Delmhorst F-6/6-30 User manual

F-6/6-30
o w n e r s m a n u a l
(800)-222-0638
www.delmhorst.com
e-mail - [e-mail]

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2F-6/6-30 Features
3Before You Begin
3Check Calibration
3Taking a Reading
3Testing Baled Hay
4Testing in the Windrow
5Factors Affecting Your Reading
6Range of Moisture Content
6Hay Temperature
6Curing
7Density
7Use of Preservatives
8Sample Size
8Care of Your Meter
8Service For Your Meter
9Warranty

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F-6/6-30 FEATURES
h6% to 30% moisture range
hAlso available in 13 -40% moisture range
hAnalog readout
hBuilt-in calibration check
hTemperature stable circuit
hErgonomic case design
hIncludes (1) 9-volt battery
hOne-year warranty
hOver fifty years of proven quality, accuracy and service
Analog Readout
Read Button
Calibration
Check Button
@
External Connector
$
!
DELMHORST F-6/6-30
2

BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Button Functions
!READ BUTTON - Reads the percent moisture
content value %MC.
@CALIBRATION CHECK BUTTON - Checks the
meter calibration.
CHECK CALIBRATION
hRemove the probe from the top of the meter.
hPress the calibration check button @. Meter is in calibra-
tion if the needle pointer moves to “20” on the scale. Any
reading within the green band on the dial is acceptable.
If you check the calibration and the display does not read
“20,” it is likely an indication of a low battery. If this
occurs, change the battery immediately. Continued use with a
low battery may cause the meter to go out of calibration. If
you have a fresh battery and the instrument still does not
indicate an acceptable calibration, return it to DELMHORST
for service. See Service for Your Meter section.
TAKING A READING
Testing Baled Hay
hConnect the probe to the external connector on the top of
the meter.
hInsert the probe into the bale.
hPress the read button !and read the moisture content on
the scale.
Notes
hThe hay prod is electrically insulated, except at the metal
points near the tip. The moisture content measured repre-
sents the hay in contact with the tip of the prod only.
hPartially cured hay may have wide variations in moisture
content throughout the bale. Readings should be taken in
several different parts of the bale and the highest readings
used as a guideline. The arrangement and compaction of
hay fibers in a bale may have an effect on meter readings.
3

hIf you are testing high density bales, we recommend using
the H-3 handle with the 830-2 10” prod, 830-3 18” prod,
or the 830-4 36” prod. Using the handle/prod combina-
tion eliminates excess stress on the instrument case that
may occur when trying to insert the prod into a high den-
sity or large bale.
hWhen using the 36” prod, be sure to guide the prod into
the bale with one hand while pushing on the H-3 handle.
Testing in the Windrow
When testing in the windrow, push down on the pressure
button until the palm of your hand touches the screw that
holds the button in place. The pressure button depresses a
calibrated spring inside the handle. When the screw touches
the palm of your hand, the pressure applied on the sample is
27 – 30 lbs., which closely simulates the pressure in a standard
bale of hay.
There are three ways to test moisture content in the windrow:
Test A
hAttach the #831 short pin prod to the H-3 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 down on the electrode until the head of the screw which
holds the pressure button, touches the palm of your hand.
hPress the read button !and take a reading.
hMix the sample once again and take at least two more
readings. Use the highest readings.
Notes
hWhenever pressure is being applied on the electrode, be sure
that the points of the electrode are touching nothing but the
hay.
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.
4

Test B
hAttach the #831 short pin prod to the H-3 handle and
connect the handle to the external connector on top of the
meter.
hApply the prod to the hay in the windrow and press down
on the electrode handle until the head of the screw touches
the palm of your hand.
hPress the read button !and take a reading.
hMake several tests on the hay exposed to the sun, then
turn the windrow over and make an equal number of tests
on the hay that had been closer to the ground. Use the
highest readings.
Notes
hMake sure that the points of the electrode are not touching
the ground. The electrode points should make contact with
the hay only.
Test C
hSelect up to five large, slower-drying stems from a section
of the windrow.
hPlace them one at a time across two adjacent points on
the # 831 short pin prod.
hThe average of these stem readings should be about two to
five points higher than the actual moisture content.
Notes
hRepeat these steps in different parts of the field and pay
special attention to the areas where the hay is heaviest.
hThe amount of variation found among windrow readings as
well as the average stem moisture should be taken into
consideration before the decision is made to start baling.
FACTORS AFFECTING YOUR
READINGS
Because of the many variables that affect the electrical
meter readings, the indicated moisture content should not be
used as an absolute quantitative measurement. Meter readings
are very useful guidelines for safe storability of hay.
Meter readings become more significant when they are
considered in the light of the density of the bales, anticipated
handling and storage, and prevailing climate conditions. 5

6
Range of Moisture Content
The F-6 is designed to test moisture in hay over a range of
6%-30% or 13-40%, depending on model. Readings over
30% should be used only as a qualitative indication of high
moisture content. Delmhorst moisture meters use the relation-
ship existing between electrical conductivity and moisture con-
tent in hay. As moisture content increases, so does the con-
ductivity.
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.
Hay Temperature
The F-6 has been calibrated at 80°F on various samples of dif-
ferent 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 approxi-
mately 1% point for every 20° difference. Refer to chart below:
Hay temperature Add to reading Subtract from reading
20°F/-7°C 3 --
40°F/ 5°C 2 --
60°F/15°C 1 --
80°F/30°C 0 0
100°F/40°C -- 1
120°F/50°C -- 2
140°F/60°C -- 3
Example Meter reading: 22%
Temperature: 40°F/5°C
Moisture Content: 24% (22 + 2)
Curing
Before proper curing has taken place, wide variations in mois-
ture content should be expected in both recently baled hay and
hay in the windrow. These variations will be exposed by meter
readings taken on different parts of the windrow or bale. The
higher the moisture range, the wider are the variations. The
more curing has been allowed to take place, the greater uni-
formity in moisture distribution can be expected.

7
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.
Density
The calibration of the moisture testers applies to bales of
normal “average’ density. Generally:
hDenser bales may yield readings 1-2% points higher.
hLooser bales tend to yield 1-2% point lower.
hTests in stacks usually yield readings 2%-3% lower.
hTests on grass hay may yield readings about 3% lower.
Baling should be done according to the lower meter reading.
When testing baled hay, drive the prod across the slices of
the bale, not between them. This will ensure firmer and more
uniform contact.
When using the short pin prod, uniformity of pressure from
one sample to the other is achieved by applying pressure to
the “pressure button” at the end of the H-3 handle as
described on page 4.
Use of Preservatives
Hay preservative or stabilizers may also have an affect on
meter readings. Normally a bale of hay treated with preser-
vative will read higher than a bale of the same hay that had
not been treated. The readings typically increase by 2-4%
points, and 24-48 hours after treatment, the readings
between the bales tend to equalize.
Occasional higher readings may occur if, in addition to the
effect of the increased conductivity due to the stabilizer, the
bales tested also show an increase in temperature and
“sweating.” As the stabilizer becomes more thoroughly
absorbed and the sweating subsides, the meter readings
recede to the initial level and will continue to decrease,
assuming that the bale becomes progressively dryer.

Sample Size
When testing baled hay, it is essential to take readings at
several different points in the bale. Hay moisture may vary a
great deal in the same bale. For example, at one point bale
moisture may be 20% and at another over 35%.
More tests must be made whenever the variations among
readings are greater. If there is a possibility of high moisture
areas, samples from these locations should be taken. Areas of
high moisture content will spoil, resulting in loss.
It is extremely important to note the high readings and the
frequency at which they occur.
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.
SERVICE FOR YOUR METER
hPack your meter securely. Enclose a purchase order or letter
with a brief description of the problem.
hThere is no need to call us for a return authorization number
if you are within the U.S. Customers outside the U.S.
must contact us for more specific instructions prior to
returning a meter.
hInclude your name, address, daytime phone and fax
numbers or e-mail address. If you believe the meter is
under warranty, please provide the original sales slip or
invoice.
hShip via UPS, Express Mail, Priority Mail, or any
overnight courier who provides prompt service. Do not use
standard parcel post.
hInsure your instrument for its full value and ship prepaid.
We are not responsible for damage in transit.
8

hWe do not accept COD shipments or cover any incoming
freight or duty charges on returned merchandise.
hTurnaround time on repairs is approximately two weeks.
hWe will call you with an estimate if you specifically
request one, or if we determine that the meter may be too
costly to repair.
hNon-warranty repairs will be returned via UPS/COD unless
you have already established other payment terms. There is
no COD service outside the U.S. To pay by credit card, include
the card number and expiration date with your repair. We
accept Visa/MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
hWarranty repairs will be returned at no charge if shipped
within the U.S. via UPS Ground Service. Freight charges
for expedited services (i.e., Federal Express, UPS/2 Day,
UPS/1 Day, etc.) are the customer’s responsibility and will
be charged as per the above terms.
WARRANTY
Delmhorst Instrument Co., referred to hereafter as Delmhorst,
guarantees its F-6 meter for one year from date of purchase and
any optional electrodes against defects in material or workman-
ship for 90 days. If, within the warranty period of the F-6, 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 inci-
dental, indirect, special, or consequential damages of any type
whatsoever, including, but not limited to, lost profits or down-
time 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 war-
ranty 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. 9

51 Indian Lane East
P.O. Box 68
Towaco, NJ 07082
(800)-222-0638
www.delmhorst.com
e-mail - [email protected]
©2000, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
5/00
For over 50 years, Delmhorst
has been the leading
manufacturer of high-quality
resistance moisture meters.
Today we offer a complete
line of portable moisture
meters for a variety of
applications includilng
woodworking/lumber, agricul-
ture, construction and paper.