Universal Avometer Model 7X Panclimatic

This Universal Avometer Model 7X (Panclimatic) came from the Pourtsmouth branch of the Navy, and it was manufactured by the Dover based AVO Company. The Panclimatic version was similar to the AVO 7 MK 2, but had additional protection to provide moisture and water resistance. Consequently, they used a resin type material to seal many of the coils and transformer, including the use of panclimatic resistors.

The ship’s engineer would have used this meter in the engine room repairing the power distribution board whilst Captain Kirk would have been on the intercom blaring that he needed more power...

The back cover is aluminium with a thin coat of gold-coloured hammer-finish paint. The aluminium plate is very thin and usually the corners become dented easily.

The back information plate on this meter was in excellent condition, which I had never seen before. It also came with a proper set of vintage batteries.

Cost / eBay

A retired engineer in the Armed Services gave this particular meter to me, and it is in good working condition. The Panclimatic versions were moisture proof and more stable and therefore they cost more at the time of introduction. This pattern repeats in the second-hand market as well because they are more desirable.

A good working meter on its own in reasonable condition could fetch up to twenty pounds and more depending upon the day. If it comes with the original case, manual, and probes, then it will obviously be considerably more money.

In the following page of this article you can see the inside electronic construction, and the resin encased coils.

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