No. I am not using a gearbox. I have it setup just as pictured in the manual. 300C to a 5amp GP C-5 nano ESC with BEC capibility.

The Hitec FAQ site states that the battery can be plugged into any available slot on the HFS-04MG receiver, but this doesn't seem to be the case. I only get power to the receiver, servos, and motor if I connect a second battery to the ch4/b slot.

What about using a Y-harness from my 8cell AAA pack somehow to Y it to ch3 and ch4. Do you think that would work?

The extra battery pack may make it seem heavy, but looking some pictures of what others have done with their SS (pontoons, cameras, skis, and large battery packs), it doesn't seem like a little 4cell AA pack would really add that much weight to prevent a lift off, even if for a few feet.

Any assistance is appreciated.

Thanks,

Robert