Woodsy,

Wow, I have to make one of those SPAD radios.

Just kidding.

I started out with a plain jane tower hobby 4 channel. And still use it for testing new planes. To tell you the truth, I just got my first compter radio, a hitec eclipse w/spectrum. and it is a bit intimidating. I would have been totally lost if I started with it. I think that if I had to start again. (man would that be a great to experiance my first flight again) If I had to start again I would probable go with the hitec 5 or the futaba 6 channel. The six is a computer radio but to my understanding very simple to operate and has the option for later on, putting on multiple aircraft. If I was you I would check with your club, I bet someone has a radio sitting around and would probably give it to you, or sell it next to nothing.

Good luck with the hobby.

MY name is Jonathan and I am a SDAD-oholic