Just recieved my X-52 Pro, and so far...I'm actually hating it, it doesn't work. The profiles I have downloaded won't load in-game, editing controls in the game is about useless...and I have no idea how to create my own profile...should have went with CH...

Can't you just download a profile ?

Creating your own profile starts with a good understanding of the necessary keyboard functions. For instance to raise and lower your gear you need to press the "G" key.

This is a good place to start. Assign the "G" key to one of your stick buttons ---which one is entirely up to you.

Then as you learn the most important keys that you will need then assign them one by one to the stick.

If you cannot create a profile then I would assume that you do not yet have the basic knowledge of the keystrokes that it takes to fly the sim. Read the manual and learn the necessary keystrokes and creating a good profile should come easy for you.

If you use someone elses profile you still have the formidible task of understanding and memorizing the button asignemnts and whoever created that profile may not have included some things that you personnaly would like to have.

There are only so many buttons on a stick and you may want to assign one that is not included in someone elses profile.

I have what I think is a great profile but I would bet that most folks would find somethimg to dislike about it.

After rereading your post I begin to maybe see your basic problem. Even if you do understand the keyboard functions then you are confronted with actually assigning the stick buttons in the stick profiler.

I only have experience with the Saitek X-45 but I think your profiler is similar to mine.


Go to the stick icon on the taskbar and right click on the profile editor. Once it opens go to the file option and click on "new. Then name your profile. Go back to the main editor page and I assume you have mode 1, 2 and 3.

I use mode 1 for all my navigation --including takeoff and landnig functions.

Highlight mode 1 and pick a button on the stick by clicking it with the mouse pointer. Then it will highlight a square on the right side of the screen. Click your mouse on that square and a menu will pop up. Click on add new function and then click the G key to assign that button.

Then click on the "profile now" button and also "file save". then your chosen button will be assigned.

Repeat this for each assignment ---pretty simple operation.

If your profiler is different then read the manul that I assume came with the stick.


Step one --- understanding the keys you need to assign to the stick. You need to read the manual and fly the sim some to make the correct decisions.

Step two ---- create your profile by taking the time and making a good effort with a patient approach to accomplishment.

Ther are no good shortcuts to learning Lockon. It is a study sim.

quote:

Originally posted by exitiummachina:
Just recieved my X-52 Pro, and so far...I'm actually hating it, it doesn't work. The profiles I have downloaded won't load in-game, editing controls in the game is about useless...and I have no idea how to create my own profile...should have went with CH...

That is like saying that your pc doesn't work because it is too hard learning to double-click icons and using menues and windows and several different programs, unlike your braindead console or something like that..

From what I hear CH gear is no simpler to set up than saiteks. How about actually reading the readme? It took me about 1-2 hours to create my own profile with the readme handy, taking it in steps. If you download a profile you'll still have to understand where to put it and how to activate it to use it.

Like Udat said, it only takes a short while to get used to the Saitek profile editor. I thought it was a pretty neat easy to use peice of software. i hardly read the X52 manual, just started the profile editor and experimented. Once I'd got a couple of buttons set up and tested them, there was no stopping me.
Give it a go, its pretty slick.

As for the question of D/L'ing other folks profiles, I find that each person has their indiv tastes and preferences. Some fly air to air at 30,000ft, other love to move mud. Each will need a profile set up differently. So I consider it is best to set up your own that is exactly right for you. Took me a week of flying missions, tweaking a button, flying some more etc, before I got mine just right for me.

I guess the noob didn't like the things he heard here. Probably still looking for the easy way to learn the sim.

quote:

Originally posted by Cobe1:
I guess the noob didn't like the things he heard here. Probably still looking for the easy way to learn the sim.

Actually set it up just fine, I've been over at Lock On forums and haven't bothered to come back here as there are more people over there than here. Flying pretty good, just learning the TEWS on the F-15 now. Still haven't went into a multiplayer game as I'm still getting the basics down.

Biggest problem I had with the 52 was I didn't know the controls off-hand, but that is long gone as an issue.

Glad you are doing OK now. We can always use some fresh blood in the sim world.

But when you post a question and several people take the time and effort to try to help you --it is a courtesy for you to thank them or at least respond in some manner.

But if you have any other problems don't hesitate to come back and I am sure there are plenty of veterans still willing to help.

It's also a courtesy to not go around insulting new flyers.

quote:

Originally posted by Cobe1:
Glad you are doing OK now. We can always use some fresh blood in the sim world.

But when you post a question and several people take the time and effort to try to help you --it is a courtesy for you to thank them or at least respond in some manner.

But if you have any other problems don't hesitate to come back and I am sure there are plenty of veterans still willing to help.

I did the opposite of what you did with your profile, mine is set up that mode 1 is air to air, mode 2 is air to ground, and mode 3 is landing/navigation. Thanks for the advice by the way, and sorry I didn't come around after posting this was caught up in the game and at the UK site.

Hello ALL! A noob here, I mean not even A noob! below noob since I just order my copy from Newegg, like a minute ago. :P but since this is a controler topic, What will you guys recommend to use for controller to start out. Or will be better to start with the one mention in this page? any personal flight stick in special recommended?.

Thanks in Advance!

If you are confident that you want to make combat flight simulations a serious hobby- then you should invest in a 2 or 3 piece HOTAS (hands on throttle and stick) Obviously this consists of a Flight stick, a Separate throttle, and a set of rudder pedals. Non combat flight sims are best played with a yoke, and rudder pedals.

When just starting out there are many considerations: Level of computer & peripheral literacy (can I handle the setup & programming)

Budget

Quality,

Future needs.. a track ir (you need this NOW), needed computer upgrades, etc... Budget related I suppose. If you need equipment & upgrades you may need to make difficult decisions on what to spend on now..


Brands and my opinion:

Saitek: Most popular. Reasonably priced. Lots of programming space, relatively easy software. Quality & reliability- fair due to inconsistency. Typical huge corporation chinsy cheap construction. I've had 3 Saitek X45's. All of them broke in less than 2 years. Many many X52 users out there- lots of them reporting trouble free ownership, many of them report problems, broken stuff. New model coming out soon.



Logitech: A lot like Saitek, but historically AWFUL. Specialized in mostly super cheap/single piece junk over the years- but not anymore. The new G940 looks the part- and all indications are that Logitech intends to do this right from all aspects. Hardware, software & support. Someone @ Logitech has stood up, rolled up their sleeves, and showed up to FIGHT. Do not dismiss this product or this company anymore.

Extensive review: http://forums.ubi.com/eve/foru...8610606/m/9981037587



Ch Products: This is what I now own. Fighterstick, Pro Throttle, Pro Pedals. Top shelf liquor here. Quality & precision UNSURPASSED. Support- second to none. Software- Astounding capabilities with both programming keys to advanced scripting..

read this: (scroll down a bit) http://www.freewebs.com/konkussion/downloadsinc.htm

Not cheap-(between 85-105 per piece) but if you replace a broken Saitek X52 one time- you've easily exceeded the $$ on a 3 piece CH setup that IS NOT going to break. The CH MANAGER software is NOT noob friendly, but the support MORE than makes up for this. Simply put- advanced capabilities require advanced software.


Thrustmaster Cougar: Best looking stick. Has rotaries- something CH does not have, and can be fairly criticized for. Metallic (that's metallic- not STEEL like some delusional people will say) Somewhat expensive- no rudders available. The very capable & dedicated community of owners is the only real support. Foxy software has very good capability, was originally written by the engineer now working for CH Products, the author of CH manager. Some say it is OK right out of the box, most accounts I have seen over the years say that the many mods- OUTRAGEOUSLY EXPENSIVE MODS- are a "must have" to get the most out of it. The metallic feel is awesome, but does not neccessarily equate to quality. Have read many reports of extensive issues, but I also know several guys that would take up arms to protect their Cougars. A perfectly valid option.


WHATEVER YOU GET make SURE you plan & budget to get a Track IR too. www.naturalpoint.com/trackir If budget is an issue- skip the rudder pedals for now, and get this device. It's THAT important.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: konkussion,

Thanks for all the help! So Track IR is a must!, so is there a stick that you would recomend to lets say to start out?, maybe that usually noobs use lol..

do you think it could be better to learn to fly the controls on the keyboard alone first then get mayeb the X52pro from Seitek?


Thanks!.. very noob here and I'm reading all kinds of information on Lock on and my options to start out. I received my copy already from newegg! The collection pack, so here is another question that is going to sounds really noob! lol..

Since I got the collection wich includes: pacific fighters, IL2 Sturmovic and Lock on ( I havent botught flaming cliff yet) Will it be helpfull maybe to start my combat flight sim experience with one of the older like pacific fighter or IL2 then go to Lock on?.. or its doesnt matter?..

I had the noob idea to install first one of the other combat flight sims to learn to fly with the keyboard only on the older model fighters then once familiar with the controls on keyboard get me a X52 pro and install Lock on - flaming cliff to jump to modern fighters? crazy idea any thoughts from your own experience?..

Thanks!

SanChez

I recommend the CH line.

The best thing about the Saitek is the more attractive initial cost, and the software is easier to figure out. But like I said- when the Saitek breaks- by the time you replace it you'll be over the $$ of a CH setup. The CH equipment is not going to break. The software is anything but simple to learn at first, but you will be fine. CH Hangar is the finest support there is.


DO NOT waste time on the keyboard- you will not learn a damn thing. Also- don't waste time using easy flying features like easy radar, unlimited fuel/ammo, labels. You will learn very little. If you "train" on these features then decide to get online in hyperlobby- you will regret it.. We're talking ePic FaiL here. Slow down, study, Practice. Learn it the right way. ACE Settings. I know how badly you nuggets want & expect to be Maverick in 10 minutes.. ain't gonna happen.


There's a big difference in learning the basics of props & jets. They don't really behave the same way in flight. They certainly have differences in weapons & the procedures required to use them, sensors, all of it. Then- just within LOMAC FC itself- you have a simple flight model, and a ridiculously complicated & difficult advanced flight model on the SU25's.

Nice I just took a look at the CH website and yeah! they do look more profesional and sturdy than the Seitek ones.. the prices are not that high anyways. I'll just have to get one at a time, so that means since I will get the stick first most likely this one --> http://www.chproducts.com/retail/j_flight_pro.html

that means I will have to use the keyboard for the rest of the controls in the mean time..

I agree on the point on taking shortcuts, my main goal is to experience the flight simulation as it best that my pockets can aford lol..which is usually limited.. and get online and join some good dogfights. So yeah taking my time here..

So I guess it comes down to get me my flight stick and then install LO-FC and start up the tutorials.. no wasting time on the keyboard then...

The tutorials in FC you will say are the best way to start right?.. I know some Sims dont have good tutorials..


Thanks!

Not bad- but if the fighterstick is an option- I'd recommend that.

try here..

http://www.provantage.com/ch~880CHPD.htm

I think you'll find that each piece is about $23-25 less.



Yeah look here- http://www.provantage.com/saitek~880SAIG.htm

ABout $225 for A complete Saitek Pro w/ pedals.

About $293 for a complete CH setup. No brainer to me.. others may disagree

I'm not if the tutorials in FC work with the newest patch.. You may have to get yourself up to flaming cliffs v. 1.1 watch the tutorials, then patch up to version 1.12 (required for hyperlobby online)

Read my site carefully- there is a wealth of new guy info there including links to just about everything including training. www.flankertraining.com , etc

Thanks a lot!

I had already bookmarked your site, while I was researching on the topics. Found your tutorials and other info..

so how would you say the online dogfights are, I'm sure you have done your share..?..

hey thanks for all the good info! ~ I'm feeling I got the information I needed to move forward..

Online dogfights are nothing like fighting the AI.. No automated scripts being followed. Downright humiliating at times if you are not well trained at it- like me. Some people spend all their time doing close in combat- I have spent most of my time doing just about everything but that. BVR, Carrier ops, refueling, ground pounding of all sorts.. I have never spent enough time practicing the knife fight. I can do it- but I'm not terrific at it by a long shot.

There is a guns only server up most of the time in Hyperlobby- stick with that or another with a similar description if you want WVR fights. Most servers are set up to attract & accomodate all types of pilots- larger missions taking up lots of space. Lots of ground targets for the mud movers. Carriers for the Su33's, etc. These maps tend to result in BVR type air to air combat, but certainly these engagments can end up WVR. Just don't expect clean 1 on 1 fights in that environment. Other pilots in the room WILL get involved more often than not. They might come in to chase you off their teammates' tail, or they might be stat-queers flying in to steal your kill with a longer range shot, etc. It's live- so you got to deal with live people, both good & bad.


The tutorials are from Rich "Ironhand" Sorochek.. erm.. Sori.. crap.. Ironhand created those