Delmhorst Instrument Co. Model F-2000/H (Hay and Hops) Owners Manual – v3.
FEATURES 8% to 40% moisture range for alfalfa hay 8% to 23% moisture range for hops Digital readout Built-in calibration check Temperature stable circuit Ergonomic case design Includes (1) 9-volt battery Three year warranty Over fifty years of proven quality, accuracy and service BEFORE YOU BEGIN BUTTON FUNCTIONS Read (#1): Calibration Check (#2) Reads the percent moisture content value %MC. Checks the meter calibration.
battery, you must reset the meter as described below in the “Resetting the Meter” section. CHECK CALIBRATION Remove the probe from the top of the meter. Press and hold the read button (#1) and check button (#2) simultaneously. Meter is in calibration if it displays “12” (± .2) on the scale, regardless of the scale setting. If you check the calibration and the display does not read “12,” it is likely an indication of a low battery. If this occurs, change the battery immediately.
TO CHECK THE ACCUMULATED READINGS This feature allows you to view the total number of all accumulated readings for the given product you have chosen, the average of those readings, and the highest stored reading. To add a reading to the sum of all previously stored readings, release the read button (#1) within 2 seconds. If you press and hold the read button #1, the meter will repeat its read cycle, but will not add a new reading to the storage until the button is released.
Connect the probe to the external connector on the top of the meter. Insert the probe into the bale. Press the read button (#1). The meter displays the %MC for two seconds. NOTES The hay prod is electrically insulated, except at the metal points near the tip. The moisture content measured represents the hay in contact with the tip of the prod only. Partially cured hay may have wide variations in moisture content throughout the bale.
Press the read button (#1) and take a reading. Mix the sample once again and take at least two more readings. Use the highest readings. NOTES Whenever pressure is being applied on the electrode, be sure that the points of the electrode are touching nothing but the hay. Repeat the steps above if considerable variations are found in the meter readings. To reduce these variations, chop the hay, mix it thoroughly and take several readings by following the procedures above.
Repeat these steps in different parts of the field and pay special attention to the areas where the hay is heaviest. The amount of variation found among windrow readings as well as the average stem moisture should be taken into consideration before the decision is made to start baling. FACTORS AFFECTING YOUR READINGS Because of the many variables that affect the electrical meter readings, the indicated moisture content should not be used as an absolute quantitative measurement.
Hay temperature 20°F/-7°C 40°F/ 5°C 60°F/15°C 80°F/30°C 100°F/40°C 120°F/50°C 140°F/60°C Add to reading Subtract from reading 3 2 1 0 ---- ---0 1 2 3 Example: Meter reading: 22% Temperature: 40°F/5°C Moisture Content: 24% (22 + 2) CURING Before proper curing has taken place, wide variations in moisture content should be expected in both recently baled hay and hay in the windrow. These variations will be exposed by meter readings taken on different parts of the windrow or bale.
USE OF PRESERVATIVES Hay preservative or stabilizers may also have an affect on meter readings. Normally a bale of hay treated with preservative will read higher than a bale of the same hay that had not been treated. The readings typically increase by 2-4% points, and 2448 hours after treatment, the readings between the bales tends to equalize.
CARE OF YOUR METER To keep you new moisture meter in good working order: Store your meter in a clean, dry place. The optional protective carrying case is an ideal storage place when the meter is not in use. Change battery as needed. Continued use with a low battery may cause the meter to go out of calibration. Clean the meter and probe with any biodegradable cleaner. Use the cleaner sparingly and on external parts only. DO NOT IMMERSE THE METER OR ANY PROD IN WATER.
SERVICE FOR YOUR METER If your meter is not working properly, replace the battery with a new one and check the calibration. If this does not resolve the problem please send your meter back to Delmhorst for repair. Go to www.delmhorst.com and click on Support and then download the Return Form. If you require further assistance please call 877-DELMHORST (3356467) or 973-334-2557. E-mail info@delmhorst.com WARRANTY Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Delmhorst Instrument Co. 51 Indian Lane East Towaco NJ 07082 877-335-6467 www.delmhorst.com info@delmhorst.com For more than 65 years Delmhorst Instrument has been the leading manufacturer of high quality, US-made moisture meters and thermo-hygrometers. Today we offer a wide range of meters for applications including water damage restoration, construction, flooring, lumber/woodworking, paper, and agriculture. ©2000, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
