Let’s decode the name. "24 Range" doesn't mean it measures 24 different things. It means that via the giant, satisfyingly chunky rotary dial, you have 24 distinct positions. You get the usual suspects: DCV (from 200mV to 1000V), ACV (200V to 750V), Resistance (200Ω to 2000kΩ), and DC Current (200µA to 10A). But here’s where the 22-805 gets quirky: It includes a dedicated Diode Test and Transistor hFE Test (via a weird little six-socket port on the front).

Most users lost the manual because they assumed it was obvious. It’s not.

Pro Tip: When searching, use exact phrases: "22-805" filetype:pdf or "Radio Shack 24 range digital multimeter" manual scan. Avoid scam sites that ask for credit card info before showing a PDF.

If you cannot find a clean download, keep reading—this article will walk you through all 24 ranges as if you had the original document open.


"Never apply more than 1000V DC or 750V AC between any input jack and earth ground. Do not measure voltage while the test leads are plugged into the 10A or ACA jacks."

If you’re holding a vintage RadioShack 22-805 (catalog number 22-805, often called the "24-Range Digital Multimeter"), you have a piece of classic test equipment on your hands. These meters were workhorses for hobbyists and pros alike from the late 1980s through the 1990s.

However, finding the original manual today can be a challenge since RadioShack (in its original form) no longer exists. Here’s what you need to know about this specific meter and where to find its documentation.