Most electronic devices use power even when off. Why? Because they're not
really off. That "on/off" switch is merely a low current device that tells the
computer to turn things off, or on. But the computer must always have power
applied so that it can perform this function. Not a lot of power to be sure,
but power anyway. Same for computers that are left plugged in to a live
outlet.

Frank Olaughlin wrote:

The 817 is a known consumer of electrons whenever they are available. It
will drain a set of AA cells in short time even when turned off. The idea
of measuring the current on the radio with a milli amp meter is an excellent
suggestion.

If you are interested, there is a group at Yahoo.com that is focused on the
817. There are discussions of problems, enhancements and experiences with
the radio on this forum. There are also files relating to the radio and
software that is useful to help operate it from a computer. Can one say
memory backup for the radio?

Go to www.yahoo.com and click on groups. Sign in and do a search for 817.
It should show one or two or several groups there.

Allan Butler
ka0ies

Frank Olaughlin wrote:

The 817 is a known consumer of electrons whenever they are available. It
will drain a set of AA cells in short time even when turned off. The idea
of measuring the current on the radio with a milli amp meter is an excellent
suggestion.

If you are interested, there is a group at Yahoo.com that is focused on the
817. There are discussions of problems, enhancements and experiences with
the radio on this forum. There are also files relating to the radio and
software that is useful to help operate it from a computer. Can one say
memory backup for the radio?

Go to www.yahoo.com and click on groups. Sign in and do a search for 817.
It should show one or two or several groups there.

Allan Butler
ka0ies

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.

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.