AVO Multimeter survey

[Phil G4SPZ]

The HD Avo has not yet infiltrated my collection. However, I have read that these meters were often used as a step by BR workers to enable them to reach up just that little bit higher. I'm not sure whether this meant being 'stood on' whilst in the leather case or not, but they were obviously capable of surviving considerable misuse and abuse. It's good that we enthusiasts can give maltreated Avos the sanctuary and care in retirement that they deserve.

[MartQ Lincs]

I have recently purchased a fully working Model 8 MkIII, serial number 57051.467. No leads or case and the bakelite back has been cracked and repaired at some point, but the movement seems fine. The cut-out seems somewhat reluctant to stay in however. Is this a common problem and is there a fix for it? The meter works fine when it stays in, but any slight knock and it pops out again.

I also have a model 7 due to be delivered and will post details as soon as it arrives.

Regards, Mart.

[MartQ Lincs]

Another one for the list: 8 Mk VI belonging to my place of work.

[MartQ Lincs]

Just received my model 7. Good working order, slight crack to Bakelite back cover. Wax seal intact. Serial number on sticker on side, not on scale plate, 77654 7/7/75

[davek0974]

I have a couple - Mk3 103784.969 and Mk4 4369

Both in working order

[greg_simons]

I own a nato stock mk5 multimeter test set and a mk3, not much used these days but occasionally nothing can beat the good old fashioned avo.

[linescan87]

My go to meter, an Avo 10. Serial No. 09700. Note the lithium coin cells and coins to make up the 15v battery, works a treat!

[MartQ Lincs]

Just received my third AVO (is there still hope for me?) a model 8X which appears to be in good order, although there are a couple of screws missing from the case and I have yet to test it. Serial number is: 90690-C-559. Ex MOD (like me) with a NSN of 6625-99-943-1532

PS. Just tested the 8X and it's goosed. Nothing works! Looks like I've got some investigative work to do.

[MartQ Lincs]

Ok, it has to stop now. Just received an ex-military test set multirange no1 (high sensitivity), which is in full working order. Serial number 6870-270. It appears to be of similar construction and weight to the model 8X, from the outside at least, but has slightly different ranges and no dB scale.

[pmmunro]

Thanks for the information MartQ.

Sorry, there is no known cure.

PMM

[Phil G4SPZ]

MartQ, with just four Avos in your collection, you only have a mild case of the affliction. But please try to stop collecting now, before it gets worse!

[MartQ Lincs]

It's ok, I can handle it! It's just the odd one every now and again, nothing serious. I can stop any time I like. Honest!

[Alan Brown]

Hi, all. I have about six in the collection and will post the serial numbers when I get that famous 'round tuit'. What a great shame that the prime mover of this thread did not live to complete it.

My last acquisition was a NATO style Mk8 in it's green plastic case in good order. I mention this because it came from a local tip where a friend works.I would urge everybody to cultivate the company of an employee if your local tip is privately run and they are allowed to sell stuff off for a nominal amount, as is frequently the case. You would be amazed at the amount of kit that goes straight into landfill of the type that we like. Just a thought! Regards, Al.

[Brian R Pateman]

Originally Posted by Alan Brown

I mention this because it came from a local tip where a friend works.I would urge everybody to cultivate the company of an employee if your local tip is privately run and they are allowed to sell stuff off for a nominal amount, as is frequently the case. You would be amazed at the amount of kit that goes straight into landfill of the type that we like. Just a thought! Regards, Al.

A valid point no doubt but please don't revist the discussion on tips and re-cycling here!

[captainking]

I have a avo 8 mk 5 that I bought some years ago serial no 49556 it came with leather case it's all in great nick compleat with operating book warranty card inspection card I bought this to replace a tmk 500 bought in the early 70's but all my tools were stolen in the late 90's from my van I happen to find a mint tmk 700b a few years ago to replace my 500

[johncharles]

Two AVOs
1) Model 8, Mk III, No. 81026-568, Post War, made by AVO Dover
2) Model 8 Mk? No. 0048848/8V, early 1980s, when Co was owned by Thorn

Best John

[pmmunro]

Thanks for the information Captainking and Johncharles.

John, your second meter is a Model 8 Mark V; that's what the 8V part of the serial number indicates. Do you have a more exact date for this meter? I don't know the exact date of the change from Mk V to Mark 6, but the best information I have is that it was around 1980.

If anyone has any price lists or advertisements which would tie down the dates of transition between the Mark V, 6 and 7, it would be useful.

PMM

[captainking]

Hi PMM
The date for my model 8 is December 1974.

regards
Steve

PS I have an Avometer short form catalogue UK edition, I can scan it if you want.

[johncharles]

Dear PMM

Sorry - no date for the Model 8 Mk5. I purchase it new circa 1980 and still have the warranty/after sales booklet and operating instructions book - but they are not dated.

The Part No. on the meter body is 51-70-211.

John

[duncanlowe]

Just bought myself a MkIV. I think it was a reasonable price since it came with a leather case too. Listed as an Avomeater so would have been missed in many searches. Battery terminals a bit green, and it has been opened as theres a repair to the battery wiring to bypass the corrosion and the screws are swapped around. No serial number on the scale, and looks like the label is missing off the casing. Its green thermoplastic and crack free. The front face has an engraved serial number 'SN02500' though. The casing has written in marker pen 'T 06 015 1053 BT/16/6'. The limited testing seems to show it works OK so pleased so far.