In this example, the Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX) is used, but its predecessor, Flight Sim 2004, and other titles have similar setup routines. When you load FSX, the X52 Professional H.O.T.A.S. is automatically detected, and a basic default control configuration will be loaded to the device. If you just want to use the default setup, click Fly now.

You can also change or add to the basic default setup in FSX. For example, you can configure the buttons, set up the axes and then set their sensitivity.

Configure the buttons: 

1. Go to Settings > Controls > Buttons/Keys. 
2. Make sure that the X52 Professional H.O.T.A.S. is selected in the Controller Type menu. Otherwise, FSX will not recognize the assignments you are trying to make.

For example, say you wanted to set button T1 to Engine Auto start. To do this, scroll down through the alphabetical list of button events until you reach Engine Auto start, left-click the title and then click the Change Assignment button below the assignment list. When the Change Assignment box appears, press the T1 control and it will appear in the box. Click OK to confirm the assignment. You can speed the process up by double-clicking the name of the button command to bring up the Change Assignment box.

Set up the axes:

1. Go to Settings > Controls > Control Axes. 
2. Make sure the X52 Professional H.O.T.A.S. is selected in the Controller Type menu.

For example, to set Elevator Trim to one of the rotary wheels, double-click the entry in the Event column for Elevator Axis, and then move your rotary of choice. When the axis designation appears, click OK to confirm.

Assign axes sensitivity:
The final step before you fly is to make sure that the sensitivities of the axes are set.  

1. Go to Settings > Controls > Calibration, and select the X52 Professional H.O.T.A.S. in the Controller Type menu. 
2. Select the Advanced Controls option. 

The settings that FSX assigns are fine, but as an example, you could assign the following settings to the X52 Professional H.O.T.A.S:

Aileron – Sensitivity 75%, Null Zone 5%
Elevator – Sensitivity 75%, Null Zone 5%
Throttle – Sensitivity 100%, Null Zone 0%
Rudder – Sensitivity 75%, Null Zone 5%

A good rule of thumb is to set similar axes functions to the same settings. For example if you wanted to set the Mixture axes (a lever control) to the Precision Slider, then set the calibration sliders to the same values as the throttle axis.