Speaking of Serendipidy, this saga takes another twist. Was going though some old emails and found I'd bought an unassembled Heathkit kit of the same VTVM I'd completely forgotten about - has been packed up and in a box for about 2 years. So the meter from that kit SHOULD be good - er WHEN I find it!!! For the life of me where I put that box is . .
Thanks everybody anyway for the encouraging thoughts y'all are a really great bunch to know.