It sounds like you have a bad connection in your system. I'm using a BARC4 as well and I haven't had that problem. Although one thing I did do was to run the BARC4 right from the battery. I don't have mine being slaved through the RX-18. You might want to try that. The instructions that Dan sent do cover how to run off the battery directly. that could also help you battery drain. but I think it has more to do with either a bad connection or a short somewhere.

I do agree with you about the firing. I'm not a big fan of it. i understand why it is like that but it still doesn't mean that I have to like it. I'm not great at mixing my own channels and on mine the fire is actually down left.

Have you tried contacting Dan about this. He has always been very good about responding to any of my questions. I hope you get it figured out.

Bill