Extech MO57 Instruction Manual

Pinless Moisture Meter

Symbol

Button name

Description

Material Select (wood/building materials)

Short press locks/unlocks reading on the display Long press toggles the Beeper ON/OFF

Model MO57

Introduction

Thank you for selecting the Extech MO57 Pinless Moisture Meter. The MO57 employs a nondestructive spherical sensor that safely glides over surfaces to measure the relative moisture in wood and other building materials (wallboard, sheet rock, cardboard, plaster, concrete, and mortar) at any angle to a depth of 10.2cm (4”).

To indicate moisture level the MO57 provides a digital reading, audible tones, and ‘moisture droplet’ icons. Audible tones (eight levels of intensity) and droplet icons (1, 2, or 3) increase in proportion to increased moisture. Additional features include Auto Power OFF and Display Lock (hold).

This meter ships fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service. Please visit our website (www.extech.com) to check for the latest version of this User Guide, Product Updates, and Customer Support.

Measurement Considerations

To measure moisture, the sensor emits and senses low-power electro-magnetic signals. The displayed reading in percent is an average of the moisture content measured over the measurement surface area and the maximum depth of penetration (10.2cm [4.0”]). Moisture that is closer to the surface has a greater effect on the displayed average than the moisture nearer to the maximum depth of penetration.

Placing the sensor on a surface whose thickness is less than the maximum depth of penetration may result in unreliable moisture readings; in these cases, you can stack material on top of the measured surface to increase the thickness.

The MO57 also produces audible tones and ‘moisture droplet’ display icons to indicate moisture level. The audible tone rate and number of droplets increase as the moisture level increases. When measuring, keep hand stationary on the meter while holding and moving the meter, as hand movement can affect the readings.

USER MANUAL

Meter Description

1. LCD Display

2. Power button

3. Display Lock/Beeper button

4. Material Select button

5. Sensor

Note: Battery compartment on rear of meter

Display Description

1. Droplet icons (1 for low moisture, 2 for medium, and 3 for high)

2. Wood mode

3. Building Material mode

4. Beeper active icon

5. Moisture reading

6. Percent moisture unit (relative)

7. Display Lock mode

8. Battery status icon

Button Descriptions

Power ON-OFF Long press to switch the meter ON or OFF

Display Lock / Beeper control

Short press to toggle material groups

Operation

Powering the Meter

1. Long press the power button to turn the meter ON/OFF.

2. The meter emits audible tones and performs a self-calibration upon start-up. Keep the

measurement sensor at least 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4”) from hands and objects during calibration. The calibration reading must not exceed 0.5. If so, re-calibrate ensuring that hands or other objects are clear of the sensor. Note: Calibrate the meter whenever moving from one measurement area to another.

3. If the battery symbol appears or if the meter does not switch ON, replace the battery.

MO57-en-GB_V1.0 7/17

Auto Power OFF

WOOD (%)

BUILDING MATERIAL (%)

TOTAL RANGE >

0.1~99.9

0.1~9.9

10.0~16.9

17.0~23.9

24.0~29.9

30.0~39.9

40.0~59.9

60.0~69.9

70.0~99.9

The meter will automatically power OFF if the reading stays 0% for 3 minutes. If the meter detects readings, other than 0%, it will not automatically power OFF.

Display (Hold) Lock

Short press the Display Lock button to freeze the displayed reading. The icon is visible on the display when Display Lock is active. Press again to return to the normal operating mode.

Beeper ON/OFF

The beeper defaults to ON. To switch the beeper OFF, long press the Display Lock/Audible Beeper button . When the beeper is active, the audio display icon will be visible.

Pinless Moisture Measurements

1. Short press the Material Select button ( ) to toggle the Wood and Building Material

modes of operation. The displayed icon indicates the selected mode.

2. To take a measurement, hold the meter and position the sensor so that it is directly touching

the surface under test (at any angle). The meter can sense moisture to a depth of 10.2cm (4”).

NOTE: The position of your hand can affect the reading. Do not move or reposition the hand that holds the meter while taking measurements or when powering the unit.

3. Observe the displayed relative readings, view the displayed moisture droplet icon(s)

drops indicate higher moisture levels), and listen for the audible beeping (faster beeping indicates higher moisture; there are eight intensity levels). As discussed in the Measurement Considerations section, the displayed reading is an average of the moisture measured over the tested surface area to the maximum penetration depth.

4. Long press the power button to power OFF the meter.

(more

Relative Moisture Reading Reference Table

LOW

MEDIUM

HIGH

Maintenance

Battery Replacement

When the battery status icon appears empty or flashing, replace the battery.

1. Remove the battery cover by pushing the compartment latch (bottom, back of meter).

2. Replace the 9V battery observing correct polarity.

3. Replace the battery cover securely.

4. Dispose of battery responsibly and within applicable legal regulations.

Never dispose of used batteries or rechargeable batteries in household waste. As consumers, users are legally required to take used batteries to appropriate collection sites, the retail store where the batteries were purchased, or wherever batteries are sold.

Disposal: Do not dispose of this instrument in household waste. The user is obligated to take end-of-life devices to a designated collection point for the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.

Care and Cleaning

• Store the meter in an environmentally stable, dust-free environment, out of direct sunlight.

• Remove the battery from the instrument if the meter is to be stored for long periods or if

the battery power symbol appears empty (or flashing) on the display.

• To clean the meter case, wipe with a damp cloth, do not use solvents or abrasives.

Specifications

Display LCD with multi-function indicators

Sensor Type Pinless spherical sensor

Measurement Type Non-destructive, electro-magnetic sensing

Measurement Indication Digital, Moisture Droplet icons (1, 2, or 3 droplets) and audible tone with

eight levels of intensity indicating low to high moisture readings

Measurement Ranges:

Wood: Low: 0.1% to 16.9%; Medium: 17.0% to 39.9%; High: 40.0 to 99.9%

Building Materials: Low: 0.1% to 16.9%; Medium: 17.0% to 39.9%; High: 40.0 to 99.9%

Measurement depth Sensor detects to a depth of 10.2cm (4”)

Resolution 0.1%

Accuracy Relative readings only

Auto Power OFF After approx. three (3) minutes with 0% display reading.

Power supply One (1) 9V Battery; Consumption: < 40mA

Low Battery indication < 7.5VDC, approximately Low Battery APO < 5.5VDC; APO will occur in 20 seconds, approximately

Operating conditions 5 ~ 45

Storage conditions 0 ~ 50oC (32 ~ 122oF); 85%RH max.

Dimensions 210 x 70 x 33mm (8.3 x 2.8 x 1.3")

Weight 155g (5.5 oz.) without battery

C (41 ~ 113oF); 80%RH max.

www.extech.com

MO57-en-GB_V1.0 7/17