tabbed C NiCd cells are easily available, so the battery can be reconstructed.
Very true.
However, my own problem with NiCd batteries is I use the equipment so infrequently I would be constantly replacing batteries. I understand this is less of an issue with NiMH and Lithium batteries, but then you can get into making changes to the charging circuitry to get the correct charge rates.
I may try the bench power supply just to see if it turns up additional information.