Joe, reloading software is a major PITA for me...what is the logic behind re-loading 6.10? Gunrunnerjohn has been helping with this as I cannot use my laptop for such purposes...but it is not doable for the foreseeable future and I don't know if GRJ is even hosting visitors yet.
Stan: I can try to check the voltage and amperage...if I understand right when in the "off" position the reading should be < 1 uamp? Would there be an expected voltage when in the "off" position?
I do want reiterate that it appears the batteries are not being drained per se, but that they need to be brand new (>=1.5 volts DC) in order for the remote to power up.