PCE Instruments Brookhuis FMC User manual

FMC / FME Moisture Meter
Operating Instructions
Version 6.13
MOISTURE METERS
FEUCHTEMESSGERÄTE
HUMIDIMÈTRES
MEDIDORES DE HUMEDAD
MEDIDORES DE HUMIDADE
ALAT MENGUKUR KADAR AIR
PENGUKUR KADAR AIR
FUKTKVOTSMÄTARE
KOSTEUSMITTARIT
VOCHTMETERS
PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/english
www.pce-instruments.com
PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13
Southpoint Business Park
Ensign way
Hampshire / Southampton
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
From outside UK: +44
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]

Foreword
Congratulations on your purchase of the FMC or FME microprocessor-controlled
moisture meter. This meter is a Dutch quality product that will allow you to measure
the moisture content of wood and construction materials.
These operating instructions contain a number of important directions on how to use
and handle the FMC and FME moisture meters. Please keep them in a safe place for
future reference.
Enschede, The Netherlands, 9 August 2004

Operating Instructions FMC/FME moisture meter
Notification
The information in these operating instructions may be altered without prior
notification.
BROOKHUIS MICRO-ELECTRONICS B.V. CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY
FOR ANY TECHNICAL OR PRINTING ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THIS
DOCUMENT. MOREOVER, BROOKHUIS MICRO-ELECTRONICS B.V. CANNOT
ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY INCIDENTAL DAMAGE OR DAMAGE
CAUSED BY FAULTY DELIVERY OR INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THIS MATERIAL.
The information contained in these operating instructions is protected by copyright.
No part of these instructions may be reproduced in any form without prior written
permission from Brookhuis Micro-Electronics B.V.
© 2004 Brookhuis Micro-Electronics B.V.
All rights reserved. Printed in the Netherlands.

Contents
Foreword..................................................................................................................................I
Notification..............................................................................................................................II
1Introduction........................................................................................................................1
2Intended use.......................................................................................................................2
3Examples of use ................................................................................................................3
4Overview of the FMC/E moisture meter set.....................................................................4
4.1 Picture of the FMC/E moisture meter .......................................................................4
4.2 The FMC/E moisture meter set components............................................................5
4.3 Optionally available accessories ..............................................................................5
5Starting up and settings....................................................................................................6
5.1 Installing the battery .................................................................................................6
5.2 Setting up the FMC/E ...............................................................................................7
5.2.1 Connecting the Ram electrode / handle electrode......................................................................... 7
5.2.2 Connecting the universal electrode................................................................................................ 8
5.2.3 Connecting the cup electrode......................................................................................................... 9
5.2.4 Connecting the concrete measuring set......................................................................................... 9
5.3 Setting the FMC/E ..................................................................................................11
5.4 Precautions and instructions ..................................................................................12
6Functions..........................................................................................................................13
6.1 Automatic temperature correction...........................................................................13
6.2 The FME memory...................................................................................................13
6.3 Calibration check....................................................................................................15
6.4 Battery check..........................................................................................................15
6.5 Accessing the serial number ..................................................................................15
6.6 Accessing the version number ...............................................................................16
6.7 Setting ˚C or ˚F and switch-off time........................................................................16
6.8 Pin code..................................................................................................................16
7Specifications ..................................................................................................................18
Index......................................................................................................................................19
Declaration of conformity....................................................................................................20

1
©2004 Brookhuis Micro-Electronics BV, PO Box 11, 7500 AA, Enschede, the Netherlands.Telephone [phone],
Fax [phone], [email protected], www.brookhuis.com, FME 6.13. Our products may be subject to alteration.
1 Introduction
These operating instructions explain how to operate and use the FMC and FME
moisture meters. Since these instructions describe the operation of two types of
meter, FMC/E is used to refer to a function in both the FMC and FME meters. If the
function only applies to one of the meters, that particular type of meter is indicated.
Various symbols are used in these instructions:
This symbol indicates safety measures to be taken or instructions to be
followed that make this meter easier to use.
)This symbol indicates an operation to be performed.

Operating Instructions FMC/FME moisture meter
2 Intended use
The meter may only be used for measuring the moisture content of
non-movable materials.
The purpose of the meter is to determine the moisture content of solid
materials.
Avoid using the instrument near highly magnetic, electromagnetic and
electrostatic fields.
The instrument should be cleaned with a dry cloth only.
Be careful when and after using the measuring instrument since the
measuring pins on the electrode are sharp.
Use only Brookhuis measuring pins for the electrode.
Always return the measuring electrode to its case to avoid accidents.
After use, the measuring instrument should be stored in a dry place.

3 Examples of use
The FMC/E can be used in various applications. The table below shows some of
these applications.
FMC/FME
Measuring moisture
in wood
Measuring moisture
in construction
materials
Measuring moisture
in
wood chippings and dust,
coffee beans, etc.
Measuring moisture
in
paper, veneer, sawdust,
etc.

Operating Instructions FMC/FME moisture meter
4 Overview of the FMC/E moisture meter set
This chapter describes the various components of the FMC/E, as well as optionally
available components.
4.1 Picture of the FMC/E moisture meter
The components of the FMC/E are shown in Figure 4-1 below.
Figure 4-1
<OFF> ke
y
<-> ke
y
˚C or ˚F indication
<ON> ke
y
<+> ke
y
<MENU> ke
y
Error indication
Memor
y
indication
Indication of
material selection
and temperature
Batter
y
Moisture content
Connectors for measuring
electrode (FMC/E) and
temperature sensor (FME)

4.2 The FMC/E moisture meter set components
The FMC/E set consists of the following components:
•An FMC or FME moisture meter.
•An ABS instrument case.
•A measuring electrode.
•A measuring cable.
•A spanner (for the hammer probe and hand probe).
•A 9 Volt battery.
•A booklet about moisture measurement with the settings for the material being
measured.
•Operating instructions.
4.3 Optionally available accessories
Reference resistance With the help of the reference resistance, it is easy to find
out whether the FMC/E moisture meter carries out
measurements in accordance with the factory settings
(see section 6.3)
Temperature sensor The FME can be used as a temperature meter with the aid
of the temperature sensor. The temperature measured is
used for the automatic temperature correction
(see section 6.1)
Concrete measuring set The concrete measuring set enables the user to measure
the moisture content of various construction materials to a
high level of accuracy. The set is suitable for both the
FMC and the FME.
MC selector The MC selector enables the user to measure the
moisture content of wood at various locations in the drying
room without having to enter the room.
Thermo-Hygrometer The thermo-hygrometer measures relative air humidity
and temperature in order to establish the equilibrium
moisture content or the dew point, for example.
Special electrodes Using special electrodes, the FMC/E is able to measure
the moisture content of materials such as paper, card
cotton, sawdust, coffee beans and veneer.

Operating Instructions FMC/FME moisture meter
5 Starting up and settings
This chapter describes the operations required to start up the FMC/E.
5.1 Installing the battery
The battery compartment is at the back of the FMC/E, as shown in Figure 5-1
)Open the battery compartment by gently pressing down the groove in
the lid and then lifting it up.
)Connect the 9 Volt battery supplied with the meter to the attachment clip
and then close the compartment by replacing the lid. The FMC/E is now
ready to be set up.
When removing the battery, hold the attachment clip – not the wires.
Use alkaline batteries only.
Figure 5-1

5.2 Setting up the FMC/E
Before measuring can start, the measuring electrode has to be connected and the
meter set for the material and temperature in question. Depending on the type of
electrode, sections 5.2.1 to 5.2.4 contain instructions for connecting the electrode.
5.2.1 Connecting the Ram electrode / handle electrode
)Install the battery as described in section 5.1
)Unscrew the swivel nut from the electrode with the spanner
supplied with the meter.
)Insert the measuring pin into the swivel.
)Slide the swivel nut over the measuring pin and screw it tight.
)Repeat the above for the second measuring pin.
)Attach the plug for the measuring cable to the electrode
connector. Make sure the groove in the plug slides over the
tips of the connector.
)Turn the plug’s metal housing clockwise until it locks into the
connector.
)Attach the other end of the measuring cable to the FMC/E in
the same way.
)Insert the electrode measuring pins into the material being
measured by hitting them into the material. Hold the electrode
at the top and straight over the wood.
The meter is now ready for setting (see section 5.3)

Operating Instructions FMC/FME moisture meter
5.2.2 Connecting the universal electrode
)Install the battery as described in section 5.1
)Unscrew the plastic nut from the holder.
)Place the electrode in the holder and push it until it locks in
position.
)Tighten the plastic nut on the holder.
)Insert the measuring cable connector into the back of the
holder.
)Attach the measuring cable plug to the FMC/E connector.
Make sure the groove in the plug slides over the tips of the
connector. Turn the plug’s metal housing clockwise until it
locks into the connector.
)Place the electrode measuring pins in or on (depending on
the type) the material being measured.
The meter is now ready to be set (see section 5.3)

5.2.3 Connecting the cup electrode
)Install the battery as described in section 5.1
)Attach the measuring cable plug to the FMC/E connector.
Make sure the groove in the plug slides over the tips of the
connector. Turn the plug’s metal housing clockwise until it
locks into the connector.
)Attach the measuring cable plug to the electrode connector.
The plug is locked once it clicks over the connector.
)Turn the wheel of the cup electrode anticlockwise until it
comes away from the cup.
)Fill the cup electrode with the material being measured and
close it.
The meter is now ready for setting (see section 5.3)
5.2.4 Connecting the concrete measuring set
)Install the battery as described in section 5.1
)Attach the measuring cable plug to the FMC/E connector.
Make sure the groove in the plug slides over the tips of the
connector. Turn the plug’s metal housing clockwise until it
locks into the connector.
)Screw the contact sockets onto the measuring pins.
)Connect the measuring pins to the red plugs.

Operating Instructions FMC/FME moisture meter
)Drill two holes in the material being measured using the
concrete drill supplied. The holes should be approximately
25 cm apart.
)Sprinkle graphite powder on the measuring pin contact
sockets.
)Insert the measuring pins and contact sockets into the holes.
Turn the measuring pins clockwise until they are secured in
the material being measured.
The meter is now ready for setting (see section 5.3)
Once a measurement has been taken, the measuring pins
can be removed from the holes by turning them anticlockwise.

5.3 Setting the FMC/E
)Turn on the FMC/E by pressing the <ON> key.
The display will now show (example)
If the electrode is not in the material or not connected, the
value in the meter display will flash.
)Press the <MENU> key.
The display will now show (example)
The value displayed is the material setting last used.
)Find the appropriate material setting in the booklet entitled
‘Brookhuis moisture meters for wood, construction materials
and paper’ supplied with the FMC/E.
)Press the <+> or <-> key to select the appropriate material.
)Press the <MENU> key.
The display will show (example)
)Press the <+> or <-> key to enter the temperature of the
material being measured.
If the temperature sensor is connected to the FME, the
temperature is measured and corrected automatically (see
section 6.1 for how to connect the temperature sensor to the
FME).
)Press the <MENU> key.
The display will now show (example)
The meter is now ready to start measuring.

Operating Instructions FMC/FME moisture meter
5.4 Precautions and instructions
The insulated measuring pins should be hit into a depth of 1/3 of the
wood thickness.
The meter measures the resistance between the two measuring pins.
Cracks, resin channels, knots, etc. may affect the moisture
measurement.
In certain weather conditions, condensation may occur on the
measuring electrode. The FMC/E will then display a higher
measurement value. The measurement electrode should be dry and
placed in the measuring area for a few minutes to allow it to acclimatise
to the ambient temperature.
If the wood is extremely dry and the relative air humidity is low, static
electricity may cause problems. In that case, the meter should be laid
on the material being measured and not held.
In some cases, the measurement value in the meter display may fall.
This may occur, for example, if the wood has been impregnated or been
in contact with salt-water. The measurement should then be taken in
another part of the wood.

6 Functions
This chapter contains an overview of the special functions of the FMC/E.
6.1 Automatic temperature correction
The temperature is automatically corrected while the FME is being set. The
temperature sensor must be connected before the meter is readied for use.
)Insert the temperature sensor plug into the connection on
the FME until it clicks into place.
Ready the FME for use as described in section 5.2
6.2 The FME memory
The FME can store up to 50 measurement values in its memory. The measurement
values can be stored, retrieved and deleted as follows:
)Ready the FME for use as described in section 5.2
)Insert the electrode into the material being measured (see
sections 5.2.1 to 5.2.4).
The display will now show (example)
)Press the <+> key to store the measurement value in the
memory.
The display will now show
The meter has now stored the measurement value in its
memory. This is shown in the display by the memory
indication ‘MEMO’.
)Press the <MENU> key to take another measurement.

Operating Instructions FMC/FME moisture meter
The stored measurement values can be retrieved as follows:
)Press the <–> key to retrieve the measurement values
stored in the memory.
The display will now show
)Press the <–> key again to retrieve measurement values
stored previously in the memory.
)Press the <MENU> key to take another measurement.
The memory can be cleared as follows:
)Press the <+> and <-> keys simultaneously and keep them
pressed until the displays shows the following:
The display will now show
)Release the keys
The display will now flash (example)
The meter is now ready to start measuring.

6.3 Calibration check
The calibration of the FMC/E can be checked using the reference resistance
(optional, see section 4.3).
)Ready the FMC/E for use as described in section 5.2.
)Press the <MENU> key.
The display will now show (example)
)Press the <+> or <–> key to zero the FMC/E.
The display will now show
)Press the <MENU> key.
)Set the temperature as shown on the back of the
reference resistance.
)Insert the measuring pins into the two sockets on the
reference resistance.
When the value shown by the meter corresponds to the
value indicated on the reference resistance, the meter is
calibrated correctly.
6.4 Battery check
When the battery is almost empty, a battery icon will appear
in the display. The battery should then be replaced.
6.5 Accessing the serial number
)Keep the <-> key pressed when turning on the FMC/E.
The display will show alternately (example 02-532)

Operating Instructions FMC/FME moisture meter
6.6 Accessing the version
number
)Keep the <+> key pressed when turning on the FMC/E.
The display will now show (example)
6.7 Setting ˚C or ˚F and switch-off time
)Press the <ON> key to turn on the meter.
)Keep the <MENU> key pressed until the following appears
in the display:
The display will now show
)Press the <+> or <–> key to set the temperature to ˚C or ˚F.
)Press the <MENU> key.
The display will now show
)Press the <MENU> key.
)Press the <+> or <–> key to set the switch-off time in
minutes.
)Press the <MENU> key.
The meter is now ready to start measuring.
6.8 Pin code
)Press the <ON> key to turn on the meter.
The display will now flash (example)
)Keep the <MENU> key pressed until the following appears
in the display:
The display will now flash
)Keep the <MENU> key pressed and press the < - >
simultaneously.
The display will now show