ORIGINAL: subsinker
Nemo,
Yes, technially a four channel will work. I have seen people use the left stick as a ballast tank fill-drain. However to make things easier you either have a switched on-off-on switch or some sort of proportional slider to control the ballast tank(s). I have never seen a four channel radio with one. If there is one I stand corrected. A six channel typically has the capability to do all those functions.
best regards,
Pete
Yep, an extra servo is always better. For example, complicated gas ballasts generally require more than one.
Chuck is right, SP and SC are probably your best resources in this hobby. Don't be shy!