[Justin Stiltner]

the low end transmitters we are probably working with (non computer radios) that i have seen don't have the transmitter brick you talk about, from what i have seen they are all single board models, no modules of any type, of course different brands may be different. Yes the pot values are different.. however in my link there is also an data sheet telling you the values and even a basic circuit diagram.

To my knowledge changing crystals is still completely legal, and as most radios have a small "shuttle" that the crystal sits in that guides it into the radio it makes it very easy to do so. Rember that some (not saying all are like this but I know some are) model shops, the employees are still amazed that the radio can do what it does, and dont have a working knowlage of the laws and regulations reguarding their modification. Not saying that your hobbie shop is like that but unless you hear it from a very very reputable source i would take most things with a grain of salt.

/edit
The encoder used in my radios(futaba conquest) is an NE5044 this is a specialized enocoder expressly made for r/c use.