BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Singles => Topic started by: Barnsey on 20 Sep, 2026, 14:35

Title: Multimeter for small resistances
Post by: Barnsey on 20 Sep, 2026, 14:35
Can anyone recommend a multimeter for small, sub 1 ohm resistances, without paying through the nose?  My worth, but cheap Mastech, isn't cutting the mustard. 
Title: Re: Multimeter for small resistances
Post by: iansoady on 20 Sep, 2026, 14:48
What you need is an AVO. I picked this one up for £12 and change at a local auction. It needed (and still does) some attention but brilliant kit.

(https://www.iansoady.org.uk/images/AVO.JPG)
Title: Re: Multimeter for small resistances
Post by: Barnsey on 20 Sep, 2026, 17:35
I remember using Avo 8 when I was in sixth form college in the 1980s.  It looks like the right hand third of the range is milliohms and then it switches to Ohms?   I'll see what there is on Fleabay. 
Title: Re: Multimeter for small resistances
Post by: neil1964 on 20 Sep, 2026, 17:55
Although I have similar Avo Mk8s I tend to use my Fluke 115.
Problem with the Avo is accurate recalibration.  My father was an EE (design) and had access to a recalibration service until he retired. Those services stopped 20 years ago. I confess I can service and set my Avo CT 160 valve tester but I've not quite got the hang of the MkVIII meter (something I must address!).
Title: Re: Multimeter for small resistances
Post by: V500 on 20 Sep, 2026, 19:17
AVO's are excellent, but I reckon a ten quid DVM would measure small resistances better these days.
{there's two batteries in an AVO; it's still possible to get the large 9V job, but the smaller one can be tricky to find now)
Title: Re: Multimeter for small resistances
Post by: Barnsey on 20 Sep, 2026, 19:43
To be honest, I think that the best way to measure these resistances would be to power up the bike with a known voltage and current from my bench top PSU, and then measure the voltage drops.  After that I can use Ohms law to figure out the resistances. 
Title: Re: Multimeter for small resistances
Post by: rhyatt on 20 Sep, 2026, 20:03
a simple Draper or Machine mart meter is sufficient
DC 20 v scale to measure 6 and 12 volt batteries and charging
AC volts for alternator stators etc
resistance 20 ohms - to measure across points and ht coil primary values
2000 ohms
20,000 - to measure ht coil secondary values (around 10000 upwards
diodes that go beep for continuity