5th Feb 2023, 6:15 pm | #3121 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
The sticker on the side identifies it, that's the serial and date code.
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5th Feb 2023, 9:29 pm | #3122 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
Ten alkaliine button cells type AG10, GP189, SR54 or LR1130 are a perfect fit at a cost of just £1, inside a length of heatshrink sleeving - just the original battery’s end caps and no spacers are required. The meter now works perfectly on all resistance ranges.
Incidentally, I find on virtually all Avo 8/9 models that the /100 ohms range only zeroes properly after scrupulous cleaning of the battery and the meter’s terminals, together with all connecting parts of the main terminals, test leads and prods. In this case, judicious use of a small rotary wire brush was necessary on the battery terminals. The fuse can also be a source of unwanted resistance.
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6th Feb 2023, 11:08 pm | #3123 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
Received another today.
A Model 7 : 35471 - A - 752 Came in a wooden box with 2 sets of original leads + Multiplier + Shunt. Couldn't test it as the batteries had swollen up so much I couldn't remove them, I had to remove the battery box first. I couldn't believe how tight the case was, it took an age of careful prising before it would open. Looks like there's a resistor or 2 in the green sleeving. (To replace a bobbin ?) My next job is to fit holders for an AA battery + PP3 battery and see if anything works. Regards ..... Gary (Actually, it won't work with just the batteries sorted as the cut out button won't stay in position, it's permanently popped out.) |
7th Feb 2023, 12:01 am | #3124 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
Cut-outs are relatively logical and usually easy to sort out - aim for cleanliness plus freedom of movement, but no lubricants. Don’t do what I once did though, drop the hairspring on a dusty workshop floor took me an hour to find it!
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7th Feb 2023, 12:07 am | #3125 | |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
Quote:
Regards ..... Gary |
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7th Feb 2023, 12:54 am | #3126 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
Update Phil,
Just decided to press the cut out button in & out to check how free it is and it has now reset. So I decided to use a 9v PP3 to see if the DC Volts works : It does but the pointer sticks at 8.2v every time. Still, it's progress I suppose. I'll leave it alone until the weekend when I fit the battery mod's. Regards ..... Gary |
7th Feb 2023, 8:37 am | #3127 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
It sounds like debris caught in the moving coil’s air gap. Again, a straightforward but delicate job for which the movement will have to be removed.
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9th Feb 2023, 12:36 am | #3128 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
Thanks again Phil.
I've got 5 days off work from Friday and my wife will be at work, so plenty of time to have a good look. Regards ..... Gary |
11th Feb 2023, 11:54 am | #3129 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
Gary, since you've caught Avodiction, there's a model 5 on ebay which you should add to your Avotorium. I have about 5 of them already, so this one's yours
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12th Feb 2023, 1:28 pm | #3130 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
If the Model 5 mentioned is the one in the group of Three Avometers for
sale, then be aware that it has the wrong Terminals on it, so they have been changed at sometime. Ian |
12th Feb 2023, 6:48 pm | #3131 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
It's still a Model 5 though, not a reason to not get it.
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12th Feb 2023, 7:06 pm | #3132 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
One reason not to get it is the scaleplate, which will be quite a task to restore.
I am very fond of my own 36-range Model 5, partly because of its very useful 1,000 ohms range which can be read with ease down to 0.1 ohm. Ian is right about the terminals, which should look like the attached. Phil
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13th Feb 2023, 10:56 am | #3133 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
Again, I don't think that's a reason not to get it. If its for collecting purposes, it's fine as it is. Ok, it may not be ideal if you want to use it, but the older meters like this I collect and don't use. I did notice the terminals, which look like what are on the HR models, so perhaps it's an indication that it has been used and may well be in good working order other than the scale plate?
I do use some Avometers, but usually much later ones such as the 8 mark 5.
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13th Feb 2023, 12:56 pm | #3134 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
Indeed,
My point was only to highlight that fact that the Meter has an incorrect replacement part. It's important this information is highlighted, so that it doesn't become accepted incorrectly as being original going forward. Most collectors I would assume would want their collections to be historically accurate if possible. Model 5's are not particularly rare, so you don't have to wait to long for one to pop up. Plenty of very good ones out there, even with good Scaleplates. Those HR Terminals (actually used on a lot of other Avo equipment) are seen quite often on repaired Vintage Avo's. The original Terminals had much thinner threads (4BA I think), than the later ones (2BA) so breakage was probably common. Ian |
13th Feb 2023, 9:18 pm | #3135 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
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Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron. |
14th Feb 2023, 3:49 pm | #3136 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
Quick question: are any of the Avo enthusiasts, collectors, restorers and other contributors to this long-established thread planning to visit the Retro Tech show on 21st May? It struck me that it would be nice to put a few faces to the names!
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14th Feb 2023, 5:20 pm | #3137 | |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
Quote:
I might do it for a day out, although I really shouldn't be buying anymore equipment. Baby number three arrived three weeks ago, so it's difficult committing to anything that far ahead!
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15th Feb 2023, 12:21 pm | #3138 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
Babies… congratulations. I know the problem, but in my case with grandchildren!
Nearer the time, perhaps we can agree a meeting time and place.
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Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts Last edited by Phil G4SPZ; 15th Feb 2023 at 12:22 pm. Reason: Omission rectified |
20th Feb 2023, 12:23 am | #3139 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
Evening everyone,
Another to add to the list. Model : Admiralty 48A, Serial number : 12352-943 In box with 2x Shunts + Multiplier + Transformer and leads. As ex RN I couldn't resist when it was offered to me Haven't tested the unit yet. Regards ..... Gary |
20th Feb 2023, 12:35 am | #3140 |
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Re: AVO Multimeter survey
All those bits look to belong together Gary, note the wingnuts on the AC current transformers are rough finished without nickel plating (so they're austerity spec, appropriate to 1943.)
The hand painting on the scale plate was done by the same employee as the Model 47A(S) that i brought in from the shed yesterday- i recognise the handwriting! The Admiralty meters seem to have had an easier life than the Air Ministry meters, so it's likely to be viable. You might find one or of the high voltage shunts to be open circuit if they're wire-wound rather than component based. (Heavy, aren't they? You probably have 8kg of test equipment there.) Dave |