Wanted: Avometers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2017, 02:30:06 pm
content: Anything, I'm a bit of a collector and like to have a few in the lab.Any model really, whether is an Avo Minor, Avo 7, Avo 8, Avo 9 - anything is of interest.Thanks.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2017, 06:00:45 pm
content: I don't know of any AVOs but I recently bought a rather fine decade resistance box (broken but repairable) off someone called the blind mole on ebay and he has some nice old meters for sale e.g.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-TAYLOR-ELECTRICAL-INSTRUMENTS-MODEL-127A-MARK-III-MULTIMETER/192405036547NB I have no connection and what is sold is marked as "untested" which may mean broken but the prices seem reasonable. In the case of my decade resistor box the half the 100k resistors had been zapped and one was missing altogether and also a couple of the 10k resistors - the rest were fine and I only paid £25 for it so I was quite happy.

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2017, 10:57:12 pm
content: Hello. Yes I've seen the blind mole on ebay. He/They want a lot of money for 'untested, so sold as seen'.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 09:36:49 am
content: Just as a note: that seller is shit from my experience. Shipping takes a ridiculous amount of time.Worth asking here if you are after Avos:https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/index.php

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 09:50:23 am
content: Quote from: Squarewave on December 25, 2017, 10:57:12 pmIt's a blind mole, how do you want to test it ?

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 10:25:03 am
content: The prices are quite frankly ridiculous. They go round and round with no bids because even the biggest fool wouldn’t bid on them with the price versus condition.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 11:15:48 am
content: But a clever bidder might - the are sold as used so must be working. If I were interested in that stuff and thought it was a reasonable price for a working one, I would buy it and have no hesitation in telling the vendor to take it back if it didn't work.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 11:31:07 am
content: Not worth the hassle.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 11:31:54 am
content: Just to save someone else from having to look this up, since I thought it might be some instrument type I didn't know of.Avometer (aka AVO) is a once-active British brand name for multimeters. Now mostly of interest to historians and collectors.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 11:54:55 am
content: Quote from: bd139 on December 26, 2017, 10:25:03 amI was happy paying £25 for my (broken) decade resistor box. The switches and box are in good condition - it is more to decorate my lab than be particularly useful but I will replace the damaged resistors with some modern wire-wound ones from digikey.I do suspect that the vendor probably was aware that someone had applied too much current to it and that it wasn't working, I did think of returning it but it would have been hassle and I actually liked it anyway.I will in future assume that what he sells is broken and judge the prices accordingly.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 11:57:53 am
content: Quote from: Nusa on December 26, 2017, 11:31:54 amJust to add to that, AVO (I think) stands for Amps Volts Ohms and though it is a brandname I seem to remember it being used in a generic sense for multi-meters perhaps in the same way as we use hoover for vacuum cleaner.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 08:05:04 pm
content: The model 7X Panclimatic is apparently well sought after and was standard equipment for many defence forces and use in adverse conditions.AFAIK it better withstood tropical environs but I haven't opened mine up to see how.I've got a few that I've picked up over the years, the 8 Mk5 (1975) being one of the last and my fav.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2017, 08:36:53 pm
content: I had a broken military AVO Test Set No.1 Pan-climatic. Very heavy, it was an uprated AVO 8 housed in a metal case and then in a leather holder. Scale was calibrated to 30 vs 25 and could also measure up to 3kV.The internals; I remember conformal coating on parts. The reason for the fault - the back of the movement had an additional passive circuit board not on the AVO 8 which would appear to provide the Pan-climatic compensation. The bolt heads attaching it to the movement had sheared off and the wires going to the movement had snapped from their solder joints. No problem, easy if delicate fix.Except for idiot here who got it working again and then attempted to drill out the old studs to tap some threads for nice new bolts in, not thinking of the swarf instantly picked up by the magnet and very delicate coil.. impossible to clean out and ruined it!

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2017, 08:21:44 pm
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on December 26, 2017, 11:15:48 amNo, they mustn't, but they could be. But something used can be not working. If a seller lists on ebay as 'untested' it's their way of saying it isn't working, but hoping someone buys it on the whim that it may work, but the listing hasn't sold it as workingQuote from: dunkemhigh on December 26, 2017, 11:15:48 amI'll not risk that, as they're not listed as working, they're listed as 'untested', a crafty way of saying it doesn't work.

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2017, 08:26:30 pm
content: Quote from: Macbeth on December 26, 2017, 08:36:53 pmOoops. Did you keep it though in case you find another movement?I've got one of those test set no.1s too, in the green nato case, a real nice set.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2017, 08:40:46 pm
content: QuoteI suggest that you should read the T&C. FYI (my emphasis):"Used: An item that has been previously used. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear,but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or an item that has been returned to the seller after a period of use. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections."

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2017, 09:20:46 pm
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on December 28, 2017, 08:40:46 pmBut however, sold as 'untested', so the seller knows full well this doesn't work and so would a buyer.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2017, 10:19:49 pm
content: Quote from: Squarewave on December 28, 2017, 08:26:30 pmNo, I stripped it down for those high voltage 20M, 1M and 700k ohm Welwyn Panclimatic wire wound resistors. I kept the shunts and pots too.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2017, 07:15:06 am
content: QuoteSo the buyer will be testing it for him. Makes no difference - he is selling it marked as fully functional regardless of whether he can be arsed to test it (or pretend he can't be, knowing there is a fault). The only get-out is to list specific problems, such as 'screen is scratched, see photo', etc.If you don't want stuff coming back as faulty, it should be sold as for parts (and indeed, one seller I follow sells everything as parts, despite them being tested and working, just so there is no comeback). Of course, you can sell untested as used if you like, but if it turns out to be faulty it's your problem for not testing it first.He, or she, gives a 14-day return. He'll be shocked when he finds out he has to pay for that as well if it's faulty. He cannot make the buyer pay return postage in that scenario

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2017, 05:56:49 pm
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on December 29, 2017, 07:15:06 amWouldn't it just be more efficient use of time if you just realised like everyone else does that they know full well it isn't working, so therefore it isn't working. I've got better things to do than play send the parcel back with ebay sellers.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2017, 06:07:51 pm
content: Indeed. In my house this is known as “shit cricket”

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2017, 07:43:44 pm
content: QuoteDo 'em, then. No-one's stopping you except yourself.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2017, 04:57:34 am
content: I had purchased not too long ago an Avometer clone of gossen metrawatt, a metarhit 28s, it could have been your top model in your collection loll

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2017, 07:52:17 am
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on December 30, 2017, 04:57:34 amAvo never made clones, their models were their own.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2017, 04:25:41 pm
content: Indeed this gossen clone was an oem model to have avometer name printed on it, and avometer became/was bought by megger if i recall correctly ...I had in my youth an excellent needle meter given by my dad (i dont recall the brand) with an 45vdc mercury battery, i've dropped it on the floor and the case broken badly, not sure of the material, even crazy glue would not hold on the case or parts, hard blackish substance, who seemed to be strong, but once cracked it became fragile ?? boy i would like to have it back.Still today i use needle meter in CSA / UL leakage tests ... hard to beat

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2017, 06:24:06 pm
content: Quote from: Squarewave on December 30, 2017, 07:52:17 amI don't think Avo cloned anything. However, I think all of the digital meters sold as Avos were rebadged meters made by someone else.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2017, 09:40:26 pm
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on December 30, 2017, 04:25:41 pmMost likelyBakelite, widely used on the early AVO's.QuoteI had a ludicrous AVO digital meter back in the late 80's, I got it off a fellow student for £5 or so. It had the exact same form factor as an AVO-8 (though considerably lighter). I fried it measuring a 1970's Philips G series TV LOPT output stage going to the seperate EHT multiplier, which any AVO-8 would have handled easily. This digital AVO monstrosity just bled all its liquid crystals and died. Pretty sure it was just a 3.5 digit ICL7106.I can't find any images of this meter on google and am kind of annoyed I chucked it in the bin - looks like a very rare beast. Designed by Thorn EMI managers surely.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2017, 10:17:21 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on December 26, 2017, 08:05:04 pmOh yeahI picked up my firstand lastAVO 8 mk5 a while back, as a curiosity come retro showpiece,and to have a decent sized analogue meter on hand (playmate for my variac) with bonus 3kv ability if/when needed...and then another AVO 8 mk5 popped up for sale a few weeks later just down the roadthe price criminally? too cheap to type hereBoth are still in perfect spec, there was nothing on either to fix, adjust, calibrate or pray.. and both physically mint condition after a bit of TLCVery tidy layout inside, low point to point jungle IIRC, the rotary switches are as good as it gets IMHOOne of the meters came with the original 'thick' leads and probes, and work perfectly. Still flexible and no breaks, cracks etcThe 5 x 3v coin battery and stainless steel nut '15 volt battery hack' I saw onmikeselectricstuffYoutube flick 'Quick look at an Avo 8' and works greatand CHEAPyoutube.com/watch?v=PeNBN8wrJRoUnfortunately for the rest of the world, both of these AVO meters are now keepers, sorry guys, no for sale... yetBTW: How does one test the CUTOUT switch on AVO 8 mk5 easily without risk to meter, user and user's pocket?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2017, 11:21:39 pm
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on December 30, 2017, 10:17:21 pmPM me your email and I'll shoot the AVO 8 Mk5 Service manual to you.At 1.7 MB it's too big to attach to a post.I've got a few that I've found on the 'net over the years but only one that I can post here.Anybody else that wants what I have, PM me and I can send you my Avo folder ~14 Mb

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2017, 11:46:16 pm
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on December 30, 2017, 10:17:21 pmForgive me for PMSL. These meters are built like a brick shit house (or dunny down under). The sprung cutout is mechanically triggered by the needle overshooting. Who needs insanely expensive HRC fuses when you can just remove the probes, reset the cutout, correct your mistake and go back to the job (which is a goodun!)You can trigger it with no danger by choosing a low range and tickling it with a voltage more appropriate to the next range.

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2017, 11:51:52 pm
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on December 30, 2017, 10:17:21 pmI know that feeling when I picked my first one up. Then I saw another and thought why not.Now, with at least 35 of them, maybe more (need to have a count)........

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2017, 11:59:32 pm
content: Quote from: Squarewave on December 30, 2017, 11:51:52 pmYou're ~30 ahead of me and I only bought 4 to get the genuine AVO leads and all the grabbers and bits they come with. When you're measuring 2KV+ you want leads that you know can be trusted not some of the stiff horrible PVC clones that are/were available.

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2017, 12:09:15 am
content: Quote from: tautech on December 30, 2017, 11:59:32 pmI've got so many genune Avo leads, but I don't use them. When measuring anywhere near or above 1kv I always use an HV differential probe anyway.

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2017, 10:14:50 am
content: Since we've gone way off topic, something I can't understand at the moment is the trend on that auction site to bid way way over the odds for an avo that's listed as 'for parts or not working'. Recently an old Avo 40 went for £27 and it was listed as not working, yet there were two others listed as in full working order, one which sold for £16 and the other £19, both of which I bought, I shall add - and there was no other interest in them.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2017, 10:25:45 am
content: Some of the eBay sale prices are ridiculous to be honest recently across the board.Steaming dead pile of bird shit covered rust? £145!40 year old Tektronix scope that emits clouds of smoke? £150!Bit disappointing really.Keep an eye on gumtree as well. There are a lot of bargains on there.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2018, 01:25:05 am
content: Quote from: Macbeth on December 30, 2017, 11:46:16 pmThat was the the first thing I tried, maybe it needed a higher magnitude of 'tickling' ?

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2018, 06:08:10 pm
content: I came across this while looking for other stuff - it looks in good condition but the seller wants a lot of money for it and doesn't explicitly state that it is working..https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Avo-Avometer-Model-8-Mk-5-Mk-V-Electrical-Multimeter-Tester-Original-Case-I/362222823600?hash=item545629a8b0:g:fS4AAOSwBRVaaOnF

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2018, 07:44:11 pm
content: Looks nice, but... the vendor says he is a private individual selling off old stuff. With 60 sales alone this month and over four thousand in total he must have a /lot/ of junk. Or had, of course. Plus private listings. Certainly knows his way around using Ebay, so he clearly understands that 'used' means 'working unless faults explicitly pointed out'.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2018, 08:57:43 am
content: Give it a miss, mateit's nice and ticks all the boxes, except:no mention of 'meter working 100%'no invite 'Buyer welcome to test before plonking down the cash'and it'sMILESaway from being a bargain that you may want to gamble on and have a go at fixingContact the Seller and find out what the go isBEWARE: some sellers are arrogant weirdos or escapee scammers from the future

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2018, 05:09:44 pm
content: On ebay, the prices fluctuate drastically from time to time.I was on the look out for on of the Post Office or British Telecom badged Avo 8 mark 5's and it one stage they were going for anything between £80 and £100. When I wasn't on the look out, one went for £50.Over the years I've paid very decent money for mint condition mark 7 model 8's. I've been lucky and paid between £5 and £20 for Avo's which are fully working also.People think I'm mad collecting these, maybe I am.

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2018, 03:20:13 pm
content: I sometimes have to wonder just how serious some people areThis has been for sale for over half a yearhttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AVO-Meter-Model-7-With-Avo-Case-Time-Warp-Working-Condition-Oct-1952/162475734690?hash=item25d44ef6a2:g:mg8AAOSwIWVY8jiQWant one which doesn't work? Has been for sale for over half a yearhttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AVOMeter-Eight-MK-6/262676161001?hash=item3d28b821e9:g:cMkAAOSwYIxYAmglWant to pay over the odds and get a case which doesn't match the era of the meter?https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/sale-AVO-8-MK6-MultiMeter-Excellent-Condition-Tested-100-working/112979889964?hash=item1a4e204f2c:g:LqkAAOSwPoZavmuDClaimed to be 100% mint, but clearly can be seen that isn't the case at all. Again, price over the oddshttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/sale-AVO-8-MK6-MultiMeter-Excellent-Condition-Tested-100-working-MINT/113024251310?hash=item1a50c535ae:g:v4AAAOSwW8RbDFTXAgain, over priced, non matching casehttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SALE-AVO-8-MK5-meter-excellent-condition-full-working-order/112979889978?hash=item1a4e204f3a:g:noAAAOSwnCxarm0FI really don't think he wants to sell thesehttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/sale-AVO-8-MK6-MultiMeter-Excellent-Condition-Tested-100-working/113024251312?hash=item1a50c535b0:g:~4cAAOSw-0RbDFXc

author: Flump
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2018, 07:16:04 pm
content: I have a couple of AVO's I "think" work and some which dont and have parts missingI doubt I will ever need them as I have too many other meters.I have no idea what they are worth but I am happy to sell themto someone that's going to give them some love.

author: Squarewave
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2018, 08:19:49 pm
content: Let me know what you have and let me know.