AVO Multimeter survey - Page 36 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

dseymo1 · 18th Sep 2011, 6:08 pm

Model 47A (Admiralty version), serial 13450-144 now offered below for spares - sadly badly water damaged, but another one for the record

Paul Adams · 20th Sep 2011, 4:05 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by dseymo1

Model 47A (Admiralty version), serial 13450-144 now offered below for spares - sadly badly water damaged, but another one for the record

Sent you a P.M.

Paul.

noble kiwi · 22nd Sep 2011, 9:10 am

Two model 40 from down under. 6164-B1051 and 180-B-461.F. They are different in several detailed respects.

Trevor.

Paul Adams · 25th Sep 2011, 1:10 pm

Two more: 54292-84/971 (model 8 mk 4)
20908-945 (AD Patt 47A) complete with original battery.

phasedout · 30th Sep 2011, 2:26 pm

No 32, Avo Universal meter, i have approx 50, this one has Serial No 10945-36, 10 volt and low ohms scales marked in red, works great....regards....Alan.

pmmunro · 30th Sep 2011, 9:27 pm

Antony,

Is the battery for your 47A the original type or the actual original supplied with the meter when new? A photograph would be interesting in either case.

Alan,

Does No 32 mean the 32nd meter in your collection and is it a Universal Avominor? If it is a Universal Avominor the serial number could possibly indicate a meter made in 1936 but I am a bit short of serial numbers from this period to establish a pattern.

Again a photograph would be interesting, especially if you can get a well focused image of the scaleplate.

PMM.

Paul Adams · 1st Oct 2011, 7:34 pm

Hi PMM,
Not sure about the Battery as the date on it say's 19th July 1973, anyway here's a picture of the said beast !

Paul.

phasedout · 2nd Oct 2011, 1:39 pm

Hi Pmm, the date i suspect is 1936, its like a mini Avo shop here, i have 50 Avos in my collection, i am having problems with uploading pics but soon as its resolved i will post a picture of this meter, which is a Universal AvoMeter...regards....Alan.

scopedon · 10th Oct 2011, 9:39 am

Hi My AVO is a model 8 Mk111. Serial No 17066.S65. I have been using it for 30years+. Still going strong, I mean the AVO not me. Regards scopedon

Phil G4SPZ · 10th Oct 2011, 2:44 pm

My latest AVO acquisition is a Model 7, 71047-A40931 which I interpret to be a relatively late meter of this type, made in October 1947? £4.99 from eBay.

pmmunro · 10th Oct 2011, 6:09 pm

Scopedon,

Could that serial number be 17066.565? There would not normally be an 'S' in that position.

Phil,

Thanks for the information; your serial number is consistent with October 1947. Do you know if your meter has a block magnet movement or the earlier type with a horseshoe magnet? The design changed just about his time.

PMM.

Dekatron · 11th Oct 2011, 9:55 pm

AVO 7 bought just a few days ago in original cardboard box still wrapped in a plastic bag which has been taped with some old tape that now has gone brownish.

The manual is still in the bag with the meter and all looks pristine, including the leads and clips, but the box has been torn open quite roughly by the seller - but I got the box too and it has a label on the outside with the same serial number as the meter, which is: 02226 7/11/77.

It might not be as old as some think, but it is just what I needed!

The meter movement is very nicely dampened and there are no corrosion or damages that I can see through the plastic bag.

I just hope these instruments were shipped without natteries in the battery compartment!

How much did I pay then? GBP £30!! Quite a bargain!

peter.sables · 11th Oct 2011, 10:43 pm

Hi

My trusty AVO is a 8V / 5 / 76 No. 05216

Pete

greenstar · 12th Oct 2011, 8:08 am

Model 8X MkIII (Panclimatic),
serial number appears partly defaced, reads 6625-99-943-15xx.

Acquired by myself from Mountain Breeze Ltd, via their engineer, when bought out, about 1990.

Tony

pmmunro · 12th Oct 2011, 12:37 pm

Tony,

That is a NATO Stock number, not the serial number. The serial number should be on the scaleplate of a Model 8 Mark III. On many military meters it is on the lower left edge, rather than the right hand side as on the commercial models.

It will be of the form XXXXX-mmyy where m is the month and y the year of manufacture.

PMM.

greenstar · 12th Oct 2011, 4:50 pm

Ahh, yes, on the scale it says: Model 8 No. 47532-10,66.

Wondered about that.

Tony

Technomaniac · 13th Oct 2011, 4:15 am

Hi, All. Anyone passing up an AVO in a second hand shop should think twice. Maybe she'd swap it for something you have. Check out Farnell or RadioSpares online prices for the current ones, assuming they still have them, not long ago they were SURPRISINGLY expensive.
My first AVO was bought new for $110 AU when I was an apprentice, c.1966, it's an 8 MkIII Ser 16574.565 also have 8 MkIII 33977.166 and a Test Set Multirange No.1 High Sensitivity 6625-99-105-7050 1134.167.
I have at least one more Model 8, and at least two solid state ones which came from the tip, hiding somewhere, an in-circuit transistor tester (hand held) which I bought new also when an apprentice. Anyone who wants to donate me an AVO valve tester, I'm sure I'd find room for it somewhere. I had a bent one from the tip but an apprentice talked me into selling it to him cheap. Regretted it ever since, particularly as he left in a hurry at the end of his time. The Multirange No.1 mentioned above is a metal-clad similar to the Model 8, and has a higher high voltage range - Military. Also I think I have a model 9 from the tip somewhere. (Can't find ANYTHING since the February Floods - didn't get drowned, but new concrete slab behind blocked the normal drainage path and had a foot of water through the place.) I also have a 50A shunt for a Model 8 which cost nearly as much as the new meter.

Cheers,
Technomaniac.

pmmunro · 13th Oct 2011, 1:37 pm

Technomatic,

From what you write it seems possible that you haven't heard that Avometer (Model 8 Mark 7) production ended nearly two years ago. The reason given was that the jewelled pivots, which came from Switzerland, were no longer available.

At the end of production, the cost in the UK was around £900 and it had been rising much faster than general inflation for some time. The movement of the Mark 6 & 7 was very similar to the Mark V but the last two variants used rigid pcbs with wire interconnection and eliminated the flexible printed circuits of the Mark V. These changes must have significantly reduced the cost of production.

I understand that AVO (Megger) is now owned by an American company and I suspect that they decided that the Avometer was too old a concept for their product image.

PMM.

Philips210 · 13th Oct 2011, 7:24 pm

Hi.

My Model 8 Mk3 has the serial number 105117 and dated October 1969 (1069).
I also have a Model 7 (Panclimatic), serial number 95938-A dated February 1965 (265)

Regards
Symon.

Phil G4SPZ · 15th Oct 2011, 10:07 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmmunro

Phil,

Thanks for the information; your serial number is consistent with October 1947. Do you know if your meter has a block magnet movement or the earlier type with a horseshoe magnet? The design changed just about his time.

Peter,

Thank you for that. I think this meter has never been opened, and as it seems to work on all ranges and the battery compartment is pristine with no corrosion (the first instrument in such condition that I've managed to obtain from said source), with all due respect I'd prefer not to open it up to find out.

Is it possible to ascertain the magnet type from a detailed visual external inspection?

Phil

18th Sep 2011, 6:08 pm	#701
dseymo1 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK. Posts: 3,051	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Model 47A (Admiralty version), serial 13450-144 now offered below for spares - sadly badly water damaged, but another one for the record

22nd Sep 2011, 9:10 am	#703
noble kiwi Pentode Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Auckland New Zealand Posts: 175	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Two model 40 from down under. 6164-B1051 and 180-B-461.F. They are different in several detailed respects. Trevor.

25th Sep 2011, 1:10 pm	#704
Paul Adams Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Wolverhampton, West Midlands, UK. Posts: 253	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Two more: 54292-84/971 (model 8 mk 4) 20908-945 (AD Patt 47A) complete with original battery.

30th Sep 2011, 2:26 pm	#705
phasedout Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 207	Re: AVO Multimeter survey No 32, Avo Universal meter, i have approx 50, this one has Serial No 10945-36, 10 volt and low ohms scales marked in red, works great....regards....Alan.

30th Sep 2011, 9:27 pm	#706
pmmunro Octode Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Dundee, UK. Posts: 1,813	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Antony, Is the battery for your 47A the original type or the actual original supplied with the meter when new? A photograph would be interesting in either case. Alan, Does No 32 mean the 32nd meter in your collection and is it a Universal Avominor? If it is a Universal Avominor the serial number could possibly indicate a meter made in 1936 but I am a bit short of serial numbers from this period to establish a pattern. Again a photograph would be interesting, especially if you can get a well focused image of the scaleplate. PMM.

1st Oct 2011, 7:34 pm	#707
Paul Adams Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Wolverhampton, West Midlands, UK. Posts: 253	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Hi PMM, Not sure about the Battery as the date on it say's 19th July 1973, anyway here's a picture of the said beast ! Paul. Attached Thumbnails

2nd Oct 2011, 1:39 pm	#708
phasedout Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 207	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Hi Pmm, the date i suspect is 1936, its like a mini Avo shop here, i have 50 Avos in my collection, i am having problems with uploading pics but soon as its resolved i will post a picture of this meter, which is a Universal AvoMeter...regards....Alan.

10th Oct 2011, 9:39 am	#709
scopedon Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 26	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Hi My AVO is a model 8 Mk111. Serial No 17066.S65. I have been using it for 30years+. Still going strong, I mean the AVO not me. Regards scopedon

10th Oct 2011, 2:44 pm	#710
Phil G4SPZ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 4,748	Re: AVO Multimeter survey My latest AVO acquisition is a Model 7, 71047-A40931 which I interpret to be a relatively late meter of this type, made in October 1947? £4.99 from eBay. __________________ Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts

10th Oct 2011, 6:09 pm	#711
pmmunro Octode Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Dundee, UK. Posts: 1,813	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Scopedon, Could that serial number be 17066.565? There would not normally be an 'S' in that position. Phil, Thanks for the information; your serial number is consistent with October 1947. Do you know if your meter has a block magnet movement or the earlier type with a horseshoe magnet? The design changed just about his time. PMM.

11th Oct 2011, 9:55 pm	#712
Dekatron Octode Join Date: May 2009 Location: Linkoping, Sweden Posts: 1,465	Re: AVO Multimeter survey AVO 7 bought just a few days ago in original cardboard box still wrapped in a plastic bag which has been taped with some old tape that now has gone brownish. The manual is still in the bag with the meter and all looks pristine, including the leads and clips, but the box has been torn open quite roughly by the seller - but I got the box too and it has a label on the outside with the same serial number as the meter, which is: 02226 7/11/77. It might not be as old as some think, but it is just what I needed! The meter movement is very nicely dampened and there are no corrosion or damages that I can see through the plastic bag. I just hope these instruments were shipped without natteries in the battery compartment! How much did I pay then? GBP £30!! Quite a bargain! Attached Thumbnails __________________ Martin, Sweden Last edited by Dekatron; 11th Oct 2011 at 10:00 pm. Reason: Added pictures - which I forgot....

11th Oct 2011, 10:43 pm	#713
peter.sables Rest in Peace Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 385	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Hi My trusty AVO is a 8V / 5 / 76 No. 05216 Pete

12th Oct 2011, 8:08 am	#714
greenstar Octode Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Leicester, Leics. UK. Posts: 1,684	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Model 8X MkIII (Panclimatic), serial number appears partly defaced, reads 6625-99-943-15xx. Acquired by myself from Mountain Breeze Ltd, via their engineer, when bought out, about 1990. Tony

12th Oct 2011, 12:37 pm	#715
pmmunro Octode Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Dundee, UK. Posts: 1,813	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Tony, That is a NATO Stock number, not the serial number. The serial number should be on the scaleplate of a Model 8 Mark III. On many military meters it is on the lower left edge, rather than the right hand side as on the commercial models. It will be of the form XXXXX-mmyy where m is the month and y the year of manufacture. PMM.

12th Oct 2011, 4:50 pm	#716
greenstar Octode Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Leicester, Leics. UK. Posts: 1,684	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Ahh, yes, on the scale it says: Model 8 No. 47532-10,66. Wondered about that. Tony

13th Oct 2011, 4:15 am	#717
Technomaniac Triode Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. Posts: 24	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Hi, All. Anyone passing up an AVO in a second hand shop should think twice. Maybe she'd swap it for something you have. Check out Farnell or RadioSpares online prices for the current ones, assuming they still have them, not long ago they were SURPRISINGLY expensive. My first AVO was bought new for $110 AU when I was an apprentice, c.1966, it's an 8 MkIII Ser 16574.565 also have 8 MkIII 33977.166 and a Test Set Multirange No.1 High Sensitivity 6625-99-105-7050 1134.167. I have at least one more Model 8, and at least two solid state ones which came from the tip, hiding somewhere, an in-circuit transistor tester (hand held) which I bought new also when an apprentice. Anyone who wants to donate me an AVO valve tester, I'm sure I'd find room for it somewhere. I had a bent one from the tip but an apprentice talked me into selling it to him cheap. Regretted it ever since, particularly as he left in a hurry at the end of his time. The Multirange No.1 mentioned above is a metal-clad similar to the Model 8, and has a higher high voltage range - Military. Also I think I have a model 9 from the tip somewhere. (Can't find ANYTHING since the February Floods - didn't get drowned, but new concrete slab behind blocked the normal drainage path and had a foot of water through the place.) I also have a 50A shunt for a Model 8 which cost nearly as much as the new meter. Cheers, Technomaniac.

13th Oct 2011, 1:37 pm	#718
pmmunro Octode Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Dundee, UK. Posts: 1,813	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Technomatic, From what you write it seems possible that you haven't heard that Avometer (Model 8 Mark 7) production ended nearly two years ago. The reason given was that the jewelled pivots, which came from Switzerland, were no longer available. At the end of production, the cost in the UK was around £900 and it had been rising much faster than general inflation for some time. The movement of the Mark 6 & 7 was very similar to the Mark V but the last two variants used rigid pcbs with wire interconnection and eliminated the flexible printed circuits of the Mark V. These changes must have significantly reduced the cost of production. I understand that AVO (Megger) is now owned by an American company and I suspect that they decided that the Avometer was too old a concept for their product image. PMM.

13th Oct 2011, 7:24 pm	#719
Philips210 Nonode Join Date: May 2007 Location: Redruth, Cornwall, UK. Posts: 2,573	Re: AVO Multimeter survey Hi. My Model 8 Mk3 has the serial number 105117 and dated October 1969 (1069). I also have a Model 7 (Panclimatic), serial number 95938-A dated February 1965 (265) Regards Symon.