Delmhorst Instrument Co J Series User manual

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Rev 2 - November 2023
Owner’s Manual JX-20 & JX-30

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Contents
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................................3
2. Safety .......................................................................................................................................................4
3. Meter Features.......................................................................................................................................5
4. Menu Features .......................................................................................................................................7
5. Read Menu .............................................................................................................................................8
Species Selection and Correction...................................................................................................8
Live Reading Area ...............................................................................................................................9
Set Point...............................................................................................................................................10
Material (Wood) Temperature.......................................................................................................11
Pin Correction.....................................................................................................................................12
6. Set Menu.............................................................................................................................................. 13
Setting Selection................................................................................................................................13
Bluetooth® Indicator.........................................................................................................................13
7. Stats Menu ........................................................................................................................................... 15
Stats Selection ....................................................................................................................................15
Stats Details.........................................................................................................................................15
8. Delmhorst EDGE ™App Features .................................................................................................. 16
9. Specifications and Operating Conditions...................................................................................... 17
Temperature Range (operating) ...................................................................................................17
Reading Range...................................................................................................................................17
Power....................................................................................................................................................17
Size ........................................................................................................................................................18
Weight ..................................................................................................................................................18
Regulations/Compliance.................................................................................................................18
Dispose of your Meter......................................................................................................................18
For private households: Information on Disposal for Users of WEEE................................19
For professional users in the European Union..........................................................................19
For disposal in countries outside of the European Union .....................................................20
10. Meter Care, Service and Warranty ................................................................................................ 21

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Care for your Meter ..........................................................................................................................21
Service Your Meter ...........................................................................................................................22
Limited Warranty...............................................................................................................................22
11. Appendix........................................................................................................................................... 25
Meter Species Table .........................................................................................................................25
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the new JX-20 or JX-30, the latest in
Delmhorst’s legacy “J-series” pin-type (conductance) moisture meters
from the new Navigator™family of meters. Delmhorst J-series meters are
known worldwide for their unmatched reliability and ease of use.
The JX –20 and JX-30 are ideal tools for woodworkers, furniture and
cabinet manufacturers, sawmills, wood flooring contractors and any other
wood product related field. These exciting new meters offer the latest in
features and functionality. They are packaged in a robust and
ergonomically designed ABS case (patent pending) to provide a
premium, tactile feel, and intuitive user interface with dashboard-like
display.
Together with the new Delmhorst EDGE™app (JX-30), users can
customize meter settings and share MC data or graphs from any jobsite
quickly and accurately.
The JX meters carry a two-year limited warranty. REGISTER YOUR METER
by using the QR code on the back of the meter or at www.delmhorst.com
to receive an additional three month’s warranty.
We recommend that you read the following pages in detail to take full
advantage of all the JX-20 and JX-30 meters have to offer.
Should you need assistance at any time, please contact us via email at
[e-mail] or by calling 877-DELMHORST (335-6467).

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2. Safety
Sharp Measurement Pins: The measurement pins are very sharp as
they are intended to penetrate through hard woods, drywall, and
building materials. Ensure that the pin cap is always covering the pins when
not in use to avoid unintentional injury to the user or others.
Meter Calibration: Meters are factory-calibrated prior to shipment.
Calibration should be checked before performing a job (using the
internal Cal Check feature or external MCS calibration standard) to ensure
the meter is working correctly and electrically accurate.
Proper Use: When used properly, the JX-20 and JX-30 meters can
help users make informed decisions on the moisture levels of wood
and other hygroscopic building materials. A moisture meter is a secondary
method of determining moisture content, and users should be aware of
other potential influences on the accuracy of conductance meter readings.

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3. Meter Features
Figure 1: Meter components
1. Screen –Easy to read, backlit LCD display.
2. Read Button –When in live reading mode, press this button to hold a
reading. When in any other mode, press this button to enter live
reading mode.
3. Navigation Buttons –Use the up/down/left/right buttons to navigate
through the meter’s display. Use the center button to confirm a
selection.
4. Easy Grip Handle –The handle is contoured to provide a comfortable
grip for right or left-handed users. This shape also allows for

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increased leverage when pushing the meter into hard materials. The
battery door is located on the rear of the handle.
5. LEDs –The GREEN light indicates a sufficiently dry moisture level, the
YELLOW light indicates a borderline condition, and the RED light
indicates material that is too wet for most applications. The LED
values are fixed for the JX-20. For JX-30 meters, the LED values can
be adjusted for specific wood species and building materials through
the EDGE™app.
6. Ambient Light Sensor –When the backlight is set to Auto, the ambient
light sensor will trigger the backlight to turn on or off (to the
brightness level set by the user) according to ambient lighting
conditions.
7. Contact Pins –Integral contact pins provide penetration up to 5/16 in
and are easily removable and replaceable. Be sure to leave the pin
cap on the meter when the pins are not in use. Replacement pins are
part no 2498/A-100 and should be used to accommodate the proper
fit of the pin cover. The 2497/A-100 pins (used on older J-series) may
also be used, but the pin cover will not fit.
8. Electrode Connector –Connect any external special application
Delmhorst electrode. Be sure to leave the electrode cap on when the
electrode connector is not in use to keep the connector clean.

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4. Menu Features
The Delmhorst JX meters have three operating modes: Read, Set, and
Stats. The currently selected menu is marked with an underline. To change
the menu, press the up button until the menu underline is blinking. Then
use the left and right buttons to switch among menus. Use the down or
center button to enter the menu. When a line on the display (Species, Set
Point, Material Temp or Pin Correction) is bracketed by the solid black left
and right arrows, it is “active”, and that selection can be changed by
pressing either the left or right key.
Read
Set
Stats
•Change species
type
•Take readings
•Change set point
•Change material
temperature
•Change pin type
•Cal check
•Bluetooth*
•Temperature unit
•Off Timer
•Backlight
ON/OFF/AUTO
•Backlight
brightness
•Screen contrast
•Total Readings
•Average value
•Highest value
•Lowest value
•Standard deviation
•View data
•Erase all reading
data

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Table 1: Menu Features
*JX-30 Only
5. Read Menu
Figure 2: Read screen components
1. Species Selection and Correction
Info: JX series moisture meters are calibrated based on the USDA
standard, Douglas Fir. Because the electrical characteristics of
different species vary, all species read differently at the same
moisture content. The best accuracy can be obtained by applying
a correction factor to the meter reading. The correction is
programmed in the firmware, making it easy for the user to simply
select the species (see below) to obtain the adjusted reading.
The JX-30 holds up to 100 species corrections at once. Through
the EDGE™app, users can select from a list of 198 species
corrections. The JX-20 has 74 corrections available. These are
fixed in the meter. Refer to Table 4 in the Appendix for lists of the
species available in each model. If working with a species that is
not included in the meter, check the species look up at
1
2
3
4
5

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www.delmhorst.com or contact us at 877-335-6467 or
[e-mail] for more information.
Use: Select the Read menu. While the underline flashes, press the down
button to enter the species selection field. Press the left or right
buttons to scroll through available species/materials. Any changes
to the species/material selection field will NOT be saved until the
center button is pressed to confirm. When the species is changed,
the user will be asked if they want to erase the data in the meter.
Selecting NO will return the user to the original species/material
and keep all readings. Selecting YES will delete all saved readings
within the meter and change the species/material. If connected to
the EDGE™app, users will be prompted to export readings before
they are deleted from the app. Please see Delmhorst EDGE™App
User Guide for further instructions regarding exporting readings
and changing the available species corrections in the JX-30.
2. Live Reading Area
Info: The live reading area displays the corrected moisture value of the
wood. The reading is corrected using the Species (1), Material
Temperature (4), and Pin Correction (5) (see Figure 2 above).
Indicated readings with a less than (<) or greater than (>) sign are
considered out of range. Out of range readings can be saved to
memory and exported but will not be used in statistical
calculations.
Use: Use the navigation buttons to move to the live reading area (entry
will be confirmed when a live reading appears on screen). Tip: If a
live reading is not currently being displayed, pressing the Read
button will navigate to the live reading area.
Take a Reading: Insert the pins into the wood and parallel to the
grain. Be sure to make firm, positive contact. Push non-insulated

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pins to full depth if possible. Drive insulated pins to the desired
depth where the non-insulated tips will come into contact with the
wood fibers. The moisture content (%MC) of the wood will appear
in the live reading area. NOTE: The non-insulated contact pins on
the top of the meter penetrate max 5/16in. and may be used on
wood up to 1-1/2 to 2in. thick. Push the pins into the wood to their
full penetration for best accuracy. For thicker wood and
hardwoods over 4/4, use the 26-ES hammer electrode with
insulated pins. These pins (no. 496) may be used on wood up to 5-
6in. thick.
Hold a Reading: Press the Read button to hold the reading on
screen. HOLD will appear in the material selection line and the
meter will beep. A held reading can be saved, if desired (see
below). Saving a reading or pressing the Read button a second
time will return the meter to live reading mode.
Save a Reading: Press the Center button to save a live or held
reading. This will store the reading, material temperature, and pin
correction type to meter memory. A ‘Saved’ message will appear
followed by the memory slot which the reading occupies (ex.
Maple 2/100). This message can be bypassed by pressing the
Read button.
Memory: There are 100 memory slots available in the meter. As
readings are saved, the memory slots will fill in order from lowest
(1) to highest (100). After 100 readings are stored, newly saved
readings will replace the oldest stored readings. Unlimited
number of readings may be saved when connected to the app.
3. Set Point
Info: The Set Point is the user-selectable moisture level at which the
alarm will sound. This feature allows users to quickly take readings

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without having to review each one individually, helping to quickly
identify high moisture areas.
Use: When active, press the left and right buttons to adjust the Set Point
down or up. Holding the left or right buttons will cause the Set
Point to change more rapidly.
The Set Point alarm can be turned off by adjusting the set point
value to zero (--.-).
When changing the active species of the meter, the Set Point will
reset to the default values for the new species, with one exception.
If the Set Point has been turned off (--.-), it will remain off for the
new species.
4. Material (Wood) Temperature
Info: The meter is calibrated at 70°F. As the wood temperature
increases, its electrical resistance decreases, and the indicated
moisture content rises. Lower wood temperatures result in a lower
indicated moisture content.
For best accuracy, it is important to use the temperature correction
in the meter, especially when working in extreme environments
(outside 50-90°F or 10-32°C) and environments subject to
temperature variation. Wood or lumber that has been exposed to
ambient conditions for between 8 and 24hours can be assumed to
have reached ambient temperature. When checking ‘hot’ lumber
as from a dry kiln, use the dry-bulb temperature as long as the
moisture is below fiber saturation point (approx 30%).
Use: When active, press the left and right buttons to adjust the Material
Temperature down or up. Holding the left or right buttons will
cause the temperature to change more rapidly.

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5. Pin Correction
Info: The Pin Correction setting allows users to obtain a more accurate
reading by adjusting the measurement according to the type of
pin being used: non-insulated or insulated. The basic calibration
(and default setting) of the JX meters is non-insulated pins.
Insulated pins read lower than non-insulated ones. The difference
is small below 10% MC but increases as the moisture content
increases above 10%. When using an electrode with insulated
pins, such as the 26- ES hammer electrode, you can change the
calibration to compensate for this difference.
Non-Insulated Pins are conductive across the entire length of the
pin. The integral electrode pins mounted on top of the meter are
non-insulated. Select NON-INS when using the meter with its
integral electrode pins.
Insulated Pins are only conductive at the tips, with the rest of the
pin coated in a non-conductive material. Any reading displayed
when using these pins will reflect the moisture content of the
material at the location of the pin tips. Insulated pins are very
useful when measuring the moisture of a material at different
depths and identifying wet pockets and moisture gradients. Select
INS when using the meter with insulated pins (26-ES hammer
electrode).
Use: When active, use the left and right buttons to switch between
Insulated and Non-Insulated Pin Correction.

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6. Set Menu
Figure 3: Set screen components
1. Setting Selection
The setting selection area will display all settings in a scrollable list. Each
setting is listed and explained in Table 2 below. Press the left and right
buttons to view settings. After locating the desired setting, press the
down or center button to enter the setting state. Then press the Read
button to enter the live reading screen.
2. Bluetooth® Indicator
The JX-30 is equipped with Bluetooth®technology, allowing users to
connect their meter(s) to a mobile device (smartphone or tablet). The
Bluetooth®icon is visible on all meter screens when turned on. Please
refer to the Delmhorst EDGE™App User Guide for more information.
Table 2: Settings options
Setting
Description
Cal Check
•Allows users to check the electrical calibration of the
meter
1
2
2

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•A value between 11.8 and 12.2 means the meter is
in calibration
•A value of <11.8 or >12.2 means the meter is out of
calibration –change the batteries (2 x AA alkaline)
Bluetooth®
(J-X30 only)
•When Bluetooth is on but not connected, the
Bluetooth symbol will be on screen and flashing
•When Bluetooth is on and connected, the Bluetooth
symbol will be on screen and solid
•When Bluetooth is off, no symbol will be visible on
screen
•Factory default is off
Temperature Unit
•Changes the temperature unit between Fahrenheit
and Celsius
•Factory default is Fahrenheit
Off Timer
•Chose 1, 4, or 10-minute screen off timer
•Factory default is 1 minute
•Manually turn the meter off by depressing the center
button until screen goes blank –approx. 3s
Backlight
•Turn backlight ON to enable, and OFF to disable
•Turn the backlight ON when in low ambient light,
and OFF when in bright ambient light
•When set to AUTO, meter will automatically enable
and disable backlight according to ambient light
•Factory default is off
Brightness
•Adjust backlight brightness from 1 (low) to 10 (high)
•The selected brightness level will be used whenever
backlight is enabled (ON or AUTO)
•Factory default is brightness level 2
Contrast
•Adjust the contrast level of the screen from 1 (low)
to 10 (high)
•Factory default is contrast level 5

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7. Stats Menu
Figure 4: Stats screen components
1. Stats Selection
The stats selection area will display all statistics in a scrollable list (see
Table 3 below). Press the left and right buttons to view statistics.
2. Stats Details
Statistics are calculated from the list of saved readings in meter memory,
and only readings taken within the valid measurement range of the
selected material are used for the calculations. Out of range readings
will not be included in statistical calculations for average and standard
deviation.
The stats details section can only be selected for the ‘View Data’ and
‘Erase Data’ options. For these two cases, press the down or center
buttons to enter the stats details box from the stats selection. Use the left
and right buttons to scroll the list of latest readings or select the desired
option for clearing readings. For all other statistics, stats details will
simply reflect the details of the above statistic and cannot be selected.
1
2

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Table 3: Available Stats
8. Delmhorst EDGE ™App Features
Statistic
Description
Readings
•Displays the total number of readings stored in
the meter
Average
•Displays the average value of the saved readings.
High
•Displays the highest value of the saved readings.
Low
•Displays the lowest value of the saved readings.
Standard
Deviation
•Displays the standard deviation of the saved
readings.
View Data
•Displays a list of all saved readings. The %MC,
temperature, and pin type of each reading are
displayed.
Erase Data
•Clears all saved readings and statistics from the
meter.

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The Delmhorst EDGE™app expands upon many features found within the
JX-30. These features include:
1. Export full data sets or selected readings from meter to app to be
viewed on a single page and further analyzed.
2. Exclude extraneous readings from Statistics calculations.
3. View a customizable plot of all readings.
4. Export readings from app to spreadsheet for long term storage and
analysis.
5. Change the species/materials available in the JX-30 meter.
6. Adjust the moisture values at which the LEDs change colors.
7. Change meter language.
8. Upgrade meter firmware.
Please refer to the Delmhorst EDGE™App User Guide for more details on
how to connect the meter to the app and a detailed explanation of the
features mentioned above.
9. Specifications and Operating Conditions
Temperature Range (operating)
0-255 °F / -18-124 °C
Reading Range
Douglas Fir: 6% MC - 60% MC (nominal range based on 70°F)
Power
2x AA Alkaline Batteries

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Battery life while using the meter in reading mode and active LED’s is
estimated at 125-150 hours. A combination of alarm, backlight and
Bluetooth will reduce expected life to a minimum of 35 hours. A “LOW
BATT” warning will appear on screen when the meter is woken up if battery
voltage is below 1.75V. At this level the meter has 1-2 hours of life
depending on the functions being used. The same alert is sounded and
displayed every 5 minutes. Continued use with a low battery may cause
your meter to go out of calibration. TIP: Extend battery life by turning
Bluetooth® off in the meter when not in use, setting the backlight
brightness low, and using shorter timeout settings.
Size
8.6 in x 2.9 in x 1.6 in (22 cm x 7.4 cm x 4.1 cm)
Weight
6.9 oz (0.20 kg) without batteries
8.6 oz (0.24 kg) with batteries
Regulations/Compliance
WEE, RoHS, CE
Dispose of your Meter

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Figure 5: WEEE symbol –crossed out wheeled bin
For private households: Information on Disposal for Users of WEEE
This symbol (figure 5) on the product(s) and / or accompanying
documents means that used electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)
should not be mixed with general household waste. For proper treatment,
recovery, and recycling, please take this product(s) to designated
collection points where it will be accepted free of charge. Alternatively, in
some countries, you may be able to return your products to your local
retailer upon purchase of an equivalent new product.
Disposing of this product correctly will help save valuable resources and
prevent any potential negative effects on human health and the
environment, which could otherwise arise from inappropriate waste
handling.
Please contact your local authority for further details of your nearest
designated collection point.
Penalties may be applicable for incorrect disposal of this waste, in
accordance with your national legislation.
For professional users in the European Union

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If you wish to discard electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), please
contact your dealer or supplier for further information.
For disposal in countries outside of the European Union
This symbol is only valid in the European Union (EU). If you wish to discard
this product, please contact your local authorities or dealer, and ask for the
correct method of disposal.