Unfortunatly they don't make the 1002 AV anymore so replacing the batteries is pretty much your only choice. Though the batteries in the AV 1002 aren't made to be user replaceable you can if you don't mind a little soldering.
The 1002 uses two Sub C (SC) size 1.2V 1300 mAh NiCd batteries. You can get the batteries from places like
www.batteryspace.com. I got two
5000mAh Tenergy batteries from Amazon for $7.40 each; . Be sure to get batteries with tabs (don't try to solder directly to the batteries).
When you have the new batteries in hand, pull the three screws from the back of the 1002. Using a screwdriver carefully split the case (there are four plastic clips holding the back to the front). Pry the old batteries from the small patch of adhesive in the case front. Pull the two white plastic caps off the ends of the battery pack. Using a soldering iron, de-solder the positive (red) and negative (white) leads from the old batteries. Note, you'll actually be de-soldering the thyristor (?) at the end of the end of the negative lead from the battery tab.
Take the two new batteries and solder the positive tab of one to the negative tab of the other such that they can be folded together to make a cylindrical pack that looks like the one you're replacing.
Solder the Red positive lead to the free positive tab and the thyristor to the free negative tab of your new battery pack.
Wrap the whole thing in electrical tape, making sure the thyristor is in good contact with one of the batteries and that there is no exposed wire that could cause a short.
Put the two plastic caps on your new battery pack, place the pack in the case and re-assemble the case.
Not sure how long the new batteries will take to charge but give it at least 24 hrs to make sure.
If you're not handy with solder, it might be worth spending a little time surfing some of the DIY battery pack forums (there's actually quite a few) and there's probably several good videos out there as well.
This project sounds much worse than it is and it beats tossing an excellent $60 ******** in the dust bin. Good luck!