Saitek x52
Encyclopedia
The Saitek X52 is an advanced HOTAS
Joystick
/Throttle combination from Saitek
released in 2004.
and a Throttle. The distinguishing feature of the X52 is the large backlit blue (or green, on an x52 pro) LCD display on the throttle, which displays the mode it is configured, the name of the button being depressed and a chronograph function.
The joystick/throttle combination includes a number of controls, including trim wheels, a thumb operated slider, a mouse control and three eight-way hat switches, and a button under a flip-guard labeled "Safe". The stick includes built in yaw/rudder control, which can be disabled in the case that the user has an alternate rudder control.
The stick/throttle combination are designed to function as a HOTAS
system. This means that games can be played without the player ever taking their hands off the controls to use a keyboard or mouse.
The X52 uses only a single spring mounted vertically to keep it centered, while the X52 Pro uses dual springs for stronger centering. This enables quick direction changes on the stick without "clicking" through the axes - a problem common to other sticks which normally feature two springs mounted horizontally. The X52 also features an integrated mouse
on the throttle, however it is difficult to use for making quick selections and only functions when drivers and the SST software are installed.
HOTAS
HOTAS, an abbreviation for Hands On Throttle-And-Stick, is the name given to the concept of placing buttons and switches on the throttle stick and flight control stick in an aircraft's cockpit, allowing the pilot to access vital cockpit functions and fly the aircraft without having to remove his...
Joystick
Joystick
A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling. Joysticks, also known as 'control columns', are the principal control in the cockpit of many civilian and military aircraft, either as a center stick or...
/Throttle combination from Saitek
Saitek
Saitek is a designer and manufacturer of consumer electronics founded in 1979 by Swiss technologist Eric Winkler. They are best known for their PC gaming controllers, mice, keyboards especially the Eclipse series of back-lit keyboards, and their Flight Yoke System.- History :Saitek was founded in...
released in 2004.
Features
The X52 is one of Saitek's flagship products and features both a JoystickJoystick
A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling. Joysticks, also known as 'control columns', are the principal control in the cockpit of many civilian and military aircraft, either as a center stick or...
and a Throttle. The distinguishing feature of the X52 is the large backlit blue (or green, on an x52 pro) LCD display on the throttle, which displays the mode it is configured, the name of the button being depressed and a chronograph function.
The joystick/throttle combination includes a number of controls, including trim wheels, a thumb operated slider, a mouse control and three eight-way hat switches, and a button under a flip-guard labeled "Safe". The stick includes built in yaw/rudder control, which can be disabled in the case that the user has an alternate rudder control.
The stick/throttle combination are designed to function as a HOTAS
HOTAS
HOTAS, an abbreviation for Hands On Throttle-And-Stick, is the name given to the concept of placing buttons and switches on the throttle stick and flight control stick in an aircraft's cockpit, allowing the pilot to access vital cockpit functions and fly the aircraft without having to remove his...
system. This means that games can be played without the player ever taking their hands off the controls to use a keyboard or mouse.
The X52 uses only a single spring mounted vertically to keep it centered, while the X52 Pro uses dual springs for stronger centering. This enables quick direction changes on the stick without "clicking" through the axes - a problem common to other sticks which normally feature two springs mounted horizontally. The X52 also features an integrated mouse
Mouse (computing)
In computing, a mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands, with one or more buttons...
on the throttle, however it is difficult to use for making quick selections and only functions when drivers and the SST software are installed.