Don't feel bad about asking questions - it does sound like you're having some rough luck and equipment issues though.
In the case of your transmitter/receiver problem it sound like you've got an antenna problem where either the TX or RX side antenna is damaged or not solidly connected.
Did you get this gear new? Has it been modified? Sharing pictures of the equipment as you have it installed will help us help you get it figured out.
![Big grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)