Logitech X56 HOTAS User manual

LogitechG.com
USER MANUAL / MANUEL DE L’UTILISATEUR
X56 HOTAS
SYSTÈME 3M
(MAINS SUR MANCHE ET MANETTE)
HANDS ON THROTTLE AND STICK

English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Français . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Español . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Português . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

English 3
STICK OVERVIEW
A. POV
B. Mini Analog Stick
C. Thumb HATs, Witches and
Castle
D. Stick Buttons with Trigger
and 2 x Head Buttons
E. X, Y, and Rz Axes, Elevator,
Aileron and Rudder Axes
F. Pinkie and Flying Pinkie
G. F.E.E.L. Spring System

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THROTTLE OVERVIEW
A. Throttle Rotaries with inset buttons
B. 2-position Slider
C. Thumb Controls with 2 HATs, Thumb Button,
Mini AnalogStick
D. Twin Throttles with Throttle Lock
E. Throttle Tension Adjuster
F. 3-position Mode Switch
G. Base Controls with 7 Toggles and 2 Rotaries

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GETTING STARTED
Drivers and Software Installation
Windows®7/8/10
1. Download and install the X56 HOTAS software from logitech.com/support/x56
2. After reading the Disclaimer, select the 'I accept the terms of the Disclaimer' option
andclick 'NEXT' to continue
3. At the Plug In screen, plug the Stick and Throttle units into the PC. Click ‘Next’ when
itbecomes highlighted
4. From the end screen, click ‘Finish.’ Your drivers and software are now installed
NET Framework
1. If this is the rst Logitech product that you have installed, you may be asked to install
.NET Framework after the software installation nishes. This is strongly recommended;
this Microsoft Feature Update is required by the Software
2. Click ‘Download and install this le.’ The PC will now nd the correct les from
theInternet and download them
3. When the installation nishes, click ‘Close’

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CONTROLLER SETTINGS
If at any time you wish to check that the X56 is working correctly, open the Game Controllers
page and click on the controller’s Properties tab.
Here are the various ways to do this from each operating system:
Windows®8/10
1. From the Metro/Start screen, click the ‘Control Panel’ icon. NOTE: If you have
noControlPanel icon on your Metro/Start screen, type ‘control panel’ and the icon
fortheControl Panel will appear
2. Once the Control Panel is open, double-click on the ‘Devices and Printers’ icon.
NOTE:Ifyou cannot see this icon, make sure that you have large icons selected
3. With the Devices and Printers screen open, nd the X56 HOTAS in the device list and right-
click on this icon. From the dropdown menu, select ‘Game Controller Settings’
4. From the Game Controllers window, you should see the X56 HOTAS. listed and selected.
Click ‘Properties’ and this should take you to the Controller Test screen
From the Controller Test screen you can test all the functions, axes, buttons, rotaries, etc.
Whenyou have completed your tests, click ‘OK’ twice to get back to the main desktop

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Windows®7
1. Click on the ‘Windows’ icon from the system tray. Hover over the All Programs menu.
Clickthe ‘Games’ folder and then the ‘Games Explorer’ icon
2. Click the ‘Tools’ option (with downward facing arrow) from the list across the top
ofthewindow. From the dropdown list, click ‘Input Devices’
3. From the Game Controllers window, you should see the X-56 Rhino listed and selected.
Click‘Properties’ and this should take you to the Controller Test screen

RED GREEN YELLOW BLUE Notes
k = Rate 1 2 3 4
OD = Outside diameter 33 33 33 33
d = Wire diameter 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8
E = Youngs Modulus ( 210000 ) 210000 210000 210000 210000 N/mm2
FL = Free length 52 47 42 36 Un-compressed
WL = Working length 30.8 30.8 30.8 30.8 Pre-compressed
P1L = Position 1 length 25.8 25.8 25.8 25.8 Full Working Compression
n = Total Number of coils 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 Active coils (6.5 coils in spring)
D = Mean Diameter 31.2 31.2 31.2 31.2
Rate K= Ed*4/ 8n D *3 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.70 N/mm
Load @ Breakout BL = FL-WL x k 36.12 27.60 19.08 8.86 N
Load @ P1L SoL = FL - SL x k 44.64 36.12 27.60 17.38 N
Stress= 8 x P x D/3.14 x d *3 608.50 492.38 376.25 236.90 N/mm2
% UTS ( M4 Music Wire ) 30.89 24.99 19.10 12.03 %
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F.E.E.L. Spring Tension System
Each spring placed on the Rhino stick shaft will give a dierent feeling. You can also operate
thestick without a spring, providing a total of ve dierent forces.
Each spring has a unique feel and dierent identication. These identiers are color swatches
at the top of each spring – Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green. This table lists some of the calculations
used for dierentiation:

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Changing or removing a spring
To insert, change, or remove a spring, follow these steps. Ensure the trigger is facing away from
you and that the X56 HOTAS logo plate is facing you.
1. Turn the Locking Bezel (part B) counterclockwise until the Stick comes away from the base.
2. Remove the Seal Ring (part C) by placing the ngers from your left and right hand under
thering on either side, and then lift up. The Seal Ring is sti by design.
3. Pry apart the Locking Clamps (part D). These pull apart from the stick, but are under load
from the spring. Take one half o rst, hold the spring, and then remove the other half.
4. Remove the Spring (part E), then either replace with a new Spring of leave the Spring o.
To reassemble, reverse the order of the above steps, making sure to securely seat the Seal Ring
(Part C) and rmly tighten the Locking Bezel (part D) on the Stick base.
Note: When changing springs, please ensure that the USB cable is disconnected from your PC
and avoid touching the connectors in the stick handle and base.
1. Turn Locking Bezel
counterclockwise
4. Pry apart Locking Clamps
2. Remove Stick
5. Remove Spring
3. Remove Seal Ring

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Software Overview
The software allows you to program the X56 with an array of keyboard commands, from basic
single-key commands to very advanced, timed, and macro commands. It will also allow you
toprogram any axis with keyboard commands, and program mouse commands.
In the software you can also alter the response curves and deadbands of the main axis –
we’llcover the explanation of these topics later in the manual.
There are two ways to launch the software:
1. From the desktop icon that looks like this 2. From the start menu bar...
Once the software launches, you will be presented with the Home Screen.
If it’s the rst time you’ve run the software, you will be asked to choose your language.
Oncethisis done the main Home Screen will appear. If you’ve made a mistake choosing
yourlanguage or you wish to choose another language, the language menu can be accessed
byclicking on the icon in the bottom-right corner of the Home Screen.
There are three main Tabs within the software:
1. HOME
2. PROGRAMMING
3. SETTINGS

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HOME TAB
On the Home screen you’ll see:
- Live Facebook feed from Logitech G
- Social media and website shortcuts, LogitechG.com, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, etc
- Language selection, use the ag icon in the bottom-right corner to access this

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PROGRAMMING TAB
After selecting the PROGRAMMING Tab you will see the X56’s programming environment.
You will see a high-resolution image of the controller you are going to program on the left side
of the screen. On the right side of the screen you will see a list of command boxes, called “Cells,”
going down the page.
At the top of the image panel you will see Stick and Throttle icons. Clicking on either
ofthesewillchange the current unit you are programming. The unit you are programming
iseasily recognizable by the larger image that lls the window.
In the PROGRAMMING Tab you can mimic your controller to directly copy any of the keyboard
commands used in your favorite games. The commands are then saved in what we call a Prole.
What is a Prole?
A Prole is the name given to a le that has programmed controller commands saved into
it. For example, you may have a Joystick with a number of buttons/hats. If you want one of
theseto do something in-game that you would normally have to use a keyboard shortcut for,
you can “assign” that command to that button. If you want Button ‘A’ to activate the landing
gear (which is the “G” key on a keyboard), you can use the software to assign this function.
Youcan also create more complicated assignments, like “shift+F2,” or even timed commands
and macros.

13 English
Making your rst Prole
1. Either hover the mouse pointer over the Cell, or press the button you want to create a Prole
for on the controller. If you hover your mouse over the Button ‘A’ Cell, Button ‘A’ will light up
on the 3D Joystick image. Or just click Button ‘A’ on the stick and the correct Cell will light up.
2. When the correct Cell is lit, left-click in it
and a large ashing cursor will appear in
theleft side of the Cell. You will also see
agreen tick, a red cross, and a mouse icon
onthe right side of the Cell.
3. The Cell is now waiting for the keyboard
command. Using your keyboard, press
the button on the keyboard you would
like Button‘A’ on the stick to activate.
Forthisexample we will use the ‘G’ key,
whichusually activates landing gear.
Whenyou press ‘G’ on the keyboard, alarge
white tile with the letter ‘G’ should appear
inthe Cell, as shown here. If this is the correct
keyboard command, pressthe green tick icon
on therightside. If not, press the red cross
and redo the procedure to get the keyboard
command into the Cell again.
4. After pressing the green tick icon,
thecommand name box will appear,
labeledas“Untitled” (left image, below).
Simply choose a name for thecommand
and type the name into this box.
Forthisexample, we chose “Landing
gear.” Press the enter key to complete the
Cell. Button ‘A’ = Landing gear, which is
yourkeyboard’s ‘G’ key (right image, below).

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5. Test your Prole by opening the “Testing”
window. Above the 3D image there are
seven icons. The one that is second from
theright, which looks like a silver cog,
islabeled “TestProle.”
Click on this icon and a new window will
open. A cursor will already be ashing
inthetest area. Simply press Button ‘A’
onthe X56. When this is pressed, letter ‘G’
will appear in the window, which proves
yourrst programmed button is working.
Close this window by clicking on the“OK”
icon in the bottom-right corner of
theTesting window.
6. You can add other keyboard commands if you wish and then test them. Just remember
tosave your work before you shut down the software.
7. To make the programming you have just created work
in your game, you must rst save it as a Prole and then
activate it. This can be done with one click. In the icon row
just above the 3D image, you will see an icon that looks like
a blue target. If you hover over this icon a tool tip labeled
“Prole” will appear.
Click this icon and a standard Windows save box will appear.
Give your Prole a name and save it. After saving, the Prole
will become active and you can shut down the software
and play your game. The X56 will now respond as you have
programmed it.
8. The software is capable of many other powerful programming features that we have not
yetcovered. For example, you can program axes, mouse movement and mouse buttons,
hats, and special timed or complicated commands.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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Icons in the Prole Editor
1. New Prole
Opens a blank Prole for you to edit/build.
2. Open Prole
Opens a previously created Prole for editing.
3. Save Prole
Clicking “Save” will save a new Prole or overwrite a current Prole.
Using the drop-down arrow next to “Save,” you can “Save as,” allowing you to save
thecurrent Prole to a dierent location or as a dierent name.
4. Views
You can change the view in the Prole Editor to be just programming Cells (i.e., no image).
Clicking the “Views” button again will restore the default view and the image will reappear.
5. Prole
If you are working on a Prole to use immediately, so you can get ying straight away, click here.
6. Test Prole
Clicking this icon will bring up the test window. This is especially useful if you are attempting
to program advanced timed or macro commands as it gives you a place to test your work
before you y.
7. Print
By pressing this icon, the Prole that you are currently building will be sent to the default
printer on your system.

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Settings
The settings page will allow you to alter the deadzone and response curves of all axes on both
the Stick and the Throttle.
Response Curves
Depending on the type of aircraft that you y, you may want your joystick to be more or less
sensitive around the middle or end points of the axes. For example, if you’re ying an F/18
onarefueling mission at 25,000 feet, you will be making very ne movements to get into
thecorrect position. Having a shallower response curve around the center point of the joystick’s
X and Y axes will enable you to make very ne adjustment to your aircraft.
Deadbands
A deadband, sometimes known as a deadzone or neutral zone, is a part of the range in which
an axis moves, undetected by the drivers and without eect on in-game progress. It may be
around the center point of the axis range, or at either end of the axis range.
Axis Range Adjustment
The axis range adjustment, or axis saturation to assign its correct name, allows you to shrink
theraw data range of an axis.
Physical Axis Adjustment
The physical axis adjustment, or physical saturation, allows you to shrink the full axis data range
into a small physical stick movement.
S-Curves and J-Curves
There are two types of adjustable curves – S-Curves and J-Curves. J-Curves are linear axes,
likethrottles and rotaries. S-Curves are non-linear, like X and Y axes.
The rst screen
you’llsee is the ‘SELECT
DEVICE TO MODIFY’
screen.
You have two choices;
choose to alter either
the Stick or the Throttle
axis.

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Once you are in the ‘STICK//AXIS MODIFICATION’ screen, you’ll see a raft
ofoptions. We’ll go through them one by one.
1
6
27
8
9
4
5
12
10
11
3
1. Name of the Part being Modied
2. Modiable Axes
3. Manual Axis Adjustment and Test Area
4. Spring Values – for Reference when Changing Axis Data
5. Back Button
6. Physical Axis Adjustment Slider
7. Manual Axis Attribute Boxes
8. Deadzone Adjustment
9. Axis Curvature Adjustment
10. Pre-made Proles
11. Apply Button
12. Undo Button

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1. Name of the Part being Modied
This will either be the Stick or the Throttle unit for the X-56. If you wish to change the part
thatyou’re not currently on, use the back button (5) to go back to the selection screen.
2. Modiable Axes
This shows a list of all modiable axes. The Stick has three modiable axes:
- X Axis
- Y Axis
- Rudder Axis
The Throttle unit has six modiable axes:
- Left Throttle
- Right Throttle
- Rotary 1
- Rotary 2
- Rotary 3
- Rotary 4
3. Manual Axis Adjustment and Test Area
This area will show you how the current response curves/dead zones/saturation points are
setup on the selected axis. You can also adjust the center deadzone, the range saturation,
physical saturation, and the response curve on the selected axis. There is also a cross-hair
whichwill show the physical position of the axis you are manipulating.
4. Spring Values
This is a reference section when you are adjusting the axes on the Stick. It will act as a guide
for axis modication, and you may choose diering axis curves or deadzones depending on
theSpring you have tted to the Stick. If you are modifying the Throttle unit’s axes you will
notsee this reference section.
5. Back Button
Takes you to the device selection screen.
6. Physical Axis Adjustment Slider
Allows the ends of the axes, the far left and far right on the X Axis or full up and full down on
theY Axis, to be moved inwards towards the center point. It is similar to setting up a deadzone
at the far ends of your axis.

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7. Manual Axis Attribute Boxes
This area allows you to input raw data to setup your deadband, curvature, range saturation,
and physical saturation settings. This is very useful if you already have the data or a third-party
source is supplying the data. For example, a forum post on how to setup the response curve for
an F/A-18F.
8. Deadzone Adjustment
The deadzone slider will allow you to adjust the deadzone around the center point of the axis
you currently have selected.
9. Axis Curvature Adjustment Slider
Shrinks the range of an axis. Instead of going from 0 to 65555, for example,
we can shrink it to 300 to 62555.
10. Pre-made Proles
We have included a set a predened curves to select. This is to make it easier for those who
donot wish to make their own curves. There are two dierent types of curves to choose from:
1. J-Curves – these curves will give you a single point of manipulation and are ideal for throttles
and rotaries.
2. S-Curves – these curves will give you two points of manipulation and are ideal for setting
up X and Y axes.
11. Apply Button
This button will save the curve that you are manipulating on the selected axis. Once saved,
this axis will perform as saved, for all games, until the axis is adjusted and resaved or the reset
button is used.
12. Undo Button
This button will turn the response curves on your currently selected axis back to their default state.
This can be very useful when experimenting with curves and deadbands.

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Altering Axis Attributes
Axis Status Notications
You’ll need to be aware of several notications in the axis highlighter box when manipulating
and applying axis data. On the left is a list of the current device’s axes. The colors indicate
thestatus of each axis.
Light Blue in the larger box indicates the currently selected axis.
Green in the smaller box indicates that the data on the settings page
and the data on the device are in sync for this axis.
Yellow in the smaller box indicates that the data for this axis has been
modied on the settings page but has not yet been synced to the device.
To sync data, click ‘Apply’ in the bottom right. The entire box will turn
Yellow then start to ll up Green to indicate that the data on the settings
page is being synced to the device. Once data is fully synced, the larger
box will revert to Light Blue and the smaller box will stay Green.
When the Axis box turns Green, the data from the settings page
saves to the physical device. The main Axis box will then turn Blue and
theslash will turn to Green.
Setting a Deadzone
To set a deadzone on an axis, whether it’s an S-Curve or a J-Curve, simply move the deadzone
slider (part 8). You will see the axis start to split from the middle in the manual adjust area.
Thedeadzone will become larger as the slider moves farther.
Setting a Response Curve
To set a response curve on an axis, whether it’s an S-Curve or a J-Curve, simply move
thecurvature slider. On an S-Curve setting you will see the curve turn snake-like, which indicates
curvature above and below the center point the axis.
On a J-Curve setting you will see the whole axis curve as the slider moves. You can also change
the curvature of either curve by moving the points in the manual adjustment area (part 4).
Ifyou move the points in the area, 2 for an S-Curve and 1 for a J-Curve, then the curve will
adjust to the new points.
Setting an Axis Range
To set an axis range, simply move the Axis Range Adjustment Slider (part 5). This will shrink
thedata for that axis from the full negative side and from the full positive side. Now when
youuse the axis that you have just altered, the axis data output will only output up to the points
that you have set in the settings.