I know how he feels . Funny thing is that I'm using the same batteries and wires with a new ESC and it's running fine. Mine went up in flames right after it rolled backwards and I gave it some throttle.
HA! My brother used to work at National Semiconductor designing chips. Small world.
Now if I could just get my 2nd Monster to program I'd be happy. It won't find neutral just like DickyT. I've tried 2 3100 receivers and 1 3000 receiver with no luck. It just keeps beeping and flashing the yellow light.