Delmhorst BDX-20 User manual

Rev 1 –Jul 2021 Page | 1
Owner’s Manual BDX-20 & BDX-30
™
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Contents
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................3
2. Safety.................................................................................................................................................4
3. Meter Features...........................................................................................................................5
4. Menu Features............................................................................................................................7
5. Read Menu Details..................................................................................................................8
7. Stats ................................................................................................................................................. 14
8. Delmhorst EDGE ™ App Features ............................................................................ 16
9. Specifications and Operating Conditions.......................................................... 17
10. Meter Care, Service and Warranty....................................................................... 18
11. Appendix.................................................................................................................................. 21
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1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the new BDX-20 or BDX-30, the latest in
Delmhorst’s legacy “BD-series” pin-type (conductance) moisture meters
and the initial offerings from the new Navigator™ family of moisture
meters. Delmhorst BD meters are known worldwide for their unmatched
reliability and ease of use.
The BDX meters are ideal tools for the building trades, water damage
restoration, and inspection applications. 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 (BDX-30), users can
customize meter settings and share MC data or graphs from any jobsite
quickly and accurately.
The BDX meters carry a two-year limited warranty. As with all Delmhorst
products, they include our legendary customer support. REGISTER YOUR
METER by using the QR code on the back of the meter or at
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 BDX meters have to offer.
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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 working correctly and is electrically accurate.
Proper Use: When used properly, the BDX 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.
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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 BDX-20. For BDX-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. To accommodate
proper fit of the pin cover, use the 2498/A-100 pins.
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 BDX 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.
Table 1: Menu Features
*BDX-30 Only
Read
Set
Stats
•Change species/
material 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
•Average value
•Highest value
•Lowest value
•Standard deviation
•View last 10
readings
•Erase all reading
data
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5.Read Menu Details
Figure 2: Read screen components
1. Species/Material Selection and Correction
Info: BDX series moisture meters are calibrated based on the USDA
standard material, Douglas Fir. Each wood species/material reads
differently at the same moisture content. Therefore, best accuracy
can be obtained by applying a correction factor to the
species/material.
The BDX-30 can save up to 12 material corrections at once.
Through the EDGE™ app, users can select from a list of 36
species/material corrections. Once a species/material correction is
loaded and selected within the meter, the BDX-30 will
automatically apply a correction to each reading. The BDX-20 has
3 corrections available. To make additional species/material
corrections when using a BDX-20, set the meter to the Douglas Fir
scale and reference Table 4 in the Appendix.
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
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changes to the species/material selection field will NOT be saved
until the center button is pressed to confirm. When the species or
material is changed, all saved readings within the meter will be
deleted. 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 BDX-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),
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 (OOR). OOR 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 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.
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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.
DRYWALL 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.
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
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.
The Set Point alarm can be turned off by adjusting the set point
value to zero. This will be indicated by dashes rather than a
numerical value.
4. Material Temperature
Info: In building trade applications, the material (wood) 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.
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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. Material Temperature correction is only
available when a wood material is selected.
Use: When active, press the left and right buttons to adjust the Material
Temperature down or up.
5. Pin Correction
Info: The Pin Correction option allows users to obtain a more accurate
reading in wood by adjusting the measurement according to the
type of pin being used: non-insulated and insulated. The factory
default of BDX meters is non-insulated pins. Insulated pins read
lower than non-insulated ones.
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
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 BDX-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.
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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
•A value of <11.8 or >12.2 means the meter is out of
calibration –change the batteries (2 x AA)
Bluetooth®
(BD-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
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
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7.Stats
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 (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 OOR 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
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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
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.
Last 10
•Displays a list of the 10 most recent 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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8.Delmhorst EDGE ™App Features
The Delmhorst EDGE™ app expands upon many features found within the
BDX-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 BDX-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.
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9.Specifications and Operating Conditions
Temperature Range:
0-255 °F / -18-124 °C
Reading Range:
Wood: 6% MC - 60% MC (nominal range based on Douglas Fir)
Drywall: 0.1% MC - 6% MC
Relative: 1 - 100 REFERENCE SCALE
Power:
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 minimum 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 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:
<coming soon>
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10.Meter Care, Service and Warranty
Care for your Meter
To keep your meter in good working order:
•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.
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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 and follow the
instructions under the Support tab. If you require further assistance,
Limited Warranty
Delmhorst Instrument Co. 51 Indian Lane East, Towaco, NJ 07082,
referred to hereafter as Delmhorst, guarantees its BDX series moisture
meters against defects in material or workmanship for two years from date
of purchase. Optional electrodes are guaranteed for 90 days. See the
owner’s manual or Delmhorst website 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
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
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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.
Rev May 2021
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