What sort of setup do I need for a Flight Sim?

[poadeleted21]

Is the Saitek yoke worth buying? I have a Microsoft flight joystick that works OK . I'm not a flight sim buff and truthfully, they bore me and I lose interest after about 5 minutes but I'm trying to be diligent and use them (I have X-Plane and FSX) to practice IFR procedures. I hate tuning the radios on the sim also.
So what controls/gadgets should I get to get me started? I can deal with the controls not being "realistic" but I seem to fight with setting the sim up more than I fly it.

 

[Challenged]

I have both the CH yoke and pedals as well as the Saitek yoke and pedals and I think I like the Saitek better. It's been a while since I hooked up the CH Yoke, but I think the Saitek has a number of extra buttons, which is handy for mapping to various systems. Neither is going to give you the feel of an actual GA yoke, but they're definitely better than a joystick.

I have some of the additional Saitek equipment too, which can be handy for setting frequencies for approaches (I find that trying to use the mouse to set a frequency in 3D cockpit view is an exercise in frustration):
http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/multi.html
http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/radio.html

One final item that I just got for Christmas is the Track IR system, which is awesome, if you like using 3D cockpits. It really makes the simulator more immersive, as you can look out the window, or look down at your panel and verify a flap setting, etc...just by moving your head. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5-wRIa9GDg

At the end of the day, I have to agree with you though: actually flying is much more entertaining.

 

[TMetzinger]

I prefer the CH yoke but the Saitek pedals. But that's partly because the CH yoke has buttons on the horns in a way that suits me, and the Saitek doesn't.