I use a futaba, don't remember the model # though, it can go up to 7 channels but isn't a GHz frequency. As far as what went wrong goes, the rcvr died for some reason not sure exactly why. I just pulled all my gear from the stagger wing and plan to use it (minus the old rcvr) in my next build. I still need to do a full run up on the motor to make sure it isn't screwed up, it hit first and the plane was going full out when it did hit. Go to you local Lowes (if you have one) and price the single 4ft by 8ft sheets of blue foam, they will be much less expensive. Probly around $3 a sheet, if I had to guess.