Honeywell/Pentax 1/21 Spot Meter Help

I recently picked one of these up at a nice discount, or maybe not

so nice, as it was sold to me AS IS. When using the trigger

indoors, the meter appears to work fine. I have not actually tested

it yet, but it's always within 1/2 stop of the cneter-weighted TTL

meter on my Nikon N65.

The problem is, the battery test button does nothing and the unit

does not work outdoors or in really bright situations. I can get

the needle to move by lightly pressing the trigger, but nothing

happens without the trigger.

I am currently using a Duracell 640A Alkaline battery. I know I

should be using the zinc-air or converted silver oxide replacement

battery for the old mercury battery, but I read somewhere on here

that someone's meter was working fine with the Alkaline, and the

other options are not available locally in Richmond.

So I guess my question is, does it sound like this meter is dead?

Or does this sound like the battery is just not working properly and

I need to get a proper replacement? Also, since Pentax no longer

services these models, does anyone know a reasonably priced shop

where I can get it serviced if need be, and if it is worth the cost

of servicing?

Thanks in advance!