If you are planning on using HiTec digitals you don't need the programmer unless you want to reverse one servo (as in the case of a two servo elevator set-up) and don't want to buy a servo reverser Y.... The programmer also helps on a two servo per surface set-up, but you can also use an MS-10 from Futaba... or JR's Matchbox to do the same thing for additional cash. If you are planning on using alot of HiTec digitals- then the programmer would be a good idea eventually.

I use alot of analog Hitec 645's. Lots of power. Reasonably priced. Metal gears. They show up in almost all of my warbirds.