ok i tried the AA batteries still with no success. I have taken the shrinkwrap off of the esc, and just with skin resistance the motor will run when i hold it. The start switch is working ie, won't run till i push it, then if i disconnect and reconnect the batteries the motor won't run without pushing the start button again. The controlls on the transmitter still do nothing regardless if i'm holding it so the motor is running or trying to have the motor run as it should. There are 2 pots on the esc board, i assume one is the cutoff point for low voltage and the other controlling the midpoint for the esc range. Thanks for any more input, thiis is starting to frustrate me