Pulling a crystal will prevent a transmitter from transmitting. The RF section or "Final" will not be modulated, hence no transmission.

As far as using "Real" buddy boxes, I use my 4 channel Hitec to fly my Rascal with. When my brother-in-law whom I'm training wants to fly, I use my Futaba 6XAS. The Rascal is on memory 3 and I can set the rates on low. He uses the Futaba as a low rate buddy box. Try setting low rates on your "Real" buddy box. When we are through I can then use the Futaba to fly my Four Star.

Sometimes flexibility wins. Plus I haven't spent money on a box I can only use for one purpose.

Later,
John