Extech MO260 User guide

User Guide

Dual Moisture Meter

Pin / Pinless Moisture Meter

Model MO260

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Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech MO260 Moisture Meter. The MO260 detects
moisture in wood and other materials such as particle board, carpeting, and ceiling/bathroom tiles
using the non-invasive method (pinless); the MO260 also measures moisture in sheet rock and
other building materials using the pin method. This meter is shipped fully tested and calibrated
and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service.

Features

• %WME (wood moisture equivalent) pin moisture reading

• Relative (REL) pinless moisture reading for non-invasive measurement

• Digital LCD readout with backlighting feature and tri-color LED bargraph

• Quickly indicates the moisture content of materials

• Pinless measurement depth to 0.75" (22mm) below the surface

• Electro-magnetic sensing technology for pinless operation

• Built-in calibration check and calibration zero

• Replaceable measurement electrode pins

• Low battery indication

• Cap protects pins during storage

• Cap can be snapped onto the side of the housing during use

• Complete with 9V battery, replacement pins, protective cap, and pouch case

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Description

Meter Description

1. Electrode pins protective cap

2. LCD display

3. Tri-color Bargraph

4. HOLD / POWER key

5. Protective cap attachment

6. Protective cap holders

7. MODE button

Notes:

• Battery/Spare Pin compartment located on the rear of the
instrument

• Electrode pins located beneath the protective cap

• Calibration points located at the top of protective cap

LCD Display Description

1. Measurement reading

2. Battery status

3. Audible alert icon

4. Measurement mode

5. Display HOLD icon

Bargraph Display Description

The bargraph indicates WET / DRY measurements using three LED colors: Green (for dry),
Amber (for moderate moisture), and Red (for very moist). As the reading moves up the
bargraph scale from the DRY indicator to the WET indicator, the LED color changes from
green, to amber, and then to red.

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Operation

CAUTION

Electrode Pins

handling this instrument. Cover the pins with the protective cap when the
instrument is not in use.

: The electrode measurement pins are extremely sharp. Use care when

The electrode pins are replaceable / removeable and must be inserted before the meter can be
used. To insert or replace the pins refer to the illustration and instructions below. Replacement
pins are stored in the battery compartment at the rear of the meter.

a) Remove the protective cap at the top of the meter by pushing it toward the back of the

meter.
b) To remove the pins, loosen the locknut at the base of the electrode pins
c) Install the new pins and tighten the locknuts
d) Replace the protective cap

1. Electrode pins

2. Locking nuts

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2
3

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3. Threaded posts

4. Electrode jacks at top of meter

Basic Operation for Pin Measurments

1. Remove the protective cap to expose the electrode pins. The cap snaps off easily if it is
pushed towards the rear of the meter. The cap can be affixed to the side of the meter using
the protective cap holders (6).

2. Press the key to turn the meter ON / OFF.

3. Press the MODE key to select the Wood Moisture Equivalent (%WME) mode of operation.

4. Carefully push the electrode pins a minimum of 0.07” (2mm) into the material under test.
Note that the pins should be inserted into wood perpendicular to the wood’s fiber structure.
For high moisture readings, it may take several minutes for the meter reading to stabilize.

5. Take several readings in several locations on the material for the best representation of the
amount of moisture present.

6. Read the measurement values on the LCD digital display and the LED bar graph

7. Replace the protective cap when finished.

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