VCM MK3 AVO Valve Tester / Valve Characteristic Meter In Working Condition
This is a very nice VCM MK3 AVO Valve Tester / Valve Characteristic Meter In Working Condition, electrically tested but uncalibrated, made by AVO, London, UK.
If you regularly need to test valves/vacuum tubes to a pretty high standard, then this quality testing instrument is a must-have. They are quite rare to find in good working condition. The AVO VCM MK3 is one of the few valve/tube testers able to measure both anode current (Ia: in mA) and mutual conductance (Gm in mA/V).
Operationally wise, the tester has all controls working smoothly, however, the roller selector switch is a little stiff in use; we have experienced worse though.
In fairly good cosmetic condition with paint loss, blemishes, scratches and scuffs on the external surfaces commensurate with age and use. The rear panel shows some rust under the hammer tone paint.
Although uncalibrated, we tested an L63 (6J5) that was initially tested on a calibrated AVO VCM163. When the same valve was transferred to this VCM Mk3, it gave an identical Gm reading and an Ia reading within -10% of the VCM163 result. Following a factory calibration schedule we are pretty sure would improve this figure to near parity.
Manuals for the VCM MKIII can be readily found to download on the internet. However, the valve tester will come with an electronic copy of operating instructions and valve settings manual. The metal label at the rear of the instrument reads as follows:-
Made in England by The Automatic Coil Winder And Electrical Equipment Co. Ltd, Winder House, London S.W.1
Serial no. 1644 Model VCM MK3
Approximate Maximum Unpacked Dimensions:-
Height: 35cm (13.8″)
Width: 41cm (16.1″)
Depth: 35cm (13.8″)
PAT Test
The 240 volt valve tester has been electrically tested using a flagship Seaward Europa PAT tester, and passed the UK Portable Appliance Inspection (PAT test).
Shipping
As this is a heavy and fragile item, we are offering personal delivery of this AVO VCM MKIII within the UK mainland.
As this item weighs 15Kg, (unpacked), and is quite large in dimension, it will cost a significant amount of money to ship outside the UK.
Therefore, we ask that International Customers contact us for a shipping quote if interested in purchasing.
