[volt-nuts] Solartron 7081

[J. L. Trantham]

An update on my 'new' (formerly Stan's 'old') 7081.

It arrived in good condition and seems to work OK.  Just beginning to get
familiar with it this weekend.  The 'knobology' is certainly completely
different from any other DMM I have ever used.  I finally figured out how to
make a measurement.  I guess I am not familiar with the 'high-end' meters.

The connectors for the test leads are, indeed, the correct connectors.  I
plan on ordering a couple more along with a spare panel receptacle in case I
encounter any 'contact' issues.  Also, the 'AUXILIARY SOCKET' is not
installed on this meter and I will order that and a connector as well.  Does
anyone know what purpose it serves?  I looked at the schematics in the
manual and it shows how it is connected.  Does anyone have a picture of the
connection to the PCB?  Do two of the wires use connectors that slide over
pins at 'TL1' and 'TL2'?  The other two wires connect to the 'RATIO
REFERENCE INPUT' and 'REAR INPUT' connectors.

The CAL key Jerry sent me works!  Interestingly, in the 'NORMAL' position,
the switch is 'closed' and in the 'CAL' position, the switch is 'open'.  So,
minus a key, just unplug the connector for the cable from the switch to the
circuit board and you are now in 'CAL' mode.

I have made up one test lead, the 'two terminal input lead' using 10KV
Pomona silicone rubber test lead wire, connecting the red wire to pins 4 and
5 and the black wire to pins 1, 2, and 3 at the connector.  I am not
entirely sure that is how it should have been done but it seems to work.
Now waiting on some cable banana plugs to mate with the probes.  Forgot to
order those with the probes.  Next will come the Kelvin leads and the 3 wire
lead.

Also need to come up with a solution for the RS232 terminal program issue so
I can communicate with it and 'DUMP' the CAL Constants.  I am very weak on
the computer issues so that promises to be a learning experience as well.

Then to figure out how accurate it is.  Any 'volt-nuts' in the Panama City,
FL, area?  Would love to compare readings with an HP 3458A or participate in
any 'traveling standard' that might come to pass.

Thanks for all the help.

Joe