RE: transmitters
Check out Polk Hobby's Tracker III. Synthesized channel selection (no crystal, will set to any available channel), has 99 model memory, digital trims, seven preset mixes. Comes with a synthesized receiver (will set to any channel), battery pack and one servo, for $199.
It also automatically sets to the proper "shift" so you can use any brand receiver and servo with it. The Tx has a frequency scanner built in, allows you to scan for "in use" freqs at the field, and will not set to any frequency in use, so it's impossible to shoot somebody down.