MoistureCheck MOISTURE METER Owner’s Manual Version 2.2 For MoistureCheck Meters starting with Serial #12284 Delmhorst Instrument Co.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE GENERAL DESCRIPTION & FEATURES 4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 5 NAVIGATION 5 INSTALLING THE BATTERY 6 TO POWER THE METER ON 7 METER USE 7 BASIC & ENHANCED MODES 7 USING THE METER IN BASIC MODE 7 To Take Pin Readings in Basic Mode 7-8 To Set the Alarm in Basic Pin Mode 8-9 To Change the Temperature Correction 9 To Take Scan Readings in Basic Mode 9-10 To Set the Alarm in Basic Scan Mode 10 To Reset the Meter to Default Settings in Basic Mode 10 USING THE METER IN
TESTING CONCRETE 24 TESTING INSULATION 24-25 TESTING DRYWALL 25 CARE OF YOUR METER 26 SERVICE FOR YOUR METER 27 WARRANTY 28 SPECIES LIST 29 Copyright 2005, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION/FEATURES Thank you for your purchase of Delmhorst Instrument Co’s newly designed MoistureCheck handheld wood moisture meter. The MoistureCheck provides the user with a host of data acquisition capabilities, and offers the latest in features and functionality. Even with its wide range of functions, the MoistureCheck is intuitive and easy to operate. We recommend that you read the following pages in detail to take full advantage of all that the MoistureCheck has to offer.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS -User GuideThis guide provides step-by-step instructions on powering up, using and powering down the meter. NAVIGATION: The meter uses an on-screen, menu-driven approach to navigate through the meter features, allowing for an intuitive understanding of keypad functions. Each screen presents the user with a number of selectable options. One of the options is always selected and the user can move (navigate) the selection to any other available option.
INSTALLING THE BATTERY: The battery compartment is located on the underside of the case, at the bottom of the handle. 1. Open the battery compartment by sliding the lid back while pressing on the release indent. 2. Ensure correct polarity, and push the battery in flush with the bottom board until the connectors snap together on both sides. 3. Replace the battery compartment lid. IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT REMOVE THE BATTERY WITHOUT TURNING THE METER OFF FIRST.
TO POWER THE METER ON: To turn the meter on, press and hold the SELECT button for approx. 2 seconds. The first screen will temporarily display the meter name and the software revision level. Refer to this revision level whenever you call Customer Service. The next screen is the MAIN MENU. Use ï ð ñ and then press SELECT to activate the function.
3. Use the ò key to highlight the default material (Douglas Fir) if you wish to change it to a different material. Press the SELECT key to get into the SELECT MATERIAL sub menu. 4. Use the ñ ò keys to highlight the material you are testing. Press the SELECT key to choose that material. This will bring you back to the main %MC READ screen. 5. Use the ï ð keys to highlight the pin type selection. Press the SELECT key to toggle between 4-pin (non-insulated) pins and 2-pin (insulated) pins.
Default alarm settings in pin mode are as follows for different materials: All wood materials: Drywall: Concrete: 15% 1.0% 68 (on the 0-100 relative scale) Note: The default alarm setting in scan mode is 300. TO CHANGE THE TEMPERATURE CORRECTION: MoistureCheck defaults to a temperature of 70ºF. As wood temperature increases, its electrical resistance decreases and indicated moisture content rises. Lower wood temperatures result in lower indicated moisture content.
2. You may begin taking readings by firmly pressing the back of the meter onto the material. This will display a relative reading that ranges between 0 and 200. TO SET THE ALARM IN BASIC SCAN MODE: 1. If you wish to set the alarm to beep after a pre-selected relative value is reached, use the ñ ò keys from the SCAN screen to highlight the ALARM. Press the SELECT key to enter the alarm sub menu. 2. The default status of the alarm is “OFF.” Press the SELECT key to turn it on. 3.
USING THE METER IN ENHANCED MODE: To use MoistureCheck in enhanced mode, use the ñ ò keys to highlight #3: ENHANCED. Setting the meter to enhanced mode requires you to create job definitions and store readings as described below. NOTE: Although MoistureCheck’s default mode is BASIC, it will remember the mode last saved at power off, and will remain in the saved mode at next power up. Settings stored in each particular mode will not be affected by restoring defaults in a different mode.
If the job was previously defined and used, you will be asked if you want to “Append Data?” Use the ï ð keys to answer “YES” or “NO.” If YES is selected, the meter will retrieve the selected job’s settings (during this time a “PROCESSING…” message appears) and then switch back to the Pin Mode screen with the restored settings. If NO is selected, the meter returns to the Job sub menu. TO SET TEMPERATURE CORRECTION: MoistureCheck defaults to a temperature of 70ºF.
TO SET THE ALARM IN ENHANCED PIN MODE: 1. If you wish to set the alarm to beep after a pre-selected value is reached, use the ò key from the MC READ screen, highlight ALARM, and press the SELECT key to enter the ALARM sub menu. 2. The default status of the alarm is “OFF.” Press the SELECT key to turn it on. 4. After the alarm is turned on, use the ï lower alarm value. ð keys to scroll up or down to a higher or 5. After you have selected the alarm value, use the òkey to highlight DONE.
• When the meter is set to Triggered mode, a single reading is taken every time the SELECT button is pressed. Each reading is stored in memory. The last measurement remains displayed on the screen. • When the meter is set to Continuous mode, press SELECT key to initiate the reading cycle. The meter keeps taking MC readings in this mode. These readings are NOT stored until the SELECT key is pressed again. To exit continuous mode WITHOUT STORING the current reading, press any directional key (ñ ò and ï ð).
4. After the alarm is turned on, use the ï lower alarm value. ð keys to scroll up or down to a higher or 5. After you have selected the alarm value, use the òkey to highlight DONE. SELECT to get back to the SCAN screen. Press Default alarm setting for SCAN mode is 300. MAIN MENU OPTIONS: STORAGE: The Storage Menu groups all meter features related to measurement storage, retrieval and manipulation. All operations on stored readings may only be performed on a single job. 1.
o The first line indicates the Moisture Content (MC) job being analyzed. o The second line shows the number of readings stored in the specific job o The third line shows the Average MC value for all stored readings in the specific job. o The fourth line shows the Standard Deviation for the specific job. o The fifth line shows the Coefficient of Variation for the specific job. o Selecting “MORE” gives the user access to the second set of statistical data.
2. By using the ï ? ð keys you may select which job you wish to view. If there are readings in a job, the following screen will display: no If there are readings saved to a job, the following screen will display: After you have made your job selection, scroll to DONE and press the SELECT key. A complete record of information per reading will be displayed. You will be able to scroll through each reading, using the NEXT key. Scroll to “DONE” if you do not wish to see any more readings.
on the right side. Alternately, pressing the Left button causes the meter to subtract 10 from the current left-side value. o DONE: Selecting this option signals to the meter that the user has completed the reading recall setup process and is ready to begin reviewing readings.
receiving window of the Base Unit. Separation requirements between the meter and Base Unit are anywhere from 0 to 12 inches. Operation: 1. Begin by starting the Delmhorst Instrument Co. Universal Application Program (double click the application icon or choose the program from the Start Menu). 2. Once the MoistureCheck and base unit are lined up and the base unit is connected to a USB port (a green LED should be lit), select the IR LINK option in the Main Menu.
c. Sync: This message occurs when data framing is lost during data transmission. This would only happen if the wireless link becomes unreliable. Ensure the meter and base unit are aligned and restart the session. d. Data E: This message occurs when the content of a correctly framed data packet is invalid. Again, this is an unreliable wireless link problem. NOTE: Individual records cannot be downloaded to the PC.
o Set Power_Off time: This menu option allows the user to change the amount of time allowed to lapse between the last key press and meter shut-down. Allowable range is 1min – 9min, with a default value of 2min. o Set Backlight: This menu option allows the user to change the amount of time allowed to lapse between the last key press and backlight shutdown. The default setting for this feature is “NO”, where the backlight is completely disabled. Backlight shutdown delays are 10, 20, 30sec.
⇒ To take a reading, align the contact pins parallel to the grain and push them to their full penetration into the wood, if possible. Insulated pins read only at the tip and can be driven to the desired depth. ⇒ Press the SELECT button and read the moisture content on the meter scale. The meter displays the %MC for two seconds. ⇒ To add a reading to the previously stored readings, release the SELECT button if you are in triggered mode.
If you suspect a problem take a visual inspection. Look for gaps around windows, doors, air conditioning units, light fixtures, hose bibs, dryer vents and other areas of potential penetration. Also look for visible signs of water damage. If you feel a problem exists, use the Moisture Check with a # 21-E electrode. This electrode includes the #608 - (4") insulated pins or #608/001 (6”) Insulated pins in EIFS Package. Procedure: ⇒ Drill two 1/4" holes about ¾” apart at an upward 45° angle.
Taking a surface reading: Drive two hardened-steel masonry nails about 3/4" apart into the finish coat of concrete floor. Drive them about 1/8" deep so they make firm contact with the concrete and do not move when touched. Ø Touch the nails with the contact pins. Ø Press The select key and read the meter. If the meter reads less than “68”, the surface is dry. However, sub-surface tests should be made to verify if the slab is dry throughout.
⇒ Press the SELECT button and read the moisture content on the meter scale. The meter displays the %MC for two seconds. ⇒ To add a reading to the previously stored readings, release the SELECT button if you are in triggered mode. If you are in continuous mode, the meter will not store a new reading until the SELECT button is pressed and released again during the reading cycle. Note: Readings between 0.1% and 0.5% indicate a sufficiently dry moisture level. Readings between 0.
CARE OF YOUR METER Ø Store your meter in a clean, dry place. The protective carrying case provided is an ideal storage place when the meter is not in use. If the meter has been left in a hot or cold environment overnight or for an extended period, the calibration of the pinless mode may be adversely affected. Under these conditions, allow the meter to acclimate to the temperature conditions in which it will be used for minimum 1-2 hours, or as long as possible. Ø Change contact pins as needed.
SERVICE FOR YOUR METER Ø Before sending in your meter we recommend you give one of our trained technicians a call. Many times troubleshooting can be taken care of over the phone. Call us at 877DELMHORST. Ø Pack your meter securely. Enclose a purchase order or letter with a brief description of the problem. Ø There is no need to call us for a return authorization number if you are within the U.S. Customers outside the U.S. must contact us for more specific instructions prior to returning a meter.
WARRANTY Delmhorst Instrument Co., referred to hereafter as Delmhorst, guarantees the MoistureCheck meter for one year from date of purchase and any optional electrodes against defects in material or workmanship for 90 days. If, within the warranty period of the Model MoistureCheck , you find any defect in material or workmanship, return the meter following the instructions in the “Service for Your Meter” section.
SPECIES LIST: The following 71 species are programmed in the meter. The default species is Douglas Fir.
