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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.

Parents
  • The "knee Jerk" kick of a robust analogue meter needle is something that was lost with those new fangled DMMs . You could see straight away a needle swing and immediately make a (reasonably) accurate first guess approximation of events.

    It is as nostalgic as having to switch the TV on ten minutes before watching an event , then the familiar smell of paxillin  boards and the glow from valves was a mind blowingly comfort experience in its own right

  • Don't forget the dot in the middle of the screen when you switched off!

Reply
  • Don't forget the dot in the middle of the screen when you switched off!

Children
  • Oh yes that dot - was an icon. Even before icons existed. Thanks Chris, I had forgotten

  • I`m not going to mention those TV remotes that had a wire leading to the TV!

  • I`m not going to mention those TV remotes that had a wire leading to the TV!

    Sorry, you already did. www.youtube.com/watch

  • Yes, I had one of those. There was a shop not too far away that sold clapped out old tellies for 10 bob. One could usually keep them going for a while, but then what? Scrap it? Contrary to popular belief, one could render the CRT safe by whacking the gun off with a spade.

    (I couldn't possibly have afforded an AVO in those days.)