After viewing the numerous TV commercials for the numerous batteries in today's market I wondered.... how long would each of those batteries last in a continuous scanning/receiving mode ?

So I decided to check them out.

* The following tests were done using my Icom IC-R10 general coverage receiver/scanner.

The tests consisted of: 

• 1) Installing each set of batteries. Size AA, 4 each - each set bought on the same day (27 Dec 99) at the same store. Energizer e2 AAs were purchased 8 Aug 00 at the same store as previous batteries.  Rayovac Renewal AAs and Rayovac charger were purchased 13 Aug 00 at the same store as previous batteries.  Kodak PHOTOLIFE AAs were provide to me on 23 Aug 00 by the Eastman Kodak Co. as a sample. (I'm hoping to also get the AA Kodak XTRALIFE brand to test, but so far haven't been able to find a local store that carries them. I'm still looking.)  GE/Sanyo AAs were purchased 2 Sep 00.

• 2) Turning on the receiver in the "Bank Scan" mode. Each test scanning the same bank of preprogrammed frequencies - 4 City sectors, 1 City records, 1 City car to car, 2 County sheriffs, 2 county fire, and 2 State patrol frequencies. The volume control was placed at the half way mark and left there.

• 3) Letting the unit run until the audio was unintelligible (which was even after the LOW BATTERY warning came on).

For the record:  The environment for each test could not be completely duplicated with regards to the amount of radio traffic that was being received.  With each set of batteries it was possible that different amounts of duty cycle (receiver/audio circuit active, scanning mode active, etc) were present.  The batteries may have been under different load conditions depending on the amount of traffic. Activity on the police and fire frequencies being monitored vary dependant on community activity but due to the number of different areas programmed into the receiver the amount of traffic was pretty much at a constant and equal level through the day and night for all tests.  This was as fair as I could get as I have no control over the radio traffic.  This would be the equivalent of normal scanning activity being done by a typical scanning hobbyist.

I also contacted (via e-mail or telephone) each of the battery companies to inquire if they desired to have any of their input/comments recorded in this review.  Those that got back to me, Duracell-via e-mail and telephone, Eveready-via e-mail, Kodak via e-mail and they sent me samples and nice brochures. Rayovac never responded to my e-mail.  I have placed all their URLs in each section where material concerning their products can be found.

The products tested

Thanks !