Actually, you can get a TX pack from Tower Hobbies for approximately $20. I know this may sound a little bit cold, but that's not how I mean it. You need to consider the cost of batteries just like the cost of fuel you put in your plane. It's just something you have to spend in order to fly. You don't want to use one of those battery holders that you can fill with AA batteries. First of all you will find that you're going to spend more money on those AA batteries than what a new battery pack costs. Second of all, I wouldn't trust those batteries holders for ensuring that you have good contact of the batteries at all times. Anytime that the batteries lose contact and you will lose control of the plane.

I know that this all sounds like it's a lot of money to spend, but consider the cost of a crash if your radio goes out. And I'm not talking about the cost of the plane when it hits the ground. I'm talking about the cost of medical expenses and a lawsuit when the plane you were flying flew away when your radio died and flew through the front window of somebodies house. Even though this is just a hobby and these are basically expensive toys we play with, they are also very dangerous if they are not used properly. It's your responsibility when you put that plane in the air to bring it back down on the ground safely and not hurt anybody else in the process.

Am I being overly dramatic. Not really, but I want to get your attention. There are some costs involved with this hobby and they are just part of flying. You'll need to find a way to be able to afford these costs.

Ken