meowy84
(1). Is this a good radio for a beginner? (I'm particularly concerned about interference, although I know that I'm probably a bigger enemy and will crash the plane before the radio gives me any intereference trouble, LOL)
Yes, as long as you don't feel the need for a computer radio. I don't have any at this moment but it's not to far into the future for one. Interference is something you'll just have to deal with. Find local flyers in your area and ask them what kinds of problems they've had and if certain freq's are worse than others to be on (hopefully the radio you have won't be on any trouble freq's, if any).
(2). Is there anywhere that I can get a manual for this radio or download a manual? (I bought this radio from a guy who bought a ready to fly plane and it came with it, but he ended up wanting to use his own radio and flight pack and so there's no manual).
Yes. Horizon Hobby, Inc.
http://horizonhobby.com/
Got to support and look for JR items and look up Quattro and you'll find the manual. It's in PDF format so you'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader. It's an EZ download from their site if you don't already have it (well that's if you have a fast internet connection!).
(3). How long should I charge the Tx battery? Right now it's dead and it's never been charged before. Any tips on cycling? (that's why I'm looking for the manual).
14-16 hours before use. After that 10-12 should be exceptable.
(4). I need to get a batery for the receiver. Any suggestions? (what plug does JR use...are they Futaba compatible plugs?).
Why not just get a JR battery from Horizon. Same connector and your done. JR uses the same connector as Hitec, Airtronics (New Z connector) and others. Futaba uses a connector that looks similar but it has a tab on it. It would fit after shaving off the polarity tab.
(5).Is the Tx battery removable? I see a tiny white clip attached to a circuit board in the battery compartment and don't want to touch and use brute force to take the battery out. Does the connector just pull out or are there clips that I have to press on to remove the battery?
I would say yes, but why do you want to remove it. You can charge it while it's still in the TX. There is a charge plug somewhere on the TX case.
All the JR's I've had have always been super (that is until you drive them into asphalt from 100 feet). You can't go wrong in my opinion with the radio. Good luck with it.
Later...
Scott!