How long can a PP9 last ?

[Ian E G7OLT]

I gave up with my Hacker as it consumed the first pair of batteries at an alarming rate. .

Which model Hacker? Do you know what the current draw is? Most of the 18V sets pull 20 to 24mA quiescent depending on which waveband is selected. I usually get a year or so from a pair of PP9s in an RP25B Sovereign II. Maybe yours has a fault.