no i dont have circuit in mind. its just an idea because the UNI-T PCB always come with unpopulated MOV. if say by putting in the MOV, and it can stand up to some more surge, it could be good news for some DIY-ers who are interested to mod it but do not know the result for a real surge.
There are a few things you should consider.....
There are many many different MOVs in the world. I would doubt they put it right across the inputs for example. So even if you knew the MFG and PN for the MOV, hooking it to the generator is not going to tell you much.
Even if you traced out that part of the circuit of the meter you are wanting to test, clearances would not be the same if I just threw something together. If your goal is to test a specific meter with some changes, I think to really know what is going to happen we would use the real meter.
Next is your statement about "...DIY-ers who are interested to mod it but do not know the result for a real surge."
First, let's talk "real surge". Let's just assume that the IEC standards represent a real surge. I have been involved with these tests from time to time. Believe me, if something goes wrong there it can be a real thrill. Even my little half cycle line simulator does not come close to the amount of energy we test to. And believe me, with all the comments people have talked about safety and how the meters have never been shown to be unsafe during my tests, the last thing you want is for someone who has no clue to modify their own meter and then think it would survive these tests or worse, somehow be safe. None of us want that. This is why there are real labs that run these tests.
Its fun to look at some of the mods people have done to their handheld meters. Some of those rat nests would light up on a real test and worse, after cutting holes in the case, may actually come apart. No thanks...
If the goal is to "harden" the meters front end, I tried to show how to make an attenuator for a meter. Once again, people started talking about safety, which was never the goal. It is a good way to protect the meters front end. That may be a better approach.
That said, believe me, I know what you are getting at and you are not the first person to ask me about this. My advice is just buy a better meter if you are concerned about it.
Here's the donated Greenlee. Looks like there are a few positive reviews on it:
That thing looks horrible. Awful screen. Range switch too small. Captive probes. ![Scared :scared:](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/scared.gif.pagespeed.ce.oZptHNcbsD.gif)
I predict the insides will be terrible and it will fail on the barbecue-lighter test.
![Laughing :-DD](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/smiley_laughing.gif.pagespeed.ce._hfWAz_QHO.gif)
You sir are a psychic!!! I have finished my testing on the Greenlee and hope to have the video and updated spreadsheet in the next day or so. Now about that backlight feature.....