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Old 26th Apr 2019, 9:37 pm   #2121
Phil G4SPZ
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

You have a thing of untouched beauty there, Mike. I have an odd fondness for the Model 40, despite its unsuitability for radio or electronics work. I think the Mark II version of both the Model 40 and the Model 7 are probably the most ergonomically perfect meters Avo ever produced, with the deep straight-sided switch knobs that are so easy to operate. Far better than the Mark I versions, and infinitely easier to turn than the Model 8.

Further, the Model 7 Mk II with the black terminal knobs was, IMHO, their most elegant. I have two of these, dated January 1955 and February 1956. I wonder when Avo adopted the red and black 4mm terminal posts? More modern-looking in the day, no doubt, but not so elegant.
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Last edited by Phil G4SPZ; 26th Apr 2019 at 9:56 pm. Reason: Afterthought
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Old 26th Apr 2019, 10:15 pm   #2122
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

I have just realised that one of my meters doesn't appear in the survey - apologies for the oversight. It's a Model 7 Mk II (with black Bakelite terminals) serial number 53379-A-155. It does slot in nicely between other examples of similar vintage.
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Old 27th Apr 2019, 1:12 am   #2123
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

Isn't that a mk 1 then if it has the domed terminals?
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Old 27th Apr 2019, 7:07 am   #2124
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

Nope! It says “Mk II” on the button and has all the other features of the Mk II except the red & black terminal caps.

There must have been a 2-year transition period after the launch of the Mk II before the red & black caps became standard.
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Old 27th Apr 2019, 6:09 pm   #2125
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

I have a 12D Avo 81/1 (Post office.) Multi-range.
Not sure where I would find serial number. Should I post front/rear and internal photos ?
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Old 27th Apr 2019, 8:55 pm   #2126
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

The red and black terminals were introduced on Avometers in 1956. For the Model 8, that marks the change to MkII but the Model 40 had already moved on to the Mk II version before the terminal change and never progressed further in mark numbers.

I share Phil's liking for the Model 40, possibly because it the closest "modern" Avometer to the first universal types. There is something neat and elegant about them, especially the versions from the 1960s and 70s, and strangely they are often found in better condition than Model 8s. It may say something about typical users although I have been told that amongst works electricians it was common practice to stand on Avometers to reach up to objects otherwise beyond arm's length.

I was very familiar with the Model 8 some years before I ever saw a Model 40 or Model 7 so I found the older selector switch knob style a bit quaint and old fashioned. I hadn't then thought about it as an ergonomic issue but the change in knob style that came with the Model 8 Mk V was principally intended to make the switches suitable for operation by gloved hands, presumably NATO issue gloves in polar climates.

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Old 28th Apr 2019, 7:46 am   #2127
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

Re. the red and black terminals, one of my Avo's has the plastic missing from the knob.
Were these moulded on, or were they pressed on. If moulded on, then I will have to make a small mould from a good terminal,so I can restore it.
The big problem with my collection is that of the numerous ones I possess, they are all in good condition and none are going to be broken for parts. They made them good in those days !!
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Old 28th Apr 2019, 8:27 am   #2128
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

Pressed on, relying on the splines to grip on the (PVC?) If you find replacements they need warming up before fitting otherwise they split-usually along a mould line (especially the red ones!)

A couple of people on here have experimented with a 3D profile with a view to printing them off, but i'm not sure what material they intended to use.
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Old 28th Apr 2019, 11:57 am   #2129
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

Quote:
Originally Posted by sparkymike View Post
Re. the red and black terminals, one of my Avo's has the plastic missing from the knob.
Were these moulded on, or were they pressed on. If moulded on, then I will have to make a small mould from a good terminal,so I can restore it.
The big problem with my collection is that of the numerous ones I possess, they are all in good condition and none are going to be broken for parts. They made them good in those days !!
Mike.
Have a look here:


https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...hlight=3d+caps

And here, on post 13 you can find the printed cap:

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...hlight=3d+caps
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Old 28th Apr 2019, 3:58 pm   #2130
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

Photo of the Post Office 12D.
No sign of a serial number ,just a batch sample number label that is hardly visible 30512.
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Old 28th Apr 2019, 4:29 pm   #2131
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

Can you see a number stamped on the movement scale? It can take quite some concentrating to see it though.
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Old 28th Apr 2019, 7:54 pm   #2132
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

Sinewave - you have a PM.
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Old 28th Apr 2019, 8:07 pm   #2133
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

Re. Post Office 12D , you are right !! It is certainly hard to see or decipher.
As far as I can make out it is 277893.
It is on right hand side of dial under the Fuse Blown warning.
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Old 2nd May 2019, 4:00 pm   #2134
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

I picked up an AVO Model D at our local car boot today in a leather case.
I suspect the case is for a different (later) AVO as it is in such good condition.

The AVO has AM either side of a crown on the dial so I guess that stands for Air Ministry?
Serial is 3485-1241. 1941

On the back it states type D ref No. 10S/10610.

There was a type R1662 battery fitted (cover still in place), the battery is in good condition and still reads 1.4V!

The case has 10S/17021 embossed.

The meter is not balanced, it reads 0 horizontally but moves left if stood vertically.
I have not tested it yet.

Peter
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Old 2nd May 2019, 4:02 pm   #2135
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

More photos of the type D
Leads and probes are in a sorry state!
Peter
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Old 2nd May 2019, 4:49 pm   #2136
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

Very nice to get that case with it with the 10S prefix number.
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Old 2nd May 2019, 5:15 pm   #2137
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

Thanks, but pardon my ignorance, what is the significance of the 10s prefix?

Peter
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Old 2nd May 2019, 5:24 pm   #2138
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

It tells me that it is an original military case. That's all it tells me, others may know more about the other numbers. The rest of the number could be a stock number used during that era, before the Nato Stock Number system came into place at a later date.
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Old 2nd May 2019, 6:59 pm   #2139
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

So it could be that the case is the right one for the meter after all?

Peter
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Old 2nd May 2019, 7:15 pm   #2140
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Default Re: AVO Multimeter survey

It's possible. Look on the back of the meter, there should be a 10S number on the rear plate.
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