Lignomat Ligno-VersaTec User manual

User Instructions for Ligno-VersaTec
Moisture Meter
Lignomat USA Ltd.
14345 NE Morris Ct
Portland, OR 97230
E-mail: [email protected]
www.lignomat.com
Tel: [phone]
800-227-2105
FAX: [phone]

Table of Contents
Functions .............................................................................................. 3
Accessories ............................................................................................ 4
..
Ligno-VersaTec, the Meter .................................................................. 5
First Step: Check and Change Settings for Pin and Pinless ............ 6
Summary of available Wood and Material Settings ......................... 6
Function and Calibration Check for Pin - Pinless - RH ................... 23-25
Check Software Version ....................................................................... 22
Change from US to Metric System (0F to 0C and inches to mm) .... 22
EMC Chart for Relative Humidity and Wood Moisture/EMC ........ 18
Pin Mode
Pin Technology and Settings ............................................................... 7
Measurements ...................................................................................... 8
Measuring Wood, Sheetrock, Concrete and other Bldg Materials... 8, 9
Monitoring using the Ligno-VersaTec ............................................... 10, 20
Monitoring using the BL2 Data Logger and Wireless ...................... 19
Function and Calibration Check - Pin ............................................... 23
Pinless Mode
Pin Technology and Settings .............................................................. 11
Measurements ...................................................................................... 12
Dual-Depth 1/4” and 3/4” ................................................................. 13
Toggle between 1/4” and 3/4” ............................................................. 14
Measuring Wood, Bamboo and Veneer ............................................. 14, 15
Find Settings for Composites and Engineered Boards .................... 15
Measuring Building Materials ............................................................ 16
Wood Floor Installations .................................................................... 17
Calculating Specific Gravity ................................................................ 19
Function and Calibration Check - Pinless ......................................... 23, 24
RH Mode
RH Technology ..................................................................................... 20
Measuring Ambient Conditions RH, T, DP, GPP............................... 20
Data Logger for Ambient Conditions RH, T, DP, GPP, EMC............. 19
..
In-situ RH Test for Concrete Moisture .............................................. 21
EMC Chart for Relative Humidity and Wood Moisture / EMC ....... 18
Function and Calibration Check - RH BluePeg ................................ 25
2

Ligno-VersaTec, a Multi-Function Meter: Pin - Pinless - RH
The Ligno-VersaTec comes with 220 built-in corrections for measuring dif-
ferent wood species, bamboo, panel products and sheetrock. Also built-in are
reference scales (pg 6) for measuring concrete and other building materials.
The Ligno-VersaTec with RH BluePeg probe and adapter RH can measure
relative humidity, temperature, dew point and GPP. Accessories are
available for in-situ RH moisture testing of concrete slabs and wall cavities.
3
RH
PIN
SCAN
1. Use as Pinless Meter: You can use the Ligno-Versatec
meter by itself as a dual-depth pinless meter with select-
able measuring depth 3/4” and 1/4”. The pinless mode of
the Ligno-VersaTec has the same features as the Ligno-
Scanner SDM.
2. Use as Thermo-Hygrometer: Add fast-responding, preci-
sion RH BluePeg probe. The connection between meter
and probe can be made by the adapter RH or an extension
cable. Ligno-VersaTec indicates ambient relative humid-
ity and temperature, GPP and dew point.
3. Use for in-situ RH Testing in Concrete: Add RH cable,
sleeves and the removable RH probes for in-situ RH
testing. The Lignomat system complies to ASTM F2170.
Pin or pinless mode can be used to take qualitative mois-
ture measurements in concrete. ASTM F2659. Page 21.
4. Use as Pin Meter:
- Add slide hammer electrode E12. Teflon-coated pins
allow measuring up to 2” deep. Differences between
surface and core moisture can be detected with the E12.
- Add inspector electrode E14V. The E14V is a tool used
in construction and restoration to track moisture in
corners, behind moldings, under base boards and
other hard-to-reach places. The handle can be
elongated to reach high up or down low. Add EL pins 7”
long. E14V with EG pins 3/4” is also used to measure
hard materials (bamboo). Page 9.
The pin mode of the Ligno-VersaTec has the same fea-
tures as the Lignometer K.
E14V
E12

Slide-Hammer Electrode
E12 measures surface
and core up to 2” deep.
Detects a moisture gra-
dient within the board.
Pins: DZ, DA, DB
Drive-in Electrode
E10 shown with EL
pins up to 7” deep.
Pins: EL, EG coated
EV, EA, EC uncoated
Inspector Electrode
E14V, slim to reach
corners. For hard ma-
terials such as bamboo.
Can be extended.
Pins: EL, EG coated
EV, EA, EC uncoated
Specialty Electrode
E16 for hard building
materials (concrete).
Pins: EL, EG coated
EV, EA, EC uncoated
Coated pins:
DZ, DA, DB
up to 2” deep.
For electrode E12
Uncoated pins:
EA, EV, EC
up to 5/8” deep.
electrodes E10, 14, 16.
Calibration Check:
Pin and pinless meters from
Lignomat internally check
and adjust the calibration
before each reading.
Check blocks are used to
confirm calibration and
function of pinless meters
and pin meters, cables,...
Salt solutions are necessary
to check RH BluePeg probes.
More info on pages 23-25.
4
Accessories
Coated pins:
EG up to 3/4” deep
EL up to 7” deep.
electrodes E10, 14, 16
RH cable with
sleeve-seal-plug.
RH adapter.
Thermo-Hygrometer:
add RH BluePeg probe
and adapter to meas-
sure RH/T/DP/GPP.
Sleeves 1.8” and 3” long
for in-situ moisture
testing in concrete.
Sleeve with RH probe
to measure moisture
in wall cavities with
or without insulation.
TS check block for
all Lignomat pinless
meters.
Salt solution to check
RH BluePeg probes,
RH 75%.
RH BluePeg probes.
For concrete test and
relative humidity of air.
TP check block for
all Lignomat pin
meters, cables,...
DZ DA DB EL EG EC EA EV

Hold Function for all Modes: Pin - Pinless - RH
The HOLD key is used (while taking readings) to “freeze” measured
values for three minutes. During that time you can switch back to
measuring by pressing the READ key again. This feature is helpful when
taking notes or when measuring in areas, where the display cannot be read.
Warranty: All Lignomat meters have a 2-year warranty.
Accessories have a 1-year warranty. Battery and pins are excluded.
Ligno-VersaTec, the Meter
BNC connector for:
- cable from electrode.
- adapter H for in-kiln cables.
% sign is only present, if
the indicated value is a
moisture percentage.
If % sign is missing,
the value is a reference
number.
Measured value.
For measurements in
pin, pinless or RH mode,
press the READ key.
Two measuring pads are
mounted on the back of the
meter. The measuring pads
cover an area of:
2.75” L x 1.75” W
(6.8 x 4.2 cm)
Overall size of Meter:
4.5” x 2.4” x 1”
(12 x 6 x 2.5 cm)
If the display is blank and
the SET/HOLD key is
pressed repeatedly,
active settings are displayed:
- pin or scan mode.
- wood or material setting.
- wood temperature (pin).
- measuring depth (pinless).
If the display shows a
measured value and the
SET/HOLD key is pressed
repeatedly, the meter is put
into HOLD mode first.
Then, the active settings are
recalled. See above.
Press up or down key
to change settings.
Battery cover is located
at the back of the meter.
Battery: One 9V battery.
A low battery symbol will
appear on the display,
when the battery is
drained to 25%.
5
3.5mm Stereo connector
for RH BluePeg using
- RH Adapter.
- RH cable.
Once the RH probe is
connected, the meter
switches automatically
into RH mode.
Press up or down key
to change settings.
The up or down key can
also be used to change
depth settings in pinless
mode while taking mea-
surements. Toggle mode.
Page 14.

6
1st Measuring mode: Pin or scan (pinless).
2nd Setting for wood and non-wood materials:
# 0-250. Corrections for different wood
species and non-wood materials are needed
in pin and scan mode. Check table below and pocket-guide
for available settings for pin and/or pinless mode.
3rd Setting for wood temperature: Wood temperature corrections
are only needed in pin mode. It is difficult to determine the
temperature of the wood at the depth of the pins. Page 7(2).
4th Setting for measuring depth: 1/4” and 3/4”. Measuring depth
is only used in pinless mode. Page 13.
Before using the Ligno-VersaTec, the active (previously chosen) settings in the meter
need to be checked and if necessary changed to fit the job to be done. To recall active
settings, press the SET/HOLD key repeatedly.
Use up or down keys to change settings:
First Step : Check and Change Settings for Pin / Pinless Mode
SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE WOOD AND MATERIAL SETTINGS PIN SCAN
Settings for moisture measurement of individual wood species 111-230 111-230
Settings for measurement of wood species with known specific gravity - 30-100
Settings for EMC measurements with Lignomat’s EMC sensor 5, 105 -
Settings for wood moisture measurements of wood groups #1-4 101-104 -
#1-4 is used in old Lignometers. #2 and #3 is used in all mini-Lignos 1-4 -
Settings for bamboo, vertical, horizontal, strand and engineered 170-180 11-24*
Settings for moisture measurements of sheetrock and gypsum 15 15
Reference Scale for concrete and other similar materials 25 25
Reference Scale for bldg materials other than concrete or sheetrock 10 10
Reference Scale for laminates and composites made of wood 0 0
*11-24 for bamboo only work on depth setting 1/4”.
See table below: Not all code numbers 0-250 are available for pin and pinless mode.
If the wood or material setting is not available in pin and pinless mode, the meter
will automatically select the available mode. If the code number is not defined at all,
the mode indicated at the left side of the display toggles between PIN and SCAN.
Example: Code# 30 is only available in SCAN mode. Code# 108 is not defined at all.

The Ligno-VersaTec functions as a resistance-type meter in pin mode. The conductivity
between the pins is measured and the moisture content is calculated according to the
active wood species and wood temperature settings. The meter indicates the highest
moisture value within the small measuring area between the tip of the teflonized pins.
Ligno-VersaTec pin measurements have to be corrected for:
(1) Wood species or other materials being measured.
(2) Wood temperature.
- Settings for measuring depth do not affect pin measurements.
(1) The settings for the most common wood species, bamboo products and different
building materials are listed on the laminated pocket guide included with the meter.
For unlisted species or new products call customer service at 800-227-2105. If no list-
ing is available, Lignomat offers testing to determine the correct setting.
Pin Technology and Settings
Pin mode (Unlisted code numbers do not work in pin mode) code #
Moisture measurements of individual wood species, 5-99.9% 111-230
Bamboo in pin mode within wood settings, 5-99.9% 170-180
Reference scale for laminates and composites made of wood, 0-99.9 0
Moisture measurements of sheetrock and gypsum, 0.1-22% 15
Reference scale for concrete and other similar materials, 0-99 25
Reference scale for bldg materials other than concrete or sheetrock, 0-99 10
Wood groups used in older Lignomat pin meters, 5-99.9% 1-4, 101-104
EMC measurements with Lignomat’s EMC sensor, 5-27% 5, 105
The meter will not produce values in pin mode for code numbers not listed here. Page 6.
(2) The meter needs to be set for the correct wood temperature. Different ambient
temperatures do not affect the readings. However, measuring hot or cold lumber will
affect the readings. The Ligno-VersaTec has corrections for different wood temperatures
built-in. Once you set the meter for the wood temperature and for the wood species, the
corrected moisture value is displayed. Temperature adjustments are not necessary if the
meter is set for a wood temperature of 700F and the lumber is within 55-850F.
It is difficult to actually measure the wood temperature at the depth, where the tips of
the electrode pins are measuring. If the wood has been acclimated to the ambient (air)
temperature, choose the ambient temperature. If the wood is not acclimated, choose the
average temperature over the last few hours.
Pin Mode
7

Measurements
After settings have been checked and changed, press the READ key to
obtain readings. The active settings appear briefly. Then, if no electrode
is connected or if the electrode is not inserted into any material, the
lowest possible reading for the active material and temperature settings
appears. Example: PIN/Min is 5% for setting 147 for 700F. If an elec-
trode is connected and inserted into material, the moisture value and
the active settings for material and wood temperature are displayed.
Example: Wood species 147, wood temp 850F, measured value 6.9%.
While taking measurements:
- If the material is too dry to be measured, the meter will show the lowest possible
value indicated by PIN/Min on the left side of the display.
- If the material is too wet to be measured, the highest possible value is indicated by
PIN/Max on the left side of the display.
Obtain stable Readings at low Moisture Contents
- Minimize electro-magnetic interference: If you measure close to computers, electrical
wires or power tools in use, readings could become erratic. To avoid the interference,
take measurements in a different location.
- Reduce static electricity: In dry climates and at low moisture contents static electricity
may cause erratic readings. The wood, the meter and the person holding the meter
should not move while taking measurements. Best results are achieved, when the meter
is placed on the board to be measured.
Measuring Wood
Select the correct setting for wood species and
wood temperature. Page 7.
Wood Range is 5-99%. Readings above fiber
saturation point (25-30%) are less accurate.
The slide-hammer electrode E12 with teflon-
insulated pins is most commonly used for
wood. As the pins are hammered towards the
core, consecutive readings indicate any changes
between surface and core moisture. For core
readings at least a third of the board needs to
be penetrated.
Pin Mode
8
E12

The ability to measure a moisture gradient up to 2” deep is
one important reason why customers still use pin electrodes.
In pinless mode you can measure only up to 3/4” deep. If high
moisture levels are suspected deeper down, the only option to
measure deeper than 3/4” are pin electrodes:
- Electrode E12 with DB pins can measure up to 2” deep.
- Electrode E14V, E10 or E16 with EL pins measure up to 7”.
If the pins on the electrode E12 do not seem strong enough
for hammering into hard wood or strand bamboo, use the
electrode E14V with EG pins. The E14V and the EG pins are
built sturdy enough for hard pounding.
9
Pin ModePin ModePin Mode
Measuring Building Materials
Sheetrock: Select material code #15 for stan-
dard gypsum boards.
Range: 0-22% (based on oven dry weight)
- Dry sheetrock ranges from 0.1% to 0.7%.
- Values of 0.8%-0.9% are questionable.
- Any value 1% or higher is considered wet.
Values of 8-12% for dry sheetrock are WME
percentages (Wood Moisture Equivalent).
Use the inspector electrode E14V or electrode
E10. Teflon-insulated pins EG and EL allow
pin-pointing the source of moisture problems, differentiating between surface moisture
and moisture coming from behind the sheetrock. Select pins from 1/4” to 7” depth.
- The Electrode E14V is the ideal tool for water restoration jobs. Designed extra slim to
fit into tight places, under baseboards, around pipes, in corners, etc. The handle can
be extended to reach ceilings without a ladder or floors without crouching. You
can hammer on top of the E14V to insert pins in a precise location at a precise depth.
- The electrode E10 is another option. Sturdy enough to hammer on top to insert pins.
Concrete and Other Hard Building Materials: Select material code #0. Instant
readings can be obtained with the electrode E16. These readings do not give moisture
percentages. Page 21. However, problem areas of high moisture can be located instantly
by comparing readings from different areas. A chart is enclosed with the electrode E16,
which lists readings and corresponding values given in weight-percent.
E14V

10
Pin Mode
- The Electrode E16 consists of two separate posts,
which makes inserting into hard materials easier.
Warning: Test results from pin or pinless meters are not accurate enough to decide
whether or not to lay a wood floor over a concrete slab. An RH in-situ probe test
and/or a Calcium-Chloride test is recommended by most wood floor manufacturers.
See Page 21 for RH in-situ probe test in concrete with the Ligno-VersaTec.
Monitoring using the Ligno-VersaTec
Extension cables and probes can be installed to monitor remote areas, which are
otherwise unreachable. Install probes, connect cable and leave the open cable end
easily accessible. The Ligno-VersaTec can be connected via adapter H, and measure-
ments can be obtained at any time to check for changes in moisture content.
Restoration - Leak Surveillance: An easy way to check the drying progress or to
make sure that a leak is not happening again.
Wood Floor: Metall screws are placed on the
underside of the floor planks or in the subfloor.
Works well during acclimation and for long-
term monitoring after the floor is installed.
Lumber Drying - Air Drying - Storage:
Teflon-coated PK probes and extension cables
are placed inside the lumber stack. This is an
area, which cannot be reached any other way
for pin moisture measurements. Enables you
to measure in the center of the kiln charge
without entering a hot kiln.
Photo shows:
1Adapter H: connects cable to VersaTec.
2PK probes for lumber.
3EG teflon-coated pins and screws.
4H-Cable with connectors for PK
probes and adapter H.
5EMC sensor: VersaTec is set up to
show EMC values using EMC sensor.
Lignomat offers everything necessary to monitor and control lumber drying from one-
cable in-kiln monitor to a fully automatic kiln control system. Contact customer ser-
vice at 800-227-2105 to find a solution for your application. See also page 19.
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