5.2 Preparing the instrument with changes to density or/and thickness parameters
Follow these steps:
•set the upper knob to MATERIAL SELECTION
•when the WOOD diode is lit set the upper control knob to DENSITY and then set the required density
using the lower control knob,
•set the upper control knob to THICKNESS and set the required thickness with the lower control knob,
•set the upper control knob to SETTINGS CHECK. The LCD will display the density and thickness
alternately,
•hold the instrument in the air (fig. 1) and set the upper control knob to MEASURE. The device will
calibrate automatically (the display shows - - -). The end of calibration is indicated by the number 4.0
(the lower range limit) displayed on the LCD. The device is ready for measurements.
A table with the density values for the most popular wood types is on the back of the moisture meter.
5.3 Measurements
The measurements should be conducted in at least several places. These places should be as flat, smooth and
clean as possible. The actual result of the measurements is the arithmetic average of all the measurements. A
line drawn between the electrodes should be perpendicular to the fibres. If the timber is too thin, place the
electrodes parallel to the fibres.
Hold the device as shown on fig 2. Press the electrodes hard against the wood. Read the result. There should
not be any metal elements, wet wood or concrete etc under the timber. It’s best if the timber is supported only
by it’s ends or placed on a layer of Styrofoam several centimeters thick.
The instrument is equipped with an automatic power off which activates 5 minutes after the last change in upper
control knob setting. Moisture meter can also be switched off instantly by setting the upper control knob to OFF.
Fig. 2
5.4 Remarks
The size of the timber should not be less than 80 x 40 mm. Measuring moisture contents of smaller pieces leads
to results lower than the real moisture contents.
The electrodes are made of special silicon bronze and during normal operation should not get deformed. If due
to excess force or accidental fall the electrodes get deformed, they should be bend to their original shape.
Deformed or misplaced electrodes are the source of errors and in extreme cases can prevent proper calibration
of the device.
Avoid measurements when the timber or the operator of the device is loaded with high electrostatic charges.
Such charges (sparks) make measurements difficult and can damage the instrument.
