|
I recently obtained
via ebay, an AvoMeter Model 9 SX for £10. It needs a bit of a clean,
but otherwise works fine.
The lower terminals have at some point been replaced by the newer safety types, and some of the paint had come off. This didn't matter to me as I wasn't looking for a pristine example, but rather a model that wasn't too expensive and works, as I intend to make use of it. All the AC, DC and Ohms ranges work, and the batteries that were included with it also seem to work fine. The serial number indicates that this model would have been made in 1963. As far as I'm aware, the only difference between this Model 9 SX and the earlier Model 8s, is that it has a metal case and that some of the internal components are covered in epoxy. This model is also known as Test Set Multi Range No. 1. The only other examples of Test Sets/Model 9s that I have seen have been a few photographs on the internet, and a couple in college, however, all these have been newer (late 1960s/early 1970s) and have had different scales (similar to the newer models such as MkIV). Have a look at http://www.richardsradios.co.uk/testsetno1.html for more information on AVO Meters, and a comparison of the newer and older scales. Below are several pictures of my AVO Meter. Click on the images to see them at their full resolution.
The AVO Meter on my desk. The Metal case is probably the most heavy part of this model. Some of the bronze paint from the top and the white paint from the front has come off, and the lower terminals have been replaced by the safety type which are often found on newer multimeters.
The instructions on the back explain how to operate the instrument. These ones arn't in very good condition but are readable. I assume this meter used to belong to a school as this would explain the safety connectors, the marks on it, and the fact that the box it came in was originally addressed to a school and contained examination materials. The guy on ebay who sold this to me also had for sale several other AvoMeters, all with safety sockets, and several old Farnell oscilloscopes.
The AvoMeter correctly measures the 5 Volt output from the fixed power supply. The inexpensive digital meter is also connected to the same power supply. n.b. If you have ever seen a power supply like the one in this photograph and know what it was originally used for, I would appreciate it if you could tell me. Please have a look at the Contact page if you want to contact me.
Centre of the scale
Begining of the scale |
|
