AVO Multimeter survey

[Icttutor]

Just added to the database.
I have a Model 8 v4 that I bought at the Golborne swap meet earlier this month. No leads or case, but otherwise in good working order and seems to calibrate well. Very clean inside with no terminal corrosion etc.
Put new batteries in and all is fine.
Serial sticker is difficult to read, but seems to suggest 3134 8/4/970
Many thanks for this interesting service.
Martyn

[Superscope]

Thanks Martyn,

Your Serial Number doesn't quite fit in with the known Dates.

The /970 implies September 1970 build, which is certainly correct for
a Model 8 Mk IV with a Serial Number on a Sticker.

I would expect the Serial Number to be Five Digits and to be around
the 12000 - 14000 mark.
So is it possible there is a hidden 1 in front of the 3134 ?

Then the Serial Number would be exactly what might be expected.



Ian

[Icttutor]

Hi Ian,

I thought it looked a bit odd. I'll have another look. The label is rubbed more or less clean, but I'll get a magnifier on it and see if I can find the rogue '1'. I'll let you know.

Best wishes,
Martyn

[Icttutor]

Hi again Ian,

I've tried all sorts of lights and magnifiers - there's definitely something there - could be a 1, but I couldn't be absolutely certain. I even looked inside to see if there was a serial number anywhere, but no joy. I guess if your expectations fit with a 1 for this model and this timescale, then that's about as far as we can be certain.
Anyway, it's a nice instrument and I'm pleased to have been able to pick it up.

Best wishes,

Martyn

[Denis G4DWC]

Coincidentally I was about to look for this thread today as a friend showed me his new AVO 8 acquisition. It's unusual as it's in a metal case the type of which I've not seen before.
Serial number is:- 19229-C-1253.
Denis

[Superscope]

Hi Denis,

It sounds like it is almost certainly an early Model 8 Mk 1 Military
Spec Avo, and the Serial Number does fit in with that.

If so, it will have a Switch rather than push button for the reverse
current function and an engraving along the top middle of the Panel.

All the ones I've seen so far, including the one I have, seem to
have the Metal Shell painted a Turquoise Blue. At least if it hasn't
been repainted.

Please see attached photos


Ian

[Denis G4DWC]

Hello Ian
Thanks for taking the trouble to reply.
Yes that's it. I was going to upload a Pic of the strange Meter Reverse switch. At first glance it doesn't look as if it was a factory original change as it overlaps the outline of the panel engraving. On the other hand the little metal top is properly engraved REV MC. I wonder why the Military requested that change. Any idea when it would have been manufactured?
Thanks again.
Denis

[jamesinnewcastl]

Hi

Finally I have a Black AVO EA113!

Serial 6682

Cheers
James

[Superscope]

Hi Denis,


That Meter will have come out the Avo Factory in Dec 1953.

For me, a reverse Current Switch makes far more sense,
even if it doesn't look quite as tidy in that particular implementation.



Ian

[The Philpott]

December of '53, Denis (encoded in the serial number.)
Dave

[Superscope]

Thanks James,

Where's the Pictures ?



Ian

[Denis G4DWC]

Thanks for the additional and useful information Ian and Dave. I'll pass that on..

Denis

[The Philpott]

NOS Avo Battery adaptor recently bought, interesting to see the original instruction sheet c/w part number. Mention of SP2/HP2 cells probably dates it from early 'seventies, which presumably was around the time the old cells disappeared prompting the factory to design an alternative housing.

Flimsy, but once a 'D' cell is inserted and the whole thing is slotted diagonally into the compartment, very solid.

Models covered - 7,40,47A(S) and High Resistance Avometer. Wouldn't work in Model D, 47A, 48A as different battery compartment used.

Dave

[Superscope]

Judging by that High Quality Instruction Sheet, I think the
early Seventies is a good estimate.
Fits in nicely with Thorn's extravagant spending culture!

Joking aside, it's nice to have those historical pieces of paper.
A real sense of a long lost simpler world.

Ian

[Phil G4SPZ]

Originally Posted by The Philpott

... early 'seventies, which presumably was around the time the old cells disappeared...

I have a couple of black WD-style “batteries, dry, 1.5 volt No 11” with top terminal and flying lead, dated 27 April 1962. Thereafter, Ever Ready marketed a similar cell designated the R1662, of which I have a re-stuffed example in my 36-range Avometer. I guess Ever Ready would have abandoned this cell within a few years due to lack of demand.

[WaveyDipole]

Another one for the list:

AVO Test Bridge, serial 6511-647

Cosmetically in reasonable condition. No case. Internals may have been worked on previously as there are no paper waxies present.

[Superscope]

That Test Bridge is only the second one we have recorded from 1947.
It's one of the youngest we know about.

The Serial Number would imply, around 100 per Month of the Series 1
Test Bridges were still being knocked out by Avo in 1947.



Ian

[Cobaltblue]

I have a few AVOs but this one is to hand.

AVO 8 Mk3 32990 1265

Cheers

Mike T

[Superscope]

Thanks Mike,


For those interested, the Database now contains over 3000 serial Numbers.




Ian

[The Philpott]

Collectors of Canadian Westinghouse or ACWEECO equipment should always have their reading glasses/magnifiers to hand- these logos are too close for comfort! (The AVO tamper seal logo pictured is not, however, the primary logo that ACWEECO used)

Dave