Pilot Archive
Thread: The Belkin Nostromo n52 SpeedPad (two thumbs up!)
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PBandJedi
Fri Nov 19, 2004 8:54 am
#1
I figured that I should finally get around to posting my experiences with the n52 for the benefit of the mouse/keyboard fliers out there. I'd used and loved a n50 during my years in EQ, if for anything, the relief on a hand made achy by repetitive keystrikes.
Where to buy: They're a rare sight in stores, but retail around $50. I got mine from NewEgg for $33.
Overall: Like its predecessor, the n52 has become a necessary component for any game I play that requires repetitive key strikes, especially sims and FPS. The n52 is a refinement of the n50 product: its just as ergonomic as the n50, but more adjustable for varying sizes of hands and comfort; the thumb is put to more use with the addition of two buttons around the 8-way D-pad; its weighted with a no-slip rubberized base.
Pros:
-Intuitive and small-footprint drivers and configuration software
-Mappable for up to 104 functions
-Keys can be mapped as single key or recorded macros (with variable speed)
-Extremely comfortable to use
-Very easy to configure
-Like its predecessor, the 8 way D-pad is fully programmable
-Mouse wheel can now be reprogrammed to be something other than a mouse wheel or joystick axis
-Better construction than earlier models
-Additional keys make mirrors of keyboardconfigurations easier-- 14 keys in the main pad, two additional keys/buttons around the D-pad
-Very little training needed to become comfortable with use
Cons:
-Expanding functionalitywith the shift functions can be confusing to new users, especially as there isn't an on-screen indication of what shiftstate you're on (although there are LED's on the controller itself for this function, you'd still have to take your eyes off the action if you lose your place)
-It can be a tight fit in limited desk space-- especially in keyboard trays sized just right for keyboards and mice only.
After two weeks of use, here's how I have settled onmyset up:
D-pad North -- Throttle Up
D-pad South -- Throttle Down
D-pad West -- Roll Left
D-pad East -- Roll Right
Thumb key (15) -- TAB, nearest target
Thumb button (above D-pad) -- X, target in reticle
Mouse scroll -- Default mouse scroll behavior, saving for shift-up/down if needed
Button 1 -- Fire Ordnance 1
Button 2 -- F2 (currently in-game macroed to 66% throttle)
Button 3 -- F3 (currently in-game macroed to 82% throttle)
Button 4 -- M, match speed
Button 5 -- B, booster
Button 6 -- Fire Ordnance 2
Button 7 --R, last attacker
Button 8 -- [ , target sub down
Button 9 -- ], target sub up
Button 10 --C, target nearest capital ship
Button 11 -- Fire Ordnance 3
Button 12 -- Home
Button 13 -- End
Button 14 -- / (communicate)
Hope this helps!
-Caucab
Caucab Eegoir
Some Bounty Hunter or Something
Talusian Knucklehead, Esquire
Karth D'Santh
Professional Bounty Hunter Content
Imperial Pilot Ace
JehuBBR
Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:21 am
#2
heh i have the SpeedPad and have it set up in a very similar manner. It's great for the game... much better than using a joystick IMO.
AnzelVincir
Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:22 am
#3
Very interesting application of the n52. I've been using the n50 and n52 as well since they came out. Although I really only use them for the ground game. I haven't used the n52 in space at all. I would imagine it might take some getting used to but very cool idea nontheless.
I would also recommend the n52 for anyone out there playing SWG or any FPS for that matter. I couln't live without it.
Ibixat
Fri Nov 19, 2004 10:03 am
#4
I actually use mine with my joystick, it's faster to drop my hand properly onto the speedpad than the keyboard when I'm flying with the stick. *Most* of my controls are on the stick (a logitech Extreme 3d Pro, I hate the name it screams Buzzwords but it works well) but I still have a few thinks mapped to the keyboard which are in turn mapped to the nostromo. One nice thing about the nostromo also is you can setup very easily done macros to keys you'd never really ever hit on the keyboard, such as shift-alt-f12 or strange combos that you then assign to a custom macro in game and have the nostromo key do the combination for you.
It's a great product, more people should look into them really, I had never though of controlling speed on it due to having a throttle wheel but maybe I'll try switching around my setup and see how it works.
It's a great product, more people should look into them really, I had never though of controlling speed on it due to having a throttle wheel but maybe I'll try switching around my setup and see how it works.
Draconicius
Fri Nov 19, 2004 10:36 am
#5
Hmmm interesting.... I may try to set it up with Saitek X45 
... would be an interesting combo.
... would be an interesting combo.
Raano_Geds
Fri Nov 19, 2004 10:52 am
#6
I use something similar, an older Microsoft Sidewinder Strategic Commander, for the ground game. I'd highly recommend it, if you can find one somewhere. I don't use it in space, because I've got a CH Products rig for that, but I've found it indispensable on the ground.
CNevyn
Sun Jan 23, 2005 12:09 pm
#7
Would any of you N52 users be willing to post your profile files for upload? I just picked mine up yesterday. Already love it, but I can see it's going to take careful config to get the best use.
Also, any speedpad/mouse users been able to program the d-pad as a hat switch for flying?
Thanks in advance. 
RogueForce
Thu Apr 21, 2005 1:31 am
#8
Not to necro a post lond dead but...does anyone have the upload path for this? I can never get it to launch the game, where do I need to point it?
CNevyn
Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:26 pm
#9
I never bothered with the launch feature. Instead, I associate the profile I want to use to the SWG client. enable the 'auto-switch' feature so it changes profiles per app.. then launch the client as usual. Problem solved.
RogueForce
Fri Apr 22, 2005 2:17 am
#10
hah, do you mind posting what exactly you have in the File box? I'm not seeming to get this
CNevyn
Fri Apr 22, 2005 9:19 am
#11
I don' mind, but will have to wait'll after work. I'm at the office.. not enough coffee yet.. I'm not sure of the path.
BadChef
Mon Apr 25, 2005 4:32 am
#13
The n52 helped out alot when I laddered on other games like raven shield and battlefield. Figured I'd give it a try for SWG, cut my reaction time in half haveing all of my most used commands right there. Don't bother downloading someone els profile setup though, make your own, it feels more natural. The only problem I have is that I had to make 2 seperate profiles for the ground game and the space game, but that's as easy and tabbing out and changing profiles real fast.
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