WAGNER L622 Owner's Manual

WAGNER MODEL L622

"DIGITAL RECORDING"

HAND-HELD MOISTURE METER

OWNER'S MANUAL

DOCUMENT NO: 500-62201-001
REV: M

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 2 of 33

Copyright Notice

Wagner Model L622 “Digital Recording” Moisture Meter Owner’s Manual

© Copyright 1996-2011 Wagner Meters. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any other language in any form by any means
without the express written permission of Wagner Meters.

Technical Support

Should you require support, please consult your printed documentation to resolve your problem. If you are still
experiencing difficulty, you may contact a Wagner Technical Service representative during normal business hours—
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
Voice: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Mail: Technical Services Department
Wagner Meters
326 Pine Grove Road
Rogue River, OR 97537

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 3 of 33

Table of Contents

FCC Compliance Statement..............................................4

L622 Digital Recording Hand-Held Moisture Meter...........5

L622 Specifications...........................................................5

Getting Started..................................................................6

Turning on the L622..........................................................7

Readings Mode.................................................................7

Storing Readings...............................................................7

Changing Groups..............................................................8

Activating Main Menu........................................................8

Locale Menu......................................................................9

Changing Language..........................................................9

Changing Date Format......................................................10

Changing Decimal Format.................................................11

Changing Species.............................................................12

Editing Specific Gravity .....................................................12

Editing Species Name.......................................................12

Mean/Std Statistics............................................................13

High/Low Statistics............................................................13

Clear Menu........................................................................14

Clear Group.......................................................................15

Clear Readings..................................................................15

Clear All Groups................................................................15

Printing Reports ................................................................16

Group Report ....................................................................17

Group Summary Report....................................................17

Readings Report................................................................17

Sample Group Report........................................................18

Sample Group Summary Report .......................................19

Sample Readings Report ..................................................20

Calibration.........................................................................21

Checking Calibration .........................................................21

Backlight............................................................................22

Battery...............................................................................22

Restore Factory................................................................. 22

Technical Notes.................................................................23

Determining Specific Gravity .............................................24

Factory Species List..........................................................25

Commentary On Specific Gravity ......................................26

Connecting to a Serial Printer............................................27

DB25P to RJ11 Adapter Pin Assignments.........................27

DB9S to RJ11 Adapter Pin Assignments...........................27

Question and Answers ......................................................28

Warranty............................................................................32

Repair Service................................................................... 33

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 4 of 33

FCC Compliance Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply within the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in residential installations.

This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television
equipment reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

• Move the equipment away from the receiver

• Plug the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that

to which the receiver powered

• If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an

experienced radio/television technician for additional
suggestions.

CAUTION: Only equipment certified to comply with Class B
(computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) should be
attached to this equipment.

Finally, any changes or modifications to the equipment by the user
not expressly approved by the grantee or manufacturer could void
the users authority to operate such equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including

interference that may cause undesired operation.

Canadian Department of Communications

Compliance Statement

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations.

Avis de conformité aux normes du ministère des

Communications du Canada

Cet appareil numerique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences
du Reglement sur le material broilleur du Canada.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 5 of 33

L622 Digital Recording Moisture Meter

Wagner introduces the L622 Digital Recording Hand-Held
Moisture Meter. This new model replaces the proven
L612 model instrument, providing improved moisture
measurement accuracy in the 15%+ moisture content
range. As with the L612 model, the L622 utilizes
Wagner’s Intellisense™ technology to truly read the
moisture IN the wood, not ON the wood.

• Stores and displays up to 33 user-selected species

adjustments by name.

• Stores up to 5000 separate moisture readings.

• Stores readings in up to 200 groups.

• Built-in real time clock/calendar.

• Send reports directly to a printer or data to a

computer for advanced analysis using supplied Stat­Pak software.

Using non-volatile memory, stored readings are retained
even when the batteries are removed. A backlit LCD
display features a 2-line, 32-character display. Function
buttons and scroll arrows operate a menu system that
guides the user step by step through the selecting,
storing and reporting process. The meter has auto-shut­off to extend battery life.

Like all Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters, moisture
readings are virtually unaffected by wood temperature in
the normal operating range outside of a kiln environment.
Refer to the stack probe manual for more information
about measuring wood in kilns. Contact Wagner
technical support for guidelines when wood is below
freezing.

L622 Specifications

Physical Size (in): L 8.5 x W 4 x H 3.75
(mm) L 216 x W 102 x H 95

Scanning Area (in): 2.5 x 2.5
(mm) 63.5 x 63.5

Scanning Depth (in): 1.0 in. (25.4 mm)
Weight: 18 oz. (510 g)
Power: 4 AA Alkaline Batteries
Battery Life: ~8 hours of continual use*.
Real Time Clock: Records both date and time
Auto Power Shut Down: After 1 minute of non-use.
Moisture Measurement Range: 5 to 30% (dependent on

species setting)
Specify Gravity Range: 0.30 to 0.75
Meter Operating Temperature: 30° to 120°F
Comm Port: RS-232 Serial Interface
Probe Port: L712/L722 Sensor Probe

Interface
Patent Numbers: 5,486,815 and 5,621,391

*Battery life is significantly reduced when using the display backlight.
It is recommended to use rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium or Nickel­Metal Hydride batteries when extended backlight usage is planned.
The Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries and charger may usually be purchased
at most electronics supply stores. Be sure to use a battery charger
that has a battery conditioner and an auto shut-off feature to avoid
over charging of the batteries.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 6 of 33

Getting Started

This sections informs you about

• Turning on the L622

• Moisture readings

• Storing a reading

• What is a group

• Viewing statistics

• The menu system

• Changing species

Before you begin, make sure your L622 has a fresh set of
batteries.

Turning on the L622

Turn on the L622 by pressing the STORE button for one
second. The display will momentarily show the model,
software version, and revision numbers. Your L622 is
now ready to take moisture readings.

Moisture readings

Take moisture readings by pressing the bottom of the
L622 to the wood surface. The first line of the display
shows the species for which the L622 is calibrated. The
second line shows the reading in percent moisture
content.

Storing a reading

While pressing the bottom of the L622 to the wood
surface at the location of interest, press the STORE button
to save that reading in a group.

What is a group

A group is a set of readings that belong together. You
determine which readings belong together. Switch to
another group by first pressing the GROUP button. Press
the ARROW buttons to select a different number. Press
the STORE button to activate the selection. The active
group number is shown in the bottom right corner of the
display.

Viewing statistics

Statistical values such as mean, standard deviation,
highest reading, and lowest reading are calculated on
individual groups. They may be accessed for viewing by
using the menu system.

The menu system

For example, to view the mean and standard deviation
values for the active group, press the MENU button to
activate the main menu. Press the ARROW button to
scroll through the menu until the menu item Mean/Std is
displayed. Press the STORE button to activate the menu
item.

Changing species

If the L622 is not set to the species you are measuring,
change it using the menu system. See the section
“Factory Species List” for a complete list of available
species. If your species is not listed, you may customize
a species as outlined in the section “Changing Species.”

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 7 of 33

Turning on the L622

Readings Mode

Storing Readings

Operation

To turn on the L622, press the

STORE

button for one second. The display
will briefly show the Model, Version,
and Revision numbers.

The L622 will turn off after 1 minute of
inactivity. Inactivity means no change
in moisture readings or buttons
pressed.

The L622 takes continuous percent
moisture content (%MC) readings and
puts them on the display. When a
reading is below 5%, the first line
shows the current species and group
field label. The second line shows the
current reading and the active group
number. When a reading is above
5%, the first line becomes a bar graph
representing the current reading.

When storing a valid reading, the
second line will display the message
Storing along with the sample number.

When attempting to store an invalid
reading, the second line will display
message Too Low along with the last
sample number.

Display

WAGNER L622
V xx.xx Rxx.xx

Douglas Fir GRP .0
% 0

Storing 14 or
Too Low 13

STORE

To turn the meter on, press the

STORE

button for one second.

Press the

STORE button to store the

current reading into the active group.

GROUP

Press the

GROUP button to activate

the change group function.

MENU

Press the

MENU button to activate the

main menu.

ARROWS

Refer to the Factory Default section.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 8 of 33

Changing Groups

Activating Main Menu

Main Menu Selection

Operation

Press the

GROUP button to activate

the change group function.
Use the

ARROW buttons to select the

desired group number.
Press the

STORE button to activate the

change.
The group number range is from 0 to

199.

Press the

MENU button to activate the

main menu.
Press the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the menu.
Press the

STORE button to activate the

selected menu item.

Locale
Species
Mean/Std
High/Low
Clear
Print
Calibration
Backlight
Battery

Display

Group
1

Menu
Language

STORE

Press the

STORE button to save the

change and return to the readings
mode

Press the

STORE button to activate the

selected menu item.

GROUP

Press the

GROUP button to cancel the

change and return to the readings
mode

Press the

GROUP button to return to

the readings mode

MENU

Press the

MENU button to cancel the

change and return to the readings
mode

Press the

MENU button to activate the

selected menu item.

ARROWS

Press the

ARROW buttons to

increment or decrement the group
number.

Press the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the menu.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 9 of 33

Locale Menu

Locale Menu Selection

Changing Language

Operation

Enter the main menu and activate the
Locale item.

Press the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the Locale menu.
Press the

STORE button to activate the

selected menu item.

Language
Date
Decimal

Enter the Locale menu and activate
the Language item.

Press the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the Language menu. The
languages available are dependent on
your locale.

Press the

STORE button to activate the

language for the meter text.

Display

Locale
Language

Language
English

STORE

Press the

STORE button to activate the

selected menu item.

Press the

STORE button to activate the

language for the meter text.

GROUP

Press the

GROUP button to return to

the readings mode.

Press the

GROUP button to return to

the readings mode.

MENU

Press the

MENU button to activate the

selected menu item.

Press the

MENU button to activate the

language for the meter text.

ARROWS

Press the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the menu.

Press the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the menu.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 10 of 33

Changing Date Format

Date Menu Selection

Operation

Enter the Locale menu and activate
the Date item.

Press the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the Date menu.
Press the

STORE button to activate the

selected menu item.

MM/DD/YY
DD/MM/YY

Selecting the MM/DD/YY item will
format the date in the
month/day/year order.
Selecting the DD/MM/YY item will
format the date in the
day/month/year order.

Display

Date
MM/DD/YY

STORE

Press the

STORE button to activate the

selected menu item.

GROUP

Press the

GROUP button to return to

the readings mode.

MENU

Press the

MENU button to activate the

selected menu item.

ARROWS

Press the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the menu.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 11 of 33

Changing Decimal Format

Decimal Menu Selection

Operation

Enter the Locale menu and activate
the Decimal item.

Press the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the Numbers menu.
Press the

STORE button to activate the

selected menu item.

Period
Comma

Selecting the

Period format will use

the period ‘.’ character as the
decimal separator.
Selecting the

Comma format will use

the comma ‘,’ character as the
decimal separator.

Display

Decimal
Period

STORE

Press the

STORE button to activate the

selected menu item.

GROUP

Press the

GROUP button to return to

the readings mode.

MENU

Press the

MENU button to activate the

selected menu item.

ARROWS

Press the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the menu.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 12 of 33

Changing Species

Editing Specific Gravity

Editing Species Name

Operation

Enter the main menu and activate the
Species item.

Use the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the species list (See the
section “Factory Species List”).

Press the

STORE button to activate the

selected species.

Enter the Edit SG mode through the
Species item.

Use the

ARROW buttons to change the

SG number.
Press the

STORE button to save and

activate changes.

Enter the Edit Name mode through the
Species item and Edit SG mode.

Use the

ARROW buttons to change the

alpha character.
Press the

MENU button to move the

edit cursor to the right.
Press the

STORE button to save and

activate changes.

Display

Species SG
Walnut,Black.41

Edit SG
Walnut,Black.45

Edit Name
Walnut,Black.45

STORE

Press the

STORE button to activate the

selected species.

Press the

STORE button to save and

activate changes.

Press the

STORE button to save and

activate changes.

GROUP

Press the

GROUP button to return to

the readings mode.

Press the

GROUP button to cancel

changes and return to the readings
mode.

Press the

GROUP button to cancel

changes and return to the readings
mode.

MENU

Press the

MENU button to activate the

Edit SG mode.

Press the

MENU button to activate the

Edit Name mode.

Press the

MENU button to move the

edit cursor one character to the right.
That character will be cleared.

ARROWS

Press the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the species list.

Press the

ARROW buttons to

increment or decrement the SG
number.

Press the

ARROW buttons to cycle

through the alphabet.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 13 of 33

Mean/Std Statistics

High/Low Statistics

Operation

Enter the main menu and activate the
Mean/Std item.

Use the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the group statistics. Only
groups that contain readings will be
shown.

Press the

STORE button to return to

the readings mode.

Enter the main menu and activate the
High/Low item.

Use the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the group statistics. Only
groups that contain readings will be
shown.

Press the

STORE button to return to

the readings mode.

Display

Mean Std GRP

8.3 4.7 0

High Low GRP

11.0 6.1 1

STORE

Press the

STORE button to return to

the readings mode.

Press the

STORE button to return to

the readings mode.

GROUP

Press the

GROUP button to advance to

the next valid group.

Press the

GROUP button to advance to

the next valid group.

MENU

Press the

MENU button to return to the

readings mode.

Press the

MENU button to return to the

readings mode.

ARROWS

Press the

ARROW buttons to

increment or decrement the group
number.

Press the

ARROW buttons to

increment or decrement the group
number.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 14 of 33

Clear Menu

Clear Menu Selection

Operation

Enter the main menu and activate the
Clear menu.

Press the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the Clear menu.
Press the

STORE button to activate the

selected item.

Group
Readings
All Groups

Display

Clear
Group

STORE

Press the

STORE button to activate the

selected item.

GROUP

Press the

GROUP button to return to

the readings mode.

MENU

Press the

MENU button to activate the

selected item.

ARROWS

Press the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the menu.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 15 of 33

Clear Group

Clear Readings

Clear All Groups

Operation

Enter the Clear menu and activate the
Group item.

Press the

ARROW buttons to select the

group to clear. Only groups that
contain readings will be shown.

Press the

STORE button to clear the

selected group.

Enter the Clear menu and activate the
Readings item.

Press the

ARROW buttons to select the

reading to clear.
Press the

STORE button to clear the

selected reading.

Enter the Clear menu and activate the
All Groups item.

Press the

STORE button to clear all

groups.
Press any other button to cancel

operation and return to the readings
mode.

Display

Group
0

Reading GRP

17.6 % 10 21

All Groups
Yes = STORE

STORE

Press the

STORE button to clear the

selected group.

Press the

STORE button to clear the

selected reading.

Press the

STORE button to clear all

groups.

GROUP

Press the

GROUP button to advance to

the next valid group.

Press the

GROUP button to advance to

the next valid group.

Press the

GROUP button to return to

the readings mode.

MENU

Press the

MENU button to cancel and

to return to the readings mode.

Press the

MENU button to return to the

readings mode.

Press the

MENU button to return to the

readings mode.

ARROWS

Press the

ARROW buttons to

increment or decrement the group
number.

Press the

ARROW buttons to

increment or decrement reading
number.

Press the

ARROW button to return to

the readings mode.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 16 of 33

Printing Reports

Print Menu Selection

Operation

Enter the main menu and activate the
Print menu.

Press the

ARROW buttons to scroll

through the Print menu.
Press the

STORE button to activate the

menu item.

Group
Summary
Readings

Display

Print
Group

STORE

Press the

STORE button to activate the

selected menu item.

GROUP

Press the

GROUP button to return to

the readings mode.

MENU

Press the

MENU button to activate the

selected menu item.

ARROWS

Press the

ARROW buttons to

increment or decrement the menu.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 17 of 33

Group Report

Group Summary Report

Readings Report

Operation

Enter the Print menu and activate the
Group item.

Press the

ARROW buttons to select the

group to print.
Press the

STORE button to send the

group report to the printer.

Enter the Print menu and activate the
Summary item.

Press the

STORE button to send the

report to the printer.

Enter the Print menu and activate the
Readings item.

Press the

ARROW buttons to select the

group to print.
Press the

STORE button to send the

readings report to the printer.

Display

Group
0

Print
Summary

Group
0

STORE

Press the

STORE button to send the

report to the printer.

Press the

STORE button to send the

report to the printer.

Press the

STORE button to send the

report to the printer.

GROUP

Press the

GROUP button to advance to

the next valid group.

Press the

GROUP button to return to

the readings mode.

Press the

GROUP button to advance to

the next valid group.

MENU

Press the

MENU button to cancel and

return to the readings mode.

Press the

MENU button to send the

report to the printer.

Press the

MENU button to cancel and

return to the readings mode.

ARROWS

Press the

ARROW buttons to

increment or decrement the group
number.

Press the

ARROW buttons to

increment or decrement the menu.

Press the

ARROW buttons to

increment or decrement the group
number.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 18 of 33

Sample Group Report

L622 Stat-Pak 15:06:08 07/14/10
Group Report

Company Name

Meter #: 1
First: 10:10:07 07/14/10
Last: 10:18:14 07/14/10

Group Readings Mean Std High Low Species SG
0 32 11.9 2.3 15.1 5.6 Douglas Fir .50

% Readings %Total Histogram
< 0 .0
6 2 6.2 ********
8 1 3.1 ****
10 6 18.7 ************************
12 11 34.3 *********************************************
14 11 34.3 *********************************************
16 1 3.1 ****
18 0 .0
20 0 .0
22 0 .0
24 0 .0
26 0 .0
> 0 .0

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 19 of 33

Sample Group Summary Report

L622 Stat-Pak 15:07:39 07/14/10
Summary Report

Company Name

Meter #: 1
First: 10:10:07 07/14/10
Last: 10:23:43 07/14/10

Group Readings Mean Std High Low Species SG
0 32 11.9 2.3 15.1 5.6 Douglas Fir .50
7 36 14.3 4.0 24.0 6.8 Douglas Fir .50
11 35 13.2 3.0 19.2 7.5 Douglas Fir .50
199 31 12.8 3.4 22.3 7.9 Douglas Fir .50

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­ 4 134 13.1 3.3 24.0 5.6 Summary

% Readings %Total Histogram
< 0 .0
6 3 2.2 ***
8 9 6.7 ***********
10 21 15.6 **************************
12 36 26.8 *********************************************
14 31 23.1 **************************************
16 16 11.9 ********************
18 10 7.4 ************
20 4 2.9 *****
22 3 2.2 ***
24 1 .7 *
26 0 .0
> 0 .0

Sample Readings Report

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 20 of 33

L622 Stat-Pak 15:09:32 07/14/10
Readings Report

Company Name

Meter #: 1
First: 10:10:07 07/14/10
Last: 10:18:14 07/14/10

Group Readings Mean Std High Low Species SG
0 32 11.9 2.3 15.1 5.6 Douglas Fir .50

# % # % # % # % # %
1 12.3 2 12.3 3 12.6 4 13.9 5 15.1
6 14.8 7 14.4 8 13.0 9 12.4 10 12.2
11 11.3 12 10.6 13 10.3 14 9.7 15 9.4
16 10.1 17 10.9 18 11.2 19 11.6 20 11.9
21 12.4 22 13.1 23 14.2 24 14.1 25 12.3
26 13.9 27 14.1 28 13.7 29 14.2 30 8.4
31 5.6 32 6.3

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 21 of 33

Calibration

Operation

Enter the main menu and activate the
Calibration item.

Display

Calibration
xx.x %

STORE

Press the

STORE button to return to

the readings mode.

GROUP

Press the

GROUP button to return to

the readings mode.

MENU

Press the

MENU button to return to the

readings mode.

ARROWS

Press the

ARROW button to return to

the readings mode.

Checking Calibration

Calibration is factory set. It may be checked by using a

Wagner Calibration Verification Block (CVB) (P/N: 840­60130-003). Use only to verify L622 factory calibration is
within tolerance limits. If calibration is out of tolerance,
return L622 to factory or repair depot for re-calibration.
Never adjust L622 to this device. Protect CVB from
direct sunlight. Store the CVB in a cool dry place. Follow
these steps for checking calibration.

1. Enter the Calibration verification mode using the

MENU button.

2. Hold the L622 in mid-air so the bottom is several feet

from any object. The correct reading for air is .0
%MC. If the reading is outside the range, -2 to 2
%MC, the L622 is out of calibration.

3. Place the CVB, rubber feet down, on a metal surface:

such as a file cabinet, a piece of sheet metal, etc.

4. Orientate the long axis of the L622 with the long axis

of the CVB. Press the L622 sensor in the center of the
CVB and observe the reading. The correct reading is

20.0 %MC. If the reading is outside the range, 18.0 to

22.0 %MC, the L622 is out of calibration.

Warning—There are two (2) hole plugs located on either side of the

L622 handle. Do not remove these plugs because the adjustments
below them are factory set and should not be adjusted by the
customer. If adjustment is attempted, the unit will not be in
calibration and will require factory re-calibration.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 22 of 33

Backlight

Battery

Restore Factory

Operation

Enter the main menu and activate the
Backlight item.

Press the

STORE button to change state of

the backlight to ON or OFF.

Enter the main menu and activate the
Battery item.

When a low battery condition occurs, the
battery voltage bar graph will be
replaced with the message Too Low.
Also, when in the readings mode, GRP
will be replaced with BAT.

Life-time for alkaline batteries is ~8
hours (continuous use, backlight OFF).

Pressing the

ARROW buttons at the same

time while in the readings mode will clear
memory and restore the L622 to factory
settings. Warning, you will lose all
changes made to the species list.

Press the

STORE button to restore factory

settings.
Press the

GROUP or MENU button to

cancel operation and return to the
readings mode.

Display

Backlight ON

xxxxxx

4.0 Volts

Factory
Yes = STORE

STORE

Press the

STORE button to change state of

the backlight.

Press the

STORE button to return to the

readings mode.

Press the

STORE button to restore factory

settings.

GROUP

Press the

GROUP button to return to the

readings mode.

Press the

GROUP button to return to the

readings mode.

Press the

GROUP button to cancel the

operation and return to the readings mode.

MENU

Press the

MENU button to return to the

readings mode.

Press the

MENU button to return to the

readings mode.

Press the

MENU button to cancel the

operation and return to the readings mode.

ARROWS

Press the

ARROW buttons to return to the

readings mode.

Press the

ARROW buttons to return to

the readings mode.

No function.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 23 of 33

Technical Notes

Clock/Calendar—The L622 is contains a real time clock

and calendar. The clock/calendar is set through the Stat­Pak program. All reports use the clock/calendar to show
the date and time a report is printed, and Group and
Reading reports show when the first and last readings
where taken.

Company Name—Your company name may appear on
the reports. The company name is set through the Stat­Pak program.

Readings and Groups—The L622 can store up to 5000
readings in up to 200 groups. Groups are numbered 0 to
199 and can be selected at random. There is no limit to
the number of readings per group as long as the total
readings of all groups do not exceed 5000.

Automatic Menu Escape—When in the menu system
and 15-seconds of no key presses, the L622 will
automatically return to the Readings mode ready to store
the next reading in the current group.

Repeat Key—If a key (button) is held down for more than
one (1) second, then the key pressed is repeated at a
rate of one (1) repeat each second. After 5 repeats the
rate doubles and after an additional 5 repeats the rate
doubles again. Use this feature to scroll through a long
list of species or readings.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 24 of 33

Determining Specific Gravity

The L622 calibration is based on an equation that relates
measurement correction to the specific gravity of a given
species. Species of wood in different regions may have
a specific gravity that differs from that which is published
in wood drying handbooks. If you do not know the
species of the wood you are using, or the specific gravity
differs from the handbook because of a different growing
region, then use the following procedure for determining
specific gravity.

1. Select a sample of wood with all edges being true.
Carefully measure the dimensions of your sample
using a caliper. You will need the length, width, and
thickness.

2. Convert these measurements into feet or meters (ft.
or m).

3. Carefully measure the weight of your sample.

4. Convert the weight to pounds or kilograms (lb. or kg).

5. Calculate specific gravity (SG).

An English units illustration:

Length: 10 in. converted to feet is 10 in./ 12 = 0.833 ft.
Width: 7.5 in. converted to feet is 7.5 in. / 12 = 0.625 ft.
Thickness: 1.5 in. converted to feet is 1.5 in./ 12 = 0.125 ft.
Weight: 20 oz. converted to lb. is 20 oz. / 16 = 1.25 lb.
Volume: L x W x T: 0.833 x 0.625 x 0.125 = 0.065 ft

3

.
SG = (Weight / Volume) / Density of Water
SG = (1.25 lb. / 0.065 ft

3

) / 62.34 lb./ ft3 = 0.31

A metric units illustration:

Length: 254 mm converted to meters is = 0.254 m.
Width: 190 mm converted to meters is = 0.190 m.
Thickness: 38 mm converted to meters is = 0.038 m.
Mass: 565 converted to kg is = 0.565 kg.
Volume: L x W x T: 0. 254 x 0. 190 x 0. 038 = 0.00183 m

3

.
SG = (Mass / Volume) / Density of Water
SG = (0.565 kg / 0.00183 m

3

) / 1000 kg/m3 = 0.31

In order to ensure that the value obtained for the specific
gravity is statistically significant, a number of pieces must
be measured and the average determined. Use this
value of specific gravity for your species of wood.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 25 of 33

Factory Species List

The L622 has a factory default of 32 species. The
species name or specific gravity (SG) value may be
changed from the Editing Specific Gravity mode or
Editing Species Name mode menu item. This allows you
to tailor the L622 species setting to a species not listed.
The factory species list may also be custom configured
through the Stat-Pak program. The values shown are
median SG values. Any single wood species will have
an SG variation. Again, if necessary, you can edit these
SG values if you feel that your particular species has a
slightly different SG median value based on your
geographic region.
Additionally, the following resources are
available to obtain specific gravity values for
species not found in the L622 and Stat-Pak
software.

http://www.wagnersg.com/
http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/utilities/information.php
http://www.woodworkerssource.com/wood_library.php

You can create your own custom
species list in the meter as well as in Stat-Pak.

Species SG

Alder,Red .41
Cedar,EastRed.47
Cedar,WestRed.32
Cherry,Black .50
Douglas Fir .48
Fir,Balsam .35

Fir,Cal Red .38
Fir,Subalpine.32
Fir,White .39
Hemlock,East .40
Hemlock,West .45
Hickory,Nutmg.60
Hickory,Pecan.66
Hickory,Mockr.72
Larch,Western.52
Maple,Sugar .63
Oak,North Red.63
Oak,South Red.59
Oak,White .68
Pine,E White .35
Pine,Jack .43
Pine,Loblolly.51
Pine,Ldgepole.41
Pine,Longleaf.59
Pine,Pnderosa.40
Pine,Shrtleaf.51
Pine,Slash .59
Pine,Sugar .36
Poplar,Yellow.42
Redwood, Old .40
SYP .56
Custm Species.50

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 26 of 33

Commentary On Specific Gravity

In 1992, a study was conducted at the Forest Research
Laboratory of Oregon State University on species correction
for the Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters. The species
tested were Douglas Fir, Lodgepole Pine, Western Red Cedar,
Western Hemlock, White Fir, Western Larch, Engelmann
Spruce and White Oak. Three to four 40-piece samples of
each species were tested. Specific gravity was found to be
the primary factor on species correction. A species correction
equation as a function of specific gravity and the meter reading
was obtained using multiple regression technique (R-square =

0.95) as follows:
CF = 8.8772 + (0.2492 * MM) - (15.8649 * SG) - (0.6204 * SG

* MM)
CF = species correction; MM = meter reading; SG = species

average specific gravity in oven-dry weight and 12 %MC
volume basis

Wood is not a uniform material. Specific gravity of solid sawn
lumber varies within the piece and between pieces. In the
OSU study, the average sample specific gravity for each
species differed from the individual sample by plus and minus
1% to plus and minus 8%. For general applications, average
specific gravity values can be found in the Wood Handbook
(USDA Agriculture Handbook '72, 1987). Except for one
species whose experimental value is 7% higher, the species'
overall average specific gravity values obtained in the OSU
study are comparable with those in the Wood Handbook. The
exception may be caused by unknown biases in the sampling
scheme. The Wood Handbook values are used in the species
list.

Species correction can be determined for lumber sorted, or
otherwise known, to have specific gravity different from the
species' average. One example is lumber graded under the
Dense rules. If the specific gravity of a lumber sample is
known, species correction for this lumber sample can be
obtained by the species correction equation.

The species correction equation provides a way to expand the
use of the Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters for lumber of
any species groups having similar species specific gravity
values. One example is Hem-Fir. For a species group, one
way to determine the species correction is by the use of a
weighted average of the individual species' average specific
gravity values. The weighing procedure used in the ASTM
D2555 by standing timber volume can be used. Species
correction is not recommended for any species group having a
broad range of species specific gravity values. There are no
recognized limits on species group species correction.
Species correction for species groups should be used with
knowledge on the variability of specific gravity of all individual
species involved and the effect of it on species correction. If
the species mix in the lumber production of a species group is
controlled or known to have specific gravity different from that
used for the species group, a better estimation of species
correction can be determined using the known specific gravity
in the above species correction equation.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 27 of 33

Connecting to a Serial Printer

To print a report to a serial printer, the following
equipment is needed: L622, coiled modular serial cable,
DB25P to RJ11 adapter, and a serial printer.

• The serial printer must be ON, on line and configured
for 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.

• Plug one end of the modular serial cable into the
COMM port of the L622.

• Plug the other end into the DB25P to RJ11 modular
adapter.

• Plug the DB25P to RJ11 adapter into the serial
printer.

• Follow the Print Report instructions.

DB25P to RJ11 Adapter Pin Assignments

Pin Description

2 Receive
3 Transmit
7 Ground
1 No Connection
4-6 No Connection
8-25 No Connection

DB9S to RJ11 Adapter Pin Assignments

Pin Description

2 Transmit
3 Receive
5 Ground
1 No Connection
4 No Connection
6-9 No Connection

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 28 of 33

Question and Answers

Q: I’m nervous about buying a new technology. What
about Wagner Meters? How long have they been building
this type of Hand-Held Moisture Meter?

A: Wagner Meters has been building quality moisture

measurement instrumentation for over 40 years. They are a
leading supplier of sophisticated moisture measurement
systems for the primary forest products industry. The
advanced electro-magnetic wave technology used in Wagner
Hand-Held Moisture Meters has been closely scrutinized by
professional wood grading associations and scientists in the
industry. It has proven reliable, consistent and much easier to
use than pin-type resistance moisture metering.

Q: How can I take accurate moisture readings without
sticking pins into my wood? Why doesn’t my new Wagner
Hand-Held Moisture Meter read the same moisture content
as my old pin-type meter?

A: Pin-type meters work on a primitive, resistance principle

that basically measures the flow of electricity through a
substance. This method is subject to many environmental
variables that can dramatically affect moisture readings such
as chemicals in the water trapped within the wood and the
temperature of the wood. Pin-type meter readings must always
be corrected for any difference in temperature above or below
70 degrees F. Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters use
advanced electro-magnetic wave technology and are sensitive
to changes in density and the actual moisture content of the
wood.

Q: What is the narrowest piece of lumber I can measure
accurately with the Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meter?

A: Model L622 measures boards as narrow as 2 ½" in width.
Q: What thickness boards can I measure?
A: You can accurately measure boards as thin as ½" and up

to 2" thick.
Note: Make sure there is nothing behind boards less than 1"

thick when you take the measurement because Wagner Hand­Held Moisture Meters will read through the thinner board and
measure the moisture in the material behind. Under no
circumstances measure a piece of wood that is sitting on a
metal surface. The Wagner L622 measures to a depth of 1",
which will reach the center of a 2" board)

Q: Can I get accurate results on 4x or thicker lumber?

A: No hand-held moisture meter can accurately read to the
center of 4x material unless you are willing and able to drive
pins 1" into the lumber all the way up and down its length and
breadth. However using a Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meter,
you can quickly and easily scan 4x lumber on both sides (4 x
4’s on all four sides). Then only the center 1

5/8" would be

unmeasured.
Note: Most wood grading agencies are generally not

concerned about the moisture content in the center of thicker
beams and posts. They consider 1" deep scanning more than
adequate.

Q: Where is the reading taken with a pin-type meter? With
a Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meter?

A: Pin-type meters take their measurements at the depth that

you’ve been able to drive the pins. . . and only in a line

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 29 of 33

between the non-insulated portion of the pins (often only the
tips). In contrast, Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters
generate a three-dimensional field that measures from the
surface of the wood to a depth of 1" under the entire sensor
(approximately 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" on the L622).

Q: How does this difference in measuring techniques
affect accuracy?

A: If you’re using a pin-type meter, the moisture content you

are reading is determined by the micro-thin path the electricity
takes to travel from one pin to the other. In effect, it measures
only the moisture content of that very tiny path. If there is a
single wet fiber between the pins, the electric charge will flow
easily along that fiber and cause pin-type meters to
exaggerate the moisture content in the wood when in fact it is
just a very small fiber that is wet. However, if the place you
choose to drive the pins into the wood is simply extraordinarily
dry and untypical of the rest of the piece you will get an
exaggerated dry reading. On the other hand, Wagner Hand­Held Moisture Meters take an average of the moisture content
discovered by the full scan of the three-dimensional field so
small wet fibers are not read as large wet spots. Plus, it only
takes seconds to scan the entire board.

Q: How are moisture meters affected by surface
moisture?

A: Most moisture meters can be affected by standing water,

or visible water on the board. You should always wipe off as
much excess water as possible. Once the standing water is
removed, Pin-type meters with non-insulated pins will register
a highly exaggerated moisture reading. Wagner Hand-Held
Moisture Meters will read slightly higher than normal (probably
less than 3 to 4%). If water is allowed to soak into the wood, it
will naturally show a higher moisture content. If a piece of
wood is quite rough, it will soak up the water quite readily and
readings will be affected.

Q: What are the effects of relative humidity on Wagner
Hand-Held Moisture Meter readings?

A: As long as there is not condensation on the bottom surface

of the instrument there is no effect from changes in relative
humidity.

Q: Do the meters on the Wagner Hand-Held products ever
require readjustment? Does my Wagner Hand-Held
Moisture Meter need to be calibrated? If so, how often
must it be done?

A: Occasionally Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters require

adjustment. However, the process of checking zero points and
calibration is very simple.

Note: Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters are originally
calibrated at the factory. Type and amount of use will
determine how long this original calibration will last. A
calibration block is available for the customers who must
check their calibration often. Anytime that the meter is not
reading correctly on that calibration block, it should be sent
into the factor for calibration.

Q: I have a very thin veneer over a doorstock and I’m
trying to measure the moisture content of the core. Can I
measure accurately through laminated materials?

A: If you’re measuring an all-wood door with a very thin

veneer wood laminate, you can probably use a correction
factor to determine the moisture content of the core material.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 30 of 33

Note: If you’re measuring a door that has a plastic laminate or
Formica-type laminate, the Formica laminate is going to have
its own density, which is going to affect the reading of the
meter. You can determine the variance caused by the laminate
by first measuring only the core and then the core with the
laminate. For example, if the core measures 12% without the
laminate and 13.5% with, you will then know to correct your
readings of the combined material by 1.5%.

Q: Will Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters work the
same on rough lumber as they do on smooth clean
lumber?

A: There are little fibers in very rough material that actually

allow a minute layer of air between the meter and the main
body of the wood. However, this should not materially affect
the reading, or if it does, only slightly lower.

Note: It’s important on rough material to use some pressure
and force the meter down firmly against the wood.
Occasionally, the measurement of exceptionally rough
material may necessitate adding 1 to 2% to get an accurate
reading.

Q: Can you check moisture content of plywood, particle
board or wafer board with hand-held meters?

A: Because of the glues and mixed species nature of these

materials, it is very difficult to take reliable moisture readings
with pin-type or Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters.

Note: However, if you would like to work up your own
calibrations for materials you use repetitively, you can contact
Wagner for guidelines and suggestions.

Q: Does it matter which way you set a Wagner Hand-Held
Moisture Meter on the wood? Cross grain, with the grain,
or at an angle?

A: Because Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters use

advanced electro-magnetic wave technology, they are
completely unaffected by orientation on the wood.

Q: Are the readings that I take with my Wagner Hand-Held
Moisture Meter affected by the temperature of the wood
like those taken with a pin-type meter? What about frozen
wood?

A: Unlike pin-type meters which require corrections for

temperatures above or below 70 degrees F, the readings on
the Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meter are essentially
unaffected by the temperature of the wood. Moisture content
can accurately be measured as soon as the hot wood is taken
out of the kiln. When the same wood is measured hours later,
again with the Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meter, the
readings stay consistently the same, unless the wood
continues to dry during the cooling process.

For frozen wood, as long as the moisture content of the wood
you are measuring is below 15%, you can get reliable
readings. When moisture content readings in frozen wood
exceed 15%, you will need to make corrections.

Q: How rugged are the Wagner Hand-Held Moisture
Meters? Are they too delicate to be used on an abusive
production line?

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 31 of 33

A: The Wagner L622 Moisture Meter is a tough production­line model, but can possibly be damaged by being dropped or
slammed down hard on wood surfaces.

Q: How accurate are Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters?
A: The Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meter is as accurate, or

more accurate than any moisture meter that is on the market.
This can be verified by several university studies.

Q: Are Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters safe to use?
A: Wagner’s Hand-Held Moisture Meters have been tested

and certified to comply with FCC and CE regulations.

Q: What is proper moisture content in wood? What
moisture content is considered too high or too low?

A: There is no one

correct answer for this question. As a rule,
differences in woods and their uses determine the moisture
content desired. For instance, if the wood is to be used in
construction as a stud for building, the moisture content
requirement could be under 15% to 19%. If the wood is to be
glued, and it is too dry it will not bond. If it is too wet, it will not
hold. Ideally the moisture content of wood to be used in
furniture is between 6 and 8%.

The best way to determine the proper moisture content of the
wood you are using is to contact the nearest University Wood
Product Representative. You may also call the Forest
Products Research Laboratory in Madison, WI (608-231-

9200).

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 32 of 33

Warranty

Wagner Meters warrants this product against defects in
material and workmanship for one (1) year from the date of
purchase, subject to the following terms and conditions:

Wagner’s liability under this warranty shall be limited, at
Wagner’s option, to repair or replacement of this product or
any part thereof, which is demonstrated to be defective. To
exercise this warranty, customer must telephone, fax or e-mail
Wagner’s Customer Service Department for factory
instructions for shipment. This limited warranty does not apply
if accident, negligent handling, misuse, alteration, damage
during shipment, or improper service have damaged the
product. Wagner Meters shall, in no event, 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, as recommended in the
manual, the meter should stay in calibration; however,
because Wagner Meters has no control over the manner in
which the unit will be used, it makes no warranty that the
meter will stay in calibration for any specific period of time.
Wagner Meters recommends purchasing a calibration
standard or return the unit to the factory for diagnostic checkup
and re-calibration, on the anniversary date of purchase, each
year the meter is in service.

This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, whether
oral or written, express or implied. Any implied

warranties, including implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are
excluded. Agents and employees of Wagner Meters are not

authorized to make modifications to this warranty or additional
warranties binding on Wagner Meters. Accordingly, additional
statements, whether oral or written, except written statements
from an officer of Wagner Meters do not constitute warranties
and should not be relied upon by the customer.

This warranty is personal to the customer purchasing the
product from Wagner Meters and is not transferable.

500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 33 of 33

Repair Service

All products returned for repair must be accompanied by a
Repair Order form found on our website at
www.wagnerrepairs.com Repair should be returned to the
following address:

Wagner Meters

326 Pine Grove Road

Rogue River, Oregon 97537

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

Standard repairs: Customer must pay the expense of shipping
the product to and from Wagner.

Warranty repairs: Customer must pay the expense of shipping
the product to Wagner. Wagner will pay the cost of return
shipment by surface carrier within the Continental United
States. Customer must pay all extra costs of expedited
shipping or shipment to and from locations outside of the
Continental United States.

E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.wagnermeters.com