1. The amperage draw is minimal. It will operate on less than a 10 amp DC supply. HOW do you know you have a Low Voltage shutdown problem. What indicates that??
2. Yes, you need the receiver connected
3. The reason it stops and then hunts again and then completely stops is because even tho you have it programmed for the 101 Sat, it CAN see and momentarily stop at the Direct 119 sat. It then communicates with the 119 and realizes it is at the wrong Sat and then reacquires at the 101.
4. KD has no published specs on what the minimal 12 volt supply should be, you would have to call them. Doug