Yeh, I got it. my problem was that I originally assigned the button in IL2 and then also told that button to be something else using the saitek software. I think I will play with it a bit today inbetween back spasms. 
my plan is to make mode 3 HOTAS bomber controls while I am in sight.(trims, Alt, Speed, sight on/off .....) 
Tried once and failed. 
~S~