Before you install, make sure that you have everything connected correctly:

1. Take the two metal stands and attach them to the base of the throttle with the screws supplied. You’ll notice a rubber strip which is in two halves. Fix one rubber strip to each stand just before the bend up to the panels. This adds support for the throttles. 
2. Once the stands are attached, you’re ready to affix the panel brackets. The brackets have holes in each side, and the holes that have brass eyelets should be at the top. To fix the brackets to the stands, screw from the top of the bracket and then into the stand, so the head is above the bracket. This only needs to be hand tightened. You can also screw together the panels in the same fashion. 
3. Now you are ready to add the Software Panel and the information panel. Place these on the brackets and use the screws in the four corners. It does not matter which side the panels go on. If you prefer, and have a Pro Flight Information Panel (FIP), this can take place of the info panel. Once you attach the FIP, you can then attach the USB cable, which will need to be plugged into the back of the PC or preferably, a USB-powered HUB.

If you take a look at the back of the throttle, you will see three leads. These connect to the stick, panel and the PC.

1. The PS/2 cable labelled Stick plugs into the back of the X65F Stick (check that your pins are all ok; there should be six in the head of the plug).
2. The PS/2 cable labelled Sw/P plugs into the back of the Panel.
3. The USB cable labelled PC plugs into the back of the PC or a powered USB HUB. Take note that a non-powered HUB might be able to power this device but if additional devices are added, the power requirements will probably exceed what is provided by the HUB. This is similar for USB ports from the PC case.

We recommend that you install the latest driver and SmartTechnology (ST) programming software from our website. Once installed, you will have a little Saitek icon in your taskbar, next to the clock. 

With the supplied Allen key, you can change the HAT switch layout to your specifications. To remove one, simply use the Allen key to unscrew and swap to one of the other three HAT positions.

There is also a palm rest that can be attached to the top of the Stick’s palm rest if you feel you need more support for your wrist. Simply place and press down firmly so it clicks into place.

Features

Before you start up your flight simulator for the first time, you should acquaint yourself with some of the controls and features of the X65F. Go to Control Panel > Game Controllers for Windows XP or Games > Tools > Input devices for Windows 7 and select the Properties for your X65F. You can test your buttons and axes here, adjust force sensing and dead zones.

In addition to the standard Aileron, Elevator, Rudder and Dual Throttle controls, there are also two rotaries. These are positioned conveniently so that your thumb and index finger can operate them. The rotaries have no set function, but they can be assigned in your Flight Sim to additional axes such as Elevator Trim or Flaps.

What is Force Sensing?

The X65F’s stick does not move; instead, like those found in real modern fighter jets, it responds to pressure that you exert on the handle. This results in a fast, accurate and realistic response that will make you the ace in your squadron. With no moving parts and a shaft that is made from high grade steel, this provides incredible reliability and longevity. 

Mode Switch

You will notice a four position slider above the HAT switches on the throttle, that when moved, changes the MODE LEDs from 1-4. To the uninitiated, the modes apply to the ST programming software that comes with the controller. The software allows you to assign the keyboard commands from your simulator to the buttons on the X65F. You can save these assignments as a profile, which can be tweaked as your flight experience increases. One Mode equals one configured set of buttons. So, with the ST, you can have a minimum of four different button configurations set to your controller at one time. You can even set more modes in the programming software itself.