FLIR MR160 User manual

USER MANUAL
FLIR MODEL MR160
IMAGING MOISTURE METER with IGM™

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Table of Contents
1. DISCLAIMERS 4
1.1 Copyright 4
1.2 Quality Assurance 4
1.3 Documentation 4
1.4 Disposal of Electronic Waste 4
2. SAFETY 5
2.1 Safety Notes 5
2.2 Laser Safety 5
3. INTRODUCTION 6
3.1 Key Features 6
4. METER AND MENU ICON DESCRIPTIONS 7
4.1 Meter Parts 7
4.2 Control Buttons 8
4.3 Menu Map and Overview 9
5. OPERATION 10
5.1 Powering the Meter 10
5.1.1 Auto Power OFF (APO) 10
5.2 Moisture Measurements 10
5.2.1 Moisture Measurement Overview 10
5.2.2 Moisture Displays Overview 11
5.2.3 IMAGE Modes 12
5.2.4 MOISTURE Modes 13
5.2.5 Internal Moisture Sensor Measurements (Pinless) 13
5.2.6 External Pin Probe Moisture Measurements 14
5.2.7 Reference Mode Moisture Measurements 15
5.3 Thermal Imager (IR) 15

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5.4 Lock/Unlock Palette Auto-Scale Mode 17
5.5 Screen Capture and Hold 17
5.6 ‘Combination’ Feature 18
5.7 High Moisture Alarm 20
5.8 SETTINGS Menu 21
6. MAINTENANCE 22
6.1 Cleaning 22
6.2 Battery Charging 22
6.2.1 Disposal of Electronic Waste 22
6.3 Updating the MR160 firmware 23
7. SPECIFICATIONS 24
8. TECHNICAL SUPPORT 26
9. MATERIAL GROUPS 27
9.1 Common Names of Timbers (BS888/589:1973) with MR160 Group Nos. 27
9.2 Botanical names of timbers with MR160 program group numbers 29
9.3 %WME Table (% Wood Moisture Equivalent) 31
10. WARRANTY 32
10.1 FLIR 10-Year Limited Warranty 32

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1. Disclaimers
1.1 Copyright
© 2020 FLIR Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. No parts of the software including source
code may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed or translated into any language or computer
language in any form or by any means, electronic, magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise, without
the prior written permission of FLIR Systems.
The documentation must not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or
transmitted to any electronic medium or machine-readable form without prior consent, in writing,
from FLIR Systems.
Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of FLIR Systems and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, trade names or company
names referenced herein are used for identification only and are the property of their respective
owners.
1.2 Quality Assurance
The Quality Management System under which these products are developed and manufactured
has been certified in accordance with the ISO 9001 standard.
FLIR Systems is committed to a policy of continuous development; therefore, we reserve the right
to make changes and improvements on any of the products without prior notice.
1.3 Documentation
To access the user manuals, warranty registration, firmware updates, and notifications go to the
Download tab at: https://support.flir.com. In the download area you will also find the latest
releases of manuals for our other products, as well as manuals for our historical and obsolete
products.
1.4 Disposal of Electronic Waste
As with most electronic products, this equipment must be disposed of in an
environmentally friendly way, and in accordance with existing regulations for
electronic waste.
Please contact your FLIR Systems representative for more details.

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2. Safety
2.1 Safety Notes
•Before operating the device, you must read, understand, and follow all instructions, dangers,
warnings, cautions, and notes.
•FLIR Systems reserves the right to discontinue models, parts or accessories, and other items,
or to change specifications at any time without prior notice.
2.2 Laser Safety
Warning Statement
•Do not look directly into the laser beam. The laser beam can cause eye irritation.

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3. Introduction
Thank you for selecting the FLIR MR160 Imaging Moisture Meter. The MR160 integrates high
quality thermal imaging technology with the best in class moisture detection and measurement.
The MR160 includes an integrated non-invasive pinless moisture sensor, and an external pin
moisture probe (MR02).
Featuring Infrared Guided Measurement (IGMTM) technology, the MR160 helps to quickly scan and
target moisture issues; visually guiding the user to the spot where measurements can be
confidently made and where readings can be easily analyzed. The MR160 can save measurements
and images for later transfer to a PC; reports can be generated with FLIR Tools PC software. Please
see www.flir.com/test for additional accessories available for this device. This device is shipped
fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service.
3.1 Key Features
•FLIR Lepton® microbolometer Focal Plane Array (FPA) with integrated shutter delivers best in
class thermal imaging
•Quickly scan for moisture using the integrated non-invasive pinless moisture sensor
•External pin probe (included) for resistive moisture content measurements
•IGM Moisture mode displays both the thermal image and moisture readings on one screen
•Moisture mode shows Pin or Pinless moisture readings with large digits and color bargraph
•Scale Lock adds precision to thermal image scanning
•Capture, view, & delete thermal images and measurements
•Nine (9) material group selections for pin‐based readings
•Programmable high moisture alarm with audible and color visual alerts
•Laser pointer and display crosshairs for targeting of anomalies found on thermal image
•Easy to read, color display with intuitive graphical interface and tool tips in local languages
•File management, image review, & report generation with free FLIR Tools PC software via USB
•Internal rechargeable battery with USB based international charger

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4. Meter and Menu Icon Descriptions
4.1 Meter Parts
1. Color Graphical Display
2. Screen Capture button
3. Four (4) Navigation buttons (ring)
4. Select button (center)
5. Back button
6. Laser Pointer / Crosshairs button
7. Power button
8. USB, External Probe jack, and charge LED
9. Laser pointer lens (back)
10. Thermal imaging lens (back)
11. Internal Pinless Moisture sensor (back)
12. Micro USB Port (bottom)
13. External Probe Jack (bottom)
14. Battery Charging LED status lamp (bottom)
Fig. 4-1 Meter Description

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4.2 Control Buttons
Image Capture button: Press to save a ‘screen-shot’. Refer to
section 5.5 Screen Capture and Hold for full details.
Back button. Press to back up or return from a menu screen.
Press to activate laser pointer/crosshairs in thermal imaging
modes.
Press to power the meter ON. Press and hold to power the meter
OFF.
Press the Select button (center) to access the Main Menu. Use this
button to select items from within the menu structure.
Use the four outer navigation (rim) buttons to move up-down-left-
right.

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4.3 Menu Map and Overview
The Menu structure is outlined below and covered thoroughly in subsequent sections of this
User Manual. The center Select button and the four (4) Navigation buttons are used to access
and program the modes of operation available from the menus. Refer to Fig. 4-2.
Icons 1 through 5 in Fig. 4-2 make up the Main Menu. Press the Select button to open the Main
Menu:
1. Image Review: view and delete IR Thermal Images
2. Image modes (items 10~14): IR, IR + IGM Moisture, Moisture only
3. Moisture modes: Material Groups, Pin Mode, Pinless Mode, Set Reference
4. Lock/Unlock Palette Auto-Scale: Select Lock to adjust the color palette range to suit a
given application (see Section 5.4 Lock/Unlock Palette Auto-Scale Mode for more detail).
Unlock for normal auto-scaling operation.
5. Settings utility: Language, Palette, High Alarm, Auto Power OFF, Date & Time, Help
contact screen, and Meter Information screen.
Icons 6 through 9 in Fig. 4-2 are available in the Moisture Mode Menu. Press icon 3 to view
these Moisture modes. A blue dot is shown to the left of the pin icon (7) or the pinless icon (8),
depending on which is selected.
6. Material Group: Select the material under test (Groups 1~9); For Pin Mode only. See
Section 9 for Wood and Material Group listings.
7. Pin mode: Select this mode when using external pin moisture probe.
8. Pinless mode: Select this mode when using the internal (rear) moisture sensor.
9. Set Reference: Select this mode to store the current reading as a reference value. For
pinless mode only.
Icons 10 through 12 in Fig. 4-2 are available in the Image Mode Menu. Press icon 2 to view the
Image Mode menu.
10. IR (View Thermal Image only)
11. IR + IGM Moisture (View Thermal Image +
Moisture readings)
12. Moisture only
Fig. 4-2 Menu Icons

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5. Operation
Important Note: Please charge the meter’s battery before first use. Instructions for battery
charging are provided in Section 6.2.
5.1 Powering the Meter
1. Press the Power button momentarily to switch the meter ON.
2. Press and hold the Power button for > 1 second to switch the meter OFF.
3. If the battery status indicator shows that the battery voltage is low, or if the meter does not
power on, charge the battery. See section 6.2 Battery Charging. The battery status indicator
is visible in the Main Menu (press the center Select button to access the Main Menu).
4. Please fully charge the battery before use.
5.1.1 Auto Power OFF (APO)
The meter switches OFF automatically after a programmed period of inactivity. Press any
button to reset the APO timer. To disable APO, or to change the APO time-out value, use the
Settings mode, accessible from the Main Menu. The default time-out is 20 minutes.
5.2 Moisture Measurements
5.2.1 Moisture Measurement Overview
Moisture measurements can be performed using either the internal pinless moisture sensor
(rear) or by connecting an external probe. A standard external pin probe is included which
connects to the MR160 via the jack at the bottom of the meter. Other external probes are
available; please visit www.flir.com/test for details.
NOTE: Objects near the internal pinless moisture sensor (located on the rear of the unit) will
affect the reading on the display; Keep hands and fingers clear of the sensor when taking
measurements.
The internal moisture sensor detects moisture to a depth of approximately 19mm (0.75”). The
actual depth will vary depending upon the amount of moisture, the material under test, surface
roughness, and other factors.
Moisture readings are shown on the display (digitally and with bar graph) in the Moisture-only
mode or in small digits (upper left-hand corner) in the IR + IGM Moisture mode. See Fig. 5-1.
Pinless measurement readings are ‘relative’scaled (0~100). Pin-based readings are represented
in terms of %MC (moisture content) for wood and %WME (wood moisture equivalent) for non-
wood materials; additional information is provided in Section 5.2.6 External Pin Probe Moisture
Measurements and in the specifications.
Moisture measurements are covered in detail in the following sections. Be sure to select Pin
Mode or Pinless Mode in the Moisture Menu to match the measurement type.

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Fig. 5-1(a) IR + IGM Image Mode
5.2.2 Moisture Displays Overview
There are two modes where moisture readings are displayed; refer to Figs. 5-1 (a) and (b).
To access the modes, press the Select button after navigating to the Image Mode icon in
the Main Menu. Then use the navigation buttons to scroll to the desired mode; press Select
again to confirm.
Fig. 5-1 (a) IR + IGM Moisture Image Mode
1. Relative icon and reference value
2. Alarm icon and Alarm Threshold value
3. Mode icon (pinless mode selected)
4. Moisture reading
5. Laser pointer icon
6. Cross-hairs
7. Thermal image
Fig. 5-1 (b) Moisture-only Mode
1. Moisture reading (digital)
2. Moisture reading (bargraph); Bars
are blue when in non-alarm state
and red when in an alarm state.
3. Selected Mode
4. High Moisture Alarm threshold (see
Section 5.7)
5. Set Reference value (see Set
Reference mode in Sections 5.2.3 and 5.2.6); pinless mode only. Note that in Pin mode this
display area will show the selected Material/Wood Group. Access the Moisture Mode to
select the Material/Wood Group.
Fig. 5-1(b) Moisture-only Mode

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Fig. 5-2 Image mode
5.2.3 IMAGE Modes
Press the Select button to access the Main Menu and then select the IMAGE mode icon (1).
Refer to Fig. 5-2. Choose Thermal IR Image-only mode (2), IR + IGM Moisture mode (3), or
Moisture-only mode (4). Each mode is described below.
1. Image mode icon in the Main Menu
2. IR Thermal Image mode only
In the IR mode the meter displays only the IR
Thermal Camera image. See Fig. 5-6
3. IR + IGM Moisture mode
In the IR + IGM Moisture mode the meter displays the IR Thermal Camera Image and
the moisture reading text (upper left hand corner) and the pin or pinless mode icon
(depending on which is currently selected). See Fig. 5-1(a).
4. Moisture reading only
In the Moisture only mode the IR Thermal Camera Image is off and the meter shows
only the moisture reading in digits and in bargraph formats, see Fig. 5-1(b).

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5.2.4 MOISTURE Modes
From the Main Menu select the MOISTURE mode icon (1). Refer to Fig. 5-3. Then choose
from the four Moisture mode options (items 2, 3, 4, and 5) as described below.
1. Moisture Mode Icon from the Main Menu
2. MATERIAL GROUPS
Select a Material wood group that best matches
the material under test. This applies only for
external pin-based probe use; Use the navigation
buttons to scroll through the group list and use
the Select button to choose the group. The
selected group will show a blue dot. See the
Material Wood Group List Appendix in Section 9.
3. PIN MODE
PIN mode must be selected when the external pin-based probe is used. Note the pin icon
(3) on the upper left of the main display when selected.
4. PINLESS MODE
PINLESS mode must be selected when using the internal sensor. Note the pinless icon (4)
on the upper left of the main display when selected.
5. SET REFERENCE MODE
SET REFERENCE is used to compare the displayed readings against a stored reference
measurement (see Section 5.2.7 Reference Mode). This mode applies only to readings
taken with the pinless internal sensor.
5.2.5 Internal Moisture Sensor Measurements (Pinless)
1. Follow the steps in Section 5.2.1 through 5.2.4 and select the Pinless mode.
2. Place the internal moisture sensor (back) on the surface of the material to be tested.
Apply light pressure to ensure that the internal sensor is completely flat against the
surface of the material under test.
3. The relative moisture reading is displayed on the main display in the upper left-hand
corner (IR + IGM Moisture mode) or as bargraph with accompanying digits (Moisture-
only mode). Refer to example screens shown in Fig. 5-1.
4. Keep hands, surfaces, and objects away from the rear internal moisture sensor area
when taking measurements.
5. For best results, lift the meter off the surface under test between measurement points;
do not drag the meter over surfaces.
Fig. 5-3 Moisture mode icons

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5.2.6 External Pin Probe Moisture Measurements
1. Follow the steps in Section 5.2.1 through 5.2.4 and select Pin mode from the MOISTURE
mode options.
2. Connect the external pin probe to the meter’s EXT jack on the bottom of the meter
(under the protective flap). Refer to the FLIR website for information on available
external pin moisture probe types.
3. Select the appropriate Material Group as described in Section 5.2.4 (see Section 9 for the
Material Group Appendices). Note: Use Group 9 for building materials.
4. Press the pins into the material under test.
5. The moisture reading is displayed on the main display (%) in the upper left-hand corner
(IR + IGM Moisture mode) or as a bargraph with accompanying digits (Moisture-only
mode). Refer to example screens shown in Fig. 5-1.
Notes on External Pin Probe Moisture measurements
The MR160 will display accurate external pin probe readings in the 7% to 30% range,
depending on the tested material. Moisture Content readings below 6% will display as 0% for
all materials and the maximum specified range is dependent on the fiber saturation point for
specific species. Above the fiber saturation point, the reading can only be used as a relative
reference value.
For more information on fiber saturation please refer to ASTM D7438. For additional
information on Pin moisture measurement accuracy please see ASTM D4444, section 6.

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5.2.7 Reference Mode Moisture Measurements
1. Follow the steps in Section 5.2.1 through 5.2.4 and select SET REFERENCE from the
MOISTURE mode options. This mode is only available for pinless measurements (internal
sensor).
2. When the SET REFERENCE mode is selected the displays are affected in the following
ways:
•IR + IGM Moisture image mode: A new display line will appear preceded by a delta
(triangle) symbol. The digits next to the delta symbol indicate the reference value
(the measurement recorded when the SET REFERENCE mode is selected).
•Moisture-only mode: The Reference value and delta symbol are shown on the right
side of the display, refer to example screen in Fig. 5-1(b).
3. All measurements taken subsequently will be relative to the reference value. For
example, if the reference value is ‘10’ (representing the driest area of the material under
test) and a measurement of ‘50’ is taken (in an area with higher moisture content), the
measurement line will show ‘40’ (50 –10 = 40). As implied, this mode is useful for
comparing wet areas to a dry area reference.
4. To remove the reference value and exit the mode: Remove the meter sensor from the
area under test, so that the sensor is no longer touching a surface and is clear of any
objects (keep hands away from the sensor also), and then press the Set Reference icon
again. The reference value will no longer be visible on the meter display.
5.3 Thermal Imager (IR)
The full screen IR Thermal Imager is active in the IR -only mode and the IR + IGM
Moisture mode (selectable from the IMAGE mode icon in the Main Menu).
The Thermal Imager lens is located on the back of the meter. Face the lens toward the area of
interest and view the image on the meter display.
Select the IR thermal image display color palette from the Settings menu. Select IRON,
RAINBOW, ICE, or GREYSCALE; see examples in Fig. 5-4.
For example: the ICE palette hot to cold temperatures, for images, are represented by this color
palette progression: white>grey>black>blue>white. See the color palette example below in
figure 5-5(c). For the ICE palette, the right side of the scale shows the hotter pixels in the frame,
and the left side of the scale shows the coldest pixels.

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Fig. 5-4(a) - IRON PALETTE Fig. 5-4(b) - RAINBOW PALETTE
Fig. 5-4(c) - ICE PALETTE Fig. 5-4(d) - GREY PALETTE
When the Laser Pointer button is pressed, and
held to activate the laser pointer, the display
crosshairs also switch on, for additional targeting
flexibility. Refer to Fig. 5-5.
Note that the laser is carefully aimed to align
with the crosshairs for easier identifying and
targeting of objects and surfaces.
1. Laser icon (Press and hold Laser button to
activate)
2. Crosshairs (Press and hold Laser button to
activate)
3. IR Thermal Image
Fig. 5-5 Thermal IR Image
Fig. 5-4 Thermal IR Image Color Palettes

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5.4 Lock/Unlock Palette Auto-Scale Mode
Note: For best results, allow a warm-up period of 3-5 minutes before using this feature.
The Lock/Unlock Palette Auto-Scale option allows the color palette range to be adjusted to
suit a given application. For example, when viewing both cold and hot objects in the same
frame, the palette auto-scaling will cause the palette to be ‘stretched’ to fit the whole range
of temperatures. However, this can cause smaller temperature variations to disappear, as the
difference between two colors might increase from 1° to 10°. In this case, the user may
choose to lock the scale with only the cold or medium-temperature object in the frame. This
would cause the hot object to saturate but will provide more detail to the colder objects of
interest.
If the user wishes to narrow the range of color and limit it to colors near the cold temperature
image, Lock/Unlock can be set to ‘Lock’ with no hot objects in the frame. To lock the scale,
press the Select button to access the Main Menu, scroll to the Lock icon, and press Select
again to toggle unlock/lock. Some experimentation and fine-tuning may be required to get the
best possible contrast for the application.
5.5 Screen Capture and Hold
Pressing the Image Capture button captures the current MR160 screen. The screen will
hold (freeze) for seven (7) seconds, until an image filename appears indicating that the image
has been saved. During the seven second ‘hold’ period, the user can simply examine the image
and press the Back button to discard or press Select/Capture to save the image.
Images are saved in bitmap (.bmp) format. Images can be accessed on the MR160 screen using
the Image Review icon available in the Main Menu. Then scroll the images using the Left and
Right navigation buttons.
Fig. 5-6(a) Palette auto-scale unlocked
Fig. 5-6(b) Palette auto-scale locked
away from hot object

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Images can be deleted one by one by pressing the Select button while viewing the image. A
prompt will appear asking to ‘Delete’ or ‘Cancel’. Choose ‘Delete’ to permanently discard the
image; choose ‘Cancel’ to keep the image.
Images can also be transferred to computer or other compatible device using the MR160 USB
port (bottom of meter, under flap) and supplied USB cable.
5.6 ‘Combination’ Feature: Save Thermal Image with Pinless Moisture Reading
The Combination feature allows the user to ‘freeze’ a thermal image and take a pinless moisture
reading, saving both the thermal image and the moisture reading on a single image. The ‘held’
thermal image, with continuous moisture reading shown on the same screen, can then be
captured as explained in Section 5.5 above.
1. Enter the IR + Moisture Image mode (refer to Section 5.2.3 Image Mode).
2. Hold the Image Capture button until crosshairs appear, and the laser is visible (Fig. 5-
7(a)).
3. While continuing to hold the Capture button, aim the laser at the measurement spot.
4. Release the Capture button. The image will freeze but the moisture reading will flash and
continue to update as it waits for a measurement.
5. Place the pinless measurement sensor pad of the MR160 against the item targeted by
the laser pointer to make the moisture measurement. Press the Select button to capture
(save) the image; note that the image will include the moisture reading; see Fig. 5-7(b).
6. After a seven second hold period, an image filename will appear on the screen
(FLIRxxxx.bmp), indicating that the image has been saved. During this time-out period,
the user can press Back to cancel the image capture or Select/Capture to save the image.
Fig. 5-7(a) Laser and Crosshairs visible;
Aim the Laser at the test surface

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Fig. 5-7(b) Saved image with Target
area and Moisture reading

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5.7 High Moisture Alarm
The MR160 offers a High Moisture Alarm where an audible and visual alert activates when the
moisture reading exceeds the programmed high limit.
1. Press the Select button to access the Main Menu
2. Select the SETTINGS mode from the Main Menu
3. Scroll to ALARM and press the Select button to open the Alarm programmer
4. Use the Navigation and Select buttons to switch the alarm ON or OFF and to set the
threshold from 0% to 100%
5. Press the Select button to return to the SETTINGS mode and save the value or press the
back button to cancel and to return to the normal operating mode
6. When the High Alarm is set ON, the main display will show the alarm bell icon (shown in
header above) and the High Alarm threshold value. Refer to example screens shown in
Fig. 5-1.
7. When the measurement exceeds the threshold, the text for the measurement reading
will appear red in color and will flash. Note that in the Moisture-only mode, the bargraph
turns red when the Alarm threshold is exceeded. Refer to the example in Fig. 5-1(b).
8. To switch the alarm OFF when the meter is alarming, press the Select button and then
select SETTINGS from the Main Menu