1. X52 should be mapped in accordance with the
Jantzen sim keyboard setup, you can take a look at the instructions page. Just remember that its a negative transfer for the joystick meaning moving down on the Y axis means you will go up and moving up on the Y axis means you will go down but left is left and right is right.
2. Yes the $10 will pop up when you try to use it
The joystick mapper is pretty intuitive but if you hit a hurdle there are youtube videos that can help you out. The caveat of the Joystick mapper is that the throttle has a HUGE deadzone so you'll really have to push up and down on the throttle to get the target to move and you can't adjust it since the controls are keyboard keys (you'll see what I mean). The jantzen sim will automatically have the fuel and engine knobs calibrated however, they are backwards so keep that in mind while you practice. Also this is pretty annoying but move your dock to the left of your screen so it doesn't interfere while you practice.
I know you said that you're finishing up math and mech but try to fit this in where you can, all you really need is 30 min starting out and when you're really good you'll only need 15 minutes because its second nature. This is something I really focused on during my studying (OAR in the morning, ANIT flashcards ,UAV and terrain at work, PBM at night).
This can get really stressful and overwhelming when you integrate DLT and emergency procedures. So when you're starting out you'll want to do only throttle for 3-5 minutes and then work on your stick, you'll want to work up to the hardest difficulty and consistently hit below 130. Then both at the same time once that gets boring integrate DLT and emergency procedures.
