A couple of comments on the buddy box issue. When I looked at the Spektrum (DX6 at that time as the 7 only came out recently) there was an issue, as I recall, connecting it to anything other than another JR radio. Don't remember the specifics but, seeme323, you might want to check with the LHS or supplier on the issue before purchasing. There is also something about negative versus positive shift in regard to receivers and servos as I recall (I have forgotten about it since I took a different route). Through this forum I was advised to find out what most of the people in my club used and, at least as a novice, go with that. Good advice, as there will then be a number of folks to help in terms of issues, setup, etc. Also, I really agree with RCKen about either leaving all the doodads off on your computer radio or starting with a non-computer unit. I use a 4YF Futaba. Yes, I have to retrim the plane every time I fly (it is virtually impossible to NOT knock one or more of the trim switches out of position at some point prior to the flight). And there is no dual rate or proportional setting. I have to put my thumb on the carb to stop the motor. BUT...all this is, I'm convinced, making me a better flyer. By the time I soloed I had flown eight different planes and on three different radios, all without computer help. Not only are my fine motor skills better because of this, but my confidence in controlling my Goldberg Eagle 2 is higher because of having flown an electric and then a fuel Superstar, an Avistar, two Ugly Stiks, a Telemaster, and obviously a couple I've even lost track of. When I finally got and settled into the Eagle and my 4YF it became much easier, in my opinion, to add the basic ability of takeoffs and landings than would otherwise have been the case. While I am ready for digital trims that never change and some day in the not too distant future a low wing trainer like the Fourstar, I have no regrets about learning "the hard way" on a non-computer radio