One observation if I might, if you do decide to run your engine without help, Clay's post says to turn on your receiver and then turn on your radio. Please reverse this! Turn on your transmitter first, then the receiver! This is to be done in this order always.

When you've finished, turn your receiver off first, then the transmitter.

This alone should be one reason not to strike out on your own. Even people trying to help can get it wrong. It's much better to have someone there to help so that they can teach by example and not an "idiot's list" as you asked.

Good luck!