Lignomat Lignometer K User manual

User Instructions for Lignometer K
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
Accessories...............................................................................................................
Lignometer K - the Meter............................................................................................
First Step in Pin Mode - Check and Change Settings....................................................
Summary of Available Wood and Material Settings........................................................
Check Software Version..............................................................................................
Changing from US to Metric System (°F to °C).............................................................
Checking Calibration...................................................................................................
Pin Mode
Pin Technology...........................................................................................................
Measurements............................................................................................................
Measuring Wood, Sheetrock, Concrete and other Building Materials..............................
Monitoring using the Lignometer K..............................................................................
Function and Calibration Test - Pin Meters...................................................................
Relative Humidity, Wood Moisture and EMC Chart........................................................
2
3
4
5
5
5
5
9
6
7
8
8
9
10

Lignometer K
Slide-Hammer Electrode E12
measures surface and core up to
2” deep. Detects a moisture
gradient within the board.
Pins: DZ, DA, DB
Drive-in Electrode E10
shown with EL pins up to
7” deep.
Pins: EG, EL coated
EV, EA, EC uncoated
Electrode E14V, EG pins
slim to reach corners. Can
be extended. For hard
materials (bamboo).
Pins: EG, EL coated
EV, EA, EC uncoated
Specialty Electrode E16
for hard building materials
(concrete)
Pins: same as for E14V
Electrode E12:
Coated pins: DZ, DA,
DB up to 2” deep
Electrodes E10, 14, 16:
Coated pins:
EG up to 3/4” deep
EL up to 7” deep
Electrodes E10, 14, 16:
Uncoated pins: EA, EV,
EC up to 5/8” deep.
DZ DA DB EL EG EC EA EV
TP check block for all
Lignomat pin meters.
The Lignometer K is used by professionals in many different fields, from timber processing to furniture
making to hardwood flooring installation, inspection, construction and restoration.
Pin Calibrations are built-in for different wood species, bamboo, panel products, sheetrock and a
reference scale for concrete and other building materials.
Accessories for Lignometer K:
Calibration Check:
Pin meters including the Lignometer K internally check and
adjust calibration before each reading.
Check blocks are used to confirm calibration and function of
pin meters, cables and electrodes
3

Lignometer K, the Meter
Measured value
% sign is only present,
if the indicated value is
a moisture percentage.
If % sign is missing,
the value is a reference
number.
Press or 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%.
Overall size of Meter:
4.5” x 2.4” x 1”
(12 x 6 x 2.5 cm)
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 displayed: See above.
Press or key
to change settings.
If the display is blank
and the SET/HOLD key is
pressed repeatedly, active
settings are displayed for:
- pin mode
- wood or material setting.
- wood temperature
Hold Function
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.
4
BNC connector for:
- cable from electrode.
- adapter H for in-kiln

First Step for Pin Operation: Check and Change Settings
Before using the Lignometer K, 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 or keys to change settings:
1st Setting for wood and non-wood materials (Mtrl):
# 0-250. Corrections for different wood species
and non-wood materials are needed in pin mode.
Check table below and pocket guide for available
settings for pin mode.
2nd 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.
See next page 7(2).
SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE WOOD AND MATERIAL SETTINGS PIN
Settings for moisture measurements of individual wood species
Settings for measurements of wood species with known specific gravity
111-230
-
Settings for EMC measurements with Lignomat’s EMC sensor 129
Settings for wood moisture measurements in wood groups #1-4
#1- 4 is used in old Lignometers. #2 and #3 is used in all mini-Lignos.
101-104
1-4
Settings for bamboo, vertical, horizontal, strand and engineered, 1/4” depth 170-180
Settings for wallboards: interior, exterior, and water resistant 107-109
Settings for moisture measurements of sheetrock and gypsum 15
Reference Scale for concrete and other similar materials 25
Reference Scale for bldg materials other than concrete or sheetrock 10
Reference Scale for laminates and composites made of wood 0
Check Software Version. Change from US to Metric System
Temperature is indicated in °F or ° C. Measuring depth is indicated in inches or mm. To change, disconnect
the battery and press the SET key twice. Connect the battery again. Display shows software version as a
3-digit number (Example 3.19).
The active °C or °F setting appears on the right side of the display in the upper or lower corner.
°C or °F setting can only be changed, while the software version is displayed.
To switch the setting from °F to °C, use down key ( )
To switch the setting from °C to °F, use up key ( )
The setting for inches or mm cannot be changed manually, it follows the temperature setting:
- If °C is set, the measuring depth is automatically indicated in mm.
- If °F is set, the measuring depth is automatically indicated in inches ( “ ).
5

Pin Technology
The Lignometer K 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
teflon-insulated pins.
The Lignometer K pin measurements have to be corrected for:
(1) Wood species or other materials being measured.
(2) Wood temperature.
(1) The settings for the most common wood species, bamboo products and different building materials are
listed in the laminated pocket guide included with the meter. For unlisted species or new products call
customer service at 800-227-2105.
If no listing is available, Lignomat offers testing to determine the correct setting.
Code # for Pin Mode (Unlisted code numbers do not work in pin mode, this is indicated by meter alternating
between Pin and Scan mode)
# 111-230: Moisture measurements for individual wood species (5-99.9%)
170-180: Bamboo in pin mode within wood settings.
0: Reference scale for laminates and composites out of wood (0-99.9).
15: Sheetrock and gypsum (0-22%).
25: Reference scale for concrete with E16 (0-99.9).
10: Reference scale for building materials other than concrete or sheetrock (0-99.9).
101-104: Wood groups used in older Lignomat meters, #2 and 3 is used in all mini Lignos.
1-4: Wood groups used in older Lignomat meters, #2 and 3 is used in all mini-Lignos.
129: EMC with Lignomat’s EMC sensor (5-28%).
(2) The meter needs to be set for the correct wood temperature. Different ambient air temperatures do not
affect the readings. However, measuring hot or cold wood will affect the readings. The Lignometer K 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 meter is set for a wood temperature of 70°F and the lumber is within 55-85°F
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, use the ambient
temperature. If the wood is not acclimated, choose the average temperature over the last few hours.
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 lamintates and composites made of wood, 0-99.9 0
Moisture measurements of sheetrock and gypsum, 0.1-22% 15
Settings for wallboards: interior, exterior, and water resistant 107-109
Reference scale for concrete and other similar materials, 0-99 25
Reference scale for building materials other than concrete or sheetrock 10
Wood groups used in older Lignomat pin meters, 5-99.9% 101-104
EMC measurements with Lignomat’s EMC sensor, 5-27% 129
6

Pin Measurements
After settings have been checked and changed, press the READ key to obtain
moisture 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 70° F. If an electrode is connected and inserted into
the material, the moisture value and the active settings for material and wood
temperature are displayed, Example: Wood species 147, wood temp 85° F,
moisture 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, which is being measured.
Measuring Wood
Choose the correct setting for wood species and wood
temperature. Page 6.
Wood Range is 5-99%. Measurements 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 chang-
es between surface and core moisture. For core readings at
least a third of the board needs to be penetrated.
The ability to measure a moisture gradient up to 2” deep is
one important reason why customers still use pin
electrodes. In pin-less 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 can measure up to 7” deep.
If the pins for the electrode E12 do not seem strong enough for hammering into hard wood or strand bamboo,
use the electrode E14V with EG pins, because the E14V and the EG pins are built strong enough for hard
pounding.
7

Measuring Building Materials
Sheetrock: Select material code #15.
Range: 0-22% (based on oven dry weight)
- Dry sheetrock ranges from 0.1% to 0.7%.
- Values of 0.8% and 0.9% are questionable.
- Any value 1% and 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. Tef-
lon-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” measuring 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 electrode 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
electrode E16. The readings do not give moisture percentages. However, problem areas of high moisture can
be located instantly by comparing readings from different areas. A chart is enclosed with E16, which lists
readings and corresponding values in weight-percent.
- The electrode E16 consists of two separate posts, which makes inserting into
hard materials easier. Page 21.
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.
Monitoring using the Lignometer K
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. Lignometer K can be
connected via adapter H, and measurements can be obtained at any
time to check for changes in moisture content.
Restoration: Drying progress and leak surveillance.
Wood Floor: Acclimation and long-term monitoring.
Lumber Drying, Air Drying, Storage: Teflon coated PK probes are
placed inside a lumber stack for measuring the center of a kiln charge
without entering a hot kiln.
Lignomat offers everything necessary to monitor and control lumber
drying from one-cable in-kiln monitor to a fully automatic kiln control
system. Call customer service at 800-227-2105 to find a solution for
your application.
EMC Sensor
Adapter H EG pins,
Screws
PK Probes
8

Function and Calibration Test
All pin meters from Lignomat including the Lignometer K are built with high-quality components, micro-
processor based to guarantee stable calibrations for many years of usage. All meters from Lignomat internally
check and if necessary adjust the calibration before each reading. Therefore, the meters are not set up to be
re-calibrated manually by the user.
Before the battery is drained completely and the meter will not give any more values,
a warning sign appears in the middle of the display, indicating the battery should be
replaced soon.
Function Test: Pin measurement functions can be tested for open and closed circuit connections manually.
Calibration Test: Pin measurements can be tested for calibration accuracy with check blocks provided by
Lignomat. Using the external, pin calibration check block confirms that all connections function properly:
- in pin mode from the tip of the pins to the display (including hand probe or electrode, cable, meter and all
connections)
For sensitive testing we recommend to use the check block before and after a test series.
very time you check, the indicated value should be within +/-1 of the test standard
Manual function check: Step 1 and Step 2
Calibration check: Step 3
Step 1: Open circuit check. Set the meter to pin mode,
select code # 103 and a wood temperature of 70° F. First
check the meter only. Press the READ key and a low
moisture value of 5.0% should be indicated with PIN/Min on
the left side of the display. Next connect the cable. Press
the READ key again and a value of 5% should be indicated.
Last check the meter with the cable and the electrode (do
not touch the electrode pins).
Your equipment passed the open circuit check if the 5%
value is indicated every time. If the 5% value cannot be
confirmed at the first check, the meter is defective, at the
second check the cable is defective, at the third check the
electrode is defective.
Step 2: Closed circuit check. Connect meter, cable and electrode. When the READ key is pressed and the
metal tips of both pins are touched with two fingers, a reading higher than at least 12% should be indicated. If
that is not the case, disconnect the electrode (electrode is defective). To check the cable, put your thumb on
the open cable end. The cable is ok, if a reading higher than 12% is indicated.
Step 3: Lignomat offers an external calibration check block TP. The block is used to confirm the calibration of
all Lignomat pin meters. Connect meter, cable and electrode. Select code # 103 and a wood temperature of
70°F. Place pins on screws for a value of 12% and 20% (+/-1%). Test confirms that meter, cable and electrode
work and the calibration is correct.
Note: Step 3 can be done instead of Step 2. However, Step 1 should always be performed.
If step 1, 2 or 3 fail either the battery needs to be replaced or the electrode, the cable or/and the meter are
defective. Contact customer service at 800-227-2105.
Step 3
9

Relative Humidity, Wood Moisture and EMC Chart
Recommended ambient conditions in buildings are 30%-50% relative humidity at 60°F - 80°F. If ambient
conditions stay within this range, the amount of expansion and contraction of wood floors and furnishings,
which have a moisture content of 6-9% is limited.
(Table from US Dept of Agriculture “Wood Handbook, Wood as an Engineering Material”)
EMC Chart
10
Example: For a realtive humidity of 35% and temperature of 70°F, the EMC is 6.9%. A wood floor at 6.9% is
stable, if the surrounding air has a relative humidity of 35% and a temperature of 70°F (EMC of 6.9%). In short,
a floor is stable when the MC and the EMC are the same.
KPP-M Package with Accessories
Case M for meter and
accessories
Inspector
electrode E14V
Lignometer K
moisture meter
Long EL Pins
Slide Hammer
electrode E12
Specialty
electrode E16
*Included but not pictured: BNC Cable, BNC-E16 Cable