My "new" old Schlumberger SI 7063 DMM - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 10:30:23 pm
content: Hi Guys,I was looking for a vintage bench multimeter for a while and was lucky to find a Schlumberger SI 7063 Multimeter at a used equipment store.It arrived today and here it isIt works and calibration seems to be intact...Its a 6.5 digit multimeter with DC and AC Volts and Current, Ohms range (2 and 4 wire), Continuity, Diode Testing, Temperature and Frequency.Display is 16 segment blue VFD and the whole device is in an excellent condition.Unfortunately i have no user manual (although everything is self explaining) and could not find anything in the internet but a sales brochure.The brochure states that it has an accuracy of 50 ppm +5 for one year (20 V Range).Also i was lucky to get one of the last DMMCheck Plus references 5 weeks ago.The value for the 5V DC is 5.0000 according to the cal sheet:Just hooked it up and... Bang on i would sayDoes anyone know from when to when these multimeters were produced ?I dont know when this one was produced... i will open it up the next days and hope to find some date codes.Cheers,Olaf

author: carl_lab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2017, 10:36:20 pm
content: Sehr schönes Gerät!Where did you buy it?

author: bitwelder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 06:36:20 am
content: Calibration date: 2-5-2017. Does it comes from the States or from the future?

author: Gertjan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 07:04:44 am
content: American date code: five February 2017Nice meter!regards, Gertjan.

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 07:28:56 am
content: Quote from: bitwelder on March 15, 2017, 06:36:20 amYep, 5th of FebruaryBut from the future would be cool

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 07:30:22 am
content: Removed

author: carl_lab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 12:48:25 pm
content: Quote from: kultakala on March 15, 2017, 07:28:56 amWait until 2nd may and coolness has gone...

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 01:40:15 pm
content: Sehr schon!Best accuracy is 0.004%+8 (2V range 1year).https://archive.org/details/solartron_Solartron_SI7063

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 03:06:50 pm
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on March 15, 2017, 01:40:15 pmYep, thats the brochure i mentioned which is available in the net.It says "Solartron Instruments" but there is no logo or the word Solartron anywhere on my device, only Schlumberger.Probably means its one of the later build ones ?

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 04:51:39 pm
content: Solartron was acquired by Schlumberger in 1961.There was a reorganization in 1977, when the UK company used only Schlumberger as their branding, until 1993, when Solartron was sold again.Perhaps your meter dates from that period, but I can't say for sure.

author: mimmus78
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 15, 2017, 07:49:47 pm
content: Wow that a nice one!!!Unfortunately the 8.5 digits is not so nice.

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2017, 10:35:26 am
content: Quote from: mimmus78 on March 15, 2017, 07:49:47 pmYou mean the 7081 ?I would like to have one and it looks also quite goodThe style of the keys is different and it has no 4mm jacks, but...

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2017, 10:42:42 am
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on March 15, 2017, 04:51:39 pm1961, this early ? Okay...I just looked into the user manual of the 7081.Its from 1993 and is issued by Solartron Instruments Ltd.And it states:"Solartron Instruments Ltd is a division of the Solartron Group Ltd. Any reference to Schlumberger or Schlumberger Instruments (the name of the company until November 1993) implies no liability on the part of Schlumberger."All pictures of a 7081 show a Solartron/Schlumberger Logo in the upper left of the front. So they were produced after 11.1993 ?And my 7063 shows only Schlumberger so it was produced before 11.1993 ?Or vice versa ?I am confused

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2017, 11:41:36 am
content: Quote from: mimmus78 on March 15, 2017, 07:49:47 pmIn what way?

author: mimmus78
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 16, 2017, 11:45:10 am
content: Quote from: tggzzz on March 16, 2017, 11:41:36 amI don't know. I just like it. It resembles the new black Keysight equipment, bit this is more coloured. Than this blue VFD ... it's just aesthetics.Inviato dal mio Nexus 6P utilizzando Tapatalk

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2017, 11:54:13 am
content: Quote from: mimmus78 on March 16, 2017, 11:45:10 amPhew! I thought you had aseriousreason to dislike the 7081.But I do realise that an Italian may have a differing view of the importance of aesthetics

author: mimmus78
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 16, 2017, 12:04:33 pm
content: Quote from: tggzzz on March 16, 2017, 11:54:13 amYou don't show your equipment to friends?

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2017, 12:21:38 pm
content: Some are labelled as Solartron Analytical (from 1994):Yours should be from the period 1977 to 1993, although it looks like it was made yesterday.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2017, 12:43:18 pm
content: Quote from: mimmus78 on March 16, 2017, 12:04:33 pmI have two types of friend:techies, who don't care what colour it is so long as there are a large number of zeros or nines displayednon-techies, who are more likely to be impressed by things like "steampunk" horned resistorsBut yes, the 7063 probably is a little prettier.

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2017, 01:44:12 pm
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on March 16, 2017, 12:21:38 pmI plan to have a look inside on the weekend, maybe the date codes on some components will tell me more.And you are right, looks almost like newExcept some minor scratches around the "Cal" opening.

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2017, 02:28:25 pm
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on March 16, 2017, 12:21:38 pmAin't that the truth! Really good looking bit of kit - enjoy.

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2017, 08:24:39 am
content: Okay... i tore it down yesterday... and found date codes between 18th week 1987 and 22nd week 1992.So probably it was built in the second half of 1992, 25 years old.And from the inside it also looks really good.Unfortunately there is a problem uploading pictures to photobucket so i will post them directly here soon.I am not very well versed in electronics, in general i am only a userSo i am not able to analyze the circuits or something.Please correct me if i am wrong!There are 2 large Boards inside the 7063, one with the digital section (?) and power supply in the bottom and one with the analogue and A/D section on the upper side (mounted upside down).Then there is the display board in the front and a smaller board onto the upper A/D board.The big blue cap on the power input is not readable on the photo, its a BHC 10.000 ?F 16V, made in UK.On the digital board i could identify a Hitachi 8 bit processor HD63B03XF running at 2 MHz plus two Atmel AT28C16 16k EEPROMs.GPI Adapter is a Motorola MC68488 plus MC3447P Transceivers.On the D/A board is another 8 bit Hitachi proc HD63A03RP running at 1,5 MHz (according to datasheet) and a CD1552RI A/D converter.And... a lot of other stuffAll signals go directly through the cables to the upper board, there are also some relays but i have no idea what is doing what... and where the voltage reference is !?Would be great if someone who knows all that stuff could add something.Regards,OlafAt first, the backside, forgot that one in the beginning, and opened up...

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2017, 08:29:05 am
content: Lower board and GPIA

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2017, 08:30:28 am
content: Cap and display board

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2017, 08:33:41 am
content: Upper board and detail

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2017, 08:35:12 am
content: Details on upper board, what are these red square parts ?

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2017, 08:36:40 am
content: That is under the small add-on board...And what is that Cerberus SC 1700 ?

author: alm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2017, 08:48:27 am
content: The red square parts are Coto relays, likely used for switching between ranges and functions. The SC1700 is a sparkgap, to protect against high voltages on the input.

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2017, 10:34:23 am
content: Quote from: alm on March 17, 2017, 08:48:27 amI thought so, but was not sure, thanks!

author: mimmus78
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 17, 2017, 02:00:35 pm
content: We all are missing the voltage reference there :-)Inviato dal mio Nexus 6P utilizzando Tapatalk

author: mimmus78
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 17, 2017, 02:03:32 pm
content: Maybe d301 near the op77?Inviato dal mio Nexus 6P utilizzando Tapatalk

author: Micke
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2017, 02:23:13 pm
content: I agree!D301 looks to be a 1N829 (selected for low noise, and thermally cycled to find just the correct current to get close to zero TC) which is commonly used here and there... (for example in most EDC Voltage calibrators)Nice gold plated Vishay hermetic DIL resistor networks!

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2017, 12:12:21 pm
content: Quote from: Micke on March 17, 2017, 02:23:13 pmYou`re rightWhat function can this 6cm long 990k resistor under the "high voltage" sheet have ?And nice strain reliefNever saw that before...

author: ManateeMafia
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2017, 12:48:52 pm
content: That looks like the Schaffner power input module that may be prone to sudden failure. I replaced the ones in my Solartron 7081. They are easy to change so I would consider it as a first mod. There are many posts about what happens when they fail.

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2017, 12:58:44 pm
content: The upper board on the input side looks like the AC part. So the 990 K resistors would be the upper part of the input divider (990K and 10 K).

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2017, 02:24:25 pm
content: Quote from: ManateeMafia on March 18, 2017, 12:48:52 pmYou wouldn't have a part number or URL, would you? I ought to replace the one inmy7081.Thanks

author: ManateeMafia
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2017, 02:43:09 pm
content: The part number I used is FN372-2-22DigiKey has them but they are not cheap. DK# 817-1167-ND ~$30US.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2017, 06:29:36 pm
content: Thanks for a fast response; that saved me a lot of time. You are right about the price; that's 1/3 the price of the meter itselfI was going to order it from RS, but they are on backorder so I've made my first Digikey order and will see how it pans out.

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2017, 08:47:00 am
content: Quote from: ManateeMafia on March 18, 2017, 12:48:52 pmThanks for the hint!I will check that...

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 02:06:02 pm
content: I dismounted my power entry module and i need a FN372-2-21, because of the different fuses (European version).Digikey and RS both have them... i ordered through RS because the shipment cost is clearly lower.And mine was made in switzerland so its probaly a risky one.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 03:39:17 pm
content: About 10 minutes ago I finished fitting a new FN372-2-22 for my 7081. Since RS didn't have any in stock, I got one from Digikey.I had to transfer the fuseholders from the old filter to the new one, since the new fuseholders required 30mm fuses and I wanted to reuse the old 20mm fuses.

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 04:56:53 pm
content: Quote from: tggzzz on March 22, 2017, 03:39:17 pmAnd it works fine ? GoodI am really impressed by RS. I ordered mine yesterday at 8 pm and today at noon it was here!The old one has an additional 1 MOhm resistor soldered to the filter (?).Should i put it onto the new one ?

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 05:26:19 pm
content: Quote from: kultakala on March 22, 2017, 04:56:53 pmOn 240V at least!QuoteRS is pretty good, but they seem to have more "awaiting stock" items than before. It is a toss-up whether I get things delivered to my home or to their trade counter 4 miles away.Farnell is pretty good too, but they have a minimum order value or you pay postage. CPC has a limited range, but can be significantly cheaper than Farnell.I placed the Digikey order on Sunday, and it arrived early Wednesday from the US mid-west. That kind of thing still stuns me.QuoteI got lazy: I couldn't be bothered to find a new one with appropriate ratings and characteristics. I wasn't going to replace an old carbon film resistor. If there's a better reason than bleeding the charge off the filter capacitors, I'll replace it.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 06:44:42 pm
content: That is the only reason the resistor is there for, but I would replace it with something high voltage rated, or put 3 330k 0.25W resistors in series instead and heatshrink them.

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 10:30:16 pm
content: So, i could take the old one.. or get a new 1W metal oxide one ?Its not worth to order just one resistor, dont have any here.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 10:53:12 pm
content: Quote from: kultakala on March 22, 2017, 10:30:16 pmI don't know the state of the old one, so I can't answer that.As for a new one, read the fine data sheet. Don't forget to allow for transients on the mains, so derate generously..

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 11:17:47 pm
content: Quote from: kultakala on March 14, 2017, 10:30:23 pmI just have to say, that is one magnificent looking DMM!

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 07:55:20 am
content: Quote from: tggzzz on March 22, 2017, 10:53:12 pmOf course you cantI will stick to the old one... looks good and still has 1 MOhm, so...

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 07:59:30 am
content: Quote from: xrunner on March 22, 2017, 11:17:47 pmThanks, it really is

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 08:38:13 am
content: Put that old one back in if it hasn't any visible signs of damage. And don't replace it with metal film type, it is carbon type for a reason. Carbon types are noisy, but extremely robust for it's size, and perfect for the this one. If you want to replace it you have to find one specced for high voltage. Don't repair what is not broken. Advice to check and replace old tantalum and alu electrolytics is because they go boom or leak , so sort of preventive maintenance... Resistors need to changed only if damaged..

author: alm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 02:08:51 pm
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on March 23, 2017, 08:38:13 amCarbon composition or carbon film? Carbon composition sure, but I do not see an issue replacing carbon film with metal film. But I would not place a 300 V-rated film resistor across the mains either.Quote from: 2N3055 on January 18, 1970, 05:57:38 amAgreed. Or unsafe. For example, I have replaced regular film caps across the mains with proper X2 rated ones in some old equipment.Quote from: 2N3055 on January 18, 1970, 05:57:38 amOr old carbon comp resistors that went up in value due to moisture absorption. Not that that is likely to matter in this case.

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 03:02:37 pm
content: The old resistor still has 1 MOhm, so i used it and built in the filter... everything works fine

author: PointyOintment
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 09:43:01 am
content: You should measure it with the multimeter it came out of to be sure

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 01:05:00 pm
content: Quote from: PointyOintment on March 24, 2017, 09:43:01 amGood Idea, i could buy a second one and measure it with this one

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 03:41:23 pm
content: Good luck with that! They seem to be as rare as hen's teeth.

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 06:39:04 pm
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on March 24, 2017, 03:41:23 pmThanks, i will guard it jealously !Still looking for a user manual but was not lucky yet.There are some functions like min/max values which i didnt figure out yet how it works.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 07:49:33 pm
content: Have you tried, like on the 7061:PROGsMaxMinENTEROUTPUT=MIN or OUTPUT=MAXENTER?

author: kultakala
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 10:47:40 pm
content: I thought the 7063 would be able to show the min and max value alternatingly...Seems that you have to set the function for the prog key with:Menu -> Prog -> Modify -> MaxMin -> Max|Min|Input|PPThen you can get the value for the selected function by pressing the Prog key.Either the Min or the Max value, for switching between them you have to change the function in the menu.So, thats not practically usable but no problem...What the Input and PP setting is for ? No idea

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2017, 04:32:05 am
content: pp is peak to peak or Max-Min in this case.Input reverts back to normal display of measurement.It is a bit clunky.

author: Cerebus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2017, 05:01:50 am
content: Quote from: ManateeMafia on March 18, 2017, 12:48:52 pmIt's about 9 months since I last had one blow up on me and I can still occasionally taste smouldering Rifa capacitor at the back of my throat. Yuck!

author: The String Plucker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 04, 2019, 12:46:27 am
content: Hello.I was interested see you managed to "scoop" a Solartron (Schlumberger) SI 7063. This was going to be (in its day circa 1993) a good systems voltmeter BUT unfortunately there was a small but SERIOUS bug in the analogue to digital interface ASIC that could (under certain/rare combinatorial circumstances) cause the decimal points in the VFD (vacuum fluorescent display) to be incorrectly asserted. This meant that (possibly) the meter might display (for example) 10.000V but could potentially (sorry no pun intended) and actually be 1000.0V! The chances of the circumstances was small, BUT enough for Solartron (in Farnborough UK) to recall ALL of these instruments and consign them to a land fill after destruction. It seemed such a waste of time effort and money, but to fix the ASIC (it may have been an NEC part I can't remember for sure) was just not economical to spin the part again. Please please be aware of this, I don't know how you managed to get one, they should have all been destroyed. That was the last DMM that Solartron designed and manufactured in the UK, sad times indeed.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2019, 01:16:39 am
content: Quote from: The String Plucker on August 04, 2019, 12:46:27 amJust that story makes you want one!

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2019, 01:48:15 am
content: It would be interesting to try to repro the bug.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2019, 02:14:39 am
content: Nice score you have OP ressemble to an 7050 or 7051 model in some ways ??Love the black look on this one, not the new Keysight black look ...