X52 Pro. Profile?

[Hellman 0]

I finally received my copy of OFF and was wondering if anyone had an X-52 pro profile to share, specifically for OFF.

[Check Six 2]

I finally received my copy of OFF and was wondering if anyone had an X-52 pro profile to share, specifically for OFF.

 

I have an OFF Profile for the X52. Happy to share it with you and any others, but please remember, this is MY preference, and you may wish to alter it to better suit the way you fly.

 

See the thread

 

 

http://forum.combatace.com/index.php?showtopic=45718

 

 

 

That lists most of them. What is missing is the hat swiches. The TOP hat switch on the Joystick I have set the following commands:

 

Hat Switch UP: Virtual Cockpit and F12 (*See note below)

Hat Switch DOWN: CHASE View

Hat Switch LEFT: Alter TAC Range

Hat Switch RIGHT: Player/Target View (#See note below)

 

(*You need to first set "V" as the command for "Virtual Cockpit" on your "Controls" in the drop-down menu ("Escape" during OFF gameplay - go to controls, then scroll down until you reach Virtual Cockpit...it has no key assignment - click "Add assignment" then type in V, then save as "Mine"). The command has dual assignments, also activating F12 (Centre TrackIR)...so that when you transfer to Virtual Cockpit, it also centres TrackIR. (If you don't have TrackIR, just assign this hat switch to "V").

 

(#You MIGHT also need to set this command on "Controls" drop down menu as described above...I can't remember for certain that it is assigned. This toggles between a view of your target looking towards you, and a view of you looking towards your target).

 

I recently TRIED to set "Trim" Controls onto the hat switch on your throttle control, but didn't have much luck with that. In the end I found it was just as easy to trim your aircraft out (if you can at all) using the keypad commands (because this is done as soon as you take-off, and consequently, in friendly territory, and there's no "rush" to get it done).

 

Well, hope that helps. These are the keys I feel are necessary enough to occupy switches on your joystick and throttle. Like me, you are lucky in that you have so many to choose from, not just two or three buttons. The buttons I consider most useful IN COMBAT I have put on the most accessable buttons, and those less necessary on the joystick base toggles or on the throttle.

 

One thing you have to be a bit careful about is activating the pinky trigger when if a hectic turning fight. Activating that will switch views, and that will annoy you when you're just about to pull the trigger. So get used to having no pressure on the stick with your pinky. You could just "hang it out there" like you were having high tea with the Queen, and wished to be polite and refined.

 

If you read this thread, and the other one I linked to you, you shouldn't have any trouble. If you do strike trouble, get back to us.

[Hellman 0]

I have an OFF Profile for the X52. Happy to share it with you and any others, but please remember, this is MY preference, and you may wish to alter it to better suit the way you fly.

 

See the thread

 

 

http://forum.combatace.com/index.php?showtopic=45718

 

 

 

That lists most of them. What is missing is the hat swiches. The TOP hat switch on the Joystick I have set the following commands:

 

Hat Switch UP: Virtual Cockpit and F12 (*See note below)

Hat Switch DOWN: CHASE View

Hat Switch LEFT: Alter TAC Range

Hat Switch RIGHT: Player/Target View (#See note below)

 

(*You need to first set "V" as the command for "Virtual Cockpit" on your "Controls" in the drop-down menu ("Escape" during OFF gameplay - go to controls, then scroll down until you reach Virtual Cockpit...it has no key assignment - click "Add assignment" then type in V, then save as "Mine"). The command has dual assignments, also activating F12 (Centre TrackIR)...so that when you transfer to Virtual Cockpit, it also centres TrackIR. (If you don't have TrackIR, just assign this hat switch to "V").

 

(#You MIGHT also need to set this command on "Controls" drop down menu as described above...I can't remember for certain that it is assigned. This toggles between a view of your target looking towards you, and a view of you looking towards your target).

 

I recently TRIED to set "Trim" Controls onto the hat switch on your throttle control, but didn't have much luck with that. In the end I found it was just as easy to trim your aircraft out (if you can at all) using the keypad commands (because this is done as soon as you take-off, and consequently, in friendly territory, and there's no "rush" to get it done).

 

Well, hope that helps. These are the keys I feel are necessary enough to occupy switches on your joystick and throttle. Like me, you are lucky in that you have so many to choose from, not just two or three buttons. The buttons I consider most useful IN COMBAT I have put on the most accessable buttons, and those less necessary on the joystick base toggles or on the throttle.

 

One thing you have to be a bit careful about is activating the pinky trigger when if a hectic turning fight. Activating that will switch views, and that will annoy you when you're just about to pull the trigger. So get used to having no pressure on the stick with your pinky. You could just "hang it out there" like you were having high tea with the Queen, and wished to be polite and refined.

 

If you read this thread, and the other one I linked to you, you shouldn't have any trouble. If you do strike trouble, get back to us.

 

Hi CheckSix,

 

Thanks for the reply... I couldn't find a download link for the profile.

 

It would be a great starting point for me and would help save me some flying time as I'm not too great with the Saitek software.

 

I'm sure your profile will probably suit my needs. Is their somewhere to DL it?

 

Cheers.

[Check Six 2]

Hi CheckSix,

 

Thanks for the reply... I couldn't find a download link for the profile.

 

It would be a great starting point for me and would help save me some flying time as I'm not too great with the Saitek software.

 

I'm sure your profile will probably suit my needs. Is their somewhere to DL it?

 

Cheers.

 

I don't know if there is a site to d/l an off profile for X52 joystick. I just profiled that myself. I suppose there is a file for this profile on my computer. I'll have a look when I get home (at work now). If there is a file, and you want it, private message me with your email address and I'll email it off to you.

[Hellman 0]

I don't know if there is a site to d/l an off profile for X52 joystick. I just profiled that myself. I suppose there is a file for this profile on my computer. I'll have a look when I get home (at work now). If there is a file, and you want it, private message me with your email address and I'll email it off to you.

 

Hi Check Six,

 

I tried mapping the controls from the jpeg in your post and got most functions to work. Some aren't recognized though? I've input the keystrokes but I'm not sure if I need to choose the "Macro" Function in order for them to work.

 

What version of the SST software are you using? the pic you posted looked as if it was the older version which isn't compatible with the newer version. dat or pro?

 

I've only had a few hours flying time and I find the x52 really sensitive. It's hard to get a bead on the bandits and I'm using pedals and TiR4. I have yet to make a kill :helpsmilie:

 

Your help is appreciated.... Thanx.

[Check Six 2]

Hi Check Six,

 

I tried mapping the controls from the jpeg in your post and got most functions to work. Some aren't recognized though? I've input the keystrokes but I'm not sure if I need to choose the "Macro" Function in order for them to work.

 

What version of the SST software are you using? the pic you posted looked as if it was the older version which isn't compatible with the newer version. dat or pro?

 

I've only had a few hours flying time and I find the x52 really sensitive. It's hard to get a bead on the bandits and I'm using pedals and TiR4. I have yet to make a kill

 

Your help is appreciated.... Thanx.

 

Hellman,

 

It's a pleasure to help out anyone if I can. Let's see...

 

If some of the functions aren't recognized....are they "V" Virtual Cockpit and Player/Target View? Like I said, they have no key assignments in OFF. You need to tell OFF that you'd like to assign the key stroke "V" to "Virtual Cockpit" in your in-game menu (accessed by pressing ESCAPE when you're sitting on the airfield waiting to start up your engines). Press escape, the menu drops down on the right of the screen. Select "Controls" and click on that. A set of commands pops down and informs you what keystrokes are assigned to certain commands. Scroll that list down until you get to "Virtual Cockpit". You will see that there is no keystrokes assigned to this command by default. Highlight "Virtual Cockpit", and click on "Add Assignment". A menu pops up and basically asks you what keystroke you wish to use for that command. Type V in the box, then go to "Save as". Remember you must call your file "Mine" (Have a look at what the filename is before you change anything if you're unsure). If you change that and save it as "Mine" [can't remember the file extension], you will then be able to access Virtual Cockpit with the "V" key. As you have TrackIR, I suggest you also add the keystroke F12 to your virtual cockpit command. The sim will then automatically enter "V" and "F12" when you press the "up" switch on your top hat switch, which will put you in the virtual cockpit AND centre your TrackIR. If you are already in the virtual cockpit, hitting the up switch will centre TrackIR view, which will be like aligning your sights.

 

Now you need to add that command to your joystick profile. Open your joystick profile by right clicking on the joystick icon in your task menu (or access it through your "Start" menu). Click on the "Up" arrow on your top hat switch, and the box will go blank, and show the Red "Record" button, a red cross (to delete your work on this command and exit), a green tick (which tells you you have successfully enetered the keystrokes to your satisfaction). See my first post for a view of this. Type in "V" and then "F12". Then you right click on the actual wording in the top of that box, and it allows you to change the description of your command.

 

There you have it. Select another UNUSED keystroke command (for instance "G") for Player/Target View, add the assignment in the in-game menu, then edit your joystick profile.

 

A macro function is normally a way to get around having to press several keys to achieve a required function. The software I use (though old as you suggested), allows this. A macro function can be as simple as [for example] Shift+W (two key strokes). Whan you enter Shift+W, do not enter three keystrokes - SHIFT key then the + key, then the W key. Shift+W is merely a necessary way of describing which keys to press. If I said "Ctrl Shift F6" that could be taken a different way. That's probably what's happening to you when you are trying to enter complex keystrokes. As I have described here, Shift+W is two keys...not three. Hope that solves that problem.

 

I am using an old version of Saitek Software. Perhaps I'm not describing it adequately for that reason. I would imagine it would be "updated" as opposed to completely different. I did have a look late last night/early this morning for a file so that I could email that off to you, but all I could find was (possibly) a .dll file, and I wasn't too keen to open that up in case it screwed everything. So just persevere. I'll be here to help if you need it, and others may offer assistance if they can (very helpful bunch of guys here).

 

 

Ok...let's get you to break your "Cherry". Enlist a Pilot. British. Fighter. Then scroll through squadrons down the bottom of the screen until you get to (I think) 92 Sqn. Check to see what aircraft is assigned to that Sqn. If they say "Wolsely Viper SE5a", you're there. This is a very forgiving aircraft, quite fast, turns well, not too easy to stall in, and really easy to regain speed if you DO stall. Call this guy Test Pilot or something similar, don't use your regular pilot to learn with. Go to "Quick Combat" and select "Turkey Shoot" from the top box. Choose to fly alone, no wingmen. Now turn your attention to your enemy. Select the weakest opponent you can see on the drop down list (maybe an Eindekker or early Albatros). Then select "Rookie" for his fighting ability. Select to start at 10,000 feet (or 15,000 feet if that choice is there - the higher the better). Select "None" for his wingmen. Last thing, tick the "Pilot never dies" box. Now you're set.

 

Click "Go to Field". As soon as you start up, press Pause. You should turn your aircraft labels ON (makes it easier to spot him, and keep track of him). Have your TAC on (Shift+T). Then select 1 mile range by clicking "Left" on your Top Hat Switch until the bottow figure shows 1 NM. Click your Next Target ([TAB] or Toggle 1 on your joystick base to select that target...he will change from a red dot to a yellow one). Select "Down" on that hat switch, It will show you a rear "Chase view" of your aircraft (easier to tell if you're upside down, or not flying level etc).

 

Pull your pinky trigger (Toggle Views [F4]) until you get "Spot View". Use your main hat switch to scan the skies to look for him. Select "I" (Target Cone) - this brings up a cone on top of your aircraft which will indicate where your opponent is at all times. If you lose him, you won't have to scan the skies or change your view to find him. The cone will tell you which direction to fly, and whether he is above or below you. Then "Down" on your top hat switch (back to Chase View). Unpause (remember you're airborne, and need to push your throttle all the way up) and try your guns. Quick bursts only, no more than one or two seconds (or else your guns will jam, then you're in trouble...no "unjam" key here like in Red Baron - but you CAN keep repeatedly trying your trigger, sometimes they begin working again). Watch where your tracers are going to work out your aiming point.

 

Fly towards him, trying to gain an altitude advantage, but watch your speed to make sure you don't stall. Make slower, deliberate movements on your joystick. Don't jerk it around. If you have good speed up (fly level for a few seconds till you got good speed), and have an altitude advantage, time to attack. Hit "Up" on your top hat switch (Virtual cockpit "V" and Centre TrackIR "F12"). Keep your eyes on him, and manoueuvre around behind him if you can. Keep using rudder in the turns to keep your altitude advantage. Be patient. Eventually, you will end up on his tail. When you're close enough, give him a second or two worth of lead. Watch to see if you score hits (puffs of smoke, or debris flying off his craft...also up the top of your screen, you'll see "You hit Jasta 29 pilot Alb DII" or some such type of message in blue.

 

If it seems as if you SHOULD be hitting him, and it doesn't indicate that, remember that a biplane is small, and large air gaps between the wings, a small fuselage, which bullets can pass through sometimes causing no little or no damage. Shift your rudder pedals left or right and see if that makes the minor adjustments in yaw to hit him. If you're close, you can't miss, but if you've hit his engine, or he backs off his throttle, be quick to back off your throttle or else you'll overshoot him, and end up in HIS sights. Good night, Gracie!

 

Remember to watch your ammunition counter (HUD -F5 - by default it's blue text on the right of your screen - ammo counter in there). BTW, you can drag the dials and gauges and HUD anywhere you like with your mouse. Put them on the bottom of your screen out of the way for now.

 

Then it's just practice practice practice. This is not easy, by any stretch of the imagination.

 

You can go to your workshop settings, and mess about in there to make your guns more accurate, and your opponent's guns less accurate (theoreticallly, he won't even get a shot off). You can set an easier flight model if you wish, but then that starts to become an arcade game. When you've been "blooded" and have a vistory recorded, you can bump the realism up gradually until you are flying 130%, and then you can gradually remove your dials, gauges, Heads Up Display, Target cone, and TAC until it's as real as it gets.

 

Good Luck Hellshade.

Edited August 23, 2009 by Check Six

[Hellman 0]

WOW! Thanks,

 

That post should be a Sticky.... Great tips!

 

After a few beers.....

 

My flying has Improved ten fold. I'm learning to lead my shots much more accurately, I am using a padlock as finding targets with the losenge camo has been real tough. I haven't put any labels on which makes a furball really indecisive and I keep switching from target to target so as to not fly in a straight line and hoping I get a snapshot on what ever happens to fly through my sights while making sure it's not a friendly. Its a great feeling flying these old birds.... kudos to ODB

 

I still have probs with my x52 but learning a little patience with these old birds has started to work out. I managed a few kills on 12vs12 with the Se5a. I'm still trying to keep things on a medium level.

 

Late here... hitting the silk...

 

Cheers.

[Check Six 2]

Great work Hellshade. Keep it up, and the more you fly the better you'll get. Isn't the SE5a great to fly?

 

I'm glad the profile helped. If you still have trouble, just ask and we'll try to help. Be very careful in padlock view as it's easy to get "target fixated" and plough into the ground or forget about your target's wingman. I know I do, so I don't use target padlock.

 

With TAC and aircraft labels on, here's what I do...

 

When a "blip" appears on my TAC or I drop out of warp with the message "you can't warp...there are enemies nearby", I pause the sim. I hit "Next target" to target the first enemy. Then hit "Player/target view" which gives you a close up of your target, and you can tell if he is pointing in your direction or apparently disinterested or busy with his mission. It also lets you know how to attack him if you wish to (ie if it's a two-seater, attack from underneath, or boom and zoom him from out of the sun) or to begin evasive manoeuvres now if you don't wish to tangle with him. Hit "next target"again. Now you will see your second target. Check that it is still the same "blip" on your TAC. If it is, they are in the same flight. "Next target" again, keep your eyes on your TAC to make sure that it's still the same "blip" (there may be several "blips" and therefore several flights of enemies nearby). Eventually, you will be presented with a rear view of your aircraft signifying there are no more targets to view. Did you count them? Good. So there's six Fokker D.VII's in that flight.

 

If there are two or more blips on your TAC, follow the same procedure, keeping your eye on the TAC. Then you can find out that the blip at 12 o'clock is a flight of three Roland two-seaters a few thousand feet below you, the blip at 11 o'clock is an escorting flight of four Fokker D.VII's, and they are level with you, and at your 4 o'clock is a lone Halberstadt D.II a thousand feet higher. This makes the decision on who to attack, and HOW to attack, or whether to mind your own business and keep an eye on them, or to begin to climb or dive etc.

 

If you wish to attack a flight of three, cycle through your "next target" and look AROUND the targetted aircraft. You might see another two aircraft slightly in front of him, cycle through until you find an enemy with no aircraft in front of him...he's the flight leader. You can choose to assign another aircraft to your wingmen, and take him on yourself, or vice versa.

 

OK. So you just got a LOT of intelligence on your enemy merely by pausing and hitting "Next target" a few times. You might also hit "M" (Map) and see where they are headed. Are you over their side of the lines? If so, remember Boelcke's Dicta Rule No 7: "When over the enemy's lines, never forget your own line of retreat". (As a matter of fact, remember them ALL).

 

Just before you enter combat (maybe as you approach close to your target, or he approaches close to you), pause once again and note the time, (Press "Z" - toggle info), lat and long, your wingmen's names, Map location. All this information will be very helpful if you down an opponent. You will be presented with a claim form, and the information you provide may see your claim accepted. If you just state "one enemy shot down" it may be rejected.

 

Print out a copy of Homeboy's Key Command Guide too. It's invaluable for all OFF pilots.

 

http://snomhf.exofire.net/data/OFFcommandkeys.jpg

 

Read the stickies and uncleal's tips and hints, and you'll be an ace in no time at all.

 

Good Luck.

[Hellman 0]

Thanks for all your help CS,

 

Between trying to buy a condo (very tough here in Toronto) and other real life matters I've managed to log in a few hours of flying time and slowly increase my skills with this wonderful sim. I've managed to make many hits on those pesky bandits I face but most of them land, with a few disintegrating as they fall from the sky. I have a few cheats enabled like the labels and the cone but have started to use the padlock less and TiR4 more as I get used to things as the padlock can become disorientating at times.

 

My current computer is at its edge running this sim at about 15-30 fps; low to medium detail settings. I'm an Apple guy by day (I do graphic design and some web work) and bought a used ShuttleX (very compact) that's now about 5 yrs. old (for website testing) and maxed it out with RAM and a better video card order to fly all the wonderful Flight-Sims you PC gents have. It's great to find a solid community here and all the help is very much appreciated.

 

I am still working on an X52 profile that works best for me and will post it when I have finished.

 

Eventually I'll have a go at some skinning (as personal time permits) and give something back to this OFF haven.

 

Cheers,

[Check Six 2]

Hellman,

 

Yes, this is a great community here. Very helpful guys.

 

Love your new avatar. Looks Great.

 

Some excellent skins here...

 

http://forum.combatace.com/index.php/topic/41806-ace-skins/

 

Enjoy.