Hi,

I have returned to the hobby as well after 30 years, and was also confused about the different radios. I remember all the old radios mentioned, and I also thought, why would you possibly want all the functions on the new computer radios?

As always, you hope the first radio you buy will have everything you want, but this doesn't always happen. I've now been flying for a couple of years and played with several different radios, and may be able to give a little advise from an "old timers" point of view.

If I was to choose a first time, low cost computer radio, I would select the Hitec Optic 6 which I use one as my backup radio. I like it because it can do the following:
1. The transmitter can be programmed for positive or negative shift (JR, Futaba, Hitec, Aitronics FM (PPM) recivers can all be used).
2. It can be programmed for Mode 1 or Mode 2 without returning to the factory.
3. It can be purchased with a synthesized frequency module to select the channel you want to fly on that day.
4. It will allow programming up to 8 different models and store the settings.
5. It is helicopter, airplane or glider programming selectable.

Hope this helps.

Fly4Fun,

Wayne Miller