In tx code , add(in the void loop() part.) :
if(digitalRead(forward) == HIGH&&digitalRead(backward) == HIGH)//no button is pressed.
char *msgx = "0";//send 0 to the receiver
digitalWrite(13, true); // Flash a light to show transmitting
vw_send((uint8_t *)msgx, strlen(msgx));//send the byte to the receiver
vw_wait_tx(); // Wait until the whole message is gone
digitalWrite(13, false);
AND in the receiver put this (in the void loop() part.)
if(buf[i] == '0')//if no button is pressed....
{
Serial.println(" = at halt");
}