Delmhorst Instrument Co PX-20 User manual

1
Rev 2 - November 2023
Owner’s Manual PX-20 & PX-30

2
Rev 2 - November 2023
Contents
1. Introduction................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
2. Safety........................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
3. Meter Features .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4. Menu Features........................................................................................................................................................................... 7
5. Read Menu................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Material Selection and Correction..................................................................................................................................... 8
Live Reading Area .................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Set Point.................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Material Temperature ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
6. Set Menu ..................................................................................................................................................................................11
Setting Selection .................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Bluetooth® Indicator ........................................................................................................................................................... 11
7. Stats Menu................................................................................................................................................................................12
Stats Selection....................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Stats Details ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13
8. Applications .............................................................................................................................................................................14
9. Delmhorst EDGE ™App Features ......................................................................................................................................16
10 . Specifications and Operating Conditions........................................................................................................................16
Temperature Compensation Range (not operating) .................................................................................................. 16
Reading Range...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Power....................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Size ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Weight..................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Regulations/Compliance.................................................................................................................................................... 17
Dispose of your Meter ........................................................................................................................................................ 17
For private households: Information on Disposal for Users of WEEE ................................................................... 18
For professional users in the European Union ............................................................................................................. 18
For disposal in countries outside of the European Union......................................................................................... 18
11. Meter Care, Service and Warranty .....................................................................................................................................18
Care for your Meter ............................................................................................................................................................. 18
Service Your Meter .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
Limited Warranty.................................................................................................................................................................. 19
12. Appendix................................................................................................................................................................................22
LED Details ............................................................................................................................................................................. 22

3
Rev 2 - November 2023
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the new PX-20 or PX-30, the latest in Delmhorst’s legacy “P-
series” pin-type (conductance) moisture meters from the new Navigator™family of
moisture meters. Delmhorst P-meters are known worldwide for their unmatched
reliability and ease of use.
The PX meters are ideal tools for the paper industry. 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 (PX-30), users can customize meter
settings and share MC data or graphs from any jobsite quickly and accurately.
The PX meters carry a two-year limited warranty. REGISTER YOUR METER by using the
QR code on the back of the meter 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 PX-20 and PX-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).

4
Rev 2 - November 2023
2. Safety
Sharp Measurement Pins: The measurement pins are very sharp as they are
intended to penetrate through hard 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 PX meters can help users make informed
decisions on the moisture levels of hygroscopic 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.

5
Rev 2 - November 2023
3. Meter Features
Figure 1: Meter components
1. Display –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 increased leverage when

6
Rev 2 - November 2023
pushing the meter into hard materials. The battery door is located on the rear of
the handle.
5. LEDs –(PX-30) The GREEN light indicates a sufficiently dry moisture level, the
YELLOW light indicates a borderline condition, and the RED light indicates
material that is wet. Please see the LEDs section in the Appendix for further
details. The LED values can be adjusted for specific 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 and Pin Cap –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 P-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.

7
Rev 2 - November 2023
4. Menu Features
The Delmhorst PX 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 between menus. Use the down or center button to enter the menu.
Table 1: Menu Features
*PX-30 Only
5.
Read
Menu
Figure 2:
Read
screen
components
Read
Set
Stats
•Change material
type
•Take readings
•Change set point
•Change material
temperature
•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 readings
•Erase all reading
data
1
2
3
4

8
Rev 2 - November 2023
1. Material Selection and Correction
Info: The PX-30 comes with 3 material calibrations: Paper, Reference -Paper, and
Baled Scrap, and though the EDGE™app, users can remove any unwanted
species. The PX-20 includes Paper only.
Use: Select the Read menu. While the underline flashes, press the down button to
enter the species/material selection field. Press the left or right buttons to
scroll through available species/materials. Any changes to the material
selection field will NOT be saved until the center button is pressed to confirm.
When the material 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 material and
keep all readings. Selecting YES will delete all saved readings within the meter
and change the 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/material corrections in
the PX-30.
2. Live Reading Area
Info: The live reading area displays the corrected moisture value of the material.
The reading is corrected using the Material Type (1), and Material
Temperature (4) (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 stats calculations.
The meter tends to read the highest moisture content that is
in contact with both pins. If thick samples are not well equalized, it may be
necessary to make tests at different depths to
determine the degree of uniformity of moisture distribution in
the sample.

9
Rev 2 - November 2023
If the meter is used on stock so thin that the full length of the
pins are not entirely embedded in the thickness of the sample,
the readings tend to indicate a lower than actual MC. This
can be overcome by testing more than one sample in stacks.
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 desired material to their full
penetration (if possible). The moisture content of the material will appear in
the live reading area.
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. Paper 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

10
Rev 2 - November 2023
Info: The Set Point is the user-selectable moisture level at which the alarm will sound.
This feature allows users to take readings 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 material of the meter, the Set Point will reset to the
default values for the new material, with one exception. If the Set Point has
been turned off (--.-), it will remain off for the new material/species.
4. Material Temperature
Info: The material (paper) temperature will typically be equivalent to the ambient
temperature of the environment. As the temperature increases, the indicated
moisture content will increase above the actual moisture content. Lower
material 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.
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.

11
Rev 2 - November 2023
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 PX-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
•A value between 11.8 and 12.2 means the meter is
in calibration
1
2

12
Rev 2 - November 2023
7.
Stats Menu
Figure 4: Stats screen components
1. Stats Selection
•A value of <11.8 or >12.2 means the meter is out of
calibration –change the batteries (2 x AA)
Bluetooth®
(P-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
•Choose 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 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
1
2

13
Rev 2 - November 2023
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 (OOR) readings will not be included in
statistical calculations for average and standard deviation.
The meter provides statistics (average, high, low, standard deviation) for the
readings that are currently stored in the meter. Note: The statistics in the meter are
calculated without any out of range readings.
The stats details section can only be selected for the ‘Last 10’ and ‘Erase Data’
options. For these two cases, press the down or center buttons to enter stats details
box from 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.
Table 3: Available Stats
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, and
temperature of each reading are displayed.
Erase Data
•Clears all saved readings and statistics from the
meter.

14
Rev 2 - November 2023
8. Applications
Testing Paper, Paper Cores and Corrugated Products
Set the material to PAPER. Select the Set Point and set the Material Temperature, if
desired. Check that the contact pins are firmly hand tightened. Push the contact pins
into the material to their full penetration, if possible. The meter will display the %MC.
The readings are the result of an “average” calibration, if a high degree of accuracy is
required, the meter should be checked on the specific material and corrections
determined by the user.
The meter tends to read the highest moisture content that is in contact with both
pins. If thick samples are not well equalized, it may be necessary to make tests at
different depths to determine the degree of uniformity of moisture distribution in the
sample. If the meter is used on stock so thin that the full length of the pins is not
entirely embedded in the thickness of the sample, the readings tend to indicate a
lower than actual MC. This can be overcome by testing more than one sample in
stacks.
Special application external electrodes for very hard materials, books and stacks, and
material on a moving web are available. www.delmhorst.com
Using the 0–100 Scale
The REF-PAPER scale is used to test the moisture content of hygroscopic materials for
which calibration is not available. Depending on the material, a special application
external electrode, instead of the integral contact pins may be required. Increasing
readings on the 0-100 reference scale indicate higher levels of moisture content.
These readings can be translated into percent moisture content once a calibration
has been developed.
Set the meter to REF-PAPER. Select the Set Point and set the Material Temperature, if
desired. Push the contact pins (or other external electrode) into the material. The
meter displays a relative value. This number is not a quantitative %MC.
The readings may be used for comparative tests, after meter readings have been
related to given conditions for the materials involved. When the meter is used for

15
Rev 2 - November 2023
comparative tests, readings should be taken on samples considered to be at “safe”
levels or in satisfactory condition. These readings are then used as the “standard”
against which subsequent readings on the same material are evaluated. The
“standard” for any given material is related to safe storability or any other property
which is important for further production processing.
Testing Baled Scrap Paper
Set the meter to BALED SCRAP PAPER. Select the Set Point and set the Material
Temperature, if desired. Connect the H-4 handle with a #830-series prod (10”or 18”)
to the meter. Insert the electrode into the material. The meter will display the %MC.
The level of accuracy of meter readings depends on a number of factors: similarity
between the material tested and samples on which the calibration was made;
moisture distribution; and chemical application or processing which may affect the
electrical properties of the paper product A sharp, steel rod to open the hole for the
prod may be helpful if the bale is very dense. A few meter readings in a limited
number of specific areas of a large mass cannot be projected to indicate an average
moisture content of an entire bale.
The readings can be very helpful in providing an indication of the overall moisture
condition inside the bale and to detect areas of excessive moisture. Meter readings
may be used as an arbitrary guideline in determining whether or not to accept or
reject the material. When checking the moisture condition of bales is performed
when buying and selling, the specific value of the meter readings is a point to be
agreed upon between buyer and seller. Such an agreement should consider not only
a specific “range” of readings, but the number and location of where they are taken.
The following ranges can be used as a guideline and may help to interpret the
readings:
▪Readings of 5%–10%, with EMC to 60% RH are usually considered “dry”.
▪Readings from 11%–20% with EMC to 95% are usually considered “acceptable”
but should be taken with some reservation.
▪Readings of 20%-40% are considered “wet” and unacceptable.

16
Rev 2 - November 2023
9. Delmhorst EDGE ™App Features
The Delmhorst EDGE™app expands upon many features found within the PX-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 materials available in the PX-30 meter.
6. Adjust the moisture values at which the LEDs change colors.
7. 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.
10 . Specifications and Operating Conditions
Temperature Compensation Range (not operating)
0-255 °F / -18-124 °C
Reading Range
Paper: 4.3 - 20% MC
Ref - Paper: 5 - 100 REFERENCE SCALE
Baled Scrap: 7 - 40% MC
Power

17
Rev 2 - November 2023
2x AA Alkaline Batteries
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
Figure 5: WEEE symbol –crossed out wheeled bin

18
Rev 2 - November 2023
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
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.
11. Meter Care, Service and Warranty
Care for your Meter
To keep your meter in good working order:

19
Rev 2 - November 2023
•Store your meter in a clean, dry place. The protective carrying case provided is
an ideal storage place when the meter is not in use.
•Change the AA batteries as needed. Continued use with a low battery may cause
the meter to go out of calibration. Remove the batteries if the meter will not be
used for one month or longer.
•Change contact pins as needed. Keep pins’ retainers hand tightened.
•Clean the meter and contact pins with any biodegradable cleaner. Use the
cleaner sparingly and on external parts only. Keep cleaner out of the external
connector.
•Ensure the pin cap is always covering the pins when not in use to avoid
unintentional injury. Keep the connector cap in place when not using an external
electrode to keep the connector clean. Each meter includes two short pieces of
nylon cord to tie into tethers for the pins covers, if desired. See instructions under
the Manuals and Training section of the website.
oPX-20 - https://www.delmhorst.com/moisture-meters/PX-20#manuals
oPX-30 - https://www.delmhorst.com/moisture-meters/PX-30#manuals
Service Your Meter
If your meter is not working properly, replace the batteries and check the calibration. If
this does not resolve the problem, go to www.delmhorst.com and follow the
instructions under the Support tab. If you require further assistance, please call 877-
DELMHORST (335-6467) or 973-334-2557.
Limited Warranty
Delmhorst Instrument Co. 51 Indian Lane East, Towaco, NJ 07082, referred to hereafter
as Delmhorst, guarantees its PX series moisture meters against defects in material or

20
Rev 2 - November 2023
workmanship for two years from date of purchase. Optional electrodes are guaranteed
for 90 days. See the owner’s manual or Delmhorst website (www.delmhorst.com) for
warranty period on your specific product. If, within the warranty period of the product,
you find any defect in material or workmanship, return the meter to Delmhorst or an
authorized reseller, using the return form https://www.delmhorst.com/returns-service-
warranty. Include proof of purchase. Shipping charges to return the product are
customer’s responsibility.
This warranty does not cover abuse, misuse, damage during shipment, improper
service, unauthorized or unreasonable use of the meter or electrodes. This warranty
does not cover normal wear and tear, batteries, or pins. If the meter or electrode have
been altered or tampered with, the warranty shall be void. DELMHORST RESERVES
THE RIGHT TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE PRODUCT AT ITS SOLE DISCRETION.
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. The
meter should stay in calibration indefinitely with proper care and maintenance. Follow
the manufacture’s guidelines in the owner’s manual.
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 either from
Delmhorst directly or through an authorized reseller. Purchases through unauthorized
resellers, including but not limited to unauthorized e-commerce resellers, are not
covered by this warranty, to the extent permitted by law.
This warranty extends to the original owner only and is not transferable.