Ann Morris enterprises (now part of Independent Living Aids but still
with separate web site) has a good talking multimeter; I have one. Costs
aorund $150.

Mike Freeman

On Tue, 11 May 2004, Tom Behler wrote:

> Hi, all.
>
> Well, my old Radio Shack talking multi-meter (i.e. the kind they made back
> in the early to mid 1990's) has finally bitten the dust.  Actually, I guess
> it was my fault.  Several weeks ago, I was in a hurry, and inadvertently put
> the double-a batteries in the wrong way.  When I pushed the button on the
> probe for the positive lead to see if the meter was working, it started to
> smell hot.  After replacing the fuse in the meter, which had been blown in
> the process, I found that, even though the meter still talked, the readings
> fluctuated irregularly and made no sense whatsoever.
>
> I sent the meter off to Radio Shack, and their Fort Worth Service Center
> just informed me this morning that there are no parts available to fix it.
>
> In all honesty, I'm quite surprised that the meter didn't have sufficient
> diode protection for cases where the batteries had been installed
> incorrectly, but I guess that's neither here nor there at this point.
>
> Does anyone on the list know of anyone who might be able to help repair this
> meter, or is it a lost cause?
>
> If it is a lost cause, can anyone recommend a talking multi-meter that I
> might purchase?  I basically use the meter for very simple things, such as
> continuity checks, and battery voltage readings.
>
> Any help here would be appreciated.
>
> You better believe that the next meter I get will be labeled so as to
> prevent this kind of problem from happening again.  HI!  HI!  HI!
>
> Best 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
>