I got my X52 working for FSX just as I wanted it... but sadly, I formatted my HD last week, and even though I backed up my profiles, I must have screwed up somewhere because now they are lost...  

anyways, once you get the hang of things, profiling is very easy... Although in your case, I think mapping controls through FS rather than through the SST would be easier and more flexible... Profiling is usually a mix of internally mapped controls and profiled keys... the choice of one way over the other being defined by which is the simplest means for achieving what you're after

So... you want your flaps on the Slider, right? Well, if I'm not mistaken, FSX does provide a flaps axis you can map the Slider to... That would prove most optimal, since no matter the amount of flap notches, you'd still get a full range on the slider

If I'm talking out of my @$$ here, and there's no such thing as a flap axis   , here's what I suggest:

First, get the latest version of the SST software, there are new features that come in VERY handy (sadly, no more cool 3D thingy   ... and the new version is not backwards compatible with old profiles   )

Then, put the Slider axis into the new Directional Axis mode (or something like that)... this mode will give off keypresses as you move the axis, and not only on specific bands... this way, you can tie the Slider + box to flaps + (F7), and the Slider - to flaps - (F6) ...There's no (elegant) way to set bands to control flaps since FS doesn't provide commands for each flap setting, only for incremental or full...

I myself keep the flaps on one of the toggle switches, and leave the Slider for the spoilers... but this is a matter of personal taste... I just prefer it like that since flaps are usually a click-and-set thing, while the spoilers might need more finesse at certain moments  

Now, the trim... FSX does provide an elevator trim axis, so all you need do is map your rotary of choice to the trim axis in the FSX controls screen.. you may want to reverse the axis... or not, also a matter of personal taste... (I leave mine un-reversed, since I push the trim wheel with my left thumb, instead of index finger... so, for the thumb, pushing is down, and pulling is up)

The neutral detent should automatically find it's place at zero trim if you map it like that  

Anyways, what I usually do (in any game or sim) is map all axes through the internal control mapping screen, only resorting to profiling bands when impossible to map an axis...  The button commands are a matter of finding which way is easiest, or more convenient.. but you'll pick this up as you go along  

Hope this helps

Cheers

Ok...Ive figured out a protocol to work for me.  Since one cant save control configurations in FSX, I can do most of the aircraft specific assignments in the Nostromo, Fangpad and Saitek profile editors.  A profile for each aircraft in each device.

I can then program the usual suspects in FSX's control tab.  Some things are static from one ac to another.  Stick, rudders, throttle, trim tabs, brakes, landing gear, lights and other things are mostly constant.  If an aircraft doesn't have retractable landing gear that control simply won't work.

Saitek x52 also has the different modes.  I can set up a different control config for the three different modes and shift from one aicraft control config on the fly without having to change in profile editor.

Harvestr my dude!  Thank you!

I want to use the hat switch 2 on the X52 for buttons.  Up as a disrete button, down and so on.  How do you do that?  The new software dosen't work like the old for the X45.

Thankie...

I set the hat for bands as you said, made the assignments and saved the profile.  Activated the profile in the little toolbar thingie.  Found that you have to re-activate a particular profile after doing any modding to it.  That was a bugger.

Result?  No joy!?  Newly assigned commands dont work...

Any suggestions?

NVM about the hat switch thingie not working for me still.  Guess I did something right cause it works like a charm.

I plan to use the Hat 2 for control of the autopilot.  Changing the set alititude, speed and heading.

Another question?  If I may?

Making the pinkie switch work?  Please?

Would like to be able to switch certain controls to double up the available assignments.  For instance, when using the autopilot on the Lear or 737.

And bless you Harvestr.  I was pulling me hair out with this Saitek thingie...

You want to use the pinkie as a shift key right? or as a button?

If it's supposed to shift states, all you need do is put your shifted assignment in the appropriate column on the command mapping table (SD6)

for RTM version, you have to select 'Mode 1 + Pinkie' from the droplist at the top, and map the assignment under your button of choice

Notice also the backward folding arrow icon (like a desktop shortcut) on modes 2 and 3... they mean that while that command isn't mapped to anything specific, it will fall back to the Mode 1 unshifted assignment

Now, if what you wanted was to use the pinkie switch as a regular button, all you have to do is delete the shift states (SD6) or set is as 'Button' instead of Shift (RTM)

Any doubts just ask 

Cheers