Extech Instruments MO230 User manual

User Guide

Moisture Meter

Model MO230

Extech MO230 Pocket Pin Wood Moisture Meter

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Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech MO230 Moisture Meter. The MO230 detects

moisture in wood and building materials such as wall board, sheet rock, cardboard, paper, mortar,

and plaster. Additionally, the meter measures Relative Humidity (RH) and Temperature. Careful

use of this meter will provide years of reliable service.

Description

Meter Description

1. Protective Cap

2. Test Point pairs

3. Measurement electrode pins

4. Temperature and RH sensors

5. LCD

6. Hand grips

7. SET, CLEAR, and MODE/POWER buttons

Display Description

1. Measured value scale

2. Measured value

3. Relative Dry-Moist-Wet scale

4. Building mode and groups

5. Wood mode and groups

6. MAX value scale

7. TEST mode icon

8. Battery Status Indicator

9. Temperature or Relative Humidity display

Note: The LCD screen is optimized for a 30 degree viewing angle.

BUILD

W2 W3 B2 B3 B4B1

TEST

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Operation

Getting Started

1. Remove the protective cap to expose the electrode measurement pins.

2. Press and hold the power button for 2 seconds to switch the meter ON. The ambient

temperature will display and then the display will switch to the moisture measurement mode.

Note: To conserve battery life, the meter automatically shuts off after 3 minutes.

Measuring Temperature and Relative Humidity

The MO230 measures ambient temperature and relative humidity via the built-in sensors at the

top of the meter. The ambient temperature is used as a temperature compensation utility for

moisture measurements.

1. The temperature or humidity reading is shown at the top of the LCD display window.

2. Press and hold the SET button for 2 seconds to switch from temperature display to humidity

display.

Note: Refer to the programming section of this guide for instructions on switching the temperature

units of measure (oC / oF).

Measuring Moisture

1. The MO230 measures moisture via the pins affixed to the top of the

meter.

2. Carefully push the electrode pins as far as possible into the material

under test. The pins should be inserted into wood perpendicular to the

wood’s fiber structure.

3. Take several readings in several locations on the material for the best

representation of the amount of moisture present.

4. Read the measurement values on the display. Readings are

represented in %. The measurement range for wood is 1 to 75%. The

measurement range for other building materials is 0.1 to 24%.

5. Replace the protective cap when finished.

Maximum (MAX) reading Indication

The bargraph on the left side of the LCD display indicates and holds the

highest reading encountered during a measurement session. Use the

CLEAR button to reset the MAX reading indication.

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

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

BUILD

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Measurement Modes

There are three (3) measurement modes. Momentarily press the MODE button to step from one

mode to the next:

•WOOD MEASUREMENT MODE (WOOD GROUPS WI, W2, W3)

•BUILDING MEASUREMENT MODE (MATERIAL GROUPS B1, B2, B3, B4)

•SELF TEST MODE (TEST)

Wood Measurement mode

Momentarily press the MODE button to select the Wood Measurement

Mode. Use the SET button to choose the desired wood group (W1, W2,

W3) (refer to the Wood Group Table in the Appendix).

Building Material Measurement Mode

Momentarily press the MODE button to select the Building Measurement

Mode and use the SET button to choose the desired building material

group (B1, B2, B3, B4). (refer to the Building Material Group Table in the Appendix).

Self Test Mode

Momentarily press the MODE button to select the Self Test Mode. Touch the

measurement pins to the test points labeled ‘T’ on the protective cap. The

display will read OK if the test passes (30 units ±2) or it will display dashes if the

test fails. Next, touch the measurement pins to the test points labeled ‘B’. The

display will read OK if the test passes (60 ±2) or it will display dashes if the test

fails. If tests are failing please return the unit for repair or replacement.

Dry/Wet Indication

Moisture reading will also be displayed on the user defined wet-moist-

dry display. Setting the range of the display is described in the

programming section.

W2 W3

BUILD

B2 B3 B4B1

TEST

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Programming Menu

The programming menu offers five configurable parameters. To access the menu, turn the meter

on, then momentarily press and release the SET and CLEAR buttons at the

same time.

Once in the programming menu, use the MODE button to step through the

parameters and also to exit the mode.

Material Temperature Offset

The first parameter in the programming menu is the material temperature offset feature. Use the

SET button to increase the temperature value and use the CLEAR button to decrease the

temperature value.

Material moisture measurements can be dependent on the temperature of the material. This

meter automatically compensates for material temperature changes by measuring ambient

temperature. The temperature offset allows for adjusting the temperature reading when the

material measured is not at ambient temperature.. Note: the temperature reading will return to

normal when the meter is turned off.

DRY/WET Scale

The second and third parameters in the programming menu set the lower and upper range of the

Dry-Wet scale. This relative scaling allows the user to specify what value is considered a DRY

reading and what value is considered a WET reading. The values can be programmed from 0000

to 0999 (999=99.9%). Use the SET button to increase the displayed value and use the CLEAR

button to decrease the displayed value.

LCD Backlight Modes

The fourth parameter is the LCD backlight configuration. There are three (3) LCD backlight

modes: AUTO, ON, and OFF. In AUTO mode, the backlight switches ON and OFF automatically

according to use. In the ON mode, the backlight is always ON. In the OFF mode, the backlight is

always OFF. The default setting is the AUTO mode. Use the SET button to select the mode.

Temperature units of measure (°C / °F)

The fifth mode is the temperature unit selection. The units of measure for ambient temperature

and material compensation can be set to either °C or °F. The setting is stored and remains in

effect until it is changed manually. Use the SET button to toggle the units.

Maintenance

• Always keep the instrument dry

• Prevent dirt from accumulating at the electrode pins

Electrode Pin Replacement

To replace the two electrode pins:

1. Remove the protective cap

2. Unscrew the electrode pins

3. Install the new pins

4. Replace the protective cap

TEMP

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Battery Installation and Replacement

If the instrument does not switch on or if it displays the low battery symbol,

replace the batteries:

1. Remove the Phillips head screw at the rear of the instrument and

remove the battery compartment cover.

2. Install new batteries (2) by placing the edge of the battery under to

lip (3) and pressing the battery until the latch (1) locks the battery in

place.

3. Observe the correct polarity when installing batteries.

4. Remove old batteries by pressing the latch (1) and allowing the

battery to pop out.

5. Replace and secure the battery cover.

Note: Do not mix old and new batteries, always replace all three batteries.

You, as the end user, are legally bound (EU Battery ordinance) to return all used

batteries, disposal in the household garbage is prohibited! You can hand over your

used batteries / accumulators at collection points in your community or wherever batteries /

accumulators are sold!

Disposal: Follow the valid legal stipulations in respect of the disposal of the device at the

end of its lifecycle

Specifications

Measurement Principle Electrical resistance

Display LCD

Measurements Moisture, Relative Humidity and Temperature

Moisture Range Wood: 0 to 75%; Building materials: 0.1 to 24%

Relative Humidity Range 0 to 100%

Temperature Range -40 to 70°C (-40 to 158°F)

Electrode length 8mm (0.3”)

Electrode pins Integrated, replaceable

Auto Power OFF After 3 minutes

Power supply Three (3) CR-2032 button cells

Operating Temperature 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F)

Operating Humidity 85% Relative Humidity maximum

Housing material Impact resistant plastic

Dimensions 159 x 63.5 x 30.5mm (6.25 x 2.5 x 1.2”)

Weight 100g (3.5 oz)

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Appendices

Wood Groups

W1 W1 W2 W3

Abachi Agda Mahogany Afrormosia

Abura Maple Pine Rubber tree

Pear wood Alder Cherry wood Imbuia

Black Afara Patagonian cypress Kosipo Kokrodua

Parana pine Purpleheart Larch Niove Bidinkala

Beech Andiroba Limba Tola-real,red

Dabema Aspen Cherry mahogany Cork

Ebony Balsa Meleze Melamine particle board

Oak,red Basralocus Poplar (all) Phenolic resin particle board

Oak,white Tree Health Plum wood

Ash Ebiara Pine

Yellowheart Birch Red sandalwood

Ash-American Logwood Elm

Ash-Japanese Juniper Maritime pine

Hichory-silver poplar Beech-European hombean English oak

Hickory-swap Hombeam-white Durmast oak

Ilomba Campeachy Tola

Ipe Aiele Tola-branca

Iroko Kapok Walnut

Small-leaved lime Douka Westem red

Small-leaved lime -

American Douglas fir Cedar

Mockemut hickory Oak White maple

Niangon Oak-holm White birch

Niove English,dumast White beech

Okoume Emien White poplar

Rosewood Alder-red,black Swiss pine

Rio rosewood Ash Common aspen

Common beech Yellow birch Damson wood

Red oak Southem yellow pine Cypress,red

Teak Hombeam Fibre board

Willow Hickory-silver poplar Wood fibre insulating board

White oak hickory-poplar Wood fibre hardboard

Cedar Izombe Kauramin partide board

Cypress - C. Lusit Guanandi Paper

Board Jarrah Textiles

Chestnut-sweet, red Elm

African Karri

Building Material Groups

B1 B2 B3 B4

Gypsum plaster Aerated concrete Sand/Cement top mix Concrete

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