Your post read a little strange to me. Obviously the switch will have NO effect on the TX in any way if that was part of your question.

As for your TX, you said it hadn't been charged for some time. Perhaps what you saw at first glance is what is called a "surface charge" which dissipates quickly. Your best bet os to put a good charge on the batteries or cycle them and try again.

The antenna position effects the loading and current draw of the RF section in the TX.