ever: Portable 56: Working Replica

The most economical solution is likely 1off  6 way  AA cell holder in series with single AA holder (or an 8 way holder with one cell position bypassed) for - to +10.5V tap and then 10 off  8 way AA Holder + 1 x 4 way (about 1 Euro each inc postage from China) for the additional 126V. There is ample space. 

Alkaline AA can have up to 8 years shelf life and are slightly higher capacity than the original Zinc Carbon "B" cells. Zinc Carbon or Zinc Chloride "AA" cells may have  about 18 months shelf life or less, more prone to leak and also about 1/2 capacity of original "B" Cells.  Even alkaline PP3 cells are about 1/4 capacity or even 1/5th, cost more  and don't provide a 10.5V tap. Typically I get 10 to 12  Zinc Carbon AA cells for 2 Euro and 8 off Alkaline AA for about 2.50 Euro. The Alkaline cells (even a cheap brand) should last over 250 hours and maybe 300 hours assumimg a nominal 10mA HT current. Between about 1928 (Oxide Direct Filaments) and "the end" about 1961 of battery Valve/Tube radios the HT consumption of AM only sets is between 6mA (45V personal models) to 12mA (some table models). Much less change than the LT which over the same time may be 600mA @ 2V down to 125mA @ 1.4V nominal

The carton should be a top part with five labels printed on 80 or 90gm quality paper and stuck on it with paper glue (Pritt/UHU Stick) made from heavy card (180 to 200gm). The bottom part can be blank as the battery pack base was often blank and made from folded Pizza carton style card or plastic corrugated card for strength. It needs smaller dimensions to allow for thickness of top part of box and its own wall thickness.

Two thin wooden/ plywood/ MDF battens can run along the long sides with three sockets screwed/riveted on made of cut up coffee or other tinned steel. 

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