I've a once-working 31E with unsoldered chips. I'd like to make it my desktop device -- just 'cause it's got RRREEEDDD LLLEEEDDDs! (Who was/is it that got known for gushing over LEDs so profusely?)
It needs a power pack too, and both clips are broken off of the little battery/recharger connector PCB, and a nearby piece of the back case is missing. Unfortunately, it exhibits the infamous "2 disease", which I attribute to having used alkaline cells rather than Ni-Cds. (I think forcing alkalines into a Spice can lead to - or exacerbate - lots of problems!)
I assume my approach should be: solder the chips to the circuit board and connect some sort of two-cell power pack? (Maybe a cordless phone pack with two Ni-Cds?) I'd rather have it portable, than rechargeable, if I'm faced with that as a trade-off.
Any further advice or options?
Thanks.