Pros: Good feel & Good Value for your dollar. Recommended for the flight simmer.
Cons: Programming software could be easier to use, Can only use one profile at a time.
The Bottom Line: I recommend this product to those that are avid flight simmers . Plenty of features and the ability to program the system to your liking.
I am an avid flight simmer. Before I made the decision to purchase the X-52.
I had not used a Flight Control/Hands On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) system before, but after reading numerous professional and user reviews, I decided to purchase the X-52 Flight Control System.
Features
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The features of the X -52 are listed below:
Joystick
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o Precision centering mechanism, non-contact technology on X and Y axes and constant spring force reduce free play, improve control and increase durability
o 2-stage metal trigger; 2 primary buttons in 1 convenient position
o 4 fire buttons including missile launcher with spring-loaded safety cover for instant access
o Conveniently positioned metal pinkie switch provides shift functionality to double up on programmable commands
o 2 X 8-way Hat Switches
o 3D rudder twist
o 3-position rotary mode selector switch with LED indicators
o 3 spring-loaded, base-mounted toggle switches for up to 6 programmable flight commands
o 5-position handle adjustment system to suit all hand size
Throttle
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o Progressive throttle with tension adjustment, detents for afterburner and idle
o 2 fire buttons
o Scroll wheel with built-in button
o Mouse controller / hat switch with left mouse button
o 8-way hat switch
o 2 x rotary controls
o Smooth-action slider control
o Clutch button initiates ‘safe mode’ to allow on-the-fly profile selection, or to display button functionality without activating
Note: Feature Listing taken from http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/prod/x52.htm
What is not mentioned is that all the buttons have LED lights.
The throttle has a Multi-Function Display (MFD) which provides the following additional features:
o LED lights
o Displays Profile selected
o Stopwatch
o Time for 2 time zones (Displays time in Universal Coordinated and 2 user selected time zones)
First Impressions
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The X-52 came in a well packaged box. The contents of the box included the following:
X-52 Joystick/Throttle
Operating Manual with Driver/Programming CD
Suction cups
USB Cable
Connector cable to connect the stick to the throttle
After unpacking the box, I proceeded to setup the system on my desk, connecting the joystick to the throttle with the connector cable and hooking it up to my PC.
My first impression of the system was that it was made up of solid plastic and metal components. Also, when I held it for the first time, it had a comfortable feel to it.
Software Installation
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The CD which came with the system has both the driver and the Saitek Smart Technology (SST) programming software. Installation was as easy as inserting the CD into your CD drive and letting the PC do the rest of the work.
Programming
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As mentioned above, the software CD came included with Saitek's SST programming software.
Upon starting the software you are presented with a 3D image of both the joystick and the throttle. You can select either component, then press or click a button and it will highlight it on the 3D image.
All the buttons, rotary dials, HAT switches and even the mouse controls on the throttle can be programmed.
The only button that cannot be programmed is the clutch button, as this comes preset.
Programming consists of the following steps:
1. Selecting the button you would like to program
2. Entering the keystroke you would like it to emulate
3. Entering a name for the keystroke
Once you have programmed everything to your liking, you can save it as a profile.
In addition, if you are either uncomfortable programming or just feel overwhelmed at the prospect of programming the system, you can look around the internet and download pre-defined profiles which other users have created.
Use
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The system, once setup and programmed is really easy to use. Just select a profile for the game/simulation you are using and then you are off and running.
Conclusion
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Before I wrap up this review, I have a 3 minor complaints about the system, which are listed below:
o Programming software could be a little more user friendly, more so if you have never used a system like this before
o You can only load one profile at a time
o The LED lights are for show
Despite these minor complaints, the pros far outweigh the cons and I would recommend this setup to those that are avid flight simmers.
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