Delmhorst F-2000 User manual

F-2000
owner’s manual
WHEN ACCURACY IS THE POINT.
®
TM
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 1

F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 F-2000 Features
3 Before You Begin
3 Check Calibration
4 Change the Set-Point
4 Information About Your Readings
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 Service For Your Meter
13 Warranty
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 3

%
F-2000 FEATURES
h6% - 40% MC range
hDigital readout
hOn-screen statistics
hBuilt-in calibration check
hProven microcontroller circuit
hErgonomic case design
hIncludes (1) 9-volt battery
hThree year warranty
Digital Readout
Read Key
Calibration
Check Key
$
Set-Point
Key
#
Set Point
Decrease
@
Connector
^
!
DELMHORST F-2000
2
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 4

BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Key Functions
!READ KEY - Reads the Percent Moisture
Content Value.
@CALIBRATION CHECK KEY - When pressed
with the read key checks the meter calibration.
It also displays the number of readings in mem-
ory (up to 100), the average, and the highest
stored reading. It also clears the memory.
#SET POINT (DECREASE) KEY - Acts as an
arrow (scroll) key when pressed after the set-
point key to decrease the set point to a lower
value.
$SET-POINT KEY - Displays the current set-
point. Also acts as an arrow (scroll) key to
increase the set-point value in 1% increments.
CHECK CALIBRATION
hRemove the probe from the top of the meter.
hPress and hold the read key !and check key @simulta-
neously. Meter is in calibration if it displays “12” (± 0.2)
If you check the calibration and the display does not read
“12,” it is likely an indication of a low battery. If this occurs,
replace the battery with a new one immediately. Continued use
with a low battery may cause the meter to go out of calibra-
tion. If you have a fresh battery and the instrument still does
not indicate an acceptable calibration, return it to
DELMHORST for service. See Service for Your Meter section.
A hard Reset is required if, after changing the battery, the dis-
play is frozen. This is sometimes caused by the interruption of
contact between the battery and battery lead wire. Resolve this
as follows:
Disconnect the battery. Press and hold the Read key for 15 sec-
onds. Release the Read key. Press and hold the Check key for
15 seconds. Release the Check key.
Connect a fresh battery to the lead wire in a single action,
making sure to align the poles properly and without interrupt-
ing contact. If the display remains frozen, repeat the proce-
dure. If this procedure does not solve the problem, refer to the
Service for Your Meter section.
3
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 5

CHANGE THE SET-POINT
hTo change the set-point value press the set-point key $.
The meter will display the current set-point value.
hTo scroll forward to a higher value, hold the set-point key
$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 key $. Within one second press and
hold the set-point decrease key #.
hContinue to hold the set-point decrease key #and the
set-point value will decrease.
hWhen scrolling in either direction, release the key to stop
at your desired set-point.
If the meter reads a %MC value higher than that of the set-
point, a buzzer will sound.
INFORMATION ABOUT
YOUR READINGS
The meter will accumulate up to 100 readings in memory.
After all 100 readings are “stored” it will continue to dis-
play the number of readings, the average, and the highest as
a reminder that the memory is full. It will not add new read-
ings until the memory has been cleared.
hTo add a reading to the sum of all the previously stored
readings, release the Read key within 2 seconds. To avoid
storing a reading, keep the Read key depressed until the
electrode/prod is no longer in contact with the hay.
Readings below 6% will be displayed as .0 and readings
above 40% will be displayed as a flashing 999. Neither of
these types of readings will be added to your accumulated
readings.
4
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 6

5
TO CHECK ACCUMULATED
READINGS
This feature allows you to view the total number of all
accumulated readings, the average of those readings, and the
highest stored reading.
hTo view the statistics press and release the calibration
check key @. First the meter displays the number of accu-
mulated 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 key @for more than 5 seconds until the meter dis-
plays “0”.
hTo keep the accumulated readings in memory, release the
calibration check key @before the total cycle time is
complete.
TO RESET METER
hPress and release the calibration check key @.
hWithin one second, press and hold the set-point decrease
key #.
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.
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 7

TAKING A READING
Testing Baled Hay
hConnect the bale prod to the connector on the top of the
meter.
hInsert the bale prod into the bale.
hPress the read key !The meter displays the %MC for
two seconds.
Notes
hThe bale 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 stress on the instrument case that may
occur when trying to insert the prod into a high density 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:
6
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 8

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 key !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 connector on top of the meter.
hApply the prod to the hay in the windrow.
hPress the read key !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.
7
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 9

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 the 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.
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 1

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% 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 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.
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 1

Density
The calibration of the moisture testers applies to bales of
normal “average” density. Generally:
hDenser bales may yield readings 1-2% higher.
hLooser bales tend to yield 1-2% 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%,
and 24-48 hours after treatment, the readings
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.
10
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 1
between

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.
11
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 1

SERVICE FOR YOUR METER
If your meter is not working properly, replace the battery
with a new one and check the calibration. If this does not
resolve the problem, go to www.delmhorst.com and follow the
instructions under the Product Support tab.
If you require further assistance please call 877-
DELMHORST (335-6467) or 973-334-2557.
12
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 1

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. If, within the
warranty period of the F-2000, you find any defect in material
or workmanship return the meter following the instructions in
the Service for Your Meter section. 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 WHAT-
SOEVER, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOST
PROFITS OR DOWNTIME ARISING OUT OF OR RELAT-
ED IN ANY RESPECT TO ITS METERS OR ELEC-
TRODES 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.
13
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 1

51 Indian Lane East
Towaco, NJ 07082
(877)-DELMHORST
www.delmhorst.com
e-mail - [email protected]
©2000, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
510INS-0008 Rev.1/13
WHEN ACCURACY IS THE POINT.®
TM
For more than 65 years Delmhorst
Instrument has been the leading
manufacturer of high quality, US-
made moisture meters and thermo-
hygrometers. Today we offer a
wide range of meters for applica-
tions including water damage
restoration, construction,flooring,
agriculture.
F-2000 owners manualB&W_F-2000 owners manual out 1/11/13 11:31 AM Page 1
lumber/woodworking, paper, and