The number is 12 NiCd-celles not LiPo`s! 4S LiPo is appr 12 cells NiCd.

First of all: connect the motorbattery (4S) , no prop on the motor and do not connect the receiver. Then measure the voltage on the cable form the ESC which is to be plugged to the reveiver, the red/black wires. Is this voltage OK? (Appr 5V) Are you 100% sure you have not plugged anything in at wrong polarity?

If you plan to go with 5S LiPo you should buy an UBEC at once, the BEC-circuits in the ESC`s are lowcost linear regulators. Even at 4S an UBEC delivers a much better voltage and you have less chances to get noise from ESC in to your RX. If you install an UBEC remember to remove the red wire on the cable between RX and ESC thus disconnecting the internal BEC in the CC ESC!