As promised, here are a few pics of the 85 doing voltage checks, everything works just as it should. The supplied leads were complete crap and even had a resistance of 4 ohms
They are now in the bin, but I don't have a shortage of leads at the moment, so I'm OK.
The seller did say that the input jacks had been damaged, but these are available as spares, but they do not actually detract from it being used.
Yeah, it looks like he tried to patch it with heat-shrink like I did the first time I broke one. ![Wink ;)](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
It actually does affect usability; when the contacts inevitably spread, it will get intermittent and eventually one half will break off. Then it will fail to detect wrong lead placement as it is supposed to warn you aboot. The latter is why the contact ring is split into two halves this way.
You want to get a new one on the way ASAP; this will quickly become a favorite tool and it deserves to be properly maintained. ![Wink ;)](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
mnem
![DMM :-DMM](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/smiliey_dmm.gif)
I already have taken steps towards fixing that aspect, more on that later as it unfolds
, but I think you are mistaken on the warning system for the incorrect lead / switch position, the manual only makes mention of that for current jacks and is only operated by a lead being inserted in either of these jacks and the switch being in the incorrect position for the lead position. That means that this feature will still operate even if current is being measured, but the input jack selected could mean the meter could be overloaded, i.e., the lead is in the Amps jack, but the switch is in the uA position, the alert is still operational
The split contact is how it knows there's a lead plugged into the connector. When you open her up you'll see what I'm talking aboot; the two halves have separate traces. If you're plugged into Ω/V and turn it to A/mA/uA it warns you too.
Like I said; once they spread, contact becomes intermittent and eventually one breaks off completely. Obvi, the ones that get used all the time die first.
This is part of the cost of ownership on these beasts; despite all
med's arguments to the contrary, it is a common failure mode and most of the [FLUKE] pirates know to look for it. That is probably the reason you got it at the price you got it.
![Wink ;)](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
Don't let it stop you from fixing it properly and loving it tho. It's a great meter and I still miss my 87 from time to time.
![Cool 8)](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/cool.gif)
mnem
![DMM :-DMM](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/smiliey_dmm.gif)