw7yTzxoIo&fmt=22

You can find the template in this topic http://www.a2asimulations.com/forum/vie ... 10&t=17890

NOTE:
The template is of older version than the final button layout.

[Bucic]

1280x1000 high quality video
http://rapidshare.com/files/278056082/B ... 0x1000.mov

3 part YouTube HD version. Please read the description.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbw7yTzxoIo

Updated button layout with SST profile (~16 combinations of basic blocks added)
http://rapidshare.com/files/278057813/X ... 107_v2.zip

Edit:
Updated August 10th