Extech MO280-KW, MO280 Operating Manual

Model MO280 - Pin-Free Moisture Meter

User Guide

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech MO280 Moisture Meter. This device non-invasively measures and displays moisture content (%) in wood, building products, and other materials. The MO280 can also detect moisture behind ceramic tiles or behind and under various floor or wall coverings, on fabric/cloth and on paper products. This professional meter, with proper care, will provide years of safe reliable service.

Theory of Operation

The square sensor on the rear of the instrument sends and receives a low power electromagnetic signal through the material under test. The LCD shows the average moisture content (in %) of the material under test to a max. depth of ¾” (20mm). Moisture that is closer to the surface of the material under test has a greater effect on the average than moisture deeper in the material. The MO280 is an auto-calibration device; no user calibration is needed.

How to use the MO280

1. Slide the rear power switch to the ON position

2. IMPORTANT: Hold the meter up so that the rear sensor is not covered by your hand or any surface or object. If the meter emits chirping tones, the sensor is entirely or partially covered

3. Momentarily press the MEASURE button to activate the sensor (the LCD display will switch on)

4. Press and hold the UP or DOWN button to select a material group 0 to 9 (see table below). When the desired group is displayed, release the button. The meter will briefly chirp

5. Firmly press the meter to a smooth flat surface with the sensor side of the meter (back) touching the material under test and wait for the display to stabilize; Note the value on the LCD.

6. The meter’s audible tones will sound as the reading changes. A blinking reading with an urgent chirping sound indicates that the measurement is out of the range of the instrument’s capability. Try another range by selecting another material group (see material group & range tables below)

7. Press and hold the HOLD button to freeze a displayed reading

8. If the meter goes int o sleep mode, press the MEASURE button to wake it up. If the meter does not wake or if the low battery icon appears on the LCD, replace the 9V battery located in the rear battery compartment

9. Turn the rear power switch to OFF when meter is not in use. This will optimize the battery life

EXTECH INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION warrants this instrument to be free of defects in parts and workmanship for one year from date of shipment (a six month limited warranty applies to sensors and cables). If it should become necessary to return the instrument for service during or beyond the warranty period, contact the Customer Service Department at (781) 890-7440 ext. 210 for authorization or visit our website www.extech.com for contact information. A Return Authorization (RA) number must be issued before any product is returned to Extech. The sender is responsible for shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to prevent damage in transit. This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from action of the user such as misuse, improper wiring, operation outside of specification, improper maintenance or repair, or unauthorized modification. Extech specifically disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for a specific purpose and will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages. Extech's total liability is limited to repair or replacement of the product. The warranty set forth above is inclusive and no other warranty, whether written or oral, is expressed or implied.

WARRANTY

Measurement Considerations

The thickness of the sample under test must be at least 3/4” (20mm). If the sample is thinner, use a stack of samples to measure. Also, the measurement area of the sample should be larger than the MO280 sensor area which is 1.6 x 1.6” (40 x 40mm).

Technical information

Wood and Other Material Group Numbers Measurement ranges at 73oF (23oC) Description

No. Name No. Name

4 Abachi 4 Mahogany 5 Abura 5 Maple, Bigleaf 6 Afrormosia 5 Maple, Red 5 Agba 6 Maple, Sugar 4 Alder 6 Meranti 5 Ash 6 Oak Red 4 Aspen 7 Oak, White 4 Basswood 7 Pecan 6 Beech 4 Pine Eastern White 6 Birch 4 Ponderosa 4 Cedar, Eastern 5 Red 3 Cedar, Western 4 Southern Yellow 5 Cherry 4 Poplar 4 Chestnut 5 Ramin 3 Cottonwood 4 Redwood 4 Cypress 8 Rosewood 7 Dogwood 5 Sassafras 5 Douglas Fir 4 Spruce 5 Elm 5 Sycamore 5 Gum, Red 5 Teak 4 Hemlock 6 Walnut, Black 7 Hickory 4 Willow 5 Koa 3 Cloth 5 Lauan, White 3 Cotton 3 Lauan, Red 9 Dry wall 5 Larch 3 Fabric 4 Limba 9 Paper 6 Locust, Black 5 Plywood

Tech Support: Ext. 200; E-mail: support@extech .com Repair/Returns: Ext. 210; E-mail: repair@extech.com

Group No. Range

0 23.4 to 79.9% 1 33.4 to 89.9% 2 43.4 to 99.9% 3 6.8 to 63.3% 4 6.7 to 63.2% 5 5.4 to 61.9% 6 3.4 to 59.9% 7 1.6 to 58.1% 8 0.4 to 56.9% 9 0.0 to 56.5%

General Specifications

• Max. Measurement depth: ¾” (20mm)

• Sensor area 1.6” x 1.6” (40 x 40mm)

• Battery type: 9V (rear compartment)

• Display: LCD with sleep mode

• Operating conditions:

F to 122ºF (0ºC to 50ºC)

32 0 to 60%RH (non-condensing)

• Meter Dimensions:

2.75 (W) x 5.25 (H) x 1.0 (D)” (70 x 133 x 25.4mm)

• Weight: 5.6 oz (160g) with battery

Support line (781) 890-7440

1. Moisture reading

2. Low battery icon

3. Material group number 0-9

4. Data Hold icon

5. Keypad Note: Sensor, battery

compartment, and ON/OFF switch on reverse side of meter

MO280 V1.1 07/07