Well, here's a quick report.  I flew my "Wildcat" 2.4 profile  at the "Tuneup" contest yesterday in Portland,OR.  Having tested this plane numerous times i should have put new batteries into it.  Result, 3 attempts, no score.  While several noted how poorly set up my system was, and they may be right, I really think it was the batteries. Takeoff was OK but fairly slow, even for me.  Then erratic throttle control until flame out.  I had hoped to get a score to be the first ever to have entered an AMA sanction contest using 2.4, but I guess I will just have to settle for being the first to try. Fading hopes for modeling immortality.
Joe
PS After i get some rest I will begin changing the suggested setups with this plane.  HAPPY NOTE............My wife was able to go with me and we had a great time together! 

Joe
Sorry to hear of your trouble. Any new technology has a learning curve. Keep at it and I am sure you'll get it sorted out.
John

I've got two airplanes flying with 4.8v AAA Ni-MH's. The radios have been trouble free. Of course Spektrum receivers are designed to work on as little as a single cell lipo. I think Joe is running 4 alkalines, which would be six volts, at least for a while! Keep at it Joe. When it works, it really works well.

BB

Also, be aware of how your antenna is pointed. The end of the transmitter antenna should NOT point at the airplane. The signal radiates off the sides of the antenna, not the tip. Likewise, the end of the receiver antenna should not be pointing at the pilot.

That's the line Joe.  No matter how many problems, we got to keep having fun.   I know you will get it working.

what carrier events can we run 2.4? 

Everything except nostalgia.

Duke, as two unofficial AMA events the NW .40 and the NW .15 are not necessarily under the new 2.4 AMA rules.  While there is no NW rules banning 2.4 I hope that we can say no to 2.4 in either event.  The reason?  I hope we keep these two sets of rules as they are now, simple, tight and easy to compete in for most of us "duffers".  Also, I seriously doubt from my experience that 2.4 will be competitive here due to the increased weight that is necessary, particularly in .15.
Joe
PS It was a real pleasure to talk with you and your two great boys Sunday.  The kids were just great!

Joe,
You might want to think about saying no to 2.4. It is easier in my opinion to setup a 2.4 throttle than a 3 line system. This would encourage beginners or new fliers to carrier, and make the step to AMA carrier easier. It also is cheaper. i hope this June when John Brodak sees what can be done he will get interested in marketing a handle with the integrated electronics. That is all we need for a complete easy to use off the shelve system.

John

John I will think about it for sure.  I really hope John will come up with a "Plug and Play" also. 2.4 system

Tim,
you can do it as you suggest, I have done that for years sport flying, but now that 2.4 is legal and can be used in competition I feel that my ability to fly the plane is better with an integrated handle. Each little bit helps in a contest, especially if you have multiple functions beyond throttle.

John

Bill,
Good point
John