AVO Transistor Analyser MkII / CT446 Portable Test Meter 

This is a very nice AVO Transistor Analyser MkII / CT446 Portable Test Meter, with the same meter as a CT160 VCM, made by AVO, London, UK.

In good cosmetic condition with slight blemishes, scratches and scuffs commensurate with age and use. This transistor analyser is untested and unpowered as it came to us without its miniature 3 pin Bulgin plug terminated mains lead.

Approximate Dimensions:- 39.0 x 14.0 x 27.5 mm (15.4 x 5.5 x 10.8 inches)

Serial no. 3383  Type TA, designated CT446 for military use, this instrument was designed for testing NPN and PNP transistors.

The top half (lid) neatly clips to the bottom half (tester) to form a sturdy carry case. The necessary test lead is stored in a compartment attached to the inside of the lid.

Beautifully built, these were state of the art when introduced some 60 years ago. Today, they still find use as a valuable tool in testing germanium small signal and power transistors.  This is the Mark II version which, as a bonus, relies on a mains PSU rather than the clunky U10 battery derived power supply of the earlier version.  

One interesting tie up is with the AVO CT160 VCM suitcase valve tester, as both instruments share the same meter. So….. if you have a CT160 with a dodgy meter, this transistor tester should supply a replacement.  

A little bit of dismantling, swop the scale plates and, voilà, hundreds of pounds of valve and restored function to a poorly CT160. Meter replacements for the CT160, either using a substitute meter or an AVO replacement, command a high monetary value. However, today, you can obtain a replacement meter surrounded by a transistor tester for a very keen price.

Manuals for the AVO Transistor Analyser Mk2 can be readily found to download on the internet.

The metal label at the rear of the instrument reads as follows:-

Made in England by AVO limited, Avocet House, London

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