Hey thanks MP

This is so embarrassing......while I can wire and troubleshoot boat trailer wiring I am basically clueless when it comes to electronics. My only poor grade in College was DC fundamentals. So, if you would be so kind, I need to be spoon fed.

I sort of like the whole bigger battery idea and was considering some sort of small ATV battery as going through 16 AA lithiums is a pretty steep cost curve.

Of course I have yet to see if the backlight is set to its highest setting and if lowering that will make all the difference......but, bottom line, how does what you have presented compare with 8 AA's? And no, I will not be at all offended if you speak in very simplistic language. I admit to being ignorant on this subject and would enjoy absorbing some info. Thanks!