Sky Blue Radio

OVERVIEW

Well, here we are a rather interesting departure form the delightful software normally reviewed. This is hardware, and boy, is it Hardware!

I may be a typical flight ‘simmer’, why? I purchased all the add-ons possible to enhance the Flight Simming experience, but, I just may let the side down by owning a single joystick for my use. Alright, it has built in throttle, and many ‘fast’ buttons, and hat key, twist stick for the rudder movement, but I am ashamed to say that is it. (Although for some this is fine.)

I am doubly ashamed, having spent many an hour accruing the hours for my PPL, I know the difference it makes to have the ‘correct’ hardware to get the most form our wonderful pastime and hobby. I sit here with my head held low in shame!

Right, therapy and admission of guilt over, It was about time I looked around for a ‘system’ that would provide me with quality, ease of use, efficient and accurate use.

There is a ‘myriad’ of offerings commercially available, but, I wanted a unit that did not ‘disappear’ of the table, when you put a tight turn in or aggressive climb or dive, a rudder pedal that was stable, not move across the floor when in use, or leave gouges in the new hardwood floor! So, not a lot to ask for then….? Oh yes, and reasonably priced.

I must say, I have tried out a ‘unit’ given to me many months ago, but had a horrendous experience, mainly issues surrounding build quality and durability. So much so, they ended up in the bin. (Actually, I gave to my next door neighbour’s child for his play station thingy!)

So, Saitek’s offering caught my eye, (see the full range at www.saitek.com) if looks can be an indication of quality, I am in for a good time. Indeed the
X52 Control System has been out for some months, and winning the product of the Year 05 on Flightsim.com, and many others. BUT, this new offering in the UK is the mighty X 52-Pro which has retained all the best features of the X52, but, it has been updated to reflect the needs and wants of today’s Simmer, and the latest offering form Microsoft Flight simulator X offering you can get additional features from your X52 Pro. (Short cut to adjust the Nav/Coms via the MFD unit)

I have to say, it is a delight to see that a developer LISTENS to the user
i.e., the customer, and develops the product still further, a la X-52 Pro.

If you have looked at the various chat rooms over the past months, you will have seen adjuration and some constructive criticism for the X52. But in the main it is, and remains personally speaking, one of the best HOTAS units available on the market.

There are some very interesting additions to the X-52 Pro, which should improve the overall experience. More detail later.

The Rudder Pedals, released December are designed to compliment the X52/ X52-Pro.But is quite at home as a stand alone item.

Now then, decision made, this is the collection that I want to connect up to my computer, and get closer to the ‘real’ experience. ‘’So make it so!’’ (To coin a phrase from a certain Star Ship Captain)

Pro-Flight Rudder pedals: Key Benefits

Solidly constructed 3-axis pedals maximise flight sim realism by enabling foot control of the rudder function.
Silent, smooth action for optimum control and precision.

Self-centering pedals with adjustable damping
Foot rests adjust to fit all sizes and include
non-slip materials
Precise rudder and braking control
Tension adjustment - choose resistance to suit the way you fly
High quality, part metal construction for long life
Advanced SST Programming

Joystick: Key Benefits

Precision centering mechanism, non-contact technology on X and Y axes and constant spring force reduce free play, improve control and increase durability
2-stage metal trigger; 2 primary buttons in 1 convenient position
4 fire buttons including missile launcher with spring-loaded safety cover for instant access
Conveniently positioned metal pinkie switch provides shift functionality to double up on programmable commands
2 X 8-way Hat Switches
3D rudder twist
3-position rotary mode selector switch with LED indicators
3 spring-loaded, base-mounted toggle switches for up to 6 programmable flight commands

A 5-position, handle adjustment system, to suit all hand sizes.

Throttle: Key Benefits

Progressive throttle with tension adjustment, detents for afterburner and idle
2 fire buttons
Scroll wheel with built-in button
Mouse controller / hat switch with left mouse button
8-way hat switch
2 x rotary controls
Smooth-action slider control
2 dedicated MFD buttons and 2 rotary dials with in-built buttons to control additional game functionality
MFD displays data directly from games, including Radio Stack info
from Microsoft Flight Simulator 9 and 10
Software Development Kit included for creating game-specific programs to interact with the MFD
Choice of red, amber or green button illumination
illuminated buttons and MFD - ideal for low light environments
Throttle unit illumination varies depending on throttle position
Enhanced MFD backlighting

Improved cable management system (Glad to hear this one!)

FOOTPEDALS

PACKAGING

With such an investment you will want it ‘land’ on the door step in one piece. Well I have to say I was immensely impressed with the packaging.
Knife in hand, a signature, and hew presto it was mine. With careful use of a knife the boxes where opened and there they were…Be careful to seek out all the wires and instruction manuals, OR QUICK START GUIDE, which I must stress, you MUST take time to read. Once you lift the box which contains the pedals, you realise that these will be well, substantial, and certainly not light. As the pictures show you get quite an array of content.
The usual CD housing the drivers, the foot pedals some plastic extensions to the front of the unit providing more stability, well actually they are called boot rests, ( these are removable ) and self-adhesive Velcro strips for those who are expecting some seriously rough flying conditions!
With each pedal adjusted to best suite my foot (Lengthen the pedal, 3 stages provided) and the correct tension for my liking (rotating a central placed knob turning it clockwise increases tension, i.e. resistance of the pedal movement, a very nice touch which really works) I was ready!
How many times have you heard this one….Read the instructions first, they are clear and concise, an important point here Saitek have already configured the settings for a vast range of flight sims, i.e. Flight Simulator, IL2, etc.
(GAME-SPECIFIC SETTINGS)

INSTALLATION

As you would expect, an installation disc, connection into a spare USB port, install the drivers, and the SST are programming option (Optional) follow 7 simple steps and within 5 min’s all done. To confirm power is active, a small green LED to the front of the unit illuminates.
I did not experience any issue at all in this process.

USE

So we are connected the system checked for movement left and right movement works, the toe brakes operate, so let’s fire up ACOF. Reading the instructions we can configure the pedals very easily (Found on page 2/3of the instruction manual)
This simple procedure done, lets’ test the unit.
For the first flight utilising the newly installed pedals I selected the wonderful
F-16, from IBIS. ( www.ibis.com )
Starting ‘wet and hot’ I checked for movement, nice travel on the pedals tension about right, this was increased with a simple turn clockwise on the tensioning knob located in the centre of the unit.
A quick external view confirmed movement, of the rudder. I noticed that differential braking easy to use as well as conventional braking, when applying both toe brakes, conventional brakes were applied.
Taxing was easy, with an accurate feel using the pedals. All lined up throttle to full Military power, (I selected some nasty side winds) input of rudder on the roll to me true, up and away.
In-flight, the rudder becomes second nature very quickly, nice inputs, I did find the travel to get full left/right a little too much I would have preferred a little more travel sensitive, but it was not a major issue. Using the rudder on approach, some nice sideslip being applied, via my rudder pedals provided me with a far more realistic experience, than using my previous joy stick twist rudder. It truly is a great add-on.

X-52 Pro Control System (Joystick)

PACKAGING

I am kind of tempted to say ditto above, so I will.

INSTALLATION

Again, I read the instructions and followed then to the letter, and guess what no issues. You will have to link the two units, this is done by way of a cable, which is fairly long so it should not pose any problems.

COMMENT & FLIGHT

This is where the system truly comes alive, switch on the computer you see all the various LED’s come to life. A rye smile appears; yup, this is a real fine piece of hardware. I found the LED’s a bit on the bright side however you do have the option to tone this down in the system management file.
This base unit has an impressive square section of 16cms, and 5cms depth, the joystick measures 23 cms from the base coupled with the weight provides a very stable platform. The unit does come with four rubber suction cups which can be applied, to aid adhesion to the table top, nice idea, but I have not found them necessary. There are four rubber circular grommets on each corner which provide stability and non-movement.
As we look at the Joystick in facing away from us, you there are 3 rocker illuminated switches mounted in the base unit, moving up onto the joystick, 9 other fully functional switches, including two HAT keys, a ‘safe’ button protected by a flip-up cover. In the closed position the word safe is illuminated in green flip the cover, and the button turns to red.
To the right, a rotary switch can be found. When a small light shows red, this indicates MODE1 on the MFD (Multi Function Display) screen on the Throttle unit.
When rotating the knurled switch forward, alters the Mode to 2 and 3 respectively, and the colour changes, and the mode numbers also change on the MFD.
The material used in the handle, is a ‘soft-touch’ plastic and extremely comfortable feel. Mounted towards the base of the handle, there is a ‘ledge’ for your hand to rest. Not only is this very comfortable but looks an authentic part. Moving to the front there is a finger guard structure, which not only ‘looks the business’ but with a simple action to adjust the hand support and lower trigger, to a higher position if you so desire.
The use, well Heaven, every thing about this unit is superb, free and easy movement through every axis, and the rudder twist action is smooth and purposeful.
All configured, and FS2004 ready to go, as previously mentioned, if you have not used a Saitek flight system, i.e. the X52 and throttle before this new release, you cannot help but be very impressed.
If you get into FS 2004, go to options and choose your various switch allocations, (Many are selected by default in FS2004) adjust to your preferences, you be ready for flight.
Your best aircraft fuelled up and on the active, ready to go. The moment you hand goes on the joystick it feels like ‘like the real thing’. I used the twist action for the rudder as well this I found to be just the tension.
Throughout many hours of flight I found this to respond perfectly, flawless in every field.

X-52 Pro Control System (Throttle)
COMMENT & FLIGHT

Have you ever heard of the expressions, ‘‘Peas in a Pod’ Or as I prefer
‘’Gin and Tonic’’ well my friends these units are just perfect together and perform in perfect unison.
Users of the previous version will be aware that this unit, indeed both are now a very purposeful looking black soft touch construction, with, in the main green LEDs, illuminating various key function keys/switches and of course the newly designed MFD (Multi Function Screen measuring 5.5cm Sq) now sporting an angle of some 30 degrees towards the user, this is a great improvement form it’s predecessor.
The technical specification is as above, but I have to say I simply love the ergonomic design of the throttle unit, it is quite simply perfection.
Alright there are switches, but on this unit you have two rotary units, further Hat key, a slider and a very natty mouse mini joystick within the handle.
The MFD panel offers you 3 Modes, selected from the Joystick as covered. This will provide you with an awesome number of dedicated options.
If you wish to time your sojourns, you can, with no fuss, simply press one of the roller switches (Located below the MFD) a clock face appears, press the top button of two to start and stop. The second, mounted below to reset the clock. A Great little option.
If you have Flight simulator FS X you have the option to adjust Radio & NAV form the Throttle unit via the MFD. The plug in for the MFD only works “out of the box” with FS X, however, Saitek do include an SDK kit that will allow end users to make there own plug ins for the MFD.
You will need some serious time put aside for this function. While it is well worth the time investment, it is not straight forward. And I have to admit, I have not yet mastered this process, but it will be cracked very soon, and I am sure will prove invaluable. This process is extremely easy in FSX.
Saitek will be making additional plug-ins for the X52 Pro, these will be available from the Saitek web site in the near future.
The construction is the same as the joystick, but with obvious shape and action differences. The action is a dream, fully at idle, pushing the handle forward you will notice a slight resistance push forward, this indicates the re-heat rage, and various illuminated segments just below the main handle are shown green, as you push to full, they turn red.
As you select idle, you will note the same resistance, indicating reverse thrust field.
The base unit has the same foot print as the joystick, with its height being 13cm form the base.

OBSERVATIONS & CONCLUSION

Well there it is, I am now a convert, indeed, how did I survive so long without this wonderful collection? They are now a fully integral part of the Simming experience.
As I mentioned, before there are a myriad of such offerings available, so I guess it is personal choice, and preference, and of course budget, but, you must try and buy 'the best you can afford’, a lovely saying, but how true it is, ‘ You only get what you pay for’ . How true.
I also mentioned I have tried a ‘cheap’ version, which was a mitigating disaster! And in fact put me off investing in the ‘grown-up’s’ version, up to now.
The leap has been made, I do not regret it at all, the quality of the Saitek system is plain to see once you remove the Throttle, Joystick, collectively called the X52Pro from the packaging, you are fully aware of the quality of build and application flexibility of the two units. Removing the rudder pedals you are instantly aware of the build quality and engineering put into this product. This will I am certain provide years of trouble free use.
Every time I switch on the computer with FS in mind I have a rye smile, as the various switches illuminate and indicate their readiness. I have to mention the sturdy nature of the construction. All are incredibly well constructed and have a real ‘quality feel’.
Ok, there are some lovely illuminated elements with (as mentioned above) a screen for information display (MFD) and I guess as with cars, the more gadgets, the higher the chance of failure. Only time will tell. I have been using this unit for some 20 hours, and the light indicating the Mode 1/2/3/ has started to flash in mode 2 and 3, which is a little annoying, but does not effect operation.
BUT it has to be said, with the outstanding quality and superior build quality, I do not anticipate any major issues, and provide years of trouble free use.
For all those of you who do not have a set-up as above, GET OUT AND GET ONE! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. The experience takes on a new dimension.
The Throttle has performed perfectly, and has a quite superb ergonomically designed handle, switches and of course the MFD at an easy to read angle facing the user. (A development from the previous X52)

Moans and Groans

Such is the overall quality I have only two observations, one, as previously mentioned the MODE selection rotating knob on the Joystick in mode two and three the light flickers. I have to say this is not constant though. The second, the connecting cable form the joystick to the throttle was a little confusing, there was not an obvious ‘top’ to each of the pin plugs. This could, if you are not careful cause damage to the many pins within the each plug, when connecting the units. A little caution is needed here. That’s it…….

Price

The Pro Flight Rudder Pedals UK £ 99.99     US $ 149.95

The X52 Pro Flight Control System UK £ 139.99   US $ 199.95

OK, you can not say these are cheap, but I guess if you want a Rolls Royce it comes with a price tag!

It seems strange getting so excited over some hardware, but I have, the X52 Pro and rudder pedals have got me in all of quiver! Superb Robust quality.

Nigel C Martin

Onwards and Upwards.