Thanks!
I didn't really want to do any ice running since my radio range was rather limited... and I don't want to end up getting stuck in the middle of a pond on thin ice! (and this thing goes fast enough on asphalt, so ice would be just plain scary). Anyways, I finally got my 2.4ghz conversions for my Futaba radios (long story short, their range SUCKED). This way I was able to convert my fleet of fairly nice futaba computer radios without dishing out another $400-$500 for new radios. The order consisted of two DIY conversion kits, two 8-channel receivers, and two 4-channel recievers. I also bought a headlock gyro. All of this added up to $100 plus $20 shipping. Not too bad for a complete overhaul. The DIY kits were very easy to install, and within an hour of receiving the package I had converted my 4-channel and 2pl to 2.4ghz. Then I turned my attention to the hovercraft, which had gotten a bit dusty on the shelf. I modded the gyro a bit (mostly to secure it inside its case - what do you expect for $13?) and then installed the 8-channel receiver. After hooking up the gyro and ESCs, I fired her up and went outside. To my amazement, the gyro worked wonders! The turns were crisp and controlled, and I didn't have to countersteer coming out of them. Straight line performance was just that - a straight line! I think this was the best 13 bucks I have spent for this project. The radio conversion was awesome as well! The range was rediculous, as I drove the craft so far down the street that I lost sight of it, and it never even showed signs of glitching. I will do some more running on land, and if there are no problems, then I will be confident enough with all of the systems to take them out on the water. Overall, I am a very happy camper! Oh, and getting 5 on my APCalc mock exam helps to.

They say you get what you pay for... so lets hope these components last. Thanks to them, I have raised two awesome radios form the dead - and I converted them to run 3s lipos instead of AAs in the process.

BTW, if you look really closely at the gyro, it says "CYRO" ... sigh... I might have to take that sticker off now...