The following is a summary of essential features related to airplanes and
gliders. Some radios include helicopter functions however I don't review
these features. I include links to the manufacturer's/distributor's product
page, where available.

No one ever bought a radio with too much
capability. However, if you are like the rest of use and budget is a
factor, I make some special remarks about how each group would satisfy the
needs of various groups of flyers. These are my own personal value
judgements and do not represent a rigerous evaluation. If you are a serious
competitor, consult those who know your particular field best. I am only
trying to provide some thought points for your consideration.

Sites where you can buy just a radio include:
www.servocity.com
www.allerc.com
www.brucknerhobbies.com

Prices - read the descriptions as prices vary by what is included in the
package.

Radio packages can vary greatly depending on what is included.
Most radios come packaged with standard size servos and receivers. These
packages may not be suitable for electric flyers or some gliders. If I see
a package
with small servos and receiver, I note the link for the benefit of these
flyers.

Unless noted otherwise, all radios have Low Battery Warning, Digital Trims,
Timers, End Point Adjustment, Dual Rates and Exponential on Ch ailerons and
elevator. Some include rudder too, which is valuable if you are into 3D
flying.
All include elevon and V-tail mixes. Unless stated otherwise
radios do not have support for 4 wing servos or split elevator servos.


Entry level Computer Radios 6 channel -

In addition to the basic 4 channels they have retract, flap and/or split
aileron capabilities. These make great first radios for the committed new
pilot, providing features beyond the 4 channel "standard" radios at a small
incremental investment. For many pilots, these may be all the radio they
will need for years. They will fly more advanced planes but may not be
able to bring out all the plane can offer. For most flyers, these radios
will provide all they are likely to ever need.

If you are flying 4 channel planes and might like to add landing gear or
flaps for casual/sport flying, these radios will get the job done. They are
also great for R/E/S or R/E/A sailplanes or e-gliders or hand/discus
launched gliders or slope planes. These radios have enough capability to
meet the casual sport flyer's needs in most cases.

Futaba EXAS - $160 for this package
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futk54.html
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXJUV7**&P=ML
review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=556
See it being programmed
http://video1.hobbico.com/gallery/futk52-58-deluxe.mpg
6 channels, 6-model memory, Proportional Flaps on ch 6, Flapperon using 1/6,
and 1 user definable mix. Expo rudder, elevator and ailerons. The
particular package I have listed at tower comes with 3 micro servos
and a micro receiver suitable for parkflyers but not larger planes.
Other packages are available

Airtronics VG 6000 $175 package
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. In
addition to four prefefined surface mixes. expon on elevator and ailerons
only.


Mid Range Computer Radios 6/7 Channels
These radios provide a richer feature set than the entry level computer
radios, primarily in more model memories, more surface mixes and some switch
assignability. These radios also add helicopter programming, though we are
not looking at those functions here. These radios can bring out more of the
capabilities of more advanced planes and give you set-up options the entry
level computer radios lack.

If you intend to actively pursue aerobatic or pattern flying on a sport
basis I would suggest these as your starting point, though most do not
include a snap roll feature. They are not competition class aerobatic
radios but they have enough to satisfy most weekend flyers looking for some
extra features. However they do not allow you to control each flap servo
on an individual channel. Aerobatic planes, like the Ultra Stick, make use
of the flaps as second ailerons. These radios can not do this.

If you are interested in full house thermal duration sailplanes, e-gliders,
hand launched gliders or slope gliders, I would consider these your minimum
starting point. These are not "real" sailplane radios, but they have enough
capability that the casual sport flyer enjoying themaling a full house
glider can fly the plane with a nice mix of options to meet sport flying
requirements. You also have enough for casual aerotowing where a tow
release will be needed. As noted above they do not provide 4 servo wing
support.

Midrange Radio Comparison Chart -( provided by Hitec )
The reference to two wing flap programming refers to flapperons - The
ability to turn ailerons into flaps.
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/Optic...on%20chart.htm

Hitec Optic 6 - $220
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/hitec.htm
http://www.servocity.com/html/6-ch_optic_6_systems.html
http://www.allerc.com/product_info.p...oducts_id=1399
review
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index....at=281&id=4451
Optic 6 Tutorial - Goes beyond the manual
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Support/Manu...icTutorial.pdf
6 channel, 8 Model Memory, Model naming, Spectra channel synth option,
Change channel module, shift select, glider features, switch assignability,
flight modes, ailevators, 2 user programmable mixes, and a variety of
standard mixes. Does not include a snap roll feature. This package at
the link above has micro servos and receiver suitable for parkflyers.
Hitec is also coming out with a 2.4 GHz module for their radios
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3986179/tm.htm


Futaba 7C - $260
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj69.html
http://www.allerc.com/product_info.p...roducts_id=753
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=321
Review - also compares it to the 9C, the 6XAS and the JR 6102
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405
7 channels, 10 Model Memory, Model Naming, Switch Assignability, Flight
Modes, 3 user programmable mixes and a selection of standard mixes. Does
not include aileron differential which might be done with a user
programmable mix. Does include Snap Roll

JR 6102 - $270
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...odID=JRP6664**
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=305
This is a futaba 7C review, but the author compares it to the JR near the
end of the article. May be helpful if you are trying to compare the two.
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4405
6 channels, 10 model Memory, model naming, selectable switch locations,
Direct Servo Connect (DSC), 4 user programmable mixes, a variety of standard
mixes. Does not include a time. Missing mixes of note are snap roll,
aileron diff, crow/butterfly. Some of these may be able to be created with
the user programmable mixes.

Airtronics RD6000 Super - $260
http://www.airtronics.net/RD6000_Super.htm
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXWC35**&P=7
6 channel, 8 model memory, shift select, 4 timers, selection of standard
mixes and 5 user definable mixes. Also provides select. No Snap Roll.
Note that his package has large servos and receiver that are not suitable
for smaller planes/parkflyers.

JR 7202 Synthesized Radio - $319
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=JRP7632
20 model memories, 7 Channel, Fully Synthesized Transmitter on 72 MHz, 3
DS285 Digital Hi-Speed Sub-Micro servos, R790 Scan Select S-PCM receiver,


Spektrum DX7- $379
2.4 GHz full range 7 channel radio
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=SPM2712
http://www.spektrumrc.com/Articles/A...ArticleID=1624
20-Model memory, 2.4 GHz full range receiver and 3 micro servos
limited switch assignment, user mixes, 3-axis dual rate & expo, 3-position
flap