Not trying to start anything but today I checked my Smaragd with the peidmont mount, OS rx 17X12 apc with 1 8411 digital and the rest of the servos 8101's 1650 4 cell nimh battery, using the Hanger 9 Digital Servo & Receiver Current Meter my reading at full throttle was . 280 amp yes that's between the switch and receiver, if I'm not mistaken thats 280 ma, really I was surprised at this because of everything I have always been told, there was a slight jump at about 1/3 throttle seeing .41, idle was at .31, I have a Focus that I have been running on and off for 4 years with the same mount never had to change servo pots and linkages, I only run about 40 to 50 gallons of fuel a year thats between 350 and 450 flights a year all double or triples according to which pattern I'm flying. Like I said I'm not trying to start something and this setup might not be good enough for the top flyer's but does good for me I'm probably not good enough to tell the difference, I think that one of the problems with pattern drawing more people is the fact that they think they need the the top setup to be competive, it's just not true, yes when you get to the point that Troy and other top flyers are you do need everything you can get, but not for the average joe burning fuel is still your best way to get better.
Steve Maxwell