If you get no radio reaction with the antenna down, then it fails the range check and my best suggestion here is DO NOT FLY that plane and, if it's within your budget, DO replace your radio. If you want recommendations, well, any of the 2.4Ghz series will do just fine. Since I am a Spektrum/Airtronics advocate, I would start with the Spektrum DX6i and the AR500 receiver. As for the Airtronics, well, a great bargain, at least over here in the US, is the RDS8000 radio.

Your servos may need to be worked, as pointed out by Dave in his reply, so once you do get your new radio, then plug everything in then work the servos for a while to get "the kinks" out.

Good luck.

CGr.