The User Manual clearly states that in an emergency one could operate the PL-P on standard D-Cell alkalines, but I have never gotten one to even power up in that state.
I personally own a PL-P Power Supply Charger (PL-P CCC3) that I can sell you as well as a set of pre-loved, but unused Battery Sticks (batons). The power supply I obtained years ago thinking I was going to obtain a Demo or Protoype PL-P.
NEW this supply is over $1100, but I will sell you mine and a new old stock set of NiCad batteries.
Send me an email and we will discuss prices.