X-55 Rhino HOTAS Problem

[Mike Plunkett]

I ordered a X-55 Rhino HOTAS system from Overclockers on the 24th December and received it on the 29th. Sadly, less than a week later, it became unusable when all the buttons on the flight stick stopped working, although the Windows 7 calibration tool still shows input being delivered on the X-, Y- and Z-axes.

I have trawled the internet for solutions and have thus far tried:

• All the different USB ports on my motherboard, USB 2.0 and 3.0
• Comprehensively uninstalling and reinstalling both the drivers and programming software
• Tightening the mounting screws either side of the connectors where the stick attaches to the base (this did initially solve the problem but it soon returned and has not gone away since)

I have also contacted MadCatz/Saitek and submitted a tech support ticket, but beyond an automated email acknowledging receipt I've not had any response yet.

I really, really like this piece of kit and don't want to RMA if I can help it so if anyone has solved a similar problem or has ideas about how I might cure it then please let me know.

I am running 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate and the motherboard the X-55 is plugged into is an Asus Maximus VII Ranger with an Intel Z97 chipset.

 

[Maverick2332]

Which games are you trying it in? Because some games are weird about controllers unless they are the number 1 (joystick) and 2 (throttle) under the windows control panel controllers bit.

Other than that it may be dead, it's common with seitek nowadays, RMA if possible or replace it with a thrustmaster setup.

 

[Mike Plunkett]

I've been using it with Elite: Dangerous. Worked fine to begin with and then failed, first on Friday and then again on Sunday and has been dead ever since.

An RMA is looking more and more likely sadly, and unfortunately the only comparable Thrustmaster setup is the Warthog which is way beyond my budget (much as I'd like one!)

 

[House]

I saw a youtube vid about the connectors between the stick and the base before I ordered mine and making sure they were actually connecting, its sounds very much like your problem.

I've had no issues with mine and unfortunately I cant search for the vid from work because its blocked here.

From memory it involved taking the stick off checking the connectors and reattaching,

Are the LEDs in the head of the stick under that hats lighting up?

 

[Mike Plunkett]

I saw a youtube vid about the connectors between the stick and the base before I ordered mine and making sure they were actually connecting, its sounds very much like your problem.

I've had no issues with mine and unfortunately I cant search for the vid from work because its blocked here.

From memory it involved taking the stick off checking the connectors and reattaching,

Are the LEDs in the head of the stick under that hats lighting up?

There are indeed two little screws either side of the connectors where the stick joins the base. I found advice online saying these could be loose and that tightening them would solve the problem. I have done this and whilst it did cure the initial failure on the Friday it has had no effect on the subsequent loss of function. The lights under the hat switches on the stick do still illuminate, so power is definitely getting through.

I have this morning heard back from Saitek who essentially said not our problem, contact your retailer. With that in mind I've started the RMA process with Overclockers, but since they don't have any X-55s in stock I can't imagine a replacement will be forthcoming any time soon Good job I kept hold of my X-52...

 

[Legend]

Had same problem with mine, tightened the screws and it worked. Definitely seems to be an issue with the contact points there. Unfortunately, a day after this my trigger button stopped working entirely, so RMA'd it. Still waiting on replacement. Shortage on these things everywhere it seems. Surprising as they do seem to be utter junk and not fit for purpose given how many I've heard breaking.

 

[LOAM]

Mine arrived today and after some faff with getting buttons on the stick to work as per above. I also have a permanently illuminated button 15 in Windows control panel. What I dont understand though is that there appears to be no button 15,16 or 17 and nothing is shown under the madcats software. Anyone else have this or know what it is?

 

[hyperseven]

Mine arrived today and after some faff with getting buttons on the stick to work as per above. I also have a permanently illuminated button 15 in Windows control panel. What I dont understand though is that there appears to be no button 15,16 or 17 and nothing is shown under the madcats software. Anyone else have this or know what it is?

mode toggle on throttle is 15,16,17. So one will be always lit.