Saitek Rhino setup for FSX

[Mathijs Kok]

Was struggling a bit until I found this. Perhaps it saves others a lot of work:

Setting up the Saitek Pro Flight X-55 Rhino in Flight Sim X

Due to its popularity, Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX) is the example we have used here. Other titles, including its predecessor, Flight Sim 2004, will have similar setup routines.

When you load FSX, the game will detect the Rhino’s Throttle and Stick as separate controllers. Like having a Yoke and Pedals, for example. Both units will need to be setup correctly so you don’t get conflicting axes reporting on the same axis event.

Setting up the X-55 Rhino Stick

To familiarize yourself with the default setup, take a minute to look at the Rhino Stick Overview

1. Go to Settings > Controls > and select the Control Axes tab
2. Make sure the Saitek Pro Flight X-55 Rhino Stick is selected from the Controller Type dropdown list
3. Scroll through the axes assignments making sure that the Ailerons event has the X Axis assigned, theElevator event has the Y Axis assigned and the Rudder Axis event has the Z rotation Axis assigned.
4. For the Throttle Axis which will appear as Z Axis or maybe Axis 04, you will need to click Delete Joystick Assignment. The X-55 Rhino Stick only has 3 axes and we want the throttle controlled by the X-55 Rhino Throttle unit.
5. Click OK to save these changes
6. You then need to make sure that the axes have the correct sensitivity and null zone settings. Go toSettings > Controls > and select the Calibration tab. Make sure to select the Saitek Pro FlightX-55 Rhino Stick in the Controller Type drop down menu (you might need to scroll through the devices if you have many) and then turn on Advanced Controls by clicking its radio button.
7. Set the Aileron (X), Elevator (Y) and Rudder (Z Rotation) to: Sensitivity=75%, Null Zone = 0%
8. If you wish to set dead bands we suggest you use the H.U.D. Software and adjust this in the settings (how to set dead bands is covered in the manual).
9. The X-55 RHINO Stick is now setup for flight – congratulations! Now please setup your X-55 Rhino Throttle if you have not already.

Setting up the X-55 Rhino Throttle

To familiarize yourself with the default setup, take a minute to look at the Rhino Throttle Overview

1. Go to Settings > Controls > and select the Control Axes tab
2. Make sure the Saitek Pro Flight X-55 Rhino Throttle is selected from the Controller Type dropdown list
3. Scroll through the axes assignments and delete the Joystick assignments for the Ailerons event, theElevator event, the Rudder Axis event and the Throttle Axis
4. Make sure the Throttle Lock is disengaged, so both parts of the throttle can move independently
5. For a Single Engine select the Throttle Axis event and click Change Assignment, then move the left Throttle so X Axis appears. Click OK to save the changes
6. For Dual Engines select Engine 1 Throttle Axis event and click Change Assignment, then move the left Throttle so X Axis appears. Then select Engine 2 Throttle Axis event and click Change Assignment, then move the right Throttle so Y Axis appears
7. If you wish to assign axes to any of the 4 Rotary dials then you can follow the similar steps as above.
8. Click OK to save these changes
9. You then need to make sure that the axes have the correct sensitivity and null zone settings. Go toSettings > Controls > and select the Calibration tab. Make sure to select the Saitek Pro FlightX-55 Rhino Throttle in the Controller Type drop down menu (you might need to scroll through the devices if you have many) and then turn on Advanced Controls by clicking its radio button.
10. Set the Engine 1 Throttle Axis (X) and Engine 1 Throttle Axis (Y) to: Sensitivity=100%, Null Zone = 0% (If you assign events to the rotary daily then also set the Sensitivity to 100% and Null Zone to 0%)
11. We suggest you don’t need to use dead bands with the X-55 Rhino Throttle.
12. The X-55 RHINO Stick is now setup for flight – congratulations!

[mopperle]

Thanks a lot. Planned to buy one at the flightsim conference in Oberschleißheim.

[tonibamestre]

Hi Mathijs, I have followed your instructions carefully. Later I have tried to set up the rhino throttles with the Aerosoft advanced via the FSUIPC and....there is no way.

Any help or any clue ?

[Mathijs Kok]

Not really, the throttles work fine for me without any tweak. In fact it was exactly like this:

install FSX (add highmem tweak)

install Airbus X extended

plug in the stick

configure as shown

and it worked. I will have a look at it again though.

[tonibamestre]

In fact your configuration Works fine into FSX general. Only Airbus X advanced the throttles do not respond.

Dont know why.

[Mathijs Kok]

Are you sure you have activated dual throttle control?

[tonibamestre]

Hi, yes dual throttle activated on the setup. No answer from the virtual throttles yet.

[Mathijs Kok]

I honestly have no suggestion now. We have installed a few in our offices without problems.