Here is the schematic of your digital meter meter...
Since you said that your dad connected the probe to AC on the continuity test mode, I'd check all the components connected to point "J" like ptc1 and ptc2, 900K and 100K resistors etc.. IC2b and IC2c (LM324) are probably also gone as well.
Looking at the ALE against the CLK on the scope, I know that a new baby computer was born. Do have lots of fun and don't forget to tell us more about how this baby is growing into his adulthood.
I only played with 8088 long ago with the two assembly books written by Peter Norton - "Assembly...
I am really surprised that someone still uses the 8085 to do a project. And I am more surprised to see that the chip is still available on eBay for $9 a pop.
Wouldn't it be easier to use 8051, then the hardware would be simpler without using the 8255 and the 4K EPROM?
Allen
In the old days I would use a LM3909 to get the firefly effect. But since this chip is now obsolete....I'd use transistors to mimic this chip to get the same effect.
http://www.redcircuits.com/Page87.htm
Allen