Delmhorst J-Lite User manual

J-Lite
o w n e r ’ s m a n u a l
W H E N A C C U R A C Y I S T H E P O I N T •™
®
51 Indian Lane East
Towaco, NJ 07082
(877)-DELMHORST
(335-6467)
www. elmhorst.com
info@ elmhorst.com
©1999, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
510INS-0001 REV. 7/11
W H E N A C C U R A C Y I S T H E P O I N T.
®
TM
For 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 applications including water
damage restoration, construction,
flooring, lumber/woodworking, paper,
and agriculture.

TEMPERATURE CORRECTION TABLE
METER READINGS
˚C ˚F 6 7 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 50 60
-20 0 9 11 15 22 31 38 45 53
-10 20 8 10 14 20 28 34 40 47 55
5 40 7 8 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
15 60 6 7 11 16 21 27 32 38 43 54
30 80 6 7 9 14 19 23 28 33 38 47 55
40 100 5 6 8 12 17 21 25 29 34 42 50
50 120 5 5 7 11 15 19 22 26 30 38 44
60 140 4 5 7 10 14 17 20 23 27 34 40
70 160 4 4 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 30 36
80 180 3 4 5 8 11 13 16 19 22 27 33
95 200 3 4 5 7 10 12 14 17 19 24 28
105 220 2 3 4 6 9 11 13 15 17 21 26
Pin correction:
METER READINGS WITH INSULATED PINS (26-ES ELECTRODE)
7 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
CORRECTED READINGS (TRUE INDICATED MOISTURE CONTENT)
7.3 8.4 10.6 12.8 14.9 17.0 19.2 21.4 23.7 26.0
Moisture content values shown in bold are only qualitative since they are above fiber saturation point (30%MC).

WOOD SPECIES CORRECTION TABLE
7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
ALDE 8 9 10 11 13 15 17.5 19.5 21.5 24 27
APITONG 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 22 24 27
ASPEN 7 8 9 10 11.5 13 15 16.5 18 20 21
ASH, WHITE 6.5 7.5 8 9 11 13 14.5 16 18 19.5 21
BASSWOOD 7 8 8 9 10.5 13 15 17 19 20.5 22
BIRCH 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 19 21.5 23.5 25.5
CEDA , EAST. ED 8 9.5 10.5 12 14 17 19 21 23 25 26
CEDAR, INCENSE 7 8 9.5 10.5 12.5 15 17 19 21 23 25
CHE Y 8 9 10 11 13.5 15.5 18 20 22 24 26
COTTONWOOD 6 7.5 8.5 9.5 12 14 15 17 19.5 21 23
CYP ESS 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 19.5 21.5 23.5
ELM, AMERICAN 7 7.5 8 8.5 10 11.5 13 15 16 18 19
FI , DOUGLAS 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
FIR,RED 7 8 9 10 12.5 15 17 19 21 23 25
FI , WHITE 8 9 9.5 10.5 12.5 15 17 19 21 23 25
GUM, BLAC 7.5 9 10 11 13 15 16 18 19 20.5 22
GUM, ED 7 8 9 10 12.5 14.5 16.5 19 20.5 22.5 24
HEMLOC , WESTERN 7 8 9 10.5 13 15 17 19 20.5 22 23.5
HACKBE Y 7 8.5 9 9.5 12 13 15 17 18.5 20 22
HIC ORY 8 8.5 9 10 11 12.5 14 15.5 17 19 20.5
KE UING 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 22 24 27
LARCH 7.5 9 10 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25.5
MAGNOLIA 7.5 9 10 11.5 14 16 17.5 19 21 22.5 24.5
MAHOGANY, AFRICAN 8 9.5 10.5 12 15 17 19.5 22 24 26 28
(ALSO HAYA)
MAHOGANY, HOND. 7 8 9 10.5 12.5 14.5 16 18 19.5 21.5 22.5
MAHOGANY, PHIL. 6 7 7.5 8 9.5 11 13 14 15.5 17 18
MAPLE, HA D/SOFT 8 9 9.5 10 12 14 16 18 20 22.5 25
MERANTI, DAR RED 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 16 18 20.5 22.5 24.5 26.5
OAK, ED 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
OA , WHITE 7 8 8.5 9.5 11.5 13.5 15 17 18.5 20 22
PECAN 6.5 8 9.5 11 12.5 14 16 17.5 19 22 24
PINE, LONGLEAF 8 8.5 10 11 13 15.5 17.5 19.5 21 23 25
PINE, PONDE OSA 7.5 8.5 10 11 13.5 15.5 17.5 19.5 21 23 25.5
PINE, SHORTLEAF 7.5 9 10 11 13 15.5 17.5 19.5 21.5 23.5 25
PINE, SO. YELLOW* 8 9.5 10.5 12 14.5 16.5 19 21 23 25 28
PINE, SUGAR 7 8 9 10 12 15 17 19 21 23 25
PINE, WHITE 7 8 9 10 13 15 17 19 21 23 25.5
POPLAR, YELLOW 8 8.5 10 11 13 15.5 17.5 19.5 22 24 26
AMIN 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 16 18 20 21
RADIATA PINE 10 11 11 12 14 16 18 20 23 25 27
EDWOOD 7 8 9 10 12 13.5 15 17 19 22 24
SPRUCE, SIT A 7 8 9 10 12.5 14.5 17 19 21 23.5 26
SPF*▲9 10 11.5 13 15.5 18 20.5 23 25 28 30
SPF/COFI 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25
TEAK 7 8 8.5 9 11 12 14 15 17 18.5 20
VIROLA 6.5 7 8 9 11 12.5 14 16 18 18.5 20.5
WALNUT, BLACK 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 12.5 14.5 16 18 20 22 23.5
The species correction values shown in this table have been rounded for easy reference.
*Meter readings taken with 26-E 2-pin electrode with insulated pins. Do not apply 2-pin correction.
▲SPF correction is based on USDA/Forintek data and can be used for the following species:
Lodgepole Pine, Alpine Fir, Eastern White Spruce, Black Spruce, Jack Pine
©1999, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
METER READINGS WITH NON-INSULATED PINS
METE EADING 
J-Lite Cover:Layout 1 8/8/11 2:36 PM Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 J-Lite Features
3 Check Calibration
3 Taking a Reading
4 Understanding Your Readings
5 Meter Readings
6 Care of Your Meter
6 Service For Your Meter
7 Warranty
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$
J-LITE FEATURES
hResistance technology recognized worldwide as the most
accurate method for measuring moisture
h6% to 30% MC range on wood (Douglas Fir)
hLED readout
hProven microcontroller circuit
hBuilt-in calibration check
hEasy one-hand operation
hncludes (1) 9-Volt Battery
hncludes sturdy carrying case
hThree-year warranty
#2497A-100 contact pins
with 5/16” penetration
Read Key
Calibration
Check Key
#
LED
Readout
%
Connector
for External
Electrode
@
!
DELMHORST J-LITE
2
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CHECK CALIBRATION
Press the calibration check key @. Meter is in calibration
when the “12” lights up.
f you check the calibration and an LED other than the “12”
lights up, it is likely an indication of a low battery. f this
occurs, change the battery immediately. Continued use with a
low battery may cause the meter to go out of calibration. f
you have a fresh battery and the instrument still does not
indicate a proper calibration, return it to DELMHORST for
service. See Service for Your Meter section.
When the battery is removed and then reconnected, all the
LEDs will flash for a few seconds, then the meter will turn
itself off.
NOTE:
A hard Reset is required if, after changing the battery, the display is
frozen. This is sometimes caused by the interruption of contact
between the battery and the battery lead wire. Resolve this as fol-
lows:
Disconnect the battery. Press and hold the Read key for 15 seconds.
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
interrupting contact. f the display remains frozen, repeat this proce-
dure. f this procedure does not solve the problem, refer to the
Service for Your Meter section.
TAKING A READING IN WOOD
hRemove the protective cover to expose the contact pins.
Check that the contact pins’ retainers $are firmly hand
tightened.
hAlign the contact pins $parallel to the grain, pushing
them to full penetration into the wood, if possible.
hPress the read key !and read the %MC on the LED
display.
Note:
The integral contact pins (2497/A-100) are best for hardwoods up to
6/4 or softwoods up to 2”. Push the non-insulated pins into the wood
to their full penetration, if possible. The external electrode, 26-ES
is fitted with insulated contact pins and a slide hammer. t is recom-
mended for applications when a moisture gradient may be present,
or on hardwoods of any thickness (up to 6 in). The insulated pins
read only at the non-insulated tip and can be driven to the desired
depth to obtain shell and core (gradient) information.
3
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4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR
READINGS
Refer to the chart on page 5 for interpretation of meter readings.
Since the J-L TE displays %MC in a range between two val-
ues, corrections for wood temperature, pin, and species have
less impact on the accuracy of the meter readings, especially
below 12%. Meter readings taken on construction-grade lum-
ber material can be taken at face value, without making these
corrections for many applications. f your application requires
a higher level of accuracy (ex. finish flooring, furniture-mak-
ing) Delmhorst recommends applying the following correc-
tions, even with the limitations of the meter display.
Temperature – As wood temperature increases, its electrical
resistance decreases and indicated moisture content rises.
Lower wood temperatures result in lower indicated moisture
content. f the wood temperature, which is typically the ambi-
ent temperature, is between 50°F/10°C and 90°F/32°C, there
is no need to apply a correction. Refer to the temperature cor-
rection table at the end of the manual.
Pin (insulated vs non-insulated) – The reference calibration
of the meter was made with non-insulated pins that pene-
trate 5/16 inch. nsulated pins read slightly lower than non-
insulated ones. When using an electrode with insulated pins,
such as the 26-ES, refer to the pin corrections at the end of
the manual.
Species – Delmhorst uses Douglas Fir, the USDA standard, as
the basis for all wood calibrations. Because the electrical
characteristics of different wood species vary, all species read
differently at the same moisture content. For this reason, a
species correction is required. Refer to the species correction
table at the end of the manual.
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5
METER READINGS
f the LED displays: The %MC is:
Blinking 6% Below 5.5%
6% Between 5.5 and 6.0
7% Between 6.1 and 7.0
8% Between 7.1 and 8.0
9% Between 8.1 and 9.0
10% Between 9.1 and 10.0
Blinking 10% and 12% Between 10.1 and 11.0
12% Between 11.1 and 12.0
Blinking 12% and 15% Between 12.1 and 13.5
15% Between 13.6 and 15.0
Blinking 15% and 17% Between 15.1 and 16.0
17% Between 16.1 and 17.0
Blinking 17% and 19% Between 17.1 and 18.0
19% Between 18.1 and 19.0
20% Between 19.1 and 20.0
Blinking 20% and 25% Between 20.1 and 22.5
25% Between 22.6 and 25.0
Blinking 25% and 30% Between 25.1 and 27.5
30% Between 27.6 and 30.0
Blinking 30% Above 30%
The J-Lite can be used to test many other building materials
such as drywall, plywood, OSB, MDF. Call 877-DELMHORST
(335-6467) or e-mail [e-mail] for more informa-
tion on using the meter on other materials.
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CARE OF YOUR METER
To keep your meter in good working order:
hStore your meter in a clean, dry place. The protective
carrying case provided 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.
hChange contact pins as needed. Keep pin retainers hand
tightened.
hClean 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 %.
hRemove the battery if the meter will not be used for one
month or longer.
SERVICE FOR YOUR METER
f your meter is not working properly, replace the battery with
a new one and check the calibration. f this does not resolve
the problem, go to www.delmhorst.com and follow the instruc-
tions under the Product Support tab.
f you require further assistance please call 877-DELMHORST
(335-6467) OR 973-334-2557
6
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WARRANTY
Delmhorst nstrument Co., referred to hereafter as
Delmhorst, guarantees its J-Lite meter for three years from
date of purchase and any optional electrodes against defects
in material or workmanship for 90 days. f, within the
warranty period, 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 or contact
pins. f the meter or any optional electrodes have been tam-
pered 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 C RCUMSTANCES SHALL DELMHORST BE
L ABLE FOR ANY NC DENTAL, ND RECT, SPEC AL,
OR CONSEQUENT AL DAMAGES OF ANY TYPE WHAT-
SOEVER, NCLUD NG, BUT NOT L M TED TO, LOST
PROF TS OR DOWNT ME AR S NG OUT OF OR RELAT-
ED N ANY RESPECT TO TS METERS OR ELEC-
TRODES AND NO OTHER WARRANTY, WR TTEN, ORAL
OR MPL ED APPL ES. DELMHORST SHALL N NO
EVENT BE L ABLE FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY
OR DEFECT N TH S PRODUCT THAT EXCEEDS THE
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE OF TH S 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.
7
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8
NOTES
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