While both items are nice to have, neither is a necessity.

For wind speed, the approximation possible with the [link=http://www.mountwashington.org/discovery/arcade/wind/beaufort.html]Beaufort Scale[/link] is close enough.

To avoid frequency conflicts, get to know anyone who flies where you fly, and find out what frequency they are on. Or join a R/C club with a flying field where R/C frequencies are controlled.

- Jeff