Flatfoot, as is often necessary when the topic of beginner radios comes up, let's take a step back into reality. While things like synthesized frequencies are nice, they come at a price. The 9 channel transmitters being discussed will end up costing in the $500 plus range. For some who are dedicated R/C fanatics, this is no big deal. For others, this is way more than they are willing to spend on a radio.

Unless you fly at a busy field, frequency conflicts are a rare thing. Most clubs maintain a list of how many of each frequency are in use. Buy one that's little used and you may go for years without a conflict.

Next let's talk about buying all the features you MIGHT eventually use at the beginning. As you've already seen, there are lots of different directions you can go in this hobby. It's hard to predict at the beginning which you'll end up trying. A large majority of people in R/C never end up using more than the basic 4 channels, ailerons, elevator, rudder, and throttle.

So, let's move on to some possible alternatives to that $500 plus super radio.

First, there is the lowly 4 channel starter radio. These radios cost in the $100-$150 range and include transmitter, receiver, servos, switch, rechargable batteries, charger, etc. Many people dismiss this because it's so basic. They say you are wasting your money because eventually you will need one of those $500 radios. They say this because they bought one, so it's obvious that you will too. I frequently provide a bit of balance in this forum by saying that's hogwash. As I've already said, for a significant number of people, 4 channels will last their whole R/C career. If you do buy this kind of radio it will work perfectly for your first plane, a trainer. The flight pack portion of it, basically everything other than the transmitter and charger, can also be easily moved to another plane (more on why this is important later).

The next step up is a basic 6 channel computer radio. These are in the $150-200 range, and come with all the same components I listed for the 4 channel radio. They provide several advantages over the 4 channel set, including end point adjustment (helpful, but not required, for setting up the radio), throttle cutoff (a switch that lets you kill the engine), dual rates and exponential (features you should not use on your trainer, but may want on your second and subsequent plane), and memory for multiple models (allowing you to setup multiple planes on the same transmitter and then pick the one you want to fly). When you end up wanting to add another plane to your hangar, you need to go out and buy another flight pack (either as one package, or by selecting the individual components). The cost of a flight pack begins in the $100 range and goes up. Now think back to the price of that 4 channel system, which included a fully functional flight pack.

There are several more levels of radios after this, but from a beginner's perspective, I'll label them all as advanced. Moving into this range buys you lots of stuff that you mignt eventually use, if you are one of the 10-20% who goes beyond 4 channels. This includes selectable or synthesized frequencies, mixing (the ability to move multiple servos based on one control input), programming for helicopters, sailplanes, buttons to perform special functions, and a whole lot more.

So, summing things up, if money is no object, ignore all this and buy one of the 9 channel radios that have been mentioned, or even go all the way and buy the 14 channel one, it's only $2200! However, if you're like the rest of us, their are limits to what you can, or will, spend, so something a little less capable is in order. From my experience, there's alot to be said for the simplicity of the basic 4 channel radio. It's got everything you need for learning, and if you decide to get a simulator, it will be a great box to use there too. If you decide to get another radio later, you haven't wasted any money because you've still got the flight pack, and if that fancy new radio dies, you still have the 4 channel transmitter to use while it's out for service. Oh, and something I haven't mentioned yet, eventually you're going to need a second transmitter anyway, I assume this will be a hobby that you AND your son will be doing together. Sharing a transmitter is only going to work for a limited time. A little more money will get you into the 6 channel computer range. These are still good beginner radios because they give them to grow into other planes. Thinking of getting a helicopter later? Buy one of the 6 channel radios that include heli mixes.

I fly one of the basic 6 channel radios. Most of my planes are small, in the .15-.40 range, and I like to keep things simple.

Sorry for the long post, I just wanted to provide a bit of balance. In the end, only you can decide what's best for you.