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Vintage Test Gear and Workshop Equipment For discussions about vintage test gear and workshop equipment such as coil winders.

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Old 24th Sep 2008, 8:19 am   #1
John M0GLN
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Default AVO CT160 valve tester top cap lead

I've had this CT160 for a few years and have only just realized that its missing its top cap lead, can anyone please tell me what the lead end which plugs into the valve tester sockets is like ? The socket holes are quite a bit smaller than the standard banana / wander plugs I have, I don't expect anyone would have a spare, but I could probably make one in my workshop if its just a plain diameter end, not sprung. Any information would be helpful.

Thanks

John
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Old 24th Sep 2008, 8:27 am   #2
Tim
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Default Re: AVO CT160 valve tester top cap lead

I simply use a piece of wire of suitable thickness, with the strands folded back along the insulation "shoved" in the hole! The other end terminates in an insulated croc clip.
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Old 24th Sep 2008, 9:09 am   #3
John M0GLN
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Default Re: AVO CT160 valve tester top cap lead

That's more or less what I did this week, doubled a piece of single strand wire over, but I'd like to make a more authentic looking one.

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Old 24th Sep 2008, 10:34 am   #4
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Default Re: AVO CT160 valve tester top cap lead

The one which came with my CT160 has a black split pin type plug at one end and a croc clip at the other. Croc clip is stamped "38A". Wire sheath colour red. Length about 15".
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Old 24th Sep 2008, 11:38 am   #5
John M0GLN
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Default Re: AVO CT160 valve tester top cap lead

Quote:
Originally Posted by Station X View Post
The one which came with my CT160 has a black split pin type plug at one end and a croc clip at the other. Croc clip is stamped "38A". Wire sheath colour red. Length about 15".
So it is a split pin type, I've just measured the plug holes, a 2.25mm drill feels slightly loose, a 2.35mm good fit and a 2.5mm won't go in, it does need a bit of spring in the plug, I'll keep a lookout for a split pin to suit.

Thanks

John
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Old 24th Sep 2008, 11:57 am   #6
Kat Manton
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Default Re: AVO CT160 valve tester top cap lead

Hi,

The plug on mine (believed original as it came with my CT160 some 20-odd years ago) isn't split. I've measured the pin at 2.38mm with vernier calipers; I'd suspect it's actually 3/32" (2.38125mm.)

Cheers, Kat
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Old 24th Sep 2008, 12:15 pm   #7
Kat Manton
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Default Re: AVO CT160 valve tester top cap lead

Hi,

See attached photo. The plug on this lead is made by 'Clix' (marked in raised letters on the insulator.)

I'd be very surprised if this isn't the original lead. I bought the tester from a military surplus dealer at a radio rally in the early eighties, it came complete with mains lead and top-cap lead.

Cheers, Kat
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Old 24th Sep 2008, 2:57 pm   #8
Mike Phelan
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Default Re: AVO CT160 valve tester top cap lead

Just looked at my CT160; lead is exactly like Kat's, as well, and no reason not to suspect it's not original.
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Old 24th Sep 2008, 4:28 pm   #9
John M0GLN
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Default Re: AVO CT160 valve tester top cap lead

Thanks Kat, thats pretty close, you got 2.38 for the plug and I got 2.35 for the socket, and if the Avo original isn't split it makes it a lot easier to make one, I'll have a go, but will still keep my eyes open for an original, now I've seen a photo I know what I'm looking for. and thanks Mike for the confirmation.

John
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Old 24th Sep 2008, 4:35 pm   #10
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Default Re: AVO CT160 valve tester top cap lead

So mine's obviously not original. I shall be having a few sleepless nights worrying about that
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Old 24th Sep 2008, 4:46 pm   #11
John M0GLN
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Default Re: AVO CT160 valve tester top cap lead

I'll look out for two Graham, but don't throw the other one away yet.
Probably close this thread now Mods.

Thanks again

John
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Old 24th Sep 2008, 4:48 pm   #12
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Default Re: AVO CT160 valve tester top cap lead

It's OK John. I'm perfectly happy with the lead I have. It does the job and that's all that matters to me.
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