AVO Multimeter survey

[The Philpott]

I think it would be the result of two bods on the same part of the production line, working at different rates (or to a slightly different sequence of assembly) in the last week of July and the first week of August. Theory: one bod has been allocated 571 to 591, the other 592 to 612. The theory works even better if a night-shift is in place..

593 shows signs of being rushed- the facia dimensions are undersize relative to the back-box, resulting in the back-box cracking around the holes for the case screws. The back-box is bowed inwards from when the screws were tightened.

Dave

Dave

[AndyGilham]

Yet another instrument for the Megger heritage centre. This time a Precision Avometer (Mark 1) has been kindly donated.

This instrument is in immaculate condition, and comes with original lead sets, handbook and the soft cover.

The only issue notice are some missing screws on the front panel. I have tried to open this instrument and get some internal photos, but it seems the 6BA screw on the back edge that releases the panel has been damaged, and I can't remove it.

The serial number is 268-566 (May 1966) and the calibration date is 17-08-1966

Andy

[The Philpott]

Andy, Post No.1672 et.seq. on the survey thread has some pictures of the interior of mine.

A left handed drill bit at low speed and fairly high pressure might shift a chewed up screw, if you protect the surrounding plastic with something.

Dave

[AndyGilham]

I have seen inside a few of these, but I like yo open up and have a nose anyway!!

The screw I am trying to access is through the rear of the wooden case, so nowhere near the front panel plastic. I assume I am looking at the correct fixing!!

Andy

[Barnmead]

I have just looked at mine and there are no screws through the wood work. Like yours mine has ten on the front panel. I am intrigued!

[Sinewave]

Same with my one, only screws on the front panel.

[avocollector]

Just acquired another Avometer Model 8 mk 111 - serial number (written in this time) No 53607 267

[AndyGilham]

I will post a photo of this 'security' screw on the Precision Avometer. I am told the gent that donated it is a retired doctor and has had the instrument since new...! I may have to contact him, as I am convinced it's been opened previously.

[AndyGilham]

An Avo Model 71 arrived today. Serial no. 0536003

Unlike the Model 71's I have seen, this one is in the EM272 format colours, and includes the black overlay label on the bottom of the window.

The ranges and scale printing are identical.

It can with leads, and cost me just £16.

Andy

[Sinewave]

That's a good price Andy. I love these little meters. It took me some years but I managed to acquire the entire 70 series as well as the EM272.

[Superscope]

Been meaning to post this Photo for a while.

Not one of my AVO's, but I spotted this a few weeks ago.

It's a Model D, Serial No. D 9465-943
and what looks like 1956 written afterwards.
Normally I would expect this to say 1943 to match the Serial No.

Thought I would throw this out there for any comments on why this might
have a different Year printed to the Serial.


Ian

[Phil G4SPZ]

I have seen one or two like this, and assumed that the later year referred to the date of a significant repair in the Avo factory.

[Sinewave]

Yes often it will have 'Rep' before or after.

[Superscope]

Certainly sounds like a plausible explanation.

If that is the case though, I guess the Scaleplate and Movement would
have been changed as part of the Major Repair.

Otherwise, how would they have written the new Date on an existing
Scaleplate without evidence of a previous Date having been there before?

That could probably explain why a New Date was felt necessary.



Ian

[The Philpott]

That's my assumption Ian, a dead movement requiring replacement c/w scaleplate.
I have one very similar- note that the arrow/pheon type scaleplate is the later printed type (as opposed to early AM Crown handpainted)

I have one that seemingly went back to the factory for this treatment and i think the handwriting of the serial matches the 9465-943 on the one you have featured

Dave

[AndyGilham]

Just received delivery of an original cast aluminium Heavy Duty Avometer. It came complete with leather case and leads/prods.
Interestingly there is no serial number on the scale plate, or on the back of the movement.
In fact the scaleplate has no markings other than range divisions.

Andy

[Superscope]

Andy,

Do you have a Photo?
Might be interesting to see.


Ian

[Superscope]

I've been keeping an Eye out for some time now, to see if any Meters
appearing on Ebay have been previously reported on this Thread.

I was always surprised, that none of the Meters appearing for sale
where the Serial Number was visible had ever been previously reported on here!

Until now!

Model 7 Serial No 49460-A-954
First Reported on here in August 2009
Page 23 #453

Turn Away Now! if SteamPunking of AVO Meters offends you!


The Sad part of this particular one, is it is quite a Rare one.
Not in Age, but in it's Bakelite Colour.

I always thought the Tropicalized Brown Bakelite was much Darker, but this
is the first one I've actually seen a Picture of!



Ian

[The Philpott]

The tropicalized ones seen (by me) until now are indeed much darker.....

I have never seen anything like this- first instinct was that it had been painted- but all the white legends are in place..

What a berk. Might be salvageable i suppose.

Dave

[Superscope]

Dave,

I spoke to the Seller, because I was amazed at the Colour.
Having always thought the Brown was much Darker, almost Black from what I had heard.
He assured me the Colour is Original.

It was at that point I noticed the Serial Number and looked back through our Records.
I was amazed to find we had it logged by Member "pnickland" in 2009.
And sure enough, he also stated that the Brown was it's original Colour.


Ian