After flying 5 Starfires for 10 years here is my set up...by the way I live near Tom Cook and have had the benefit of alot of coaching!

The simplest is the following: (same as another response on this thread)
1. rudder connected to nose wheel. If you have an extra channel, mix them so you dian use a knob to adjust steering
2. elevators one channel (use Y connection). Make sure elevators move together by taping a 12 inch straight stick to each elevator. If they don't move in parallel, adjust one of the throws on the appropriate elevator. This avoids any rolling with the application of up elevator. On the JMP Starfires, one needs about 3/32 inches of up trim for level flight.
3. throttle one channel
4. gear one channel
5. flaps one channel. I use it on ch 6 with a 3 position switch. UP for normal flight, 10 degrees for takeoff and 35-40 for landing. I use 10 degrees for takeoff to shorten the roll by 50-100 feet. I raise the flap after one lap of the field. On landing, I drop 10 degrees when the gear is dropped before I enter the pattern at 1/2 throttle. On the downwind leg, I drop the flap all the way and watch the decent rate at 1/4 throttle. Very little pitch change should be expected. If you are at full throttle, you will probably see some pitch change but not alot. Make sure the flaps are parallel using the stick method as explained in the elevator setup. If the flaps are not perfect, expect a slight roll. Since the flaps are large, BE ACCURATE!. Patience will be rewarded with s true airplane...
6. one channel for in flight mixture

Optionally I have a smoke system on another channel.

This is the same list whether I use the Futaba 8 ch or the JR10SX. This is also my configuration for a turbine starfire with the appropriate adjustments for the turbine.

Trust this will help you all. If you get stuck, I am at [email protected].

Dave
PS Shaun...I have faith. By the way, I got the first grills cut for the F-18. R U still interested? I think you will like!!!