Hi Dave

I have been using them for a good time never any issues. The dual battery input does not have to be used only if you want a back up or more power to your servos. If you are going to use both they both have to be switched. The reciver input does not even connect to the board inside it just passes striaght threw to the reciver so if you dont want to plug it in there you do not have to. I hope this will help you.