The Rival is a baseline radio. Being on 75 MHz, I'd think it is FM which is the better choice. But I could be wrong. I think for starting out I wouldn't worry too much at this point. The important thing is that it works. So load up 8 batteries into it. When you hit the power, there should be lights. Usually there's a red, yellow and green. If all 3 light, you're good. If the red/yellow light, your batteries are starting to get low. And if just the red, then the batteries need to be recharged/replaced. Then do as Rolex said. Get batteries in the receiver pack and turn the trans the receiver on. Make sure the throttle and steering servo work. Then slowly walk away to see how far you can go before losing signal. Make sure the tran antenna is all the way up. Also make sure the servos are moving in the right directions. That is, the wheels turn right when you turn the steering wheel right and the throttle opens when you pull the trigger. Before you start the car, test the brakes. Make sure that when you push up on the trigger, the brakes engage with enough force to keep the car from moving. Nothing worse than a nitro without brakes. Keep up updated. I think it's getting perilously close to that time when you just need to fire it up and take it for a spin....
