QuickNav
MOISTURE METER
Owner’s Manual
Version 2.01
For Meters starting with Serial # 12545
Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Rev 4
May, 2014
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
GENERAL DESCRIPTION & FEATURES 3
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 4
INSTALLING THE BATTERY 4
LOW BATTERY 4
TO POWER THE METER ON 5
TO TAKE WOOD READINGS 5-6
TO TAKE DRYWALL READINGS 6
TO TAKE SCAN READINGS 7
TO TAKE TEMP/RH READINGS 7
TO SET THE ALARM IN WOOD, DRYWALL, SCAN MODE 8
MAIN MENU OPTIONS 8
TAKING A READING – PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 9
TESTING WOOD 9
PAINT FAILURE AND MOISTURE 9
EIFS 9-10
TESTING CONCRETE 10-11
TESTING INSULATION 11
TESTING DRYWALL 12
CARE OF YOUR METER 13
SERVICE FOR YOUR METER 14
WARRANTY 15
SPECIES CORRECTION TABLE 16-17
Copyright 2014, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Page 2 of 17
GENERAL DESCRIPTION & FEATURES
Thank you for your purchase of Delmhorst Instrument Co’s newly designed QuickNav handheld
moisture meter. The QuickNav offers the latest in features and functionality, and is intuitive and
easy to operate. We recommend that you read the following pages in detail to take full advantage
of all that the QuickNav has to offer.
Outstanding Features:
Pin mode
6%-60% MC range on wood (Douglas Fir)
0.1% - 6% MC range on gypsum/drywall scale
Scan Mode
0-300 numerical reference scale
Thermo-hygrometer
Conforms to ASTM F-2170 standard for concrete testing
Measures RH over the range of 0-100% (with accuracy of +/- 2% over 10%-90%)
Measures temperature over the range of -40°F-255°F with accuracy of +/- 1.8°F over -
4°F to 158F (range of -40°C - 124°C with accuracy of +/- 1°C over -20° to 70°C)
Calculates Dew Point over the range of -40°F - 176°F (-40°C - 80°C)
Calculates GPP (Grains Per Pound) when in Fahrenheit mode over the range of 0.1-3820
GPP
Calculates GPK (Grains Per Kilogram) when in Celsius mode over the range of 0.01-545
GPK
Calculates Vapor Pressure
Other Features:
Built in back-light makes it easy to read in low-light settings
Alarm lets you know when your pre-selected moisture threshold is reached
Hold readings on-screen to make even the most demanding inspection more
manageable
Auto shutoff timer saves battery life
Rugged construction ensures years of reliable use
Sturdy plastic carrying case
9-V Battery
1 year warranty
Copyright 2014, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Page 3 of 17
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
-User Guide-
NAVIGATION:
The meter uses an on-screen, menu-driven approach to navigate through the meter features,
allowing for an intuitive understanding of keypad functions. Each screen presents the user with a
number of selectable options. One of the options is always selected and the user can move
(navigate) the selection to any other available option. The keypad is aimed at providing
navigational control, and not at accessing specific features. There are four directional keys
aligned intuitively around a middle (fifth) key (see Figure 1): Above (UP), below (DOWN), to the
right (RIGHT) and to the left (LEFT). The middle key is used to SELECT the option highlighted on
the screen. For purposes of this owner’s manual, the five keys will be referred to as
and SELECT.
INSTALLING THE BATTERY:
The battery compartment is located on the underside of the case, at the bottom of the handle.
1. Open the battery compartment by sliding the lid back while pressing on the release indent.
2. Ensure correct polarity, and push the battery in flush with the bottom board until the
connectors snap together on both sides.
3. Replace the battery compartment lid.
LOW BATTERY:
The meter features a battery status monitor designed to warn the user as well as protect
measurement accuracy from impending battery failure conditions. The battery warning is
triggered by either continuous or temporary low voltage conditions. Visible (a battery icon on the
top right side of the display) and audible (buzzer warble) indicators will appear when these low
voltage conditions occur.
Once a permanent low battery condition is detected, all measurement functions are disabled. The
battery should be replaced immediately. If the battery reaches critically low levels, the meter will
refuse to stay on at power-up. This gradual warning system is intended to provide the user
advanced battery status notice and give ample time for replacement before operational limitations
occur.
NOTE: Current meter settings are not lost during battery replacement or low battery conditions.
Copyright 2014, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Page 4 of 17
TO POWER THE METER ON:
To turn the meter on, press and hold the SELECT button for approx. 2 seconds.
The first screen will temporarily display the meter name and the software revision level. Refer to
this revision level whenever you call Customer Service.
The next screen is the MAIN MENU. Use the keys to select the desired
function/mode and then press SELECT to activate the function.
Keypad Layout
METER USE
TO TAKE WOOD READINGS:
1. From the Main Menu, use the key to highlight WOOD. Then, use the SELECT key
to enter the WOOD screen.
2. The meter will display the WOOD screen, as shown below:
3. Push the contact pins into material to be tested. Any Delmhorst electrode may also be
used in WOOD mode by simply attaching it to the connector on top of the meter.
Copyright 2014, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Page 5 of 17
4. The unit will read %MC on a wood scale between 6% and 60%.
5. To hold a reading on-screen, press the HOLD (SELECT) KEY. Press the HOLD
(SELECT) KEY again to return to measuring mode.
6. Use the key to highlight EXIT. Then, use the SELECT key to return to the MAIN
MENU when finished.
NOTE: The QuickNav is calibrated to give %MC readings on Douglas Fir. If you are taking
readings on other species of wood, refer to the species correction table on page 16.
TO TAKE DRYWALL READINGS:
1. From the Main Menu, use the key to highlight DRYWALL. Then, use the SELECT
key to enter the pin mode.
2. The meter will display the DRYWALL screen, as shown below:
3. Push the contact pins into the drywall. Any Delmhorst electrode may also be used in
DRYWALL mode by simply attaching it to the connector on top of the meter.
4. The unit will read %MC on a drywall scale between .1% and 6%.
5. To hold a reading on-screen, press the HOLD (SELECT) KEY. Press the HOLD
(SELECT) KEY again to return to measuring mode.
6. Use the key to highlight EXIT. Then, use the SELECT key to return to the MAIN
MENU when finished.
TO TAKE SCAN READINGS:
1. From the Main Menu, use the key to highlight SCAN. Then, use the SELECT
key to enter the SCAN mode.
2. The meter will display the SCAN screen, as shown below:
Copyright 2014, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Page 6 of 17
3. You may begin taking readings by firmly pressing the back of the meter onto the
material to be tested. This will display a relative reading that ranges between 0 and 300.
4. To hold a reading on-screen, press the HOLD (SELECT) KEY. Press the HOLD
(SELECT) KEY again to return to measuring mode.
NOTE: The SCAN mode will give relative readings only, not %MC. The numbers displayed
represent the relative dryness or wetness of the material on a scale of 0 to 300. In
order to accurately interpret your readings, first establish a baseline reading by taking
a reading in an area you know to be unaffected or dry, then take a reading in the
affected or wet area and compare the two readings.
TO TAKE TEMP/RH READINGS:
Before entering the RH-T mode, firmly insert the RH/T-S1 sensor into the top of the meter,
making sure to align the pin-out on the DIN connector.
1. From the Main Menu, use the key to highlight RH-T. Then, press the SELECT
key to get into the RH-T mode main menu.
The meter will display the main RH-T mode main menu, as shown below:
2. The meter will begin taking readings.
Note: You may change the temperature mode between °F and °C by highlighting the F° C° in the
lower left hand corner of the screen and pressing the SELECT key. When in °F mode, Absolute
Humidity will be displayed in GPP. When in °C mode, Absolute Humidity will be displayed in GPK.
TO SET THE ALARM FOR WOOD, DRYWALL, OR SCAN MODE:
1. If you wish to set the alarm to beep after a pre-selected value is reached for WOOD,
DRYWALL, or SCAN use the keys from the MAIN MENU screen to highlight the
ALARM. Press the SELECT key to enter the alarm sub menu.
2. The default status of all alarms is “OFF.” Press the HOLD (SELECT) key on the
desired alarm to turn it on.
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Copyright 2014, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Page 7 of 17
3. After the alarm is turned on, use the key to increase the alarm value, and the key to
decrease alarm value.
4. After you have selected the alarm value, use the key to highlight EXIT. Press the
center HOLD (SELECT) key to return to MAIN MENU.
5. The chosen alarm value will be displayed on the WOOD, DRYWALL, or SCAN mode
screen and an audible alarm will sound if that value is reached.
Note: Default alarm settings are: WOOD - 15% DRYWALL – 1%, SCAN - 300.
MAIN MENU OPTIONS:
METRIC/IMPERIAL:
This option will toggle between Imperial units of measure and Metric units of measure
when the meter is in RH/T Mode. Pressing SELECT key on this option when displayed as
METRIC will change the units used to metric. Pressing the SELECT key on this option
when displayed as IMPERIAL will change the units used to imperial.
OFF:
This menu option will power down the meter.
Copyright 2014, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Page 8 of 17
TAKING A READING – PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
The following application notes are intended for use with the meter in PIN
MODE except where otherwise indicated.
TESTING WOOD:
The contact pins on the 2-E electrode are best for materials up to approximately 1” in thickness.
On materials over 1”, we recommend using a probe such as the 26-ES ram-type electrode. Mount
the 26-ES directly to the external connector. To take a reading, align the contact pins parallel to
the grain and push them to their full penetration into the wood, if possible. Insulated pins read
only at the tip and can be driven to the desired depth.
PAINT FAILURE AND MOISTURE
Moisture is by far the most frequent cause of paint failure. The key to preventing paint failure is to
insure that moisture is not absorbed through the wood to the back of the paint film. So, in order to
insure quality paint jobs, wood must remain dry after the application of paint.
Outdoor wood can be safely painted without danger of peeling if the %MC is 15% or less. In drier
climates, the maximum reading should be 10% to 11%. Indoor wood should be between 7% and
8% prior to painting.
The following conditions may cause high moisture content in wood:
Leaky gutters and down spouts
Leaky pipes or condensation on cold water lines in attic or hollow walls
Faulty flashing around windows, doors and where porch and dormer roofs meet sidings
End-grain wood that is not sealed with paint at all joints around windows, corners, and butt
joints
Porch columns that do not have good drainage and ventilation where they rest on porch
floors
Siding or any other wood that is in contact with the ground may absorb moisture
Siding and shingles without sufficient lap so that water is forced up through cracks by wind
pressure
Ice dams
Condensation of vapor within hollow walls
EIFS (Exterior Insulation & Finish Systems)
Moisture intrusion problems in EIFS (also known as synthetic stucco) stem from leaking window
frames, improper use of or lack of sealant, and faulty installation of flashing.
If you suspect a problem take a visual inspection. Look for gaps around windows, doors, air
conditioning units, light fixtures, hose bibs, dryer vents and other areas of potential penetration.
Also look for visible signs of water damage. If you feel a problem exists, use the 21-E electrode.
This electrode uses the 608 (4") insulated pins or 608/001 (7”) insulated pins.
Procedure:
Drill two 1/4" holes about ¾” apart at an upward 45° angle.
Push the 21-E Electrode into the holes through the polystyrene and into the substrate and
read the moisture content on the meter scale. When used on materials other than wood, the
meter’s PIN mode will give relative readings only, not %MC. The numbers displayed
Copyright 2014, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Page 9 of 17
represent the relative dryness or wetness of the material on a scale of 5 to 60. In order to
accurately interpret your readings, first establish a baseline reading by taking a reading in an
area you know to be unaffected, then take a reading in the affected area and compare the
two readings.
MEASURING RELATIVE HUMIDITY IN CONCRETE FLOOR
SLABS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM STANDARD F2170:
Select test locations to provide information about moisture distribution across the entire concrete
slab, especially areas of potentially high moisture, or if the slab is thick (>4 in.) and air circulation
is poor. For slabs on-grade and below-grade, include a test location within 3ft of each exterior
wall. Perform minimum three tests for the first 1000 ft sq and at least one additional test for each
additional 1000 ft sq.
1. Drill a 5/8” hole to a depth of 40% of the slab thickness using a rotary hammer drill. Use a
drill bit specially designed for rotary drills and with 3 or 4 cutting edges to insure a
smooth, round hole. Surface preparation is not required.
2. Vacuum the hole thoroughly, then use a wire brush to clean and loosen any concrete
remaining in the hole. Vacuum again and repeat the process a second time.
3. Insert the yellow sleeve (sold separately) into the hole. use silicone (or other waterresistant sealant) to seal the interface between the collar of the sleeve and the concrete
surface. Use a hammer to insure the sleeve is fully inserted into the hole and sealed to
the concrete.
4. Insert the protective yellow cap into the sleeve and let the hole acclimate for 72h.
5. Remove the cap and immediately insert the sensor to full hole depth. Wait a minimum of
1h and then take RH readings by connecting one end of the RH/T-C1 cable to the top of
the meter and the other end to the exposed connector on the sensor housing. Check to
ensure the meter’s displayed RH reading is no long changing. The reading must not
change more than 1% RH over 1 hour. If the reading does change, allow more time for
acclimation.
6. Alternately, insert the RH sensor into the sleeve immediately after setting the sleeve.
Readings can then be taken as soon as the hole has acclimated.
The complete ASTM document is available at: http://www.astm.org/Standards/F2170.htm
TESTING CONCRETE SLABS FOR FLOORING APPLICATIONS
Moisture meters are an effective tool to check moisture in concrete. They can tell you where there
may be excess moisture and help determine if you need to conduct further testing.
It is important to test both the surface and mid-section of the slab, especially if the slab is on or
below grade. This will help determine if there is continuous moisture migration toward the
surface. If this condition exists, the moisture movement may be so slow that once it reaches the
surface, moisture evaporates and causes a “dry” reading when a surface test is made.
However, if a sub-surface test is made, the meter may read “wet” indicating the presence of
moisture. When the slab is covered and the upward movement of moisture continues, moisture
will move into a hygroscopic (wood) floor, or build-up pressure under a non-breathing synthetic
floor, causing delamination.
Copyright 2014, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Page 10 of 17
Taking a surface reading:
USING PIN MODE
Drive two hardened-steel masonry nails about 3/4" apart into the finish coat of
concrete floor. Drive them about 1/8" deep so they make firm contact with the concrete
and do not move when touched.
Touch the nails with the contact pins. Remember that when used on materials other
than wood, the meter’s PIN mode will give relative readings only. Establish a baseline
reading by taking a reading in an area you know to be unaffected, then take a reading in
the affected area and compare the two readings.
USING SCAN MODE
First establish a benchmark. Take readings in areas that you know are dry, or
acceptable.
Take readings on areas that are wet. These “dry to wet” readings can be used as
reference points against which subsequent readings are compared. Understanding the
meter’s behavior on a particular material, along with these comparative readings, your
experience, and visual clues will all help determine the overall condition. All readings
should be evaluated in the light of factors such as type of paint, type of construction, and
climatic conditions.
Subsurface test:
Drill two 1/4" holes, 3/4" apart and 1/2" to 2" deep.
Drive the masonry nails into the bottom of the holes and make the tests as described
above. Nails must not touch sides of drilled holes.
If the meter still indicates a “dry” condition, the floor is ready for covering. Tests should be
made at several points, especially when the slab is thick (4” or more) and air circulation is
poor. Make tests only in newly drilled holes.
When evaluating a slab for readiness, always consider its age, thickness, whether the
slab is on grade or suspended, whether a vapor barrier is present and the drainage
condition of the ground. These characteristics can influence the normal or acceptable
moisture reading obtained by this measurement. A control measurement in an
unaffected area should be obtained to assist in establishing an appropriate target.
TESTING INSULATION:
To take a reading, attach a 21-E electrode with 4” insulated contact pins to the meter. Push the
contact pins through the Drywall into the insulation behind it. Remember that when used on
materials other than wood, the meter’s PIN mode will give relative readings only. Establish a
baseline reading by taking a reading in an area you know to be unaffected, then take a reading in
the affected area and compare the two readings.
Copyright 2014, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Page 11 of 17
TESTING DRYWALL
USING PIN MODE
To take a reading, set the meter scale for drywall and push the contact pins on the 2-E electrode
into their full penetration, if possible.
Press the SELECT button and read the moisture content on the meter scale. The meter displays
the %MC for two seconds.
USING SCAN MODE
You can also take a reference reading on drywall using the meter’s SCAN mode. To take a
reading, firmly press the back of the meter onto the material to be tested while in SCAN mode.
This will display a relative reading that ranges between 0 and 300. Remember to establish a
baseline reading by taking a reading in an area you know to be unaffected, then take a reading in
the affected area and compare the two readings.
Copyright 2014, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Page 12 of 17
CARE OF YOUR METER
Store your meter in a clean, dry place. The protective carrying case provided is an ideal
storage place when the meter is not in use. If the meter has been left in a hot or cold
environment overnight or for an extended period, the calibration of the pinless mode may be
adversely affected. Under these conditions, allow the meter to acclimate to the temperature
conditions in which it will be used for minimum of 1–2 hours, or as long as possible.
Change contact pins as needed. Keep pin retainers hand tightened.
Clean the meter and contact pins with any biodegradable cleaner. Use the cleaner sparingly
and on external parts only. Keep cleaner out of the external connector.
Remove the battery if the meter will not to be used for one month or longer.
Copyright 2014, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Page 13 of 17
METER READINGS WITH NON-INSULATED PINS
SPECIES
7 8 9
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
ALDER 8 9 10
11
13
15
17.5
19.5
21.5
24
27
APITONG
8 9 10
11
13
15
17
20
22
24
27
ASPEN 7 8 9
10
11.5
13
15
16.5
18
20
21
ASH, WHITE
6.5
7.5 8 9
11
13
14.5
16
18
19.5
21
BASSWOOD
7 8 8
9
10.5
13
15
17
19
20.5
22
BIRCH 8 9 10
11
13
15
17
19
21.5
23.5
25.5
CEDAR, EAST. RED
8
9.5
10.5
12
14
17
19
21
23
25
26
CEDAR, INCENSE
7 8 9.5
10.5
12.5
15
17
19
21
23
25
CHERRY
8 9 10
11
13.5
15.5
18
20
22
24
26
COTTONWOOD
6
7.5
8.5
9.5
12
14
15
17
19.5
21
23
CYPRESS
7 8 9
10
12
14
16
18
19.5
21.5
23.5
ELM, AMERICAN
7
7.5 8 8.5
10
11.5
13
15
16
18
19
FIR, DOUGLAS
7 8 9
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
FIR,RED
7 8 9
10
12.5
15
17
19
21
23
25
FIR, WHITE
8 9 9.5
10.5
12.5
15
17
19
21
23
25
GUM, BLACK
7.5 9 10
11
13
15
16
18
19
20.5
22
GUM, RED
7 8 9
10
12.5
14.5
16.5
19
20.5
22.5
24
HEMLOCK, WESTERN
7 8 9
10.5
13
15
17
19
20.5
22
23.5
HACKBERRY
7
8.5 9 9.5
12
13
15
17
18.5
20
22
HICKORY
8
8.5 9 10
11
12.5
14
15.5
17
19
20.5
KERUING
8 9 10
11
13
15
17
20
22
24
27
LARCH
7.5 9 10
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25.5
MAGNOLIA
7.5 9 10
11.5
14
16
17.5
19
21
22.5
24.5
MAHOGANY, AFRICAN
8
9.5
10.5
12
15
17
19.5
22
24
26
28
(ALSO KHAYA)
MAHOGANY, HOND.
7 8 9
10.5
12.5
14.5
16
18
19.5
21.5
22.5
MAHOGANY, PHIL.
6 7 7.5 8 9.5
11
13
14
15.5
17
18
MAPLE, HARD/SOFT
8 9 9.5
10
12
14
16
18
20
22.5
25
MERANTI, DARK RED
8.5
9.5
10.5
11.5
12.5
16
18
20.5
22.5
24.5
26.5
OAK, RED
7 8 9
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
OAK, WHITE
7 8 8.5
9.5
11.5
13.5
15
17
18.5
20
22
PECAN
6.5 8 9.5
11
12.5
14
16
17.5
19
22
24
PINE, LONGLEAF
8
8.5
10
11
13
15.5
17.5
19.5
21
23
25
PINE, PONDEROSA
7.5
8.5
10
11
13.5
15.5
17.5
19.5
21
23
25.5
PINE, SHORTLEAF
7.5 9 10
11
13
15.5
17.5
19.5
21.5
23.5
25
PINE, SO. YELLOW*
8
9.5
10.5
12
14.5
16.5
19
21
23
25
28
PINE, SUGAR
7 8 9
10
12
15
17
19
21
23
25
PINE, WHITE
7 8 9
10
13
15
17
19
21
23
25.5
SPECIES CORRECTION TABLE
Copyright 2014, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Page 16 of 17
METER READINGS WITH NON-INSULATED PINS
SPECIES
7 8 9
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
POPLAR, YELLOW
8
8.5
10
11
13
15.5
17.5
19.5
22
24
26
RAMIN 7 8 9
10
11
13
15
16
18
20
21
SPECIES
7 8 9
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
RADIATA PINE
10
11
11
12
14
16
18
20
23
25
27
REDWOOD
7 8 9
10
12
13.5
15
17
19
22
24
SPRUCE, SITKA
7 8 9
10
12.5
14.5
17
19
21
23.5
26
SPF** 9
10
11.5
13
15.5
18
20.5
23
25
28
30
SPF/COFI
8 9 10
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
TEAK
7 8 8.5 9 11
12
14
15
17
18.5
20
VIROLA
6.5 7 8 9 11
12.5
14
16
18
18.5
20.5
WALNUT, BLACK
7.5
8.5
9.5
10.5
12.5
14.5
16
18
20
22
23.5
The species correction values shown in this chart have been rounded for easy reference.
*Meter readings taken with 26-E 2-pin electrode. Do not apply 2-pin correction.
**SPF correction based on 2-pin 26-E reading with insulated pins. It is based on USDA/Forintek
data and can be used for the following species:
Lodgepole Pine
Alpine Fir
Copyright 2014, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Find Quality Products Online at: sales@GlobalTestSupply.com
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Page 17 of 17
Loading...