My only transmitter is a Futaba T8UAFS known as the 'Super Eight'. This is a 'computer radio' which basically means that it's microprocessor based circuitry allows it to be much more flexible than otherwise, and offer loads of nice features like servo-reversing, function mixing, channel fail-safe, individual memories for the settings used for various models, etc.

This transmitter will operate with either FM/PPM or PCM 1024 modulation, depending on the choice of receiver.

This is an 8-channel radio, which means that it can control up to eight servos when paired with an 8-channel receiver. Eight channels is more than any sane person would ever want, but that also means that I'll never find myself needing more channels than I have!

My 8U operates on channel 56 (72.910 MHz) but a change of crystals can shift it to any of the R/C channels 11 to 60 if the need arises. Also, as a modular radio, I can even shift it onto the 6-Meter HAM band (channels 01 to 10)!

I'd buy another one of these if they'd just sell me the tranny. But I don't want to pay for the 8-ch. Rx and four servos as well...

My first receiver was the R148DF which came with the T8UAFS transmitter. This is an 8-channel FM/PPM receiver. FM/PPM should be fine; no need to use PCM at this stage, I don't think.

Pictured here with switch harness and charging cord.

For ships where size and/or space is tight, this 8-channel FM/PPM receiver from FMA Direct is a possible solution. It has an excellent reputation, particularly among sailplane pilots. And the Fortress Micro Universal 8-Channel Micro Receiver costs about half what the Futaba 8-channel Rx costs...

I've flown one of these in my Zagi sloper for a year now (Yes an 8-ch. Rx in a 2-ch. aircraft) and it has taken some horrendous poundings and never missed a beat.

(Yes, that's a wee ant, just under the Rx. I paid him top dollar to stand there and give a sense of scale!

Another 8-Ch. receiver from FMA Direct. This unit is not switchable between types (Futaba/JR) like the Fortress. Since I wouldn't be caught dead owning a JR radio, the magnum is fine, and cheaper too.

Like all receivers from FMA, this radio has a full two miles range!<.p>

Also from FMA Direct is the eXtreme 5 FM/PPM receiver. This is a five-channel Rx, which is good enough for most aircraft. With elevator and rudder, and even twin-servo ailerons, there is still one free for throttle or (for sailplanes) flaps or spoiler. I've got a buncha these!

It's not as small or light as a Feather Rx from Hitec/RCD but it has that fifth channel, and it's a full, double-conversion, super-heterodyne receiver with two miles range.

And it's smaller, lighter and cheaper than the Micro 555 Rx!

Pictured here balanced on a cane-blade, it looks right at home. My aircraft seem to spend a lot of time in the cane-piece, so.....

For ultra small aircraft (like my Tiggie) is this ultra-small, ultra-cheap, ultra-light 4-channel receiver from Grand Wing Servo

This is a single-conversion receiver with 500' of range. I fly one in my cut-down winthout trouble, but you have to be careful about which aircraft you put this Rx in, and how far away you fly it. But for less than $20 for the Rx (well under $30 including the crystal) it is well worth a look for indoor fliers.

I use these Futaba S148 servos that came with the tranny. These are standard size, standard precision, and perfectly adequate for most tasks aboard your average R/C aircraft.

Shown for easy size comparison, with a Bajan dollar and a Yanqui dime (depressingly similar in value), along with a few bits and pieces of miscellaneous servo hardware.

I'm considering phasing out all my Futaba servos in favour of Hitec servos which are just as good and considerably cheaper. Standardizing will allow me to manage horns and arms much more easily.

Hardly bigger than a bottle-cap the HS-81 servo from Hitec/RCD is a good choice when small size and low weight is the order of the day. It's only two thirds the size and one third the weight of the Futaba S148 for only about three bucks more!

Despite it's small stature, the HS-81 still has 75% the torque of the Futaba S148...

This tiny little servo, another minature miracle from Hitec/RCD is the choice for SlowFlier aircraft. It is very small and extremely lightweight. There isn't as much torque available as from the Futaba S148 but a little SlowFlier doesn't need that much.....

No, it doesn't cost pennies!

Smaller than a biscotti, this is a standard "sports" servo from Hitec/RCD. It is virtually identical to the S148 but only two thirds the cost.

It's not as cheap as a biscotti, though!

This is a simple, 15-amp ESC with BEC. I have used Deans Ultra plugs to connect to the battery and the motor. This is the ESC that is supplied with the Zagi 400-X, and has given absolutely no problems so far.

A tiny little 5-amp ESC with BEC for ParkFliers. Made by ElectriFly, which seems to be a part of Great Planes.

Total weight: 6 grams!

This is the controller used in the Tiggie.