RE: Mini PCM reciever
Why does it have to be PCM?
There are a growing number of small, light, reliable and very sophisticated receivers out there now which offer virtually all the benefits of PCM but at a lower cost and with greater compatibility. Some of these receivers offer failsafe capabilities and automatically filter out interference. Others add the ability to respond only to your transmitter's electronic signature, significantly reducing the chances of beign shot down by someone accidentally using the same channel while you're flying.
The newest of the breed even offer fully-synthesized operation such that you can quickly change to any channel with the push of a button or the turn of a few knobs.
PCM is great -- but it's not the only way to get a virtually bullet-proof setup.