Saitek Throttles - now you see them, now you don't…wait!

[BlueGhost 1]

Sorry for the longish post, and it's your own fault if you keep on reading, but...

 

I have been using the Saitek throttles with my MacBookPro/Bootcamp combination. Recently, for no apparent reason, the throttle input (I use the standard T/P/M setup) started jumping all over the place. Reading in the forum, I took the unit apart, cleaned and lubricated the best I could, and it sort of worked but then stopped entirely. So, deciding it was a lost cause, I reprogrammed the remaining two controls so at least I'd have a throttle. 

 

All of a sudden a couple days ago, the throttle control started working just fine, thank you. Which was good because the other two controls started acting up - both only giving me about half of the throw from min to max (like nothing, nothing, everything!). I grabbed my AV8R and took my frustrations out in the air.

 

I was very happy the next day when, having turned the system on, ALL controls worked just fine! Rejoicing, I went into MS setup and calibration to make sure I could preserve this now, three "working controls" unit. After returning from calibration, the middle and right controls went back to their semi-functional routines. I'm not thinking happy thoughts by now. I'm reading all the forums I can.

 

Yesterday I fire it up, and…everything works just fine. I stayed away from calibration, fired up my Shrike and blissfully flew! But it bothers me not knowing why my unit is off and on! I'm doing nothing different each day. 

 

So a question: Could this be a problem between the MSFSX connectivity with my controller? (Not sure if that question even makes sense, but nothing else seems to make sense either.)

 

If I registered my FSUIPC (yeah, I know it doesn't cost much but I'm retired Navy and on an allowance from my CINC) and set/ran the accessories through it, could that might make a difference? I've been thinking about that. Any way, if any of this rambling resonates with anyone, I'd sure like to hear about it. Thanks!

 

BlueGhost 

[fppilot 4,229]

More info please. Which Windows OS? How many total throttle quadrants?  How are they connected? Via yoke or USB? If USB, where are you plugging them in? CPU ports or USB hub. If hub, is it powered? etc.

[BlueGhost 1]

Good questions!

 

Win 7/64 Ultimate

just the three controls

connected into the yoke (along with the pedals and trim wheel)

yoke is plugged into a 4-port mini USB hub which is plugged into the MBP

Hub has no external power 

 

Normally this setup works just fine. 

 

Thanks!

[DaveCT2003 1,768]

You will definitely find that using a powered USB hub will work much better for you.  In fact, I'm surprised that you're able to get the yoke and throttle quadrant working without it.

 

I've had about 8 people that I flew with purchase the Saitek Yoke and throttle quadrant and in each case we had them use a powered USB hub. Not one person had any difficulties.  There were some noisy potentiometers (Saitek is known for this, but they can be cleaned or easily replaced with higher quality pots) though FSUIPC can certainly help with calibrating a noisy controller.

 

Best wishes to you, and thank you for your service.

[BlueGhost 1]

Hey Dave,

Great suggestion! Ordered a good (based on reviews, that is) powered hub from Amazon today. That can only help! 

Larry

[DaveCT2003 1,768]

My pleasure Larry!

 

Best wishes.

[dgraham1284 92]

 

 

easily replaced with higher quality pots

Could you elaborate on this? Or provide a link for better pots?

[DaveCT2003 1,768]

I reached out to someone who I know has done this for the info. I'll post the info on the pots if and when I receive it from him.  Note though that some rework of the pot mount may be required.

 

Best wishes.

[dgraham1284 92]

I reached out to someone who I know has done this for the info. I'll post the info on the pots if and when I receive it from him.  Note though that some rework of the pot mount may be required.

 

Best wishes.

Thank you

[BlueGhost 1]

Hey Dave, the powered hub works great! Thanks!

[DaveCT2003 1,768]

Excellent!  Happy to hear you have the issue resolved.

 

Best wishes!

[patrico 5]

I am hoping someone on here can help  . I fly the PMDG 200 exclusive. I  have the Saitek pro 50 yoke and use the throttle component of the Saitek 52 as my throttle an other buttons.  just lately that portion of the MDU, will not light up rendering it useless  both Saitek units Saitek pro 50 yoke and Saitek 52 are connected via a  powered usb hub

[fppilot 4,229]

I am hoping someone on here can help  . I fly the PMDG 200 exclusive. I  have the Saitek pro 50 yoke and use the throttle component of the Saitek 52 as my throttle an other buttons.  just lately that portion of the MDU, will not light up rendering it useless  both Saitek units Saitek pro 50 yoke and Saitek 52 are connected via a  powered usb hub

 

These issues are coming up frequently.  A sifting through this particular forum would provide a lot of cues and clues.  Perhaps what you find at this link might help you.  For others later finding this topic, please simply do a web search for "Avsim, Saitek, and Windows Advanced Power Management." Hope what you find as a result of that search will help you.

 

http://www.avsim.com/topic/477679-saitek-windows-10-usb-30-and-advanced-power-management/

[patrico 5]

These issues are coming up frequently.  A sifting through this particular forum would provide a lot of cues and clues.  Perhaps what you find at this link might help you.  For others later finding this topic, please simply do a web search for "Avsim, Saitek, and Windows Advanced Power Management." Hope what you find as a result of that search will help you.

 

http://www.avsim.com/topic/477679-saitek-windows-10-usb-30-and-advanced-power-managed

thanks Frank  on reading your link  I thought that was the answer to my problem  but sadly this fix was not for me, so I dug out my battered old Saitek F50 Pro throttle and assigned some buttons via FSUIPC I have CH  Pro  Pedals  and  in my FSX settings and as a result it does not show mySaitek F50 Pro yoke at ll