So what is a more expensive yoke?

Thanks for the analysis!

"Marty Ross" wrote in message
t...
I have tried Elite, MSFS2002, X-Plane, ProPilot and FlightGear and I end
up
using Elite and MSFS2002 the most.

Hardware-wise, I find the CH Products yoke and rudder to be fine for home
use (combined price about $200 if you shop around). The more expensive
yokes are smoother and more precise (for instance, the CH yoke doesn't
always return to the same 'center' position when you let it go), but with
a
little silicon grease that I've added for smoothness, the CH is smooth
enough. I also have a "Logitech Wingman RumblePad" for when I fly using
my
laptop on the road, though it's more of a toy than a serious joystick.

Of the sims I use, I found Elite to be the best for IFR practice, and
MSFS2002 the best for VFR practice. I got the student package of Elite
6.0,
which gives me a C172R (DME and GPS configurations) for $200 (you can add
on
planes for extra). It's the same software my flight school uses for its
PCATD, but its much cheaper because of Elite's decision to market to
students. I think the current version's 7.0, and they're not calling it
"student version" anymore, just "core software"...

I feel Elite's instruments are much more clearly displayed, and the flight
model is smoother (feels more precise in relation to my inputs), which is
the main reason I like to train on it for flying by instruments.

Recently, I've used Elite for scanning exercises and practice approaches
and
holds, and MSFS2002 extensively to familiarize myself with places I've
never
been but am planning on flying to/around. For example, when I went to
Maui
last month and rented a plane there, I felt very familiar with everything
(geography/airports/navaids/route) because of my practice with MSFS2002 -
"as real as it gets", :-

No more bootable diskette though -- MSFS2002 comes on 3CDs and even on
your
fastest PC you'll feel it working as it comes up... I'll bet MSFS2004 is
even heavier!

"Maule Driver" wrote in message
.com...

I'm getting ready to buy a new PC and want to set it up for a little IFR
simulation work. Not looking for a PCATD or anything. I'm thinking the
latest version of MS Flt Sim and the appropriate control peripherals. I'm
not a gamer - really just looking for a little procedure training.

Looking for HW & SW suggestions.

Anyone remember when MS FS came on one 360k bootable diskette? Jeez!