What's the deal with am radios? How do they differ from the FM radios. I'm looking at a AM on Ebay. You think an AM radio would work with a RC skydiver? If not, Y?

The following site is becoming the standard reference for everything you never wanted to know about radios:

http://www.torreypinesgulls.org/Radios.htm

Bodypilot, AM and FM radios are functionally identical, the difference is how the transmitter information is sent to the receiver. Kind of like a language. This answer can get very technical, but to make it simple, it is just two different ways of accomplishing the same. Both types have their pro`s and con`s. Because the F.C.C. regulates radio emissions in the U.S., the transmitter has to have a sticker attached that means the radio is "accepted" for use in the U.S., the so called "Gold-Sticker". If the radio does not have it, you may want to have a certified radio shop check it and attach to it the acceptance-sticker, this for a price ( $$ ). The AM radio will do the job the same way as an FM radio, but older AM radios may not be "legal" anymore. Most FM radios are OK F.C.C. wise. The best thing to do is to buy a new radio, AM or FM, or make sure the used radio is Gold-Sticker`ed. JT

Thanks for the info. I'll look into the gold sticker thing. I'm just trying to find a cheap set up on Ebay to put in my skydiver. So, the cheaper the better!!

Just a quick sum up of the principal difference:

AM = Amplitude Modulation

FM = Frequency Modulation

AM changes the (I think) power (I think), (I think) also called the amplitude.

FM changes the frequency(no I thinks this time).

If you can use a 3 channel radio, get a Futaba 3FR, $49.99 with two servos from Tower Hobbies.
By the way, I fly my FuntanaS with an 4ch AM radio, and it`s as reliable as all others. JT

I have a 3 Channel Hobbico/Hitec AM that I use to fly my sailplanes. Have also used it to fly electrics.

No problems!

Btw, about the gold stickers, at some point, they stopped using them. New radios don't have them, for example. I don't know what year they dropped them, as I was out of the hobby for a bit. When I left, there were gold stickers, when I came back they were gone. For radios made around the 1992 timeframe, the gold sticker should be there though. It's how many years after '92 that I'm not sure about.