Hi Eric and Ron,
Yes Eric, the 339s are cheap enough but it means either a longish trip to the nearest shop, or waiting till I have more stuff to order so I can get free postage!
Ron, as for Googling for another meter, I seem to have just about worn out my mouse, most links seem to be selling them, Peak for instance (which are great meters - I have their transistor/diode meter - present from the wife at Xmas!
As to designs for one, that is more difficult, some seem to be 8051 based which I can't do, and other links just lead to someone saying they made one but often have no schematics/diagrams.
I may have to wait for Xmas and put a few subtle hints to the wife, but I hate to be defeated by things, its not like I'm all that successful at much else to make up for it! hehehe
Regards............Al