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AVO METER USERS

Some time ago there was a thread on the topic of AVO meters which is now locked.

Shortly after my interest was re-energized and I started collecting AVOs again.

I have been disposing of my collection following extensive counselling and aversion therapy but have slipped back and have purchased an AVO 8 MK 7 which was the last mark out of the Megger factory. I have had all the Marks of the AVO 8 but never a MK 6 or a 7 which I am waiting to receive.

I think it is a nostalgia thing from my youth when I was starting out in amateur radio and always wanted one. At college early on we had a lesson on how to use an AVO which included selecting ranges and using the mirror scale. As a technician I was issued what the Post Office designated a "Meter Multi Range No. 12" . Later when promoted to a Technical Officer you were allowed to be issued with a Meter Multi Range 14C which was an AVO 8. Before the ink was dry on my appointment letter I ordered up my 14C which was sort of badge of office.

I saw on the BBC programme "The Repair Shop" where their electrical expert re-furbishing a PO 12 meter and their leather expert re-furbishing the leather case. That sparked me in to buying one on Ebay to do the same as a memento of the past. I now have a 12D instrument which was made by AVO in the leather case.

Has anyone else on this forum become an AVO collector or use one from time to time for its intended purpose? I used my MK 6 when doing some experiments where my Fluke DVM would not do due to it's high input impedance.,

Is there a support group for this minority group as I am off to an amateur radio show soon with a pocket full of cash and I fear I will be overcome with temptation if I see an AVO 8.

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0 Lucien Nunes over 2 years ago

My first post on this forum!

I have about ten AVO 8's of various marks, and a few others. Some belong in the historical collection but I like to keep one or two at the main bench as alternatives to the digits. Possible reasons for using include real hardware needles, 20kΩ/V sensitivity (which is sometimes assumed in vintage service info) or as an average-responding movement rather than RMS. Oh, and unlike the Fluke 289 you don't have to wait half an hour for an AVO to boot up (one of my pet peeves about the 289, possibly an exaggeration.)

The first meter I ever had (and still have and cherish) was an AVO 8 Mk2. Some 40+ years later I wonder that its arrival was not a more memorable occasion and struggle to recall when it was; probably age 8 or 9 as I had built a number of electronic projects by then but don't recall ever being unable to make measurements. It was a present from dad, who had been in management in radio and TV retail and rental, and was ostensibly his own. It might well have come from one of the firm's service depots originally, but I never thought to ask about its history while he was alive. He showed me how to use it and what its strengths and limitations were and soon it was part of everyday life. It was not until many years later that I realised what a privilege it had been to grow up with proper tools of the trade like the AVO, as opposed to hobby-grade ones.

Getting my first digital meter is more memorable as I was then 14 and it represented a significant outlay of cash and a move into a new technological era. However it was not in the same league of quality and did not last, leading to a refreshing re-acquaintance with the AVO. A few other digitals followed but it was not until my first Fluke 77 that I felt the AVO had finally been equaled in terms of integrity. I went on to travel the world with that Fluke and it has become as much a part of me as the old AVO, but our adventures together are another story.
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0 Lucien Nunes over 2 years ago

My first post on this forum!

I have about ten AVO 8's of various marks, and a few others. Some belong in the historical collection but I like to keep one or two at the main bench as alternatives to the digits. Possible reasons for using include real hardware needles, 20kΩ/V sensitivity (which is sometimes assumed in vintage service info) or as an average-responding movement rather than RMS. Oh, and unlike the Fluke 289 you don't have to wait half an hour for an AVO to boot up (one of my pet peeves about the 289, possibly an exaggeration.)

The first meter I ever had (and still have and cherish) was an AVO 8 Mk2. Some 40+ years later I wonder that its arrival was not a more memorable occasion and struggle to recall when it was; probably age 8 or 9 as I had built a number of electronic projects by then but don't recall ever being unable to make measurements. It was a present from dad, who had been in management in radio and TV retail and rental, and was ostensibly his own. It might well have come from one of the firm's service depots originally, but I never thought to ask about its history while he was alive. He showed me how to use it and what its strengths and limitations were and soon it was part of everyday life. It was not until many years later that I realised what a privilege it had been to grow up with proper tools of the trade like the AVO, as opposed to hobby-grade ones.

Getting my first digital meter is more memorable as I was then 14 and it represented a significant outlay of cash and a move into a new technological era. However it was not in the same league of quality and did not last, leading to a refreshing re-acquaintance with the AVO. A few other digitals followed but it was not until my first Fluke 77 that I felt the AVO had finally been equaled in terms of integrity. I went on to travel the world with that Fluke and it has become as much a part of me as the old AVO, but our adventures together are another story.
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