Making Saitek X52 Mk1 and Mk2 maps.
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Could also be called mapping your HOTAS in general.
Regardless of which HOTAS you have you must plan it out prior to just sticking everything in.
Generally I use a spreadsheet program in Landscape mode to set out each role of the selector wheel on the X-52 and whichever mode mode switch is on the Cougar.
Two rules apply to all. Keep it simple ! and NEVER, EVER, EVER PUT EJECT ON THE HOTAS its highly tempting to do I know I did it myself but on occasion it has been known to not be the bomb release or the missile release button. Or indeed the other function of the push to talk button (been there done it made an idiot of myself, last few seconds before a bomb run having dodged sams left right and centre, weapon armed, hit the pickle and a screen full of parachute and an MIA on the score card.)
The HOTAS is useful for fast attack profile switching period. The other functions like trims and such like, power systems and various other functions are best left on the keyboard.
Generally when making up a profile as I have seen in a few posts on here there’s 3 to worry about A-A, A-G and Nav mode.
The X-52 has a luxury of timed key presses and macroed keys over a set period. This is absolutely priceless for rigging to your loadout so make a few profiles up for the role your going to play, A-A support ( so no need for A-G settings ), SEAD set up for ground and air useage and dont forget to add jettison fuel tanks into it. A-G setup, depending on the missions you want to set up for.
Ok so now you have the basic idea for each profile make a spreadsheet, they are free to make and easily changed.
First thing in each profile lets call it MODE 1. Take Off, Navigation, Landing.
One prime thing to do first is to set the throttle movement AB kick in to as small a percentage as possible on the setup in the game, gives you way more touch and feel to the throttle.
Ok so now we have the throttle set think what vital things are necessary in this mode that your going to need to switch through. Decide having gone through the list and starting at the mode switch set a macro to cycle the Master arm to Off / Safe etc.
Add flap controls if needed remember to make a check on speed prior to use, 300knots plus and the mechanics going to be doing overtime on the plane, same with undercarriage. Plan into your layout the possibility of an overshoot or touch and go so dont just set extend and drop gear and flaps but also retract them as well on the fast switch button.
Radio selection is best left on the keypad
So now youve got the idea start in on A-A two modes here. Is it vital to dump my ordnance to get out of trouble or can i take the bogey down and continue the mission. Obviously this is going to need adding to each profile and the fewer key strokes the better. Use the Mode wheel and selector button to get your bearings. As each part goes on the sheet, ask do i need this now or can it be left on the keyboard.
When you think youve got it right, program the hotas one mode at a time and take it for a spin round the block to make sure it all works and you can hit the required function without looking at the buttons, sitting and feeeling them makes life a lot easier. A quick glance at the mode light and press away.
And basically thats it. Once you think you have the perfect macro or the perfect button layout it can go pear shaped in the wrong mode, its no good throwing a 1000lb bomb at a Mig and wondering why the missiles still on the rack.
Practice, Practice, edit, and practice some more. A simple profile works better than an “I never have to touch my keyboard” profile. Unless you happen to be gifted with immortality or photographic memory. If your new to HOTAS start simple and work your way into it. Have the basics on the hotas and a keymap in front of you,
Ive been flying Falcon now since it was Falcon 3 and had the new saitek HOTAS when it came out in the early 2000’s. Yes they are cool, yes they do make life easy and yes they have loads of advantages of that there is no denial on my part. I like so many of us went for “How many functions can I cram on the stick and throttle” what a mess. Apply logical thought and keep any buttons likely to cause structural damage to the airframe behind the second use button.
Youll have fun getting it all to work right and make life easy on yourself. These days I have a Saitek X-52 Mk1 bought day one of the release of it and it still works perfectly on all my sims.
And to all those with cougars and the actual F-16 copy sticks from yesteryear, may you find this humble help of some use. A decent joystick doesnt make you a good pilot. I used to get my behind kicked by a guy who had a Microsoft 2 Joystick and that taught me, all the buttons in the world make no difference whatsoever if you cant fly right. It isnt easy, nobody said it was. This sims grown from the days of a few button presses half the buttons on a hotas could have coped with and the rest would be blank. And I bless the day the guy at Microprose dumped all the base files for Falcon on the server to enable the sim to grow into what it is today, the most complex and awe inspiring piece of aircraft simulator ever made by guys who had the patience and skills and lots of time on their hands too.
Lest we forget
Falcon 3.0, Falcon 4.0, Falcon 4 SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, Open Falcon, Freefalcon, and a couple of others the names of which allude me. Thanks for the years of enjoyment and the effort you all put into making it all come together.