It’s been eighty seven (!!!) hours since I started the Sangean DT-160CL versus Sony SRF-39FP endurance test and both radio are still going strong.
My iPhone stopwatch has been tracking the test.
I’ve tuned both radios to my SSTran AMT3000 AM transmitter which is currently re-broadcasting the UK 1940s Radio Station on 1570 kHz.
The Sangean DT-160CL still shows two of three segments on the battery indicator (see above).
The Sony SRF-39FP seems to have no indication of quitting anytime soon–it’s still sensitive and audio sounds great.
I believe the Sony SRF-39FP is rated for 80 hours of playtime, and I’m sure if I had turned it on and off numerous times during the test, it might have had an impact on battery performance. It’s still going strong, though.
I am using advanced alkaline (CVS Brand) batteries in both radios. These should give each radio better battery life than standard alkaline or rechargeables.
Regardless which radio wins this test: both have already proved themselves “Holy Grail” battery misers!
I’ll be monitoring the radios very closely today as we pass the 90 and 100 hour mark!
UPDATE: Shortly after making this post–at almost exactly 88 hours and 30 minutes into the test–the Sangean DT160CL’s battery indicator lost a battery indicator segment. It’s now only showing one of three battery segments. Could the end be near for our DT-160CL? Stay tuned!
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