I'm looking to purchase my 1st radio since the late 1980's. I recently got a 1991 Magnum Jr. but it's terribly glitchy regardless of the receiver I use with it. The Mag Jr. from back in the day has BEC. Therefore no battery pack is needed for the receiver. I'm looking to purchase the Airtronics MX Sport, but it comes with a 4 AA battery holder. Do I really have to have onboard batteries for todays radios? I don't have a spot for a 4 AA battery holder in my car! The MX Sport required 6V battery. Apparently no more than 6V. What are my options here? Surely todays' technology is not going backwards thus requiring additional batteries to be used once again.

Your speed control should provide that so you won't need a separate batt. ESCs usually have an internal BEC that provides juice for the onboard electronics.

Makes sense. Thanks, man.