AVO Multimeter survey - Page 25 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

ex seismic · 29th Sep 2009, 4:52 pm

I'm currently working on getting Avo 8 Mk5 going again (its reading low).

The s/n is 03749 8V/6/78.

It probably came from my last job ca. 15 years ago and if so almost certainly spent some time overseas being bounced around in a Landrover.

Gordon.

ex seismic · 21st Oct 2009, 2:29 pm

A new purchase; an 8 Mk 3, s/n 72581.168 as read from the scale plate. No letter.

Gordon

M0XNA Neil · 21st Oct 2009, 7:49 pm

My addiction for AVO 8's continues! I have acquired another one which is a bit of a puzzle. Can anyone help identify it from the details below, it could be a Heinz 57! Saying thsat, it is as accurate as my AVO 8 Mk6.
Here goes:

It has red/black plug/screw connectors on it.

The battery compartment has no fuse and the top cover is that of a MkII.

It doesn't have a circular 'mark' label above the cut-out.

The scale plate has a part No: 13574-3.A, no scale plate number in the centre (i.e. 1 to 12).

The right hand number seems to be 515030-257 and written badly over what looks like tippex in red ink.

There is no 500V DC range, although there is a switch position for it.

The scale plate writing is the same as my other MkIII, but thicker ink.

The rear cover is black metal (thin) and the instruction plate says AVO 8 Mark III (Panclimatic).

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Neil.

SPCh · 21st Oct 2009, 9:49 pm

It sounds like an early Model 8 Mark II, which first introduced the coloured socket terminals. The earliest ones were built on Mark I panels - hence the lack of a "Mark" disk and 500 volt range, for which there was no engraving. (The 500 volt range was introduced with the new "MkII" panels a few months into production).

The scale plate part number is correct - at this time the scales were calibrated to the movements, not selected as a "best fit".

Fuses weren't introduced until the Mark III.

Finally, the serial number is trying to be right: if you were to read it as 51503-C-257 it would be credible for a Mark II from early 1957.

M0XNA Neil · 21st Oct 2009, 10:20 pm

SPCh,

Thanks for the information. This AVO is in incredible condition for it's age and very accurate, particularly regarding the number of wound components that went into this version. The balance of the movement is still good and the rotary switches are really smooth and positive when rotated.

thanks,

Neil.

audiomm · 22nd Oct 2009, 9:56 am

And here's another one I've just added to my collection.

Avo 8 Meter S/N 25082-C-654

This one came in an original Avo cardboard box (2 part) which still had a very faded AVO sticker on it. As well as that it had the franked postage strip with
"AVO METERS for Good Service" on the left hand end, the round postmark in the centre - postmarked London 13 VIII 54 , and the postage at the right hand end for 2/3d !!!.
It would seem reasonable to assume that this particular AVO has managed to stay attached to it's box from the start. Made in June 1954 and posted to somewhere or other in August 1954 and now residing in New Zealand.

SPCh · 23rd Oct 2009, 12:19 am

Fascinating. Especially the postage !
The date is right. They were turning out about 1000 per month around then,
so the delay in postage implies a stock-holding of 1000 or more.

Ragnvald · 21st Nov 2009, 5:55 pm

I have three AVO 8's
04230 8V/1/74 Mk. 5
xxxx 8V/11/72 First four numbers worn off Mk. 5
14834 84/10/70 Mk. IV

I also have a couple of non working Multiminors one military spec and case will post later.

OldBoffin · 1st Dec 2009, 11:49 pm

Hello SPCH,
I've just inherited an old AVO Model 7 with bent pointer and reading approx 10% low on AC and DC volts.
Obviously had a hard time in brother-in-law a mechanical engineer - hands! Previously owned by another in law G6IOB - a works engineer and radio ham.

Numbers are 71043-12167.
It has sticker "Repaired by A.J.Mares (Birmingham)Ltd in 1973" - any one know of them?

We had an AVO Repair Centre here in Thorn works in Rugeley in the 1970s - I poached the technician to be an Instructor in my Electronics Training centre in 1982 when I was made redundant and set up the ITEC at Cannock, so don't know what happened to AVO repairs after that date.

OldBoffin

Oldtimer74 · 2nd Dec 2009, 12:45 am

I have an AVO 8 Mk III. The only serial number, which is hand written on the scale is, 24628.965
Pat G3IKR

mosfetmaniac · 11th Dec 2009, 10:51 pm

I was kindly given an avo model 8 MKII the other day, still in the original leather case which is in mint condition.
It's the first one I've had, but what really impressed me was the 2,500V AC/ DC range.
Serialo No. 38003 . c . 95s

pmmunro · 13th Dec 2009, 12:37 am

It's more likely that the last three characters will be 955, indicating September 1955.

That would make your meter an early production Model 8 Mark II. The first of the Mark IIs did not have a 500V (DC) range, although there is a space for it between the 250 and 1000V ranges.

If you could confirm this it would be useful information to add to the survey.

PMM.

mosfetmaniac · 13th Dec 2009, 1:23 am

Yes it is 955, they must be hand written?

As you mentioned it doesn't have a 500v range, 2.5v, 10v, 25v, 100v, 250v, 1000v and 2 x 2500v terminals at the top.

Regards,

Dave.

IJK2008 · 13th Dec 2009, 12:26 pm

I have an Avo Mk III Serial Number 108127.1169.

Still in original leather case but the leads have been replaced at some time.

Ian

Dave Moll · 3rd Jan 2010, 11:56 pm

My latest acquisition is an AVO model 40 serial no. 29769 40/1/71.

Reginald · 9th Jan 2010, 4:19 am

I have an AVO8. I purchased it from the Philips Service department in Perth (Western Australia) when I worked there around 197x for AU$20.00 when Philips changed over top their own branded multimeters. It was considered obsolete then. The numbers on the dial are Model 8 - 57697-C-357.
Reg

howieleem · 12th Jan 2010, 2:54 pm

I have a Precision Avometer, ser. no. 172-565 in large wooden box, certificate in lid dated 1970.
Does anyone know anything about this model?

SPCh · 12th Jan 2010, 5:31 pm

Thanks for the serial number.
I don't know what you want to know about it - please send me a PM, or open a new thread.

gianpaolo · 13th Jan 2010, 7:40 pm

HI
Here's my multimeter:
Model AVOMETER 8 MK II
Serial Number: 11532-6-71
Contained in an enclosure of canvas tarpaulin.
Discarded by NATS (see nameplate).
Perhaps because they were tired of using it!.
It has been repaired by NATS (badly, see photo), but it works perfectly!
I recently purchased at auction on eBay in Italy for € 31.50 + 10.00.
Just one question: You can find the complete set of original leads?
Regards
Gianpaolo

SPCh · 13th Jan 2010, 8:48 pm

Gianpaolo,

Could you please check the serial number, and give it again with any letters and dashes.
Sets of leads are advertised quite often. They might not be of the right date, so the probes may be earlier or later, but they'll be serviceable, and it will take an expert to see that they're "wrong".

29th Sep 2009, 4:52 pm	#481
ex seismic Heptode Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Tonbridge, Kent, UK. Posts: 687	Re: AVO Multimeter survey I'm currently working on getting Avo 8 Mk5 going again (its reading low). The s/n is 03749 8V/6/78. It probably came from my last job ca. 15 years ago and if so almost certainly spent some time overseas being bounced around in a Landrover. Gordon.

21st Oct 2009, 2:29 pm	#482
ex seismic Heptode Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Tonbridge, Kent, UK. Posts: 687	Re: AVO Multimeter survey A new purchase; an 8 Mk 3, s/n 72581.168 as read from the scale plate. No letter. Gordon

21st Oct 2009, 7:49 pm	#483
M0XNA Neil Tetrode Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Towcester, Northamptonshire, UK. Posts: 92	Re: AVO Multimeter survey My addiction for AVO 8's continues! I have acquired another one which is a bit of a puzzle. Can anyone help identify it from the details below, it could be a Heinz 57! Saying thsat, it is as accurate as my AVO 8 Mk6. Here goes: It has red/black plug/screw connectors on it. The battery compartment has no fuse and the top cover is that of a MkII. It doesn't have a circular 'mark' label above the cut-out. The scale plate has a part No: 13574-3.A, no scale plate number in the centre (i.e. 1 to 12). The right hand number seems to be 515030-257 and written badly over what looks like tippex in red ink. There is no 500V DC range, although there is a switch position for it. The scale plate writing is the same as my other MkIII, but thicker ink. The rear cover is black metal (thin) and the instruction plate says AVO 8 Mark III (Panclimatic). Any suggestions? Thanks, Neil. __________________ An engineer makes for a penny what a scientist makes for a pound!

21st Oct 2009, 9:49 pm	#484
SPCh Rest in Peace Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Posts: 345	Re: AVO Multimeter survey It sounds like an early Model 8 Mark II, which first introduced the coloured socket terminals. The earliest ones were built on Mark I panels - hence the lack of a "Mark" disk and 500 volt range, for which there was no engraving. (The 500 volt range was introduced with the new "MkII" panels a few months into production). The scale plate part number is correct - at this time the scales were calibrated to the movements, not selected as a "best fit". Fuses weren't introduced until the Mark III. Finally, the serial number is trying to be right: if you were to read it as 51503-C-257 it would be credible for a Mark II from early 1957.

21st Oct 2009, 10:20 pm	#485
M0XNA Neil Tetrode Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Towcester, Northamptonshire, UK. Posts: 92	Re: AVO Multimeter survey SPCh, Thanks for the information. This AVO is in incredible condition for it's age and very accurate, particularly regarding the number of wound components that went into this version. The balance of the movement is still good and the rotary switches are really smooth and positive when rotated. thanks, Neil. __________________ An engineer makes for a penny what a scientist makes for a pound!

22nd Oct 2009, 9:56 am	#486
audiomm Pentode Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Ranfurly, New Zealand Posts: 170	Re: AVO Multimeter survey And here's another one I've just added to my collection. Avo 8 Meter S/N 25082-C-654 This one came in an original Avo cardboard box (2 part) which still had a very faded AVO sticker on it. As well as that it had the franked postage strip with "AVO METERS for Good Service" on the left hand end, the round postmark in the centre - postmarked London 13 VIII 54 , and the postage at the right hand end for 2/3d !!!. It would seem reasonable to assume that this particular AVO has managed to stay attached to it's box from the start. Made in June 1954 and posted to somewhere or other in August 1954 and now residing in New Zealand.

23rd Oct 2009, 12:19 am	#487
SPCh Rest in Peace Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Posts: 345	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Fascinating. Especially the postage ! The date is right. They were turning out about 1000 per month around then, so the delay in postage implies a stock-holding of 1000 or more.

21st Nov 2009, 5:55 pm	#488
Ragnvald Triode Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fife, UK. Posts: 10	Re: AVO Multimeter survey I have three AVO 8's 04230 8V/1/74 Mk. 5 xxxx 8V/11/72 First four numbers worn off Mk. 5 14834 84/10/70 Mk. IV I also have a couple of non working Multiminors one military spec and case will post later.

1st Dec 2009, 11:49 pm	#489
OldBoffin Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 54	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Hello SPCH, I've just inherited an old AVO Model 7 with bent pointer and reading approx 10% low on AC and DC volts. Obviously had a hard time in brother-in-law a mechanical engineer - hands! Previously owned by another in law G6IOB - a works engineer and radio ham. Numbers are 71043-12167. It has sticker "Repaired by A.J.Mares (Birmingham)Ltd in 1973" - any one know of them? We had an AVO Repair Centre here in Thorn works in Rugeley in the 1970s - I poached the technician to be an Instructor in my Electronics Training centre in 1982 when I was made redundant and set up the ITEC at Cannock, so don't know what happened to AVO repairs after that date. OldBoffin

2nd Dec 2009, 12:45 am	#490
Oldtimer74 Rest in Peace Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcester, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 330	Re: AVO Multimeter survey I have an AVO 8 Mk III. The only serial number, which is hand written on the scale is, 24628.965 Pat G3IKR

11th Dec 2009, 10:51 pm	#491
mosfetmaniac Tetrode Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 88	Re: AVO Multimeter survey I was kindly given an avo model 8 MKII the other day, still in the original leather case which is in mint condition. It's the first one I've had, but what really impressed me was the 2,500V AC/ DC range. Serialo No. 38003 . c . 95s

13th Dec 2009, 12:37 am	#492
pmmunro Octode Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Dundee, UK. Posts: 1,813	Re: AVO Multimeter survey It's more likely that the last three characters will be 955, indicating September 1955. That would make your meter an early production Model 8 Mark II. The first of the Mark IIs did not have a 500V (DC) range, although there is a space for it between the 250 and 1000V ranges. If you could confirm this it would be useful information to add to the survey. PMM.

13th Dec 2009, 1:23 am	#493
mosfetmaniac Tetrode Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 88	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Yes it is 955, they must be hand written? As you mentioned it doesn't have a 500v range, 2.5v, 10v, 25v, 100v, 250v, 1000v and 2 x 2500v terminals at the top. Regards, Dave.

13th Dec 2009, 12:26 pm	#494
IJK2008 Hexode Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Glasgow, UK. Posts: 321	Re: AVO Multimeter survey I have an Avo Mk III Serial Number 108127.1169. Still in original leather case but the leads have been replaced at some time. Ian

3rd Jan 2010, 11:56 pm	#495
Dave Moll Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: West Cumbria (CA13), UK Posts: 6,130	Re: AVO Multimeter survey My latest acquisition is an AVO model 40 serial no. 29769 40/1/71. __________________ Mending is better than Ending (cf Brave New World by Aldous Huxley)

9th Jan 2010, 4:19 am	#496
Reginald Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Perth Western Australia Posts: 13	Re: AVO Multimeter survey I have an AVO8. I purchased it from the Philips Service department in Perth (Western Australia) when I worked there around 197x for AU$20.00 when Philips changed over top their own branded multimeters. It was considered obsolete then. The numbers on the dial are Model 8 - 57697-C-357. Reg

12th Jan 2010, 2:54 pm	#497
howieleem Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 2	Re: AVO Multimeter survey I have a Precision Avometer, ser. no. 172-565 in large wooden box, certificate in lid dated 1970. Does anyone know anything about this model? Attached Thumbnails

12th Jan 2010, 5:31 pm	#498
SPCh Rest in Peace Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Posts: 345	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Thanks for the serial number. I don't know what you want to know about it - please send me a PM, or open a new thread.

13th Jan 2010, 7:40 pm	#499
gianpaolo Triode Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Milano, Italy Posts: 15	Re: AVO Multimeter survey HI Here's my multimeter: Model AVOMETER 8 MK II Serial Number: 11532-6-71 Contained in an enclosure of canvas tarpaulin. Discarded by NATS (see nameplate). Perhaps because they were tired of using it!. It has been repaired by NATS (badly, see photo), but it works perfectly! I recently purchased at auction on eBay in Italy for € 31.50 + 10.00. Just one question: You can find the complete set of original leads? Regards Gianpaolo Attached Thumbnails

13th Jan 2010, 8:48 pm	#500
SPCh Rest in Peace Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Posts: 345	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Gianpaolo, Could you please check the serial number, and give it again with any letters and dashes. Sets of leads are advertised quite often. They might not be of the right date, so the probes may be earlier or later, but they'll be serviceable, and it will take an expert to see that they're "wrong".