I'm with the dog on this one, I would wait to see what happens with the dx7. I use futaba(9C) an i love everything about them. You can put a ton of models in the radio the switches can be moved to where you want them, an programing it is a no brainer.As for channels, were i fly we only have about 15 guys an girls that fly there. I started on ch 49 an there was one other guy there on 49. So buy looking an seein what everyone is on i found a ch no one else was on an everything is kewl. The upper crust at our field lets people now when they come out with a trainer an a four ch, that when they do upgrade in radios to be aware of what ch people are useing an get one thats open so you won't have to wait. But I have found that just shootin the breeze is just as much fun as flyin, so haveing to wait does not bother me that much. Thats just me