Matt,

Hope you don't mind my adding to your thread.

Starter Radios

I have a very specific position on radios. Don't buy a Standard Radio!!!

Computer radios are now so inexpensive and offer so much more than standard
radios that it doesn't make sense to get anything but a computer radio. Don't
get me wrong, there are many good standard radios, but for only a few bucks
more you get a much more capable computer radio that can do more for you than
any standard radio and can save you money by time you get the second plane.
They can also make it easier to fly your plane, perform aerobatics and more.

Below are four radios. All will fly your plane. Two are standard radios
for the uncommitted or low budget first time flyer. These will get your
plane off the ground with very basic radio features for a low price. Each
package includes radio, micro servos, micro receiver.

STANDARD RADIOS

Hitec Neon 3 - 3 channel standard radio $59
2 micro servos, micro receiver, switch, etc
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXLGF4**&P=7
For $19 you can add a trainer port to this:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXDEK8&P=V

This package is such a good value that you can almost consider the radio free.
If you bought the two servos and the receiver by themselves, that would come
to about $60. So this is about as cheap as you can get into a hobby grade
radio that will fly a three channel R/E/T or A/E/T parkflyer or 3 channel
glider ARF or kit plane. It includes mixing for flying wings or V-tail 3
channel planes as well as servo reversing. It does not have ATV/EPA or dual
rates, however these can be added later. You can also add a trainer port for
use with an instructor or to connect to a flight simulator.

You can add a 4th channel but it is not proportional, so don't confuse this
with a typical 4 channel radio. It would operate landing gear or a bomb drop
on a three channel plane. Should worked fine. I had the Focus 3 model, which
preceeded this. I now use a Focus strictly as a travel or keep in the car
radio now that I have moved to a computer radio.

If you buy this package with the intenion of adding the 4 optional features
right away, you are better off getting the Hitec Laser 4 I list next. It
will cost almost the same and the Laser is a true 4 channel radio.


Hitec Laser 4 - 4 Channel Standard Radio $129
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXANT7**&P=ML
My minimum recommended 4 channel standard radio for A/E/R/Throttle parkflyer,
glow plane or 4 channel glider. Radio, micro receiver, 3 micro servos,
Switch harness, etc. It will fly a 4 channel aileron plane. Includes V-tail
and Elevon mixing, servo reversing, ATV on ch 1&2 . Also has a trainer port

In my opinion, pick the Laser 4 only if you are unsure you will continue in
the hobby and want to spend as little as possible to get a 4 channel plane
into the air. Not my recommendation for a committed flyer who plans to
continue in the hobby. If you get it, you can always use it as a buddy box in
the future, dedicate it to your flight simulator or use it as a back-up or
travel radio when you move up to a computer radio. Or you can give it or
sell it to a friend to help them get
started.


COMPUTER RADIOS - Much Better Choice

Futaba 6 EXAS Entry Level 6 Channel Computer Radio - $160
micro receiver, 3 micro servos, Switch- $160
Receiver in this package is not appropriate for sailplanes or glow planes.
OK for parkflyers/low speed electrics.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXJUV7**&P=ML

The Futaba 6EXAS is an entry level computer radio. For the committed flyer,
this is a much better choice than the above radios. Six channels, 6 model
memories, surface mixes, end point adjustments, servo reversing, dual rates,
exponential, and more. Rich with features and convenience that will carry you
a long way. You will invest a little more up front but it will pay you back
in convenience and flexibility as you move forward. For about $30 more than
the Laser 4 radio you are miles ahead in capability!

Airtronics VG 6000 - $160
http://www.airtronics.net/VG6000.htm
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXEUY5**&P=7
This particular package is very attractive for small electrics. Comes with two
small servos and a 20 amp ESC. 6 channels, 4 model memories, 6 standard
mixes, no user definable mix capability listed. I can't find any info on the
range of the receiver in this package so I must assume it is around 1000 feet.
Suitable for small or low speed parkflyers only, unless you find the receiver
has more
range.


There are lots of other good choices in computer radios if you have a bit more
to spend, however these would be my minimum entry recommendation for the
committed flyer who knows they will continue in the hobby.


FLIGHT PACKS

Once you have your new radio, or if you have a radio already, these flight
packs would be good for your next parkflyer or sailplane, as noted. They will
work with Hitec or Futaba radios, or any radio that will work with a negative
shift receiver. There are also positive shift versions of these for JR and
Airtronics and other positive shift radios.


GWS, 2Naro, RCn6 Reciever, ICS 300 8/15 amp ESC $69
Includes speed control and reciever - Good for small electric
planes. Note that receiver has 1000' range. NG for sailplanes or glow
planes.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...dID=GWSCB667AF

Hitec receiver, w/ 2 HS-55 servos and ESC speed control $79
Receiver has 1 mile range. Servos are good for for parkflyers and up to 1.5M
sailplanes.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGZU5&P=7


Hitec Micro 555 Flight pack with 3 HS-81 - $98
Stronger servos and better receiver - that can handle larger electric planes up to about 60 inch wing
spans, .40 glow planes and 2-3M RES sailplanes or slope gliders.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXUZ92&P=ML

GWS Speed Controls
8+ Amps - $11
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHUY9&P=7
15+amps - $22
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHVB5&P=7
30 Amps - $28
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHVC1&P=7