Delmhorst F-2000/H User manual

Delmhorst Instrument Co.

Model F-2000/H (Hay and Hops)

Owners Manual – v3.6 (reissued July 2015)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 F-2000 Features
2 Before You Begin
2 Button Functions
3 Check Calibration

3 Set Scale

3 Change The Set Point
3 To Check The Accumulated Readings
4 To Reset The Meter
4 Taking A Reading
4 Testing Baled Hay
5 Testing in the Windrow
6 Factors Affecting Your Reading
7 Range Of Moisture Content
7 Hay Temperature
7 Curing
8 Density
8 Use Of Preservatives
8 Sample Size

9 Testing for hops

10 Care Of Your Meter
11 Service For Your Meter
12 Warranty

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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): Reads the percent moisture content value %MC.

Calibration
Check (#2) Checks the meter calibration. Displays the average of up

to 100 accumulated readings; displays the highest

stored reading; erases the readings

Scale Button (#3): Displays the meter scale (hay or hops) and acts as a

toggle switch to change between two scales. Also acts as
an arrow button when pressed after the set-point button
to decrease the set point to a lower value.

Set-Point (#4): Displays the current set-point. Also acts as an arrow

(scroll) button to increase the set-point value in 1%
increments.

When the battery is replaced, the meter displays its software
version for one second and then turns itself off. After replacing the

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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.
Continued use with a low battery may cause the meter to go out of calibration. If you
have a fresh battery and the instrument still does not indicate an acceptable
calibration, return it to ITM INSTRUMENTS for service. See “Service for Your Meter”
section.

SET THE SCALE

 To change the scale, press the scale button (3) to display the current scale.

Scale #1 is used to test hay; scale # 2 is used to test hops.

 Hold the scale button (3) to toggle between the scales.
 Release the scale button (3) to stop at the desired scale.
 After the scale is changed, the meter will clear any stored readings and restore

the set point to its default view.

CHANGE THE SET-POINT

 To change the set-point value, press the set-point button (#4). The meter

will display the current set-point value.

 To scroll forward to a higher value, hold the set-point button (#4) while the

current value is displayed and scroll to the set-point value desired.

 To scroll backward through the set-point values, press and release the set-point

button (# 4). Within one second press and hold the set point decrease button
(#3).

 Continue to hold the set point decrease button (#3) and the set-point will

decrease.

 When scrolling in either direction, release the button to stop at your desired

set-point.

If the meter reads a %MC higher than that of the set-point, a buzzer will sound.

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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.

 To view the readings press and release the calibration check button (#2). First

the meter displays the number of accumulated readings for one second, then the
average of those readings for two seconds. Then it displays the highest stored
reading for two seconds. The total "cycle" time is five seconds.

 To erase all the accumulated readings, hold the calibration check button (#2)

for more than five seconds until the meter displays “0.”

 To keep the accumulated readings in memory, release the calibration check

button (#2) before the total cycle time is complete.

The meter will accumulate up to 100 readings. After all 100 readings are stored, it
will not add new readings until the memory has been cleared. It will also continue to
display the average of all 100 readings as a reminder that the memory is full.

Readings below 8% will be displayed as “0”. Those above 40% will be displayed
as “99.9.” Neither will be added to the accumulated readings or used in
calculation of average or highest reading.

TO RESET THE METER

 Press and release the calibration check button (#2).

 Within one second, press and hold the scale button (#3).

 The meter will reset itself and display “119.” This indicates that the meter has

been reset to scale #1 (hay) and default set-point 19%. It will also clear all of the
readings stored in memory.

If you are testing hops, you must change the scale back to #2 after resetting the
meter.

TAKING A READING

TESTING BALED HAY – set meter to scale no 1

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 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. Readings should be taken in several different parts of the bale and the
highest readings used as a guideline. The arrangement and compaction of hay
fibers in a bale may have an effect on meter readings.

 If you are testing high density bales, we recommend using the H-3 handle with

the 830-2 10” prod, 830-3 18” prod, or the 830-4 36” prod. Using the handle/prod
combination eliminates excess stress on the instrument case that may occur
when trying to insert the prod into a high density or large bale.

 When using the 36” prod, be sure to guide the prod into the bale with one hand

while pushing on the H-3 handle.

TESTING IN THE WINDROW

When testing in the windrow, push down on the pressure button until the palm of
your hand touches the screw that holds the button in place. The pressure button
depresses a calibrated spring inside the handle. When the screw touches the palm
of your hand, the pressure applied on the sample is 27 – 30 lbs., which closely
simulates the pressure in a standard bale of hay.

There are three ways to test moisture content in the windrow:

Test A:

 Attach the #831 short pin prod to the H-3 handle and connect the handle to the

external connector on top of the meter.

 Prepare a representative sample by collecting hay from various parts of the

windrow.

 Place hay in a non-conductive container (such as a 5 to 10 gallon plastic pail)

and apply the short pin prod to the hay.

 Press down on the electrode until the head of the screw which holds the

pressure button, touches the palm of your hand.

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 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. This will make the moisture
distribution in the sample more uniform

Test B:

 Attach the #831 short pin prod to the H-3 handle and connect the handle to the

external connector on top of the meter.

 Apply the prod to the hay in the windrow and press down on the electrode

handle until the head of the screw touches the palm of your hand.

 Press the read button #1 and take a reading.

 Make several tests on the hay exposed to the sun, then turn the windrow over

and make an equal number of tests on the hay that had been closer to the
ground. Use the highest readings.

NOTES

 Make sure that the points of the electrode are not touching the ground. The

electrode points should make contact with the hay only.

Test C:

 Select up to five large, slower-drying stems from a section of the windrow.

 Place them one at a time across two adjacent points on the #831 short pin prod.

 The average of these stem readings should be about two to five points higher

than the actual moisture content.

NOTES

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 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.
Meter readings are very useful guidelines for safe storability of hay.

Meter readings become more significant when they are considered in the light of the
density of the bales, anticipated handling and storage, and prevailing climate
conditions.

RANGE OF MOISTURE CONTENT

The F-2000 is designed to test moisture in hay over a range of 8%-40%. Readings
over 30% should be used only as a qualitative indication of high moisture content.
Delmhorst moisture meters use the relationship existing between electrical
conductivity and moisture content in hay. As moisture content increases, so does
the conductivity.

Tests on hay at high moisture content, over 25%, are less accurate. This is mostly
due to the variability in moisture distribution. The reduced level of accuracy in the
high range does not significantly affect the usefulness of the meter, as a few high
readings indicate that some action be taken to dry the hay to avoid spoilage or even
self-combustion.

While it is important to note the average of several readings, it is even more
important to note the high readings and the frequency at which they occur.

HAY TEMPERATURE

The F-2000 has been calibrated at 80°F on various samples of different types of hay,
mostly alfalfa, and on different cuttings and mixtures. The higher the temperature of
the sample, the higher the meter readings will be. Temperatures lower than 80°F
cause lower meter readings. The correction is approximately 1% point for every 20°
F difference. Refer to chart below:

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Hay temperature

Add to reading

Subtract from reading
20°F/-7°C

3

--

40°F/ 5°C

2

--

60°F/15°C

1

--

80°F/30°C

0

0

100°F/40°C

-- 1 120°F/50°C

--

2

140°F/60°C

--

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. The

higher the moisture range, the wider are the variations. The more curing has
been allowed to take place, the greater uniformity in moisture distribution can
be expected.

The validity of the meter readings is closely related to the care spent in sampling the
hay to be tested. Whether hay in the windrow or baled hay is tested, the number of
tests made should be increased whenever the initial readings show considerable
variations.

DENSITY

The calibration of the moisture testers applies to bales of normal “average” density.
Generally:

 Denser bales may yield readings 1-2% points higher.
 Looser bales tend to yield 1-2% point lower.
 Tests in stacks usually yield readings 2%-3% lower.
 Tests on grass hay may yield readings about 3% lower.

Baling should be done according to the lower meter reading.

When testing baled hay, drive the prod across the slices of the bale, not between
them. This will ensure firmer and more uniform contact.

When using the short pin prod, uniformity of pressure from one sample to the other
is achieved by applying pressure to the “pressure button” at the end of the H-3
handle as described on page 5.

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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.

Occasional higher readings may occur if, in addition to the effect of the increased
conductivity due to the stabilizer, the bales tested also show an increase in
temperature and “sweating.” As the stabilizer becomes more thoroughly absorbed
and the sweating subsides, the meter readings recede to the initial level and will
continue to decrease, assuming that the bale becomes progressively dryer.

SAMPLE SIZE

When testing baled hay, it is essential to take readings at several different points in
the bale. Hay moisture may vary a great deal in the same bale. For example, at one
point bale moisture may be 20% and at another over 35%.

More tests must be made whenever the variations among readings are greater. If
there is a possibility of high moisture areas, samples from these locations should be
taken. Areas of high moisture content will spoil, resulting in loss.

It is extremely important to note the high readings and the frequency at which they
occur.

Testing Hops – set meter to scale no 2

The F-2000 enables you to easily check moisture levels in baled hops to assure
quality and safe storage.

When measuring moisture content, keep in mind the average moisture content is not
necessarily a true indication of the safety for storage, as a few wet spots in the hops
can cause considerable damage.

The meter indicates the moisture level in the hops that is in contact with the
uninsulated tip of the prod. Therefore, it is very important to make a number of tests
in all parts of a bale for proper testing. Since moisture distribution usually varies in
baled hops, an average of several tests will give greater validity to the data collected.

Also, temperature of hops affects the reading of the moisture meter. As the
temperature of the hops increases, the moisture meter reading will also increase. If
possible, test bales with a temperature as close to a nominal 80°F as possible.

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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.

 Remove the battery if the meter will not be used for one month or longer.

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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 󵺡
for repair.

WARRANTY

Delmhorst Instrument Co., referred to hereafter as Delmhorst, guarantees its F-2000
meter for three years from date of purchase and any optional electrodes against
defects in material or workmanship for 90 days. If, within the warranty period of the
F-2000, you find any defect in material or workmanship return the meter following the
instructions in the “Service for Your Meter” section. This limited warranty does not
cover abuse, alteration, misuse, damage during shipment, improper service,
unauthorized or unreasonable use of the meter or electrodes. This warranty does
not cover batteries, pin assemblies, or pins. If the meter or any optional electrodes
have been tampered with, the warranty shall be void. At our option we may replace
or repair the meter.

Delmhorst shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages for the breach
of any express or implied warranty with respect to this product or its calibration. With
proper care and maintenance the meter should stay in calibration; follow the
instructions in the “Care of Your Meter” section.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL DELMHORST BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY
TYPE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOST PROFITS OR
DOWNTIME ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED IN ANY RESPECT TO ITS METERS
OR ELECTRODES AND NO OTHER WARRANTY, WRITTEN, ORAL OR IMPLIED
APPLIES. DELMHORST SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY BREACH OF
WARRANTY OR DEFECT IN THIS PRODUCT THAT EXCEEDS THE AMOUNT OF
PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT.

The express warranty set forth above constitutes the entire warranty with respect to
Delmhorst meters and electrodes and no other warranty, written, oral, or implied
applies. This warranty is personal to the customer purchasing the product and is not
transferable.

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