Solaris Industries (Aka Aussiedroid's) complete profile setup for the Saitek X-55 Rhino Throttle & Stick (HOTAS)[www.saitek.com] controller.

Incorporating TrackIR[www.naturalpoint.com] head tracking technology.

This is my latest & greatest version of my profile transplanted over from the Frontier Forums[forums.frontier.co.uk].

The profile you see today evolved out of 100s of iterations and 100s of hours of gameplay. Slowly changing as the game expanded, but also being refined to give the best priority and access to all the important commands with minimal movement of your hands.

It can provide a complete ready-to-go setup for beginners not wanting to bother setting everything up themselves, but still need something better than the default. For advanced users, it can provide a base to customise further to suit your own preferences, or merge some more functionality/ideas to your own rig which you are already accustomed to!

If you only have the X-55 Rhino and do not have the TrackIR, they can be used independently (although I would highly recommend picking one up for a more immersive experience!).

• Reference Maps (+ Printable Version)
  
• Elite Dangerous Key Mapping Profile (*.binds)
  
• Saitek X-55 Rhino Software Profile (*.pr0)
  
• Saitek X-55 Joystick Curve Settings (+ Diagram)
  
• TrackIR Software Profile (*xml). (+ Diagram)
  
• Fix for the Mouse Analog Directional Pad on the Throttle (Registry *.reg file included + uninstall)
  
• Installation Instructions with Checklist
  
• Download Pack

I will also cover a few additional settings to get the most out of your setup. More detailed description of the layout and design are below the reference map.

Note to Voice Attack Users: Should be minimal issues incorporating your own voice functionality. Most commands have the second key binding vacant to add your own as required, but there are some that were needed for macros that have both taken. Some changes may be needed. I don't use VA myself, so you're on your own here :(. Please do let me know if there are any specific issues & will look to see if I can address.

Any other issues, please let me know in the comments. I'll try to help if I can!

I do not take requests for custom setups. You will have to make any further refinements yourself. :)

Some highlights of the advanced control features for the year 3302:


All of these features & more can be seen in the reference map below.

*Printable version with a white background is available in the download pack*

*Click on any picture to enlarge & see full size*

The main concept behind my controller design is to maximise the use of the common (& easy to reach) keys on the X-55 HOTAS. The X-55 does have a lot of buttons, rotaries, toggles & hats, but equally Elite Dangerous has a lot of commands to map. Many of these you do not want to look down or move your hand off your controls if possible.

To realise this, I ended up creating two dedicated buttons as Mode Switches (one on each of the Throttle & Joystick). Mode Switches work by pressing & holding the Mode Switch plus the secondary button. This effectively doubles the utility for many of the buttons, toggles & hats, plus can act as a safety measure to avoid accidental presses (Jettison All Cargo, Shield Cells/Chaff, Menu & Panel displays for example).

Looks complicated on paper, but in practice you will quickly get the hang of it. All Mode Switches are mapped directly in Elite Dangerous.

From the 'Big Bang' to v1.4, the Flight Assist OFF key (Flight Assist Off is set to Hold) was set to Mode Switch #1. Despite, being mapped as a Mode Switch key as well, it worked having minimal impact on your flight in short bursts, but did require disabling voice response for FA notifications in the Audio section because it triggered so often. In 1.5 this has moved to a dedicated Mode Switch combo so the voice response can remain on. Also added to the bottom rotary on the throttle is a toggle configuration for FA Off for those that use it more regularly (or extended periods). Hold mode is still valuable in combat manoeuvres, so this configuration gives you the best of both worlds.

For other less frequent commands like Auto-Dock & TrackIR controls, these are safely located the furthest distance - no accidental misclicks. Conversely, all high usage & flight related controls are easily reached from the default hand positions without a Mode Switch (generally speaking).

In order to utilise all the buttons on the HOTAS, a Saitek profile is also required (this allows mapping of the slider, power PIP presets etc) plus I have made some refinements to the curves of the analog axis to help negate the slight stiffness when pushing the joystick past the lip base from the neutral due to the spring design. This makes it a little smoother when tracking targets in my view. It is a personal preference so please increase/decrease to your own liking.

I have also enabled the Mini Analog 'Nipple' Thumb Stick on the throttle via the registry tweak. This gives access to Analog Thrusters for those without rudder pedals by mapping the axis in Windows. This allows Elite to register the axis in-game! (Found this solution on Reddit, so I can't take any credit for it). You will need to use the .reg file I have included below to allow this to function in Windows 7/8 based systems. It works, albeit it is not that precise to use in flight. There is also an uninstall .reg file if you require.

Yaw & Roll have been swapped. I found it more natural to track targets this way & reminds me more of the old X-Wing/Tie Fighter/Wing Commander setups (easy to swap back if you prefer the default). I have mapped the Swap Yaw-Roll button to a low priority toggle on the throttle.

Slider works as a straight toggle (no on/off or up/down position), just move the slider in the opposite direction to trigger the Frame Shift Drive. You will get a feel for this after a while.

Sensor Range analog axis was added in 1.1 so I have also included this for the top rotary dial (replacing the key strokes).

This profile doesn't have independent docking flight controls.

SRV controls are designed to mirror as closely as possible those of your ship, to minimise any confusion as you change between vehicles.

As mentioned, I use the TrackIR along with the X-55 (but this config also include direct key mappings for the UI panels for those not using a TrackIR). The profile has been modified & tweaked considerably to allow easy 'locking' of your UI side panels while you use them, plus providing full range movement for tracking targets in combat. Acceleration is slowed slightly which gives a natural feel to use, without being overly sensitive.

You will need to set your Basic Motion Control Settings in the software for Speed & Smooth (I use 1.3 & 51). Both the Enable/Disable & Center commands are mapped to the HOTAS too!

Rotary dials on the Throttle, were not very practical for use with ship functions or flight. Not to waste, I managed to find a suitable setup for FPS/Bandwith/Hide HUD & Screenshots (Steam & Hi-Res ED native). This works by having a huge deadzone (98%) in the rotary, essentially requiring you to click to the full range to register the key press. Its not perfect but it works.

Use it by turning it on full, then turning it back somewhere around center. If you leave it on the full turn with Screenshots for example, it will keep triggering endlessly, and with Hi Res screenshots hitting 100mbs each that could be an issue!
Be relatively quick turning the dial - if you turn it too slow you may get duplicate images.

I think that is about it!

As I said before, if you have any issues or questions, please leave a comment.

*Click on picture to enlarge*


The base cover and spring on the X-55 Joystick gives good tension, but by design can be a bit stiffer to get out of a neutral position past the lip on the base. If your X-55 is relatively new, you may notice it more till it is properly broken in. Lubrication helps (WD40 Dry PTFE or Graphite Powder), a lighter hand also helps, but smoothing out the acceleration in the profile, it negated much of the impact - improving my accuracy. It will help make smaller movements more precise, while still allowing larger swift movements.

If you are new to Elite Dangerous with your X-55, I would recommend trying the default settings first and take it for a test flight. If you are finding the pitch or roll a bit touchy, try the settings above and retest.

*Click on picture to enlarge*

At first glance, these settings can seem a little strange, but there is some method to the graphs as I explain briefly below:

From the middle position, you can see a short spike in acceleration to around 10 degrees (this is your main forward view movement). It allows you to keep centered when needed with fluid response tracking targets. The peak drops off, and it will bottom out to zero acceleration for an extended mid-range which helps you hold the side panels active with ease. At the end of the panels section, the acceleration picks up quickly to allow you to flex and see your extreme angles.

The steady increasing curve allows some slight tilts of the head when tracking centered targets. Gives flight a very natural feel. This curve gets faster as you turn more to allow a full (near full) roll of the head without getting a sore neck in the process.

Positive and Negative angles are managed differently for pitch. This restricts the movement below the dashboard display to a degree, while providing controlled pitch changes in the mid range. Acceleration increases considerably at larger angles to allow full range in open view cockpits.

Along with these axis curves, the motion adjustment has been disabled for X & Z axes where needed, which helps lock the pilots head into a central position. You can see this by testing your movement in the TrackIR software.

Upgrading from a previous version?

Simply copy the new files to the appropriate locations below. Each version is numbered to ensure you don't override older settings.


Version 2.0 (For Horizons - Season 2 Users)[drive.google.com]

(Click the Download Icon at the top of the Google Drive webpage for the zip file)

Version 1.5 (For Season 1 Users)
Version 1.0 - 1.4[forums.frontier.co.uk](Forum Account required)

First Time Setup:

[DOWNLOAD & PRINT]
1. Download & Extract the zip file containing all the profile files & reference cards.
   
   
2. Print a copy of the 'printable' version of the X-55 Reference Map (as required) from the Reference Maps + Pics folder.
   
   
   [COPY TO LOCATION]
   Note: These folders are generally hidden by default in Windows. If you cannot find the folder, then you will need to enable hidden files and folders from the settings in Windows Explorer to proceed.
   
   
3. Copy 'Aussiedroid X55 Custom 2.x.binds' to your Elite Dangerous bindings folder:
   
   C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local\Frontier Developments\Elite Dangerous\Options\Bindings
   
   
4. Copy 'Aussiedroid_Elite_Dangerous_2.x.pr0' to your Saitek profile folder:
   
   C:\Users\Public\Documents\Mad Catz\X-55 Rhino
   
   
5. Copy 'Elite.Dangerous.2.x.AD.xml' to your TrackIR profile folder:
   
   (64bit). C:\Program Files (x86)\NaturalPoint\TrackIR5\Profiles
   (32bit). C:\Program Files\NaturalPoint\TrackIR5\Profiles
   
   
6. Double click (or right click/merge) the 'X55-Rhino-Nipple-Fix-ADD.reg' to add it to your Windows registry.
   (Note: Remove the registry entries by running the X55-Rhino-Nipple-Fix-REMOVE.reg)
   
   
   [CONFIGURE SAITEK SOFTWARE]
7. Open your Saitek Software and open the profile you copied previously.
   
   
8. Apply the profile to the controllers by pressing the 'profile' icon.
   
   
9. Go to settings, select your Joystick and adjust the Axis Curves as shown in the included above.
   
   Make sure the profile is active (green icon in your system tray)!
   
   TESTING: Using the Test Profile setting, test keys that are mapped in the Saitek profile including Slider, Power Schemes, TrackIR, Steam Screenshots, Auto Dock toggles etc. If nothing is displaying in the text box after pressing, it is either mapped in Elite Dangerous directly (no mapping in Saitek profile) or may be an issue. Check again that the profile is loaded (icon green) & uploaded to the controller (press the 'Target' icon again & 'Save' icon again to make sure its loaded - this can sometimes be buggy so try it a couple of times). I have noticed that the TrackIR buttons will not register if TrackIR software is running. You can disable to test, or simply use a visual check the led light to see the device turning on/off.
   
   
   [CONFIGURE TRACKIR]
10. Put your headset on with the TrackIR clip.
    
    
11. Open your TrackIR software, and select the profile. If you are not using other configurations, set the profile to 'exclusive' so it loads by default.
    
    
12. Set your Motion Control Settings as shown in the included diagram (Speed = 1.3 & Smooth = 51). Modify to taste. Icon for TrackIR should appear in your Task Tray when running & your TrackIR should light up green on the LEDs.
    
    
13. Calibrate: Look at the center of your screen and up slightly (15-30 degrees) and Press HOME to center view. Press INSERT to Pause (or use the buttons mapped on the Joystick).
    
    TESTING: If you are not getting any movement, check your device has a green led. If this is the first time using your TrackIR you may need to get the positioning and lighting right before proceeding. Then load and center and test again.
    
    
    [CONFIGURE ELITE DANGEROUS]
14. Load Elite Dangerous, navigate to Options > Controls and select 'Aussiedroid X55 Custom Profile 2.x' from your list. Click Apply at the bottom. Now you should have full control via the X-55!
    
    
15. Set Field of View value from Graphics settings & apply any optional settings as outlined in the appropriate guide section.
    
    You can test out most of the keys in the Training Scenarios, but please be aware some keys are not enabled depending on the scenario. Only in the real game can you test everything out. Take it slow and make sure you complete the prelaunch checklist to ensure everything is working.

Note: Some keys not working, but others are or ghosting/random presses - try changing USB ports on your PC to see if that fixes the issues (USB 2 ports seem to be better). X-55 needs a lot of power from the port and has reported issues in some scenarios when powered from external hub or others not powered directly off the mainboard. Try also changing between USB3/2 ports, restart & retest. Check you are also running the latest version of the Saitek & TrackIR software.

Some additional optional settings.

If you are not using TrackIR, then you will need use the Headlook button controls. You may prefer to remap these keys to something more convenient if you use this a lot. To do this I would recommend a quick cleanup first by opening your Saitek software and removing the mapping for the TrackIR enable/disable & center on the Throttle. Remember to Save & Apply. Then use one of those, now vacant, buttons to map to your Headlook enable/disable & center buttons.

I removed the Full Range Throttle (+100 to -100%) in the public release to avoid accidents when you first start with the profile. I use it myself, but it is much harder to get used to initially; so not ideal for beginners. For those that can master it, it does offer some advantages in combat. If you feel you are ready for the Full Range configuration, go into your Controls in Elite Dangerous and change the Throttle setting to Full Range and Apply. The deadzone has already been preset for you. Reverse toggle switches remain mapped so it is easy to change back if you don't like it.


In your Graphic options in Elite Dangerous, you can also increase your FOV. I found this benefitial to see a little more (gives you a bit of a sense of sitting further back), but also to minimise the movement a notch for the TrackIR. Going full on FOV was a bit too much for me so I settled on 70-75% range:






I was unable to save these preset in the profiles, so I have included these with screenshots in the download pack. Two optional commands if you do not use the FA Off & Reverse toggles on the bottom Rotary. First config allows the side panels to be selected in the UI, which might be handy for those without a TrackIR. The second config, allows you to change between Wingman targets in your wing, which might be handy for those who do a lot of PvP.

To add these to your profile, you will need to clear the existing band configuration in the Saitek software and replicate the settings shown in the screenshots. Band values are also in the filename of the screenshot. Remember to Save & Apply when done.

Fly safe CMDR!

Ongoing Prelaunch Checklist:

(Need to do this each time before start playing)

1. Plug in your Devices.
   
2. Put on your TrackIR Clip &/or Headset, & switch to your Headphones (Optional).
   
3. Load the X-55 Saitek Profile.
   (Right Click Tray Icon - Icon turns Green)
   
4. Load the TrackIR Profile.
   (Good practice to Center view before entering the game)
   
5. Launch the Game!

(Thank you to the uploaders, Auir22, Wydra91 & frooglesim)

I've already had to make use of a couple of these myself!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTnD3SDHCXQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g02dch8aZls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAXTHaa1G0k (Use at your own risk!)

Change Log | Notes

AUSSIEDROID'S CURATOR @
https://steamhost.cn/curator/6857016/

AUSSIEDROID'S WORKSHOP CONTRIBUTIONS @
https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/id/aussiedroid/myworkshopfiles/?section=guides

TRUE BLUE REVIEWS (Find More Quality Guides) @
https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/groups/TrueBlueReviews



* 2.0 (18th Dec 15) - Updated for ED:Horizons 2.0. Multiple Changes: *

* 1.0 - 1.5 Change Logs: *
https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=456122613