I've not long gone to a flea market and saw loads of these Universal Avos there, I would love to have one, but there are so many different Models about I wouldn't know where to start haha, I'd either like a bit of a rarity or one of the most famous but also as they come in all different conditions I'd like as close to perfect as possible, also how complete they come is another matter. True pieces of electrical history though, any sparky from back in the day would be able to recognise these from a mile away, as with most good electricians will recognise a Megger or a Fluke from a similar distance (they have got smaller). Thanks for sharing!
Very enjoyable and informative. I have been looking for an avometer for as long as I can remember. If I am lucky enough to spot one at a car boot I am going to do what you did and get it on the cheap
I was playing round a friends house when I was maybe 5 or 6 and I saw his Dad's Avometer. I genuinely thought it was a robots head and the dials were its eyes, the scale a smiling but sinister mouth. Scared me to death and it literally gave me nightmares as I dreamt it floated into my room one night and it was coming to "get me".
The Avo 7 is the 'electricians' meter and is less sensitive than the 8 which was intended for electronics applications. Although Avo's were produced from the 40's onwards, their hayday was the 60-70's. Apart from nostalgia, they are still useful to the vintage radio fan for servicing even now, due to the voltage readings in period service information being taken by Avo's. Using a modern DMM with their very high input impedance, the voltages would be higher than if read with an Avo with it's 20,000 OPV sensitivity. Yes, you can compensate if using a DMM, but using an Avo is easier and more satisfying on vintage equipment. An interesting little fact is that Avo stands for Amp's, Volt's, Ohms. The last versions made, the Mk5, Mk6 and Mk7 used a totally different internal construction with flexible printed circuit 'wiring', these can be troublesome if they have been misused, or 'got at'. The Mk6 and 7 also didn't have the high voltage terminals at the top of the front panel. Apart from production cost and certain component availabilty, the main reason the traditional Avo ceased production was safety. Modern DMM's have a CAT rating which specifies the voltage and application the meter is rated to be safe to work on. They have special HRC fuses, special internal circuit protection, and case construction, which protects the user from injury in the event there is a fault or user error. It wasn't possible for the analogue Avo to meet those new safety requirements.
Your model eight is the first version which doesn't have a 500 volt range and has screw down terminals. The mk2s have the push in type with 4mm sockets. If you look at the serial number written on the scale the last numbers will be the year the meter was made. The model 8 has a dc input impedance of 20,000 ohms per volt. The model 7 isn't as sensitive at 1000 ohms per volt on dc ranges. You paid £4. In 1951 a new Avo model 8 cost £23. I still find it remarkable the model 8 was made right up until 2008 and was only discontinued because of difficulty in obtaining parts. They are a true British icon.
Hi thanks, I put this up some years ago must sort these out, thanks for that info......and also thanks to all who have commented about these meters...THANKS
Hi.i found this video while looking for some info on refurbishment of avo meters, i have an avo 8 mk 4 and some of the white lettering around the dials has come off over the years, is there any way of replacing it or should i leave it as is. thanks for the great video and info on these vintage meters.
I purchased AVO meter by Dover of England model number 71 If any one has its circuit diagram or manual of instructions kindly send me I will be grateful
Looks like you had a good bargain, check it out the batteries in it are probably dead and the smaller one may not be still made, take care when testing the meter. How much would these cost I do not know it seems vintage stuff has really gone up in price. Good luck
I've not long gone to a flea market and saw loads of these Universal Avos there, I would love to have one, but there are so many different Models about I wouldn't know where to start haha, I'd either like a bit of a rarity or one of the most famous but also as they come in all different conditions I'd like as close to perfect as possible, also how complete they come is another matter.
True pieces of electrical history though, any sparky from back in the day would be able to recognise these from a mile away, as with most good electricians will recognise a Megger or a Fluke from a similar distance (they have got smaller).
Thanks for sharing!
Very enjoyable and informative. I have been looking for an avometer for as long as I can remember. If I am lucky enough to spot one at a car boot I am going to do what you did and get it on the cheap
The best well into the 70's and probably 80's too.
Good vid's migette1 keep them coming ;-)
I was playing round a friends house when I was maybe 5 or 6 and I saw his Dad's Avometer. I genuinely thought it was a robots head and the dials were its eyes, the scale a smiling but sinister mouth. Scared me to death and it literally gave me nightmares as I dreamt it floated into my room one night and it was coming to "get me".
A vivid imagination...lol good luck
The Avo 7 is the 'electricians' meter and is less sensitive than the 8 which was intended for electronics applications. Although Avo's were produced from the 40's onwards, their hayday was the 60-70's. Apart from nostalgia, they are still useful to the vintage radio fan for servicing even now, due to the voltage readings in period service information being taken by Avo's. Using a modern DMM with their very high input impedance, the voltages would be higher than if read with an Avo with it's 20,000 OPV sensitivity. Yes, you can compensate if using a DMM, but using an Avo is easier and more satisfying on vintage equipment. An interesting little fact is that Avo stands for Amp's, Volt's, Ohms.
The last versions made, the Mk5, Mk6 and Mk7 used a totally different internal construction with flexible printed circuit 'wiring', these can be troublesome if they have been misused, or 'got at'. The Mk6 and 7 also didn't have the high voltage terminals at the top of the front panel. Apart from production cost and certain component availabilty, the main reason the traditional Avo ceased production was safety. Modern DMM's have a CAT rating which specifies the voltage and application the meter is rated to be safe to work on. They have special HRC fuses, special internal circuit protection, and case construction, which protects the user from injury in the event there is a fault or user error. It wasn't possible for the analogue Avo to meet those new safety requirements.
Thank you for that info, very interesting, did not know the meaning of the name.
I’ve got an avo 8 mk 2. Still use it and will not part with it. It can do so much than a dmm can’t do!
Please up load more I'm a member of the avometer collectors page on Facebook
Your model eight is the first version which doesn't have a 500 volt range and has screw down terminals. The mk2s have the push in type with 4mm sockets. If you look at the serial number written on the scale the last numbers will be the year the meter was made. The model 8 has a dc input impedance of 20,000 ohms per volt. The model 7 isn't as sensitive at 1000 ohms per volt on dc ranges.
You paid £4. In 1951 a new Avo model 8 cost £23. I still find it remarkable the model 8 was made right up until 2008 and was only discontinued because of difficulty in obtaining parts. They are a true British icon.
Hi thanks, I put this up some years ago must sort these out, thanks for that info......and also thanks to all who have commented about these meters...THANKS
Hi.i found this video while looking for some info on refurbishment of avo meters, i have an avo 8 mk 4 and some of the white lettering
around the dials has come off over the years, is there any way of replacing it or should i leave it as is.
thanks for the great video and info on these vintage meters.
I purchased AVO meter by Dover of England model number 71 If any one has its circuit diagram or manual of instructions kindly send me I will be grateful
I picked up the model 8 I payed £5 for it Bought it out of curiosity please please what is it worth? Not sure if it works don’t know how to use it
Looks like you had a good bargain, check it out the batteries in it are probably dead and the smaller one may not be still made, take care when testing the meter. How much would these cost I do not know it seems vintage stuff has really gone up in price. Good luck
very informative video I have a model 8 but it has stopped working now any ideas
Hi I have checked those off that I will look out for a suitable unit for spare from the sles sites or the bvws events
I have got a replacement 8 now as I am friends of the bvwtm in Dulwich and have now got another one on the way can not do without one
A panclimatic veriant I collect the avo range