As Arch said, a new radio is in your future. Whether to go with Futaba or JR is a personal perversion.....uh, preference<G>. Arch is a Futaba guy (that orange and black shirt isn't for Halloween<G&gt I like JR. Arch has given you the skinny on Futaba- My perspective on JR stuff is that the 9303 is a great radio for the money and will take you as far as you want to go. It has 30 model memories, full programming support for heli's aerobatic aircraft and gliders (switch positions are different on the different model radio's but the functionality is there for all types) It has plenty of mixes both linear(4) and graphic (2) and the menu and function navigation is (for me) more intuitive and straight forward than what I've seen the guys with Futaba doing. I don't have the 12X yet, but I'm sure it will be the same only more<G>. Most "serious" competitors in pattern are flying either JR or Futaba BUT I'm sure there are other good radio's out there (I've seen Airtronics advertising a new model and they have traditionally been good values for the features offered). There is lots of experience and advice available in the "pattern community" for Futaba and JR but you'll have to figure out the "off brands" more for yourself.

Whatever you do, don't get a new radio that isn't 2.4 ghz!!!!!!!!! It is the future and 72megahertz is the past.

The bottom line is you only need ONE transmitter..choose it wisely! Any of the upper level computer radio's out there will be fine for your pattern bird....You'll see arguments for JR vs Futaba, 1024 vs 2048 resolution, nitro vs electric, even 72Mhz vs 2.4 Ghz, but the bottom line is any of the radio's today is capable of allowing you to be competitive....practice is what will make you win!

G