Model MO280 - Pin-Free Moisture Meter User Guide Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech MO280 Moisture Meter. This device non-invasively measures and displays moisture content (%) in wood, building products, and other materials. The MO280 can also detect moisture behind ceramic tiles or behind and under various floor or wall coverings, on fabric/cloth and on paper products. This professional meter, with proper care, will provide years of safe reliable service. Theory of Operation The square sensor on the rear of the instrument sends and receives a low power electromagnetic signal through the material under test. The LCD shows the average moisture content (in %) of the material under test to a max. depth of ¾” (20mm). Moisture that is closer to the surface of the material under test has a greater effect on the average than moisture deeper in the material. The MO280 is an auto-calibration device; no user calibration is needed. WARRANTY How to use the MO280 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. EXTECH INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION warrants this instrument to be free of defects in parts and workmanship for one year from date of shipment (a six month limited warranty applies to sensors and cables). If it should become necessary to return the instrument for service during or beyond the warranty period, contact the Customer Service Department at (781) 890-7440 ext. 210 for authorization or visit our website www.extech.com for contact information. A Return Authorization (RA) number must be issued before any product is returned to Extech. The sender is responsible for shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to prevent damage in transit. This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from action of the user such as misuse, improper wiring, operation outside of specification, improper maintenance or repair, or unauthorized modification. Extech specifically disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for a specific purpose and will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages. Extech's total liability is limited to repair or replacement of the product. The warranty set forth above is inclusive and no other warranty, whether written or oral, is expressed or implied. Slide the rear power switch to the ON position IMPORTANT: Hold the meter up so that the rear sensor is not covered by your hand or any surface or object. If the meter emits chirping tones, the sensor is entirely or partially covered Momentarily press the MEASURE button to activate the sensor (the LCD display will switch on) Press and hold the UP or DOWN button to select a material group 0 to 9 (see table below). When the desired group is displayed, release the button. The meter will briefly chirp Firmly press the meter to a smooth flat surface with the sensor side of the meter (back) touching the material under test and wait for the display to stabilize; Note the value on the LCD. The meter’s audible tones will sound as the reading changes. A blinking reading with an urgent chirping sound indicates that the measurement is out of the range of the instrument’s capability. Try another range by selecting another material group (see material group & range tables below) Press and hold the HOLD button to freeze a displayed reading If the meter goes into sleep mode, press the MEASURE button to wake it up. If the meter does not wake or if the low battery icon appears on the LCD, replace the 9V battery located in the rear battery compartment Turn the rear power switch to OFF when meter is not in use. This will optimize the battery life Measurement Considerations The thickness of the sample under test must be at least 3/4” (20mm). If the sample is thinner, use a stack of samples to measure. Also, the measurement area of the sample should be larger than the MO280 sensor area which is 1.6 x 1.6” (40 x 40mm). Technical information Wood and Other Material Group Numbers No. 4 5 6 5 4 5 4 4 6 6 4 3 5 4 3 4 7 5 5 5 4 7 5 5 3 5 4 6 Name Abachi Abura Afrormosia Agba Alder Ash Aspen Basswood Beech Birch Cedar, Eastern Cedar, Western Cherry Chestnut Cottonwood Cypress Dogwood Douglas Fir Elm Gum, Red Hemlock Hickory Koa Lauan, White Lauan, Red Larch Limba Locust, Black No. 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 4 4 5 4 4 5 4 8 5 4 5 5 6 4 3 3 9 3 9 5 Name Mahogany Maple, Bigleaf Maple, Red Maple, Sugar Meranti Oak Red Oak, White Pecan Pine Eastern White Ponderosa Red Southern Yellow Poplar Ramin Redwood Rosewood Sassafras Spruce Sycamore Teak Walnut, Black Willow Cloth Cotton Dry wall Fabric Paper Plywood o o Measurement ranges at 73 F (23 C) Group No. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Range 23.4 to 79.9% 33.4 to 89.9% 43.4 to 99.9% 6.8 to 63.3% 6.7 to 63.2% 5.4 to 61.9% 3.4 to 59.9% 1.6 to 58.1% 0.4 to 56.9% 0.0 to 56.5% Description 2 4 3 1 5 General Specifications • Max. Measurement depth: ¾” (20mm) • • • Sensor area 1.6” x 1.6” (40 x 40mm) Battery type: 9V (rear compartment) Display: LCD with sleep mode • Operating conditions: 32ºF to 122ºF (0ºC to 50ºC) 0 to 60%RH (non-condensing) • Meter Dimensions: 2.75 (W) x 5.25 (H) x 1.0 (D)” (70 x 133 x 25.4mm) Weight: 5.6 oz (160g) with battery • 1. Moisture reading 2. Low battery icon 3. Material group number 0-9 4. Data Hold icon 5. Keypad Note: Sensor, battery compartment, and ON/OFF switch on reverse side of meter Support line (781) 890-7440 Tech Support: Ext. 200; E-mail: [email protected] Repair/Returns: Ext. 210; E-mail: [email protected] Copyright © 2007 Extech Instruments Corporation All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. MO280 V1.1 07/07