Delmhorst TechCheck User Manual

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TechCheck

MOISTURE METER

Owner’s Manual

Version 1.2

For TechCheck Meters starting with Serial #11731

Delmhorst Instrument Co.

Rev 2

June, 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

GENERAL DESCRIPTION & FEATURES 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 4

INSTALLING THE BATTERY 4

TO POWER THE METER ON 5 TO TAKE PIN READINGS 5-6 TO SET THE ALARM IN PIN MODE 6 TO TAKE SCAN READINGS 6-7 TO SET THE ALARM IN SCAN MODE 7

TAKING A READING – PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 8

TESTING WOOD 8 PAINT FAILURE AND MOISTURE 8

EIFS 8-9 TESTING CONCRETE 9-10 TESTING INSULATION 10 TESTING DRYWALL 10 CARE OF YOUR METER 11 SERVICE FOR YOUR METER 12 WARRANTY 13 SPECIES CORRECTION TABLE 14-15

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION & FEATURES

Thank you for your purchase of Delmhorst Instrument Co’s newly designed TechCheck handheld moisture meter. The TechCheck 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 TechCheck has to offer.

Outstanding Features:

• Pin mode

o 6%-60% wood scale (Douglas Fir)

• Scan Mode

o 0-300 numerical reference scale

• Outstanding Features:

o Built in back-light makes reading in dark places a cinch o Alarm lets you know when your pre-selected moisture threshold is reached o Hold readings on-screen to make even the most demanding inspection more

manageable

o Auto shutoff timer saves battery life o Rugged construction ensures years of reliable use o Sturdy plastic carrying case o 9-V Battery o 1 year warranty

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

-User Guide-

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on powering up, using and powering down the meter.

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 accompany a battery warning. Once a permanent low battery condition is detected, all measurement functions are disabled. The battery should be replaced immediately. If the battery reaches critical 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.

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TO POWER THE METER ON:

To turn the meter on, press and hold the center HOLD (SELECT) KEY for approx. 2 seconds. The meter will start in PIN mode.

METER USE

TO TAKE PIN READINGS:

1. Press the PIN (ï) button to enter the pin mode.

2. The meter will display the PIN mode screen, as shown below:

3. Push the contact pins into material to be tested. Any Delmhorst electrode may also be

used in PIN mode by simply attaching it to the connector next to the contact pins.

4. The unit will read %MC on a wood scale between 6% and 60%. At elevated wood

temperatures, a reading above 30 percent is valid if the temperature-corrected reading

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falls below 30 percent. Otherwise, these high readings provide relative comparisons, indicating that the material is taking on or losing moisture.

5. To hold a reading on-screen, press the HOLD (SELECT) KEY. Press the HOLD

(SELECT) KEY again to return to measuring mode.

NOTE: The TechCheck is calibrated to give %MC readings on Douglas Fir. If you are taking

readings on other species of wood, refer to the species correction chart found on pages 14-

15.

TO SET THE ALARM IN PIN MODE:

1. To access alarm settings, press the ALARM KEY three times.

2. The default status of the alarm is “OFF.” Press the HOLD (SELECT) key to turn it on.

3. After the alarm is turned on, use the SCAN (ð) key to increase the alarm value, and the

PIN (ï) key to decrease alarm value.

4. After you have selected the alarm value, use the LIGHT (ò) key to highlight DONE.

Press the center HOLD (SELECT) key to return to PIN mode.

5. The chosen alarm value will be displayed on the PIN mode screen and an audible alarm

will sound if that value is reached.

Note: Default alarm setting for PIN mode is 15%.

TO TAKE SCAN READINGS:

1. Press the SCAN (ð) button to enter scan mode.

2. The meter will display the SCAN mode screen, as shown below:

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.

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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 SET THE ALARM IN SCAN MODE:

1. To access alarm settings, press the ALARM KEY three times.

2. The default status of the alarm is “OFF.” Press the HOLD (SELECT) KEY to turn it

on.

3. After the alarm is turned on, use the SCAN (ð) key to increase the alarm value, and the

PIN (ï) key to decrease alarm value.

4. After you have selected the alarm value, use the LIGHT (ò) key to highlight DONE.

Press the center HOLD (SELECT) KEY to return to SCAN mode.

5. The chosen alarm value will be displayed on the SCAN mode screen and an audible

alarm will sound if that value is reached.

Note: Default alarm setting for SCAN mode is 300.

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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 provided are best for materials up to 6/4. On materials over 6/4 or for hardwoods over 4/4 we recommend using a remote 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

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meter’s PIN mode will give relative readings only, not %MC. The numbers displayed 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.

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.

Taking a surface reading:

USING PIN MODE

Ø 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.

Ø 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 Ø First establish a benchmark. Take readings in areas that you know are dry, or

acceptable. Ø 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:

Ø Drill two 1/4" holes, 3/4" apart and 1/2" to 2" deep. Ø 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.

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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.

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 Sheetrock® 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.

TESTING DRYWALL

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.

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CARE OF YOUR METER

Ø 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 1-2 hours, or as long as possible.

Ø Change contact pins as needed. Keep pin retainers hand tightened. Ø 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.

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

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SERVICE FOR YOUR METER

Ø Before sending in your meter we recommend you give one of our trained technicians a

call. Many times troubleshooting can be taken care of over the phone. Call us at 877DELMHORST.

Ø Pack your meter securely. Enclose a purchase order or letter with a brief description of the

problem.

Ø There is no need to call us for a return authorization number if you are within the U.S.

Customers outside the U.S. must contact us for more specific instructions prior to returning a meter.

Ø Include your name, address, daytime phone and fax numbers or e-mail address. If you

believe the meter is under warranty, please provide the original sales slip or invoice.

Ø Ship via UPS, Express Mail, Priority Mail or any overnight courier who provides prompt

service. Do not use standard parcel post.

Ø Insure your instrument for its full value and ship prepaid. We are not responsible for damage

in transit.

Ø We do not accept COD shipments or cover any incoming freight or duty charges on returned

merchandise

Ø Turnaround time on repairs is approximately two weeks. Ø We will call you with an estimate if you specifically request one, or if we determine that the

meter may be too costly to repair.

Ø Non-warranty repairs will be returned via UPS GROUND unless another return shipping

method is specified. To pay by credit card, we will contact you for credit card information. We accept Visa/MasterCard, and American Express.

Ø Warranty repairs will be returned at no charge if shipped within the U.S. via UPS Ground

Service. Freight charges for expedited services (i.e., Federal Express, UPS/2 Day, UPS/1 Day, etc.) are the customer’s responsibility and will be charged as per the above terms.

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WARRANTY

Delmhorst Instrument Co., referred to hereafter as Delmhorst, guarantees the TechCheck 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 Model TechCheck, you find any defect in material or workmanship, return the meter following the instructions in the “Service for Your Meter” section. This 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.

Delmhorst Instrument Co.

51 Indian Lane East

Towaco NJ 07082

877-DELMHORST

www.delmhorst.com

e-mail - info@delmhorst.com

For 60 years Delmhorst has been the leading manufacturer of high quality moisture meters and thermo-hygrometers. We also offer a wide range of meters for a variety of applications including woodworking/lumber, agriculture, construction, paper, restoration, IAQ and flooring.

510INS-0028 REV 06/2009

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7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

8 9 10 11 13 15

8 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 22 24 27

7 8 9 10

8 9 11 13

8 8 9

8 9 10 11 13 15 17 19

8 9 10 11

7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18

8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

7 8 9 10

8 9

9 10 11 13 15 16 18 19

7 8 9 10

8 9

9 10 11

8 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 22 24 27

9 10 11 13 15 17 19 21 23

9 10

8 9

7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

9 10 11 13

8 9 10 12 15 17 19 21 23 25

8 9 10 13 15 17 19 21 23

SPECIES CORRECTION TABLE

SPECIES ALDER APITONG ASPEN ASH, WHITE 6.5 7.5 BASSWOOD 7

METER READINGS WITH NON-INSULATED PINS

17.5 19.5 21.5 24 27

11.5 13 15 16.5 18 20 21

14.5 16 18 19.5 21

10.5 13 15 17 19 20.5 22

BIRCH CEDAR, EAST. RED 8 9.5 10.5 12 14 17 19 21 23 25 26 CEDAR, INCENSE 7 CHERRY COTTONWOOD 6 7.5 8.5 9.5 12 14 15 17 19.5 21 23

CYPRESS ELM, AMERICAN 7 7.5 FIR, DOUGLAS 7 FIR,RED FIR, WHITE

GUM, BLACK 7.5 GUM, RED HEMLOCK, WESTERN 7 HACKBERRY 7 8.5 HICKORY

KERUING LARCH MAGNOLIA 7.5 MAHOGANY, AFRICAN 8 9.5 10.5 12 15 17 19.5 22 24 26 28

(ALSO KHAYA)

7.5

8.5

9.5 10.5 12.5 15 17 19 21 23 25

13.5 15.5 18 20 22 24 26

8.5 10 11.5 13 15 16 18 19

12.5 15 17 19 21 23 25

9.5 10.5 12.5 15 17 19 21 23 25

12.5 14.5 16.5 19 20.5 22.5 24

10.5 13 15 17 19 20.5 22 23.5

9.5 12 13 15 17 18.5 20 22

12.5 14 15.5 17 19 20.5

11.5 14 16 17.5 19 21 22.5 24.5

21.5 23.5 25.5

19.5 21.5 23.5

20.5 22

25.5

MAHOGANY, HOND. 7 MAHOGANY, PHIL. 6 MAPLE, HARD/SOFT 8 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

OAK, WHITE 7 PECAN 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

PINE, SO. YELLOW* 8 9.5 10.5 12 14.5 16.5 19 21 23 25 28 PINE, SUGAR 7 PINE, WHITE 7

6.5

10.5 12.5 14.5 16 18 19.5 21.5 22.5

7.5

9.5 10 12 14 16 18 20 22.5 25

8.5 9.5 11.5 13.5 15 17 18.5 20 22

9.5 11 12.5 14 16 17.5 19 22 24

9.5 11 13 14 15.5 17 18

15.5 17.5 19.5 21.5 23.5 25

25.5

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8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

7 8 9 10 11 13 15 16 18 20 21

7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

7 8 9 10 12

8 9 10

9 10

8 9 10 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25

7 8

9 11 12 14 15 17

7 8 9 11

METER READINGS WITH NON-INSULATED PINS SPECIES 7 POPLAR, YELLOW 8 8.5 10 11 13 15.5 17.5 19.5 22 24 26 RAMIN SPECIES RADIATA PINE 10 11 11 12 14 16 18 20 23 25 27 REDWOOD SPRUCE, SITKA 7 SPF**

12.5 14.5 17 19 21 23.5 26

11.5 13 15.5 18 20.5 23 25 28 30

13.5 15 17 19 22 24

SPF/COFI

TEAK VIROLA

6.5

8.5

18.5 20

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

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Delmhorst TechCheck User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual