EEVBlog BR235 “InEr” Warning

[T49Rick]

“InEr” and rapid beep warning on all settings except the current settings with, or without, probes connected in any positions.

History

•   Purchased the EEVBlog BR235 on Amazon on October 15, 2020
•   Used the BR235 for a few months primarily on troubleshooting low voltage landscape lighting.
•   Stored the BR235 in a protective case on a shelf for the past 9 months or so.
•   Pulled the Br235 out to check continuity on some florescent light tombstone sockets but got the “InEr” warning as soon as I turned it on.
•   “InEr” starts about one second after switching to any of the first five positions.
•   There is no “InEr” warning on the two current positions on the right end of the dial.
•   The “InEr” warning happens with and without the probes attached in various positions.

Troubleshooting

•   Batteries: Swapped out the original Toshiba (Carbon Zinc) with two different brands of batteries. Duracell (Alkaline) and Kirkland Signature (Alkaline). No effect on the “InEr”
•   Fuses: Looked at the fuses but cannot tell if they are blown. There is no obvious damage visible.
•   Probes: Checked probes and attachment points for damage or obstructions and all looked normal and felt tight.
•   Switch/Buttons: Attempted to manipulate the dial and buttons to no effect. All felt like solid connections with no unusual play or noise.
•   Insides: As per Dave’s notes in the manual I opened the unit and checked for damage to the circuit board/components. All looked good to me as an amateur/newbie. I did not unsolder the top board to check underneath but what I could see looked OK.

As it stands now the BR235 is useless. A search of the forum revealed similar but not identical issues. As a newbie, I know that it is possible that this was caused by user error, but I cannot recall using the BR235 inappropriately.

What can cause the “InEr” and what else I can check, or do I just need to buy another DMM and use this one for practice soldering circuit board components?

[bdunham7]

The error means that there is a problem with the circuit that senses whether you have leads plugged into the current jacks.  "InEr" = Input Error.  I don't know exactly how the jack-sensing circuit works on those, but typically there is a split jack and the inserted plug connects the two halves.  So carefully inspect that area and perhaps someone with more specific knowledge can comment.

[radiolistener]

there are two contacts in the banana plug connector at opposite sides. When banana plug is inserted they are shortened and DMM knows where probe is connected.

Sometimes these contacts are shortened with water or a dust. I recommend to clean it with alcohol and cotton wool. When you clean it, do not insert banana plugs immediately, wait for 5-10 min while alcohol will be vaporized. Because when alcohol is still wet in the connector you will get the same error "InEr".

[T49Rick]

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, after cleaning the probe connections with alcohol and letting them dry overnight, the InEr warning continues. Both with and without the probes connected.