I also have a Radio Shack autoranging 22-196A from 1983. It was in a bargain bin for $15. It had a blown fuse.
I really dislike the RS meter plated probes. Taking a voltage or resistance reading on clean nickel, stainless steel or solder, the probes sometimes don't make reliable contact so readings fluctuate. Happens with the many RS VOMS I have had too. With the DVM though it'll start flipping ranges due to the fluctations. I don't have this problem with my Fluke 79. I bought some expensive Fluke SS adjustable length needle probes.
I think the problem may be due to some undiscovered surface effect (not oxidation). That might also explain why gold plated PCB edge connectors in gold plated sockets also occasionally develop unreliable connections.
For April, it would be nice to see an environmentally friendly solar powered backlight project.
Bob