Two clarifications to my prior message:
1. When the lights on the front of the board are on, it is only the second, third and fourth light (out of six, counting from the bottom) that come on. And as noted, all of the lights on the board turn off and stay off once the reels do their "test" spin. The "...NETPLEX Link is Down" message stays on throughout.
2. When I replaced the batteries on the board I did not see any acid leakage -- the large battery was swollen but not leaking.
Thanks again for any input on this. I am still very happy to turn over to an expert if there is one anywhere near Northen New York State!