F-6 & F-6/6-30
owner’s manual
WHEN ACCURACY IS THE POINT.
®
TM
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 Features
3 Before You Begin
3 Check Calibration
3 Taking a Reading
3 Testing Baled Hay
4 Testing in the Windrow
5 Factors Affecting Your Reading
6 Range of Moisture Content
6 Hay Temperature
6Curing
7 Density
7 Use of Preservatives
8 Sample Size
8 Care of Your Meter
8 Service For Your Meter
9 Warranty
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#
FEATURES
h13%-40% MC range (F-6)
h6%-30% MC range (F-6/6-30)
hAnalog readout
hBuilt-in calibration check
hTemperature stable circuit
hErgonomic case design
hIncludes (1) 9-volt battery
hOne-year warranty
Analog Readout
Read Key
Calibration
Check Key
@
Connector
$
!
DELMHORST F-6 & F-6/6-30
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BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Key Functions
! READ KEY - Reads the Percent Moisture
Content value.
@ CALIBRATION CHECK KEY - Checks the
meter calibration.
CHECK CALIBRATION
hRemove the prod from the top of the meter.
hPress the calibration check key
@. Meter is in calibration
if the needle pointer moves to “20” on the scale. Any
reading within the green band on the dial is acceptable.
If you check the calibration and the display does not read
“20,” 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 DELMHORST
for service. See Service for Your Meter section.
TAKING A READING
Testing Baled Hay
hConnect the bale prod to the external connector on the top
of the meter.
hInsert the bale prod into the bale.
hPress the read key
! and read the moisture content on
the scale.
Notes
hThe hay bale 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.
hPartially 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.
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hIf you are testing high density bales, we recommend using
the H-4 handle with the 830-2 10” prod, 830-3 18” prod,
or the 830-4 36” prod. Using the handle/prod combination eliminates stress on the instrument case and the panel
meter that may occur when trying to insert the prod into a
high density or large bale.
hWhen using the 36” prod, be sure to guide the prod into
the bale with one hand while pushing on the H-4 handle.
Testing in the Windrow
There are three ways to test moisture content in the windrow:
Test A
hAttach the #831 short pin prod to the H-4 handle and
connect the handle to the connector on top of the meter.
hPrepare a representative sample by collecting hay from
various parts of the windrow.
hPlace hay in a non-conductive container (such as a 5 to 10
gallon plastic pail) and apply the short pin prod to the hay.
hPress down on the electrode to make firm contact with the
hay sample.
hPress the read key
! and take a reading.
hMix the sample once again and take at least two more
readings. Use the highest readings.
Notes
hRepeat 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.
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Test B
hAttach the #831 short pin prod to the H-4 handle and
connect the handle to the connector on top of the meter.
hPress down on the electrode to make firm contact with the
hay sample.
hPress the read key
! and take a reading.
hMake 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
hMake sure that the points of the electrode are not touching
the ground. The electrode points should make contact with
the hay only.
Test C
hSelect up to five large, slower-drying stems from a section
of the windrow.
hPlace them one at a time across two adjacent points on
the # 831 short pin prod.
hThe average of these stem readings should be about two to
five points higher than the actual moisture content.
Notes
hRepeat these steps in different parts of the field and pay
special attention to the areas where the hay is heaviest.
hThe 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 the 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.
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Range of Moisture Content
The F-6 is designed to test moisture in hay over a range of
6%-30% or 13-40%, depending on model. 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-6 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% for every 20° difference. Refer to chart below:
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 the variations. The more
curing has been allowed to take place, the greater uniformity
in moisture distribution can be expected.
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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:
hDenser bales may yield readings 1-2% higher.
hLooser bales tend to yield 1-2% lower.
hTests in stacks usually yield readings 2%-3% lower.
hTests 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.
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%,
and 24-48 hours after treatment, the readings between the
bales tend 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.
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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.
CARE OF YOUR METER
To keep your meter in good working order:
hStore your meter in a clean, dry place. The optional
protective carrying case is an ideal storage place when
the meter is not in use.
hChange the 9-Volt battery as needed. Continued use with a
low battery may cause the meter to go out of calibration.
hClean 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.
hRemove the battery if the meter will not be used for one
month or longer.
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, go to www.delmhorst.com and follow the instructions under the Product Support tab.
If you require further assistance please call 877-DELMHORST
(335-6467) or 973-334-2557.
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WARRANTY
Delmhorst Instrument Co., referred to hereafter as Delmhorst,
guarantees its F-6 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 F-6, 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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51 Indian Lane East
Towaco, NJ 07082
(877)-DELMHORST
www.delmhorst.com
info@delmhorst.com
©2000, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
510INS-0007 Rev. 1/13
WHEN ACCURACY IS THE POINT.
®
TM
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 applica-
tions including water damage
restoration, construction,flooring,
lumber/woodworking, paper, and
agriculture.
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