Hi again.
Shame, the short answer was one I can manage! The other advice sounds maybe hard for me to implement towards the end of what you say about the 4:1 divider, I've only been fiddling with circuits that aren't kits you solder brainlessly since last year so I'm still at the stage of "It works, what a relief, maybe I'll tinker a little to improve it but not too much." (!).
I have only tested the voltmeter on a 7805 output/a 7660 -5V output/the rail voltages from 9V to 12V/an LED, so I dread to think if it's going to lose about 200mV with real loads. A bit late to change anything with regard to divider resistors as I've soldered that part already...However, I will bear in mind your suggestion for 100K/1K for a future occasion, and your other useful advice, thank you.
I haven't tried the ammeter yet - I ordered the shunt resistors at the week-end, so have a tiny IC soldered and have been filling time re-reading the 286 datasheet (know the enemy!) and reading a little about current shunt monitors, etc.
Just to be sure I understood - Is this what you mean about tying ref, GND and vin- together and using a SPDT on the +voltage or current signals?:
I'm slowly trying to wean myself off through hole, it's like a vicious cycle of needing something else to finish something else... And I like MKT and polystyrene, but generally have to use normal PET to save on costs, they may not be the best, but from what I've seen on my (bad) circuits the three types have helped a lot make up for my lack of skills.
Many thanks for your helpful advice, it's much appreciated.