I hooked my recently made EL saber up to 2x 9v batteries (good quality ones), and it worked great and was quite bright, but after using it on and off for what would add up to about 2 hours in total, its started dimming quite rapidly.

I have not tried the 12 volt setup, but for who has, does that last longer? I am thinking now that its just a 9v battery feature that it does'nt last long, but I am not sure.

from experience with people with el sabers, how much battery life are you getting from your setup, and what batt type are you using?

cheers