AVO Multimeter survey

[Station X]

Put it on eBay or offer it in the Sets and Parts wanted section of this forum giving an exact asking price.

[OZBob.y]

I have a "AVO ETM 4 " (1955)
No. 1469 Type ETM
I boiught it a couple of years ago from a guy in South Australia for AU$50.00. It is in very good condition.
Bob from OZ

[pmmunro]

Athegn 1,

The best thing to do depends on the details of the meter. Avometers, of different types, were produced from 1923 to 2008, so there is quiet a variety.

From the 1940s onwards, most types are still common, although there are exceptions.

The commonest types appear on eBay frequently and are still appreciated for their qualities. If you have one of these, you can probably find it a good home either through this forum or on eBay.

If it is a rarer type, I would hope it would go to someone who understands its finer points.

Are you able to post a picture of it and some details taken from the instruction plate on the back? There should be a title stating the type at the top of the instruction plate, or if it is pre-1940s, a list of ranges which will help with identification. There should also be a serial number at the extreme lower right-hand side of the scale plate or, on some military types at the left hand lower edge.

PMM

[athegn1]

Originally Posted by pmmunro

Athegn 1,
There should also be a serial number at the extreme lower right-hand side of the scale plate or, on some military types at the left hand lower edge.

See post #617

[einovaan]

Hi SPCh

I have 2 AVO meters,

AVO 8 Mk V, serial no. 09246 8V/10/79

and

AVO 8 Mk V, serial no. 02984 8V/4/76

Eino

[Alistair D]

I have an Avo test set No 1. Serial number 1885.15.162 Part No 13574-80.
Alas it looks like the meter movement is shot(shorted turn causing excessive damping and low sensitivity) and a bridge rectifier replaced with germanium diodes.

Al

[noble kiwi]

I have been involved with the electrical scene here in New Zealand, in many ways over many years and the AVO meters have always intrigued me, on the basis of reputation and rather over engineered make up. Whatever, they got to me to the extent that even though one would not substitute for my current excellent digital instrument, I desired one for shall we say, the tactile experience involved.

I first purchased a well used Model 8 Mk 2. A lot of frustrating time was involved in restoring it, but it is now nice to own. An AVO Multi Minor followed, involving more frustration, to complete a brotherhood. Subsequently a mint model 8 Mk 5 which required no work, became available and I could not resist. I now have a threesome which represents the Avo Ltd story quite well.

I also have restored a solid old hand cranked 500 volt Megger, which I view as a sort of cousin of sorts, to keep them company. It serves me well as a brutal tester of suspect capacitors.

Cheers, Noble.

[Station X]

I'm sure SPCh would appreciate the serial numbers of your meters.

[pmmunro]

Noble,

Avometers come with a health warning;

One is pleasant, two are addictive, three and you're hooked.

Let me know when you get to twenty and we'll send you the membership form for Avometers Anonymous.

Many contributors to this thread can testify to the truth of this!

PMM.

[M0XNA Neil]

My latest AVO TS1 panclimatic has the following identifiers on the movement:

ACW/R3.67.
Serial Number: 4137.15.9.62

All written by hand. The movement is within specification for balance when held vertically.

I assume the meter was made in September 1962.

Neil

[noble kiwi]

Originally Posted by Station X

I'm sure SPCh would appreciate the serial numbers of your meters.

After careful checking I have found as follows:-

AVO Model 8 Mk 2 As marked on scale plate -----

Model 8 No 127149 - C - 961 Part No 13574 - 3.A.


AVO Model 8 Mk 5 ----- Pt No 5270

Internal sticker --- Serial No. 00535 8V/10/79


AVO Multiminor -----

Inside case and moulded into surface.

Pt No 50102A IMP No 2 60628/1

[coil1234]

Re: the previous posts regarding AVO addiction
I've just aquired another from e-bay. An almost pristine "Test Set No 1"
Ser No 11,590. 6 71
With almost no scratches on the hammer finish outer case and the Cal seal intact on the lower RH screw and appears to work perfectly.
Very slight corrosion to the 15V battery terminals which to clean up properly will require dismantling and breaking the seal , I'll probably leave thigs be for the moment.

Regards
Mike Andrews.

[BGmidsUK]

I have an AVO 7 on which the serial number has long since vanished (this meter needs some TLC!) It does seem to read OK but I haven't fully tested it yet ..

and an Avo 8 Mk V s/n 79629 8V/11/72 which is in near mint condition (so is the leather case!)



Cheers,

Brian

[Nicko]

Just got a AVO 8 MK5, s/n 06260, date code 8V/8/79

Cheers

[torchman]

Hi,

I have a model 8 AVO, part no. 13574-3, serial no. 25778-c 654. How old would my AVO be please?

[hilitevr]

Hi,

That would be June 1954

Trevor

[jamesinnewcastl]

Hi SPCh

I've got another EA113! This one is pristine, works perfectly, and still has that 'new bakelite' smell in the battery bay - which is also pristine! This is my 4th and now my last!

Serial Number is 3158


Cheers
James

[Darren-UK]

Many of you will by now be aware that SPCh, the starter of this thread, has recently sadly passed away. A thread reporting this is here.

One question that's arisen over the last day or so concerns the future of this thread. The Moderators have decided, out of respect and the fact that other members may feel the thread is useful and interesting, to leave it open and thus allow it to continue running.

We trust members will find our decision to be appropriate and befitting.

[MrElectronicman]

Thanks Mods

I had forgotten that I too have an AVO Model 8, much the worse for wear I'm afraid. Got it in an auction from the firm I used to work for, and wondered why I was the only bidder.

It does not work, mainly due to the fact that the meter movement has been taken apart and looks like the magnets have been removed at some time, not to mention some of the resistors and shunts have burned out and been replaced by some standard carbon types. What a mess.

AVO Model 8 Serial Number 91639-C-659
Part Number 13574-2

[Nicko]

AVO model 47A - No. 40,2471-1242. Very good physical condition, immaculate case (maybe not the original one...). Clean inside, possible damage to one range, but not sure yet.

How do you decode these s/ns?

Cheers