Thanks for the post Kevin, and the pics.
When you see inside, it makes you realise why they go for such a high price, which - in reality, given the amount of time it would take to assemble one by the same method today, and the cost of the components, (multi-tapped transformer, wiring, 'switchery' , metalwork, cabinetry (and VAT!) - would probably put the price at well over £2.5k. I think they tend to go for upwards of £500 nowadays on a good day, which- accounting for inflation - equates to £22 in 1955. (No idea what they did actually cost when new). I bought my Taylor 45D at Barnsley radio rally Bring & Buy about 1995 for a tenner. It had languished ignored all day, and was an impulse buy just as I was about to leave.It's earned its keep in the ensuing years. Back then, valve testers weren't as sought after as they are today, when many restorers seem to hanker after them (and for some reason, coil winders).
Avo valve tester meters , and the odd wire wound log restance on the '160' (If I've got the model right), are seemingly weak components which can be problematical. All four AVO valve characteristic meters use the same 30uA meter, built in-house by Avo. There was an interesting and comprehensive four-page article in Feb/March 2012 'Radio Bygones' (Issue 141), covering the replacement of these meters, and full sized metr replacement scales in colour showing the original CT160 scale, a modified scale, and a cale for the MK111 and MKIV.
I well remember those Avo valve testers with the punched cards and CRT and little dot that bounced around. They were quite a money spinner for radio shops. Ther was a shop in Grimsby that had one right up ntil I left in 1975 - they used to charge 10p a valve. In the late 1950s, through to 1968 when we lived in Nottingham, a radio dealer in the centre of town used to charge threepence. I dont think theose testers needed much skill to operate - any of the non-technical staff who served on the counter would test valves.
Although the wiring is complex, the actual circuits of valve testers of whatever make, tend to be quite simple. I love those dinky little EF50 valves, which are similar in size to the acorn 954/955s.
When you see inside, it makes you realise why they go for such a high price, which - in reality, given the amount of time it would take to assemble one by the same method today, and the cost of the components, (multi-tapped transformer, wiring, 'switchery' , metalwork, cabinetry (and VAT!) - would probably put the price at well over £2.5k. I think they tend to go for upwards of £500 nowadays on a good day, which- accounting for inflation - equates to £22 in 1955. (No idea what they did actually cost when new). I bought my Taylor 45D at Barnsley radio rally Bring & Buy about 1995 for a tenner. It had languished ignored all day, and was an impulse buy just as I was about to leave.It's earned its keep in the ensuing years. Back then, valve testers weren't as sought after as they are today, when many restorers seem to hanker after them (and for some reason, coil winders).
Avo valve tester meters , and the odd wire wound log restance on the '160' (If I've got the model right), are seemingly weak components which can be problematical. All four AVO valve characteristic meters use the same 30uA meter, built in-house by Avo. There was an interesting and comprehensive four-page article in Feb/March 2012 'Radio Bygones' (Issue 141), covering the replacement of these meters, and full sized metr replacement scales in colour showing the original CT160 scale, a modified scale, and a cale for the MK111 and MKIV.
I well remember those Avo valve testers with the punched cards and CRT and little dot that bounced around. They were quite a money spinner for radio shops. Ther was a shop in Grimsby that had one right up ntil I left in 1975 - they used to charge 10p a valve. In the late 1950s, through to 1968 when we lived in Nottingham, a radio dealer in the centre of town used to charge threepence. I dont think theose testers needed much skill to operate - any of the non-technical staff who served on the counter would test valves.
Although the wiring is complex, the actual circuits of valve testers of whatever make, tend to be quite simple. I love those dinky little EF50 valves, which are similar in size to the acorn 954/955s.
Regards, David.
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
