Thanks guys for the replies. I probably should conduct a real test
using alkalines fesh out of the box and test voltage before conducting
it. Its the only way I'll know for sure that the drop is consistent. I
put in 8 new AA eveready alkalines(not Energizer..could have been
issue) and they were down to 8V after 10 days in the radio. Next time
I'll put Energizers in there..(cheap enough these days). I'll also
later..test it over a longer term using a 4ah SLA at a known starting
voltage. Then I can look at it over a few weeks..taking into account
any normal discharge in the SLA. thanks again for your comments.
73s Frank WQ1O

Do a "real test" and just measuer the current drain with a miliampmeter.