Metrix 477 Multimeter, French, 1960s, Notes and Info
 

Metrix 477 Multimeter, French, 1960s.

This is an exceptional multimeter, and I have been using it constantly since about 1985.
It complements a DVM nicely.

Accurate, robust, versatile, absolutely reliable, easy to read, overload protected, good range steps, well made.

I have never had a fault with the meter.
The only small negative effect is that the needle balance is slightly different when used in horizontal and vertical modes.

The Metrix is perhaps not quite as rugged in the field as an AVO Mk8.

They were supplied bundled with a French AME Conventional VOR for aeronautical navigation in Australia, along with Ferisol VTVM and CRC oscilloscope, fabrique en France, naturellement.
We had about 25 of these AME VORs, with mechanical antenna goniometers, and two QB3-300 valves in the RF PA, idling along to give a nominal 100W output at 114-118 MHz.

I have two of these Metrix meters, bought for $1 each on AME demolition (replaced by Australian AWA CVOR).
One of my meters was from Burragorang VOR in Victoria, which is evident by the aviation acronym “BGG” on page 1 of the Service Manual.


The Metrix uses two batteries for ohms, a “C” cell and a 15 volt Eveready 411 for high ohms.
As the 411 is hard to obtain and expensive now, though still available in modified form, I use a Varta V74/PX photo battery with side packing.
I noticed that when I was preparing this, the Varta V74 in my bench meter is marked Nov 2010, and still tests OK, and with no evidence of leakage. In these situations, I normally wrap the battery in a small plastic reseal packet, rollup the unit and cut tiny “contact” holes in the plastic. I use a quick wipe on the meter battery contacts with some lanolin spray. This all assists in containing the effects of a possible battery leak.

Another mod I have included is to replace the Ohms Zero pot with a multiturn type for easier use, but retaining the original pot as a heritage part.

I cannot speak too highly of this meter.

Some info which might be useful for others.
Operator Manual, French
Service Manual, English
Photos
The PDFs have been much reduced in size for these posts, but are readable.

Re: Metrix 477 Multimeter, French, 1960s, Notes and Info
 

Metrix 477 Operator Manual

French only.

Re: Metrix 477 Multimeter, French, 1960s, Notes and Info
 

Radio1950,

Many thanks for posting this information. It looks to be well made and its quality is confirmed by your experience of using it.

Metrix analogue multimeters are still available as products of the Chauvin Arnoux Group. http://www.chauvin-arnoux.com/en/produits/31/92

Prices are around £200 for the MX1 and £300 for the MX2.

PMM

Re: Metrix 477 Multimeter, French, 1960s, Notes and Info
 

I've always liked European meters.

They tend to have voltage ranges with 2 ranges per decade with 2 scales on the dial, such as the AVO 8 10/25/100/250V ranges, rather than 3 ranges per 2 decades all sharing one scale on the dial, such as the Simpson 260 10/50/250V ranges.

They seem more accurate and better built than far Eastern meters.

The Metrix shown here has 2 current ranges per decade (as do most Unigor meters) rather than 1 per decade like most others (including AVOs!)

They tend not to use 15V batteries (although some use other odd batteries).

Many use frictionless, robust and sensitive taut-band movements rather than pivots and hairsprings.

They tend to be overlooked on the well known website, so prices can be quite low - I bought a Metrix MX1 for £15.

Just my two penneth

Stuart

Re: Metrix 477 Multimeter, French, 1960s, Notes and Info
 

We replaced all of our AVO8's several years ago with first MX2's and then with MX1's. Whilst the build quality was very good, especially with the quality rubber outer cases, the meter windows are plastic and prone to static. The solution to this is an occasional spray with anti-static cleaner, just spray on, don't wipe off.
Neil

Re: Metrix 477 Multimeter, French, 1960s, Notes and Info
 

A good antistatic spray can be made from a weak solution of fabric conditioner in water, which is actually how it works with fabrics.
Use with a very fine atomiser spray plastic bottle, or wipe over the object with a smidgen of the solution on a tissue.