Wagner Meters L620 User manual

DOCUMENT NO:500-62001-001
REV:J
WAGNER MODEL L620
“DIGITAL RECORDING”
HAND-HELD MOISTURE METER
OWNER’S MANUAL

500-62001-001 Rev. I Page 2 of 30
Copyright Notice
Wagner Model L620 “Digital Recording” Moisture Meter Owner’s Manual
© Copyright 1996-2019 Wagner Meters. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any other language in any form by any means
without the express written permission of Wagner Electronic Products, Inc.
Technical Support
Should you require support, please consult your printed documentation to resolve your problem. If you are still
experiencing difficulty, you may contact a Wagner Technical Service representative during normal business hours—
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Technical Services Department
Wagner Meters
326 Pine Grove Road
Rogue River, OR 97537

500-62001-001 Rev. I Page 3 of 30
Table of Contents
FCC Compliance Statement .........................................4
L620 Moisture Meter......................................................5
L620 Specifications.......................................................5
Getting Started ..............................................................6
Taking Measurements...................................................7
Meter Storage ................................................................7
Turning on the L620......................................................8
Readings Mode..............................................................8
Storing Readings...........................................................8
Changing Groups..........................................................9
Activating Main Menu ...................................................9
Main Menu Selection.....................................................9
Locale Menu ................................................................10
Locale Menu Selection................................................10
Changing Language....................................................10
Changing Date Format................................................11
Date Menu Selection...................................................11
Changing Decimal Format..........................................12
Decimal Menu Selection.............................................12
Changing Species.......................................................13
Editing Specific Gravity..............................................13
Editing Species Name.................................................13
Mean/Std Statistics......................................................14
High/Low Statistics .....................................................14
Clear Menu...................................................................15
Clear Menu Selection..................................................15
Clear Group..................................................................16
Clear Readings ............................................................16
Clear All Groups..........................................................16
Calibration....................................................................17
Backlight ......................................................................18
Battery..........................................................................18
Restore Factory...........................................................18
Technical Notes...........................................................19
Factory Species List....................................................20
Species Setting Tables ...............................................21
Imported Species.........................................................22
Checking the Moisture Content in Veneer ................24
Questions and Answers..............................................25
Warranty.......................................................................29
Registration .................................................................29
Repair Service .............................................................30

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 4 of 30
FCC Compliance Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply within the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in residential installations.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television
equipment reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Move the equipment away from the receiver
• Plug the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver powered
• If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an
experienced radio/television technician for additional
suggestions.
CAUTION: Only equipment certified to comply with Class B
(computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) should be
attached to this equipment.
Finally, any changes or modifications to the equipment by the user
not expressly approved by the grantee or manufacturer could void
the user’s authority to operate such equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Canadian Department of Communications
Compliance Statement
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations.
Avis de conformité aux normes du ministère des
Communications du Canada
Cet appareil numerique de la classe B respecte toutes
les exigences du Reglement sur le material broilleur du
Canada.

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 5 of 30
L620 Moisture Meter
Wagner introduces the L620 Digital Recording Hand-
Held Moisture Meter. This new model replaces the
proven L610 model instrument, providing improved
moisture measurement accuracy in the 15%+ moisture
content range. As with the L610 model, the L620 utilizes
Wagner’s IntelliSense™ technology to truly read the
moisture IN the wood, not ON the wood.
•Stores and displays up to 32 user-selected species
adjustments by name.
•Stores up to 500 separate moisture readings.
•Stores readings in up to 5 groups.
Using non-volatile memory, stored readings are retained
even when the batteries are removed. A backlit LCD
display features a 2-line, 32-character display. Function
buttons and scroll arrows operate a menu system that
guides the user step-by-step through the selecting,
storing and reporting process. The meter has auto-shut-
off to extend battery life.
Like all Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters, moisture
readings are virtually unaffected by wood temperature in
the normal operating range outside of a kiln environment.
Contact Wagner technical support for guidelines when
wood is below freezing.
To learn more about Wagner Meters, visit us on the Web
at: http://www.wagnermeters.com
L620 Specifications
Physical Size (in): L 8.5 x W 4 x H 3.75
(mm) L 216 x W 102 x H 95
Scanning Area (in): 2.5 x 2.5
(mm) 63.5 x 63.5
Scanning Depth (in): 1.0 in. (25.4 mm)
Weight: 18 oz. (510 g)
Power: 4 AA Alkaline Batteries
Battery Life: ~50 hours of continual use.
~9 hours of continual use with
the backlight ON.
Auto Power Shut Down: After 1 minute of non-use.
Moisture Measurement Range: 5 to 30% (dependent on
species setting)
Specify Gravity Range: 0.30 to 0.75
Meter Operating Temperature: 30° to 120°F

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 6 of 30
Getting Started
This section informs you about
Turning on the meter
Moisture readings
Storing a reading
What is a group
Viewing statistics
The menu system
Changing species
Before you begin, make sure your hand-meter has a
fresh set of batteries.
Turning on the meter
Turn on the meter by pressing the STORE button for one
second. The display will momentarily show the model,
software version, and revision numbers. Your meter is
now ready to take moisture readings.
Moisture readings
Take moisture readings by pressing the bottom of the
meter to the wood surface. The first line of the display
shows the species for which the meter is calibrated. The
second line shows the reading in percent moisture
content.
Storing a reading
While pressing the bottom of the meter to the wood
surface at the location of interest, press the STORE button
to save that reading in a group.
What is a group?
A group is a set of readings that belong together. You
determine which readings belong together. Switch to
another group by first pressing the GROUP button. Press
the ARROW buttons to select a different number. Press
the STORE button to activate the selection. The active
group number is shown in the bottom right corner of the
display.
Viewing statistics
Statistical values such as mean, standard deviation,
highest reading, and lowest reading are calculated on
individual groups. They may be accessed for viewing by
using the menu system.
The menu system
For example, to view the mean and standard deviation
values for the active group, press the MENU button to
activate the main menu. Press the ARROW button to
scroll through the menu until the menu item Mean/Std is
displayed. Press the STORE button to activate the menu
item.
Changing species
If the meter is not set to the species you are measuring
change it using the menu system. See the section
“Factory Species List” for a complete list of available
species. If your species is not listed, you may customize
a species as outlined in the section “Changing Species.”

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 7 of 30
Taking Measurements
In order to take correct moisture content measurements,
ensure that the meter’s specific gravity (species) setting
is the correct one for your species of wood as listed in the
Species Setting Table or Species lists.
Be sure to press down firmly on the center of the meter
with approximately 3 pounds of force to ensure good
sensor plate contact with the wood surface. This is
especially important on rough-sawn lumber. Do not take
readings where there is a noticeable defect or knot in the
lumber.
If there is visible surface moisture or water, wipe off any
excess, and let the surface of the wood dry-out for a
couple of minutes, then take the reading. If possible, turn
the board over and measure the other side. If the
thickness of the piece is greater than 3 inches, it is a
good idea to take measurements on both sides.
Ensure that there is nothing (especially your hand or
metal) under the material you are measuring. The actual
moisture sensing area is a 2 ½-inch by 2 ½-inch
rectangle on the meter’s backside (opposite side of the
panel meter). In order to take a valid measurement, this
sensing area must be completely covered with the wood
you are measuring. If the sensing area is not completely
covered, your moisture reading will be inaccurate.
Additional meter corrections may be necessary if you are
measuring Raft Wood (salt water permeated), or lumber
treated with Copper, Chrome, Arsenic (CCA), or
Ammoniacal, Copper, Quintenary (ACQ).
Contact Wagner Technical Services for further
information for these applications.
Meter Storage
Meter Storage
For a long service life, it is important to store your meter
properly. Avoid excessively hot or cold locations. Do not
store the meter in an area with excessive
electromagnetic interference, such as near an electric
motor, or where it could be crushed, such as in front of a
forklift. Do not leave the meter in an operating kiln during
the drying cycle.

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 8 of 30
Turning on the L620
Readings Mode
Storing Readings
Operation
To turn on the L620, press the STORE
button for one second. The display
will briefly show the Model, Version,
and Revision numbers.
The L620 will turn off after 1 minute of
inactivity. Inactivity means no change
in moisture readings or buttons
pressed.
The L620 takes continuous percent
moisture content (%MC) readings and
puts them on the display. When a
reading is below 5%, the first line
shows the current species and group
field label. The second line shows the
current reading and the active group
number. When a reading is above
5%, the first line becomes a bar graph
representing the current reading.
When storing a valid reading, the
second line will display the message
“Storing”along with the sample
number.
When attempting to store an invalid
reading, the second line will display
the message “Too Low”along with the
last sample number.
Display
WAGNER L620
V xx.xx Rxx.xx
Douglas Fir GRP
.0 % 0
Storing 14 or
Too Low 13
STORE
To turn the meter on, press the STORE
button for one second.
Press the STORE button to store the
current reading into the active group.
GROUP
Press the GROUP button to activate
the change group function.
MENU
Press the MENU button to activate the
main menu.
ARROWS
Refer to the Factory Default section.

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 9 of 30
Changing Groups
Activating Main Menu
Main Menu Selection
Operation
Press the GROUP button to activate
the change group function.
Use the ARROW buttons to select the
desired group number.
Press the STORE button to activate the
change.
The group number range is from 0 to
4.
Press the MENU button to activate the
main menu.
Press the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the menu.
Press the STORE button to activate the
selected menu item.
Locale
Battery
Backlight
Calibration
Clear
High/Low
Mean/Std
Species
Display
Group
1
Menu
Language
STORE
Press the STORE button to save the
change and return to the readings
mode
Press the STORE button to activate the
selected menu item.
GROUP
Press the GROUP button to cancel the
change and return to the readings
mode
Press the GROUP button to return to
the readings mode
MENU
Press the MENU button to cancel the
change and return to the readings
mode
Press the MENU button to activate the
selected menu item.
ARROWS
Press the ARROW buttons to
increment or decrement the group
number.
Press the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the menu.

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 10 of 30
Locale Menu
Locale Menu Selection
Changing Language
Operation
Enter the main menu and activate the
Locale item.
Press the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the Locale menu.
Press the STORE button to activate the
selected menu item.
Language
Date
Decimal
Enter the Locale menu and activate
the Language item.
Press the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the Language menu. The
languages available are dependent on
your locale.
Press the STORE button to activate the
language for the meter text.
Display
Locale
Language
Language
English
STORE
Press the STORE button to activate the
selected menu item.
Press the STORE button to activate the
language for the meter text.
GROUP
Press the GROUP button to return to
the readings mode.
Press the GROUP button to return to
the readings mode.
MENU
Press the MENU button to activate the
selected menu item.
Press the MENU button to activate the
language for the meter text.
ARROWS
Press the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the menu.
Press the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the menu.

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 11 of 30
Changing Date Format
Date Menu Selection
Operation
Enter the Locale menu and activate
the Date item.
Press the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the Date menu.
Press the STORE button to activate the
selected menu item.
MM/DD/YY
DD/MM/YY
Selecting the MM/DD/YY item will
format the date in the
month/day/year order.
Selecting the DD/MM/YY item will
format the date in the
day/month/year order.
Display
Date
MM/DD/YY
STORE
Press the STORE button to activate the
selected menu item.
GROUP
Press the GROUP button to return to
the readings mode.
MENU
Press the MENU button to activate the
selected menu item.
ARROWS
Press the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the menu.
NOTE: Actual Date and Times are only used with the L622 model with Stat Pak software.

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 12 of 30
Changing Decimal Format
Decimal Menu Selection
Operation
Enter the Locale menu and activate
the Decimal item.
Press the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the Numbers menu.
Press the STORE button to activate the
selected menu item.
Period
Comma
Selecting the Period format will use
the period ‘.’ character as the
decimal separator.
Selecting the Comma format will use
the comma ‘,’ character as the
decimal separator.
Display
Decimal
Period
STORE
Press the STORE button to activate the
selected menu item.
GROUP
Press the GROUP button to return to
the readings mode.
MENU
Press the MENU button to activate the
selected menu item.
ARROWS
Press the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the menu.

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 13 of 30
Changing Species
Editing Specific Gravity
Editing Species Name
Operation
Enter the main menu and activate the
Species item.
Use the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the species list (See the
section “Factory Species List”).
Press the STORE button to activate the
selected species.
Enter the Edit SG mode through the
Species item.
Use the ARROW buttons to change the
SG number.
Press the STORE button to save and
activate changes.
Enter the Edit Name mode through the
Species item and Edit SG mode.
Use the ARROW buttons to change the
alpha character.
Press the MENU button to move the
edit cursor to the right.
Press the STORE button to save and
activate changes.
Display
Species SG
Walnut, Black .41
Edit SG
Walnut, Black .45
Edit Name
Walnut, Black .45
STORE
Press the STORE button to activate the
selected species.
Press the STORE button to save and
activate changes.
Press the STORE button to save and
activate changes.
GROUP
Press the GROUP button to return to
the readings mode.
Press the GROUP button to cancel
changes and return to the readings
mode.
Press the GROUP button to cancel
changes and return to the readings
mode.
MENU
Press the MENU button to activate the
Edit SG mode.
Press the MENU button to activate the
Edit Name mode.
Press the MENU button to move the
edit cursor one character to the right.
That character will be cleared.
ARROWS
Press the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the species list.
Press the ARROW buttons to
increment or decrement the SG
number.
Press the ARROW buttons to cycle
through the alphabet.

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 14 of 30
Mean/Std Statistics
High/Low Statistics
Operation
Enter the main menu and activate the
Mean/Std item.
Use the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the group statistics. Only
groups that contain readings will be
shown.
Press the STORE button to return to
the readings mode.
Enter the main menu and activate the
High/Low item.
Use the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the group statistics. Only
groups that contain readings will be
shown.
Press the STORE button to return to
the readings mode.
Display
Mean Std GRP
8.3 4.7 0
High Low GRP
11.0 6.1 1
STORE
Press the STORE button to return to
the readings mode.
Press the STORE button to return to
the readings mode.
GROUP
Press the GROUP button to advance to
the next valid group.
Press the GROUP button to advance to
the next valid group.
MENU
Press the MENU button to return to the
readings mode.
Press the MENU button to return to the
readings mode.
ARROWS
Press the ARROW buttons to
increment or decrement the group
number.
Press the ARROW buttons to
increment or decrement the group
number.

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 15 of 30
Clear Menu
Clear Menu Selection
Operation
Enter the main menu and activate the
Clear menu.
Press the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the Clear menu.
Press the STORE button to activate the
selected item.
Group
Readings
All Groups
Display
Clear
Group
STORE
Press the STORE button to activate the
selected item.
GROUP
Press the GROUP button to return to
the readings mode.
MENU
Press the MENU button to activate the
selected item.
ARROWS
Press the ARROW buttons to scroll
through the menu.

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 16 of 30
Clear Group
Clear Readings
Clear All Groups
Operation
Enter the Clear menu and activate the
Group item.
Press the ARROW buttons to select the
group to clear. Only groups that
contain readings will be shown.
Press the STORE button to clear the
selected group.
Enter the Clear menu and activate the
Readings item.
Press the ARROW buttons to select the
reading to clear.
Press the STORE button to clear the
selected reading.
Enter the Clear menu and activate the
All Groups item.
Press the STORE button to clear all
groups.
Press any other button to cancel the
operation and return to the readings
mode.
Display
Group
0
Reading GRP
17.6 % 10 5
All Groups
Yes = STORE
STORE
Press the STORE button to clear the
selected group.
Press the STORE button to clear the
selected reading.
Press the STORE button to clear all
groups.
GROUP
Press the GROUP button to advance to
the next valid group.
Press the GROUP button to advance to
the next valid group.
Press the GROUP button to return to
the readings mode.
MENU
Press the MENU button to cancel and
to return to the readings mode.
Press the MENU button to return to the
readings mode.
Press the MENU button to return to the
readings mode.
ARROWS
Press the ARROW buttons to
increment or decrement the group
number.
Press the ARROW buttons to
increment or decrement reading
number.
Press the ARROW button to return to
the readings mode.

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 17 of 30
Calibration
OPERATION
Enter the Menu Selection function and
activate the Calibration item.
DISPLAY
Calibration
XX.X %
STORE
Press any button to return to the %MC
Readings mode.
GROUP
MENU
ARROWS
Checking Calibration
Calibration is factory set. It may be checked by using a
Wagner Calibration Verification Block (CVB) (P/N: 840-
60130-003). Use only to verify L620 factory calibration is
within tolerance limits. If calibration is out of tolerance,
return L620 to factory or repair depot for re-calibration.
Never adjust L620 to this device. Protect CVB from
direct sunlight. Store in cool dry place. Follow these
steps for checking calibration.
1. Enter the Calibration menu item.
2. Hold the meter in midair so the bottom is several feet
from any object. The correct reading for air is .0
%MC. If the reading is outside the range, -.2 to .2
%MC, the unit is out of calibration.
3. Place the CVB, rubber feet down, on a metal surface:
such as a file cabinet, a piece of sheet metal, etc.
4. Orientate the long axis of the hand meter with the
long axis of the CVB. Press the hand meter sensor in
the center of the CVB and observe the reading. The
correct reading is 20 %MC. If the reading is outside
the range, 18 to 22 %MC, the unit is out of calibration.
Warning—There are two (2) hole plugs located on either side of the
L620 handle. Do not remove these plugs because the adjustments
below them are factory set and should not be adjusted by the
customer. If adjustment is attempted, the unit will not be in
calibration and will require factory re-calibration. Also, if adjustment
is attempted, the warranty will be voided.

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 18 of 30
Backlight
Battery
Restore Factory
Operation
Enter the main menu and activate the
Backlight item.
Press the STORE button to change the
state of the backlight to ON or OFF.
Lifetime for alkaline batteries is ~9 hours
(continuous use, Backlight ON).
Enter the main menu and activate the
Battery item.
When a low battery condition occurs, the
battery voltage bar graph will be
replaced with the message Too Low.
Also, when in the readings mode, GRP
will be replaced with BAT.
Lifetime for alkaline batteries is ~50
hours (continuous use, Backlight OFF).
Pressing the ARROW buttons at the same
time while in the readings mode will clear
memory and restore the L620 to factory
settings. Warning, you will lose all
changes made to the species list.
Press the STORE button to restore factory
settings.
Press the GROUP or MENU button to
cancel the operation and return to the
readings mode.
Display
Backlight ON
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
4.0 Volts
Factory
Yes = STORE
STORE
Press the STORE button to change the
state of the backlight.
Press the STORE button to return to the
readings mode.
Press the STORE button to restore factory
settings.
GROUP
Press the GROUP button to return to the
readings mode.
Press the GROUP button to return to the
readings mode.
Press the GROUP button to cancel the
operation and return to the readings mode.
MENU
Press the MENU button to return to the
readings mode.
Press the MENU button to return to the
readings mode.
Press the MENU button to cancel the
operation and return to the readings mode.
ARROWS
Press the ARROW buttons to return to the
readings mode.
Press the ARROW buttons to return to
the readings mode.
No function.

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 19 of 30
Technical Notes
Readings and Groups -- The L620 can store up to 500
readings in up to 5 groups. Groups are numbered 0 to 4
and can be selected at random. There is no limit to the
number of readings per group as long as the total
readings of all groups do not exceed 500.
Automatic Menu Escape -- When in the menu system
and 15-seconds of no key presses, the meter will
automatically return to the %MC Reading mode ready to
store the next reading in the current group.
Repeat Key -- If a key (button) is held down for more
than one (1) second, then the key pressed is repeated at
a rate of one (1) repeat each second. After 5 repeats the
rate doubles and after an additional 5 repeats the rate
doubles again. Use this feature to scroll through a long
list of species or readings.

500-62001-001 Rev.J Page 20 of 30
Factory Species List
The L620 has a factory default of 32 species. The
species name or specific gravity (SG) value may be
changed from the Editing Specific Gravity mode or
Editing Species Name mode menu item. This allows you
to tailor the L620 species setting to a species not listed.
The values shown are median SG values. Any single
wood species will have an SG variation. Again, if
necessary, you can edit these SG values if you feel that
your particular species has a slightly different SG median
value based on your geographic region.
Additionally, the following resource is available to obtain
specific gravity values for species not found in the L620:
http://www.wagnersg.com/
Species SG
Alder, Red .41
Cedar, East Red .47
Cedar, West Red .32
Cherry, Black .50
Douglas Fir .48
Fir, Balsam .35
Fir, Cal Red .38
Fir, Subalpine .32
Fir, White .39
Hemlock, East .40
Hemlock, West .45
Hickory, Nutmeg .60
Hickory, Pecan .66
Hickory, Mockr .72
Larch, Western .52
Maple, Sugar .63
Oak, North Red .63
Oak, South Red .59
Oak, White .68
Pine, E White .35
Pine, Jack .43
Pine, Loblolly .51
Pine, Lodgepole .41
Pine, Longleaf .59
Pine, Ponderosa .40
Pine, Shortleaf .51
Pine, Slash .59
Pine, Sugar .36
Poplar, Yellow .42
Redwood, Old .40
SYP .56
Custom Species .50