Saitek Mod Complete

[+Fates]

OK, Here's the MOD....takes a couple of days downtime for everything to dry and cure but it's well worth it.

 

Start with a stock stick:

 

 

Then Double check that you have everything that's needed. Here's the List:

 

Stick, automotive "blue tape", Sealant "PRC 1425 B1/2", sealant gun, knife, rubber gloves, lubricant, and Beer!

 

 

I use the BLUE TAPE because it sticks well, peels off well, and contours well. I mask off the area that I want to add the sealant too:

 

 

I will then mix the sealant...which is pretty easy, and put it into the gun to use. Put a good glob of it on the stick and this is where it all gets interesting. The Gloves and lubricant are not what you think they are for. They are used by putting on the gloves and lubing it up so you can form the rubber compound without having it stick to your fingers. I would suggest several gloves, and any lube will work...like WD40 or something.

 

 

The B 1/2 Sealant take about a 1/2 hour to cure to the point where you can remove the tape and not damage the molding. And when you all done, let the stick set for 20-40 hours to cure. The rubber will smell a little at first, but that will eventually go away. After the cure time, I was able to use my stick with 16 hours, but it is a little greasy, and you will have to let the rubber cure more so you can remove the excess lube with a towell.

 

When I was all done, I add 3/8" to the stick base to lift my hand higher onto the POV's and buttons. I also added comfort for those long hours of flight.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Cheers!

[SDirickson]

Do yo know how to mod the spring and pots of the X-45? I hate that stupid spring and plastic ring. It is definately a step backwards from the X-36. I like the extra tightness, but it forces me to clamp down my stick to the table. It also is a little jerky for tiny movements, because you have plastic rubbing on plastic. The friction is a bit much.

 

I know, I know, thats what the little suction cups are for, but the surface of my desk is kinda rough and porous. It won't let the cups create suction. So, I have a Quick-Grip holding the stick and throttle down, unfortunately, right between my legs.

[LordOliver]

For spring tension, I heard it is as simple as taking a couple coils in the middle and compressing them together and wiring them together. This will take out some of the stiffness.

 

Fates... nice mod man.

 

Happily I like My X-54 as is. It fits well ( I have big hands) Besides, St. Paulie Girl is incompatable with my operating system. (I'm a Guiness kind of guy)

 

-LO

[Guest Ranger332]

try lossening the spring by the adjustment screw under the joystick

[+Fates]

To my knowledge, only the throtttle has an adjustment for tension. I have found that putting vaseline under the spring loaded disk will "smooth the action" so to speak...hehe...however I'm sure you could replace the spring under the joystick with a thicker guage.

 

I don't think I'm gonna experiment that far yet. Maybe I can do some more experimenting if the Misses allows me to purchase a TM Cougar.

[SDirickson]

Oh, I am definately saving up for a Cougar and some Simped pedals. But, until then, the spring is very aggrivating. I've rotated it as much as possible to loosen it, but it still has a very annoying amount of friction. I might try wiring the coils together, good idea LO.