Delmhorst Instrument Co F-2000 User manual

F-2000
owners manual
WHEN ACCURACY IS THE POINT.
®
TM
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 F-2000 Features
3 Before You Begin
3 Check Calibration
4 Set the Scale
4 Change the Set-Point
5 To Check Accumulated Readings
5 To Reset Meter
6 Taking a Reading
6 Testing Baled Hay
6 Testing in the Windrow
8 Factors Affecting Your Reading
8 Range of Moisture Content
9 Hay Temperature
9Curing
10 Density
10 Use of Preservatives
10 Sample Size
11 Care of Your Meter
12 Warranty
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%
F-2000 FEATURES
h6% to 40% moisture range for alfalfa hay
hDigital readout
hBuilt-in calibration check
hTemperature stable circuit
hErgonomic case design
hIncludes (1) 9-volt battery
hThree year warranty
h60 years of proven quality, accuracy and service
Digital Readout
Read Button
Calibration
Check Button
$
Set-Point
Button
#
Set Point
Decrease
@
External Connector
^
!
DELMHORST F-2000
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BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Button Functions
!READ BUTTON - Reads the percent moisture
content value %MC.
@CALIBRATION CHECK BUTTON - Checks the
meter calibration. Displays the average of up
to 100 accumulated readings; displays the
highest stored reading; erases the readings.
#SET POINT (DECREASE) BUTTON - Acts as
an arrow button when pressed after the set-
point button to decrease the set point to a
lower value.
$SET-POINT BUTTON - Displays the current
set-point. Also acts as an arrow (scroll) button
to increase the set-point value in 1% increments.
When the battery is replaced, the meter displays its
software version for one second and then turns itself
off. After replacing the battery, you must reset the
meter as described on page 5.
CHECK CALIBRATION
hRemove the probe from the top of the meter.
hPress and hold the read button !and check button @
simultaneously. Meter is in calibration if it displays “12”
(± .2)
If you check the calibration and the display does not read
“12,” it is likely an indication of a low battery. If this
occurs, change the battery immediately. Continued use with a
low battery may cause the meter to go out of calibration. If
you have a fresh battery and the instrument still does not
indicate an acceptable calibration, return it to DELMHORST
for service.
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CHANGE THE SET-POINT
hTo change the set-point value press the set-point button
$. The meter will display the current set-point value.
hTo scroll forward to a higher value, hold the set-point
button $while the current value is displayed and scroll
to the set-point value desired.
hTo scroll backward through the set-point values, press and
release the set-point button $. Within one second press
and hold the set-point decrease button #.
hContinue to hold the set-point decrease button #and the
set-point value will decrease.
hWhen scrolling in either direction, release the button to
stop at your desired set-point.
If the meter reads a %MC higher than that of the set-point,
a buzzer will sound.
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5
TO CHECK ACCUMULATED
READINGS
This feature allows you to view the total number of all
accumulated readings for the given product you have chosen,
the average of those readings, and the highest stored reading.
hTo add a reading to the sum of all previously stored readings,
release the read button !within 2 seconds. If you press
and hold the read button !, the meter will repeat its read
cycle, but will not add a new reading to the storage until
the button is released.
hTo view the readings press and release the calibration
check button @. First the meter displays the number of
accumulated readings for one second, then the average of
those readings for two seconds. Then it displays the highest
stored reading for two seconds. The total “cycle” time is
five seconds.
hTo erase all the accumulated readings, hold the calibration
check button @for more than 5 seconds until the meter
displays “0”.
hTo keep the accumulated readings in memory, release the
calibration check button @before the total cycle time is
complete.
The meter will accumulate up to 100 readings. After all
100 readings are stored, it will not add new readings until
the memory has been cleared. It will also continue to display
the average of all 100 readings as a reminder that the
memory is full.
Readings below 6% will be displayed as “0”. Those above
40% will be displayed as “99.9.” Neither will be added to
the accumulated readings or used in calculation of average or
highest reading.
TO RESET METER
hPress and release the calibration check button @.
hWithin one second, press and hold the set-point decrease
button #.
hThe meter will reset itself and display “119.” This indicates
that the meter has been reset and that the set-point has
been set to its default value of 19%. It will also clear all
of the readings stored in memory.
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TAKING A READING
Testing Baled Hay
hConnect the probe to the external connector on the top of
the meter.
hInsert the probe into the bale.
hPress the read button !The meter displays the %MC for
two seconds.
Notes
hThe hay prod is electrically insulated, except at the metal
points near the tip. The moisture content measured repre-
sents the hay in contact with the tip of the prod only.
hPartially cured hay may have wide variations in moisture
content throughout the bale. Readings should be taken in
several different parts of the bale and the highest readings
used as a guideline. The arrangement and compaction of
hay fibers in a bale may have an effect on meter readings.
hIf you are testing high density bales, we recommend using
the H-4 handle with the 830-2 10” prod, 830-3 18” prod,
or the 830-4 36” prod. Using the handle/prod combina-
tion eliminates excess stress on the instrument case that
may occur when trying to insert the prod into a high den-
sity or large bale.
hWhen using the 36” prod, be sure to guide the prod into
the bale with one hand while pushing on the H-4 handle.
Testing in the Windrow
There are three ways to test moisture content in the windrow:
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Test A
hAttach the #831 short pin prod to the H-4 handle and
connect the handle to the external connector on top of the
meter.
hPrepare a representative sample by collecting hay from
various parts of the windrow.
hPlace hay in a non-conductive container (such as a 5 to 10
gallon plastic pail) and apply the short pin prod to the hay.
hPress the read button !and take a reading.
hMix the sample once again and take at least two more
readings. Use the highest readings.
Notes
hRepeat the steps above if considerable variations are found
in the meter readings. To reduce these variations, chop the
hay, mix it thoroughly and take several readings by follow-
ing the procedures above. This will make the moisture
distribution in the sample more uniform.
Test B
hAttach the #831 short pin prod to the H-4 handle and
connect the handle to the external connector on top of the
meter.
hApply the prod to the hay in the windrow.
hPress the read button !and take a reading.
hMake several tests on the hay exposed to the sun, then
turn the windrow over and make an equal number of tests
on the hay that had been closer to the ground. Use the
highest readings.
Notes
hMake sure that the points of the electrode are not touching
the ground. The electrode points should make contact with
the hay only.
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8
Test C
hSelect up to five large, slower-drying stems from a section
of the windrow.
hPlace them one at a time across two adjacent points on the
# 831 short pin prod.
hThe average of these stem readings should be about two to
five points higher than the actual moisture content.
Notes
hRepeat these steps in different parts of the field and pay
special attention to the areas where the hay is heaviest.
hThe amount of variation found among windrow readings as
well as the average stem moisture should be taken into
consideration before the decision is made to start baling.
FACTORS AFFECTING YOUR
READINGS
Because of the many variables that affect the electrical meter
readings, the indicated moisture content should not be used
as an absolute quantitative measurement. Meter readings are
very useful guidelines for safe storability of hay.
Meter readings become more significant when they are
considered in the light of the density of the bales, anticipated
handling and storage, and prevailing climate conditions.
Range of Moisture Content
The F-2000 is designed to test moisture in hay over a range
of 6%-40%. Readings over 30% should be used only as a
qualitative indication of high moisture content. Delmhorst
moisture meters use the relationship existing between electrical
conductivity and moisture content in hay. As moisture content
increases, so does the conductivity.
Tests on hay at high moisture content, over 25%, are less
accurate. This is mostly due to the variability in moisture
distribution. The reduced level of accuracy in the high range
does not significantly affect the usefulness of the meter, as a
few high readings indicate that some action be taken to dry
the hay to avoid spoilage or even self-combustion.
While it is important to note the average of several readings,
it is even more important to note the high readings and the
frequency at which they occur.
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9
Hay Temperature
The F-2000 has been calibrated at 80°F on various samples
of different types of hay, mostly alfalfa, and on different
cuttings and mixtures. The higher the temperature of the
sample, the higher the meter readings will be. Temperatures
lower than 80°F cause lower meter readings. The correction
is approximately 1% point for every 20° difference. Refer to
chart below:
Hay temperature Add to reading Subtract from reading
20°F/-7°C 3 --
40°F/ 5°C 2 --
60°F/15°C 1 --
80°F/30°C 0 0
100°F/40°C -- 1
120°F/50°C -- 2
140°F/60°C -- 3
Example
Meter reading: 22%
Temperature: 40°F/5°C
Moisture Content: 24% (22 + 2)
Curing
Before proper curing has taken place, wide variations in
moisture content should be expected in both recently baled
hay and hay in the windrow. These variations will be exposed
by meter readings taken on different parts of the windrow or
bale. The higher the moisture range, the wider are the
variations. The more curing has been allowed to take place,
the greater uniformity in moisture distribution can be
expected.
The validity of the meter readings is closely related to the
care spent in sampling the hay to be tested. Whether hay in
the windrow or baled hay is tested, the number of tests made
should be increased whenever the initial readings show
considerable variations.
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Density
The calibration of the moisture testers applies to bales of
normal “average’ density. Generally:
hDenser bales may yield readings 1-2% points higher.
hLooser bales tend to yield 1-2% point lower.
hTests in stacks usually yield readings 2%-3% lower.
hTests on grass hay may yield readings about 3% lower.
Baling should be done according to the lower meter reading.
When testing baled hay, drive the prod across the slices of
the bale, not between them. This will ensure firmer and more
uniform contact.
Use of Preservatives
Hay preservative or stabilizers may also have an affect on
meter readings. Normally a bale of hay treated with preser-
vative will read higher than a bale of the same hay that had
not been treated. The readings typically increase by 2-4%
points, and 24-48 hours after treatment, the readings
between the bales tend to equalize.
Occasional higher readings may occur if, in addition to the
effect of the increased conductivity due to the stabilizer, the
bales tested also show an increase in temperature and
“sweating.” As the stabilizer becomes more thoroughly
absorbed and the sweating subsides, the meter readings
recede to the initial level and will continue to decrease,
assuming that the bale becomes progressively dryer.
Sample Size
When testing baled hay, it is essential to take readings at
several different points in the bale. Hay moisture may vary a
great deal in the same bale. For example, at one point bale
moisture may be 20% and at another over 35%.
More tests must be made whenever the variations among
readings are greater. If there is a possibility of high moisture
areas, samples from these locations should be taken. Areas of
high moisture content will spoil, resulting in loss.
It is extremely important to note the high readings and the
frequency at which they occur.
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CARE OF YOUR METER
To keep your meter in good working order:
hStore your meter in a clean, dry place. The optional
protective carrying case is an ideal storage place when
the meter is not in use.
hChange the 9-Volt battery as needed. Continued use with a
low battery may cause the meter to go out of calibration.
hClean the meter and probe with any biodegradable cleaner.
Use the cleaner sparingly and on external parts only. Do
not immerse the meter or any prod in water.
hRemove the battery if the meter will not be used for one
month or longer.
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WARRANTY
Delmhorst Instrument Co., referred to hereafter as
Delmhorst, guarantees its F-2000 meter for three years from
date of purchase and any optional electrodes against defects
in material or workmanship for 90 days. This limited
warranty does not cover abuse, alteration, misuse, damage
during shipment, improper service, unauthorized or
unreasonable use of the meter or electrodes. This warranty
does not cover batteries, pin assemblies, or pins. If the meter
or any optional electrodes have been tampered with, the
warranty shall be void. At our option we may replace or
repair the meter.
Delmhorst shall not 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 the meter should stay in calibration;
follow the instructions in the Care of Your Meter section.
Under no circumstances shall Delmhorst be liable for any
incidental, indirect, special, or consequential damages of any
type whatsoever, including, but not limited to, lost profits or
downtime arising out of or related in any respect to its
meters or electrodes and no other warranty, written, oral or
implied applies. Delmhorst shall in no event be liable for any
breach of warranty or defect in this product that exceeds the
amount of purchase of this product.
The express warranty set forth above constitutes the entire
warranty with respect to Delmhorst meters and electrodes
and no other warranty, written, oral, or implied applies. This
warranty is personal to the customer purchasing the product
and is not transferable.
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WHEN ACCURACY IS THE POINT.
®
TM
For 60 years Delmhorst has been
the leading manufacturer of high
quality moisture meters and thermo-
hygrometers. Today we offer the
innovative KIL-MO-TROL®in-kiln
monitoring system. We also offer a
wide range of meters for a variety
of applications including wood-
working/lumber, agriculture, con-
struction, paper, restoration, IAQ
and flooring.
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