Radio...

Sounds like the Futaba 7C might be a good fit for you. It's available with a full flight pack for $239 from Tower and it offers a full feature set for planes, helicopters, and gliders.

Best value, IMHO, is the Hitec Optic 6 which offers more than other RC system including the 7CAP as shown on the published comparison chart at =

email me for an expanded chart including a comparison with even a 9CAP.

Eclipse vs Optic6 vs FF6 vs 9CAP vs RD600 vs JR652 vs JR3810 (8103)

Hitec also market a very good USB simulator interface cable at about US$39

can be used with all brands of TX, with appropriate extra adaptors where necessary. FWIW I currently have a number of helicopters including Hirobo, Dragonfly, TRex models and over 300 aircraft models downloaded, which thanks to the work of many others is freeware.

Another fine choice for a quality Aircraft/Heli radio system, Alan. The Hitec Optic 6 is very popular with flyers here in the U.S.

I am curious though, since I haven't yet dabbled in helicopter flight, how big of a difference would the 7C's 5 different CCPM setting be versus the Optic 6's single setting of 120? Would having a variety of different collective pitch settings be advantageous?

9CAP.