Wagner Meters MMC 205 User manual

Moisture Meter Instruction Manual
for Wagner Meters Models:
•MMC 205
•MMC 210
•MMC 220
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1-800-634-9961
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2!
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................... 3
INSTRUCTIONS – MMC 205 .................................................................................................... 4
INSTRUCTIONS – MMC 210.................................................................................................... 5
INSTRUCTIONS – MMC 220.................................................................................................... 6
TAKING MEASUREMENTS..................................................................................................... 7
FEATURES................................................................................................................................... 8
METER STORAGE..................................................................................................................... 8
METER CALIBRATION............................................................................................................ 8
METER SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................................................... 9
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT ....................................................................................... 10
WARRANTY............................................................................................................................... 11
REPAIR SERVICE .................................................................................................................... 12

3!
Introduction
Congratulations!
You have purchased one of the most accurate moisture measurement instruments for wood in the world.
Using patented electromagnetic wave technology, hand-held moisture meters from Wagner Meters have
been proven by universities and institutes worldwide to provide superior measurement results.
With its electro-magnetic field, your Wagner moisture meter covers a relatively large cross-sectional area
each time you take a reading, giving you a far better representation than other technologies of the true
moisture content of your wood. Pin-type meters only measure a very small area, and only at a particular
depth, giving you very limited insight into the true moisture content of the wood. Very short, non-
insulated pins are especially prone to just reading the surface of your wood. Wagner moisture meters read
IN the wood, not just on the wood.
The 11/2inch wide by 21/2inch long by 3/4inch thick sensing area of your Wagner moisture meter closely
approximates the full-thickness cross-section method used when performing the ASTM D 4442-92 oven-
dry lab method. This ASTM standard (and its international counterparts) is the standard to which all
moisture meters for wood are compared for accuracy.
The Wagner Meters MMC 200 Series Moisture Meters utilize the latest design features available in
moisture measurement technology. They are designed to fit comfortably in a jacket pocket or toolbox, and
are ideal for anyone who needs a professional quality tool to inspect wood or wood products for accurate
moisture content. They are popular with flooring installers, woodworkers, cabinet and furniture makers,
contractors, and quality assurance inspectors.
Other important features of hand-held moisture meters from Wagner Meters include:
•The "Wood-Friendly"™ MMC 200 series meters use advanced electromagnetic wave technology
to accurately measure wood moisture content1to a depth of 3/4 inch. The MMC 205 can read
values from 5% to 20%, while the MMC 210 can read 5% to 30%. The MMC 220 can read 5%
to 30% at settings up to .80 SG. Note: If the MMC 220 species setting value selected is more
than 80, the maximum moisture content reading attainable will be lower than 30%.
•Useful for inspections on many types of materials, including solid and laminated wood products.
•Selectable wood species setting eliminates complicated and time consuming wood species
adjustment corrections.
•Easy to read digital display read-out scaled in 0.1% increments (1.0% for the MMC 205).
•Virtually unaffected by wood temperature or surface moisture.2
Since 1966, Wagner Meters has been providing quality moisture measurement equipment. Wagner Meters
is the leading supplier of moisture measurement equipment for the primary forest products industry.
Wagner Meters’ technology has been proven to provide some of the most accurate results in the industry
when compared to this worldwide standard. Closely scrutinized and approved by numerous university
studies and used for years by professional lumber-grading associations, moisture meters from Wagner
Meters continue to provide reliable and consistent moisture measurements, with unsurpassed convenience
and ease-of-use.
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Footnotes:
1!!!!Confirmed in university study – information available upon request.
2!!!!Contact Wagner Meters technical support for guidelines when wood is frozen.!

4!
Operational Instructions — MMC 205
On/Off/Species Button:
When the meter is Off, momentarily pressing and releasing this button will cause the
meter to turn On, and briefly display the firmware version, then enter Measurement
mode. When the meter is in Measurement mode, and the button is momentarily pressed
and released, it will display the species setting value. Press and release the button again to return to
Measurement mode.
To turn Off the meter from Measurement mode only, press the On/Off/Species button for 3 seconds and
then release. The meter will also turn itself off automatically when not in use as described in the auto-
shutdown section.
Species Setting:
The species setting can be changed to compensate for a variety of wood species. When measuring another
species with a Specific Gravity (SG) other than the factory default setting of 0.50 SG, the species setting
needs to be changed. Refer to the Species Setting Tables included with your meter to locate the correct
species setting for your wood. If your species setting is not listed, contact Wagner Meters. The values
entered into the MMC 205 meter omit the decimal point, so for example the Douglas Fir value of 0.48
would be “48” when programming the Species Setting Value.
When the meter is in Measurement mode, momentarily pressing and releasing the On/Off/Species
button will cause the display to show the current specific gravity setting. Press the button a second time for 3
seconds and release to enter CHANGE SPECIES MODE, or momentarily press and release the button to
return to Measurement mode.
When CHANGE SPECIES MODE has been selected, a blinking colon symbol (:) will appear on the
display. Momentarily pressing the On/Off/Species button again will increment the selected specific
gravity value by 01. The value will go as high as 70, then will wrap around to 30 and continue
incrementing. When the desired setting has been reached, press button for 3 seconds and release to store
the value and return to Measurement mode.
Your commonly used species setting values can be written on the meter overlay decal in the space
provided using a pencil or non-permanent marker, and erased with a swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
Avoid using a permanent marker because staining of the decal may occur.

5!
Operational Instructions — MMC 210
On/Hold Button:
When the meter is Off, momentarily pressing and releasing this button will cause the meter to
turn On, and briefly display the firmware version, then enter Measurement mode.
When the meter is in Measurement mode, and the On/Hold button is momentarily pressed and released, it
will enter Hold mode to allow the user to “freeze” the moisture content reading. Hold mode is selected
when the symbol (÷) appears in the left corner of the display. This is ideal for keeping a moisture reading
on the display when you are taking moisture readings in hard-to-reach places. The reading will be
“frozen” on the display until you press and release the On/Hold button again.
To turn Off the meter, press the On/Hold button for 3 seconds. The meter will also turn itself off
automatically when not in use as described in the auto-shutdown section.
Species Button:
The species setting can be changed to compensate for a variety of wood species. When
measuring another species with a Specific Gravity (SG) other than the factory default setting
of 0.50 SG, the species setting needs to be changed. Refer to the Species Setting Tables
included with your meter to locate the correct species setting for your wood. If your species
setting is not listed, contact Wagner Meters. The values entered into the MMC 210 meter omit the
decimal point, so for example the Douglas Fir value of 0.48 would be “48” when programming the
Species Setting Value.
When the meter is in Measurement mode, momentarily pressing and releasing the species button will
cause the display to show the current specific gravity setting. Momentarily press and release the button a
second time to enter CHANGE SPECIES MODE, or momentarily press and release the On/Hold button
to return to Measurement mode.
When CHANGE SPECIES MODE has been selected, a blinking colon symbol (:) will appear near the
left side of the display. Pressing the SPECIES button again will increment the selected specific gravity
value by 01, or hold the button down to increment by 10. The value will go as high as 70, then will wrap
around to 30 and continue incrementing. When the desired setting has been reached, press the On/Hold
button to store the species setting value and return to Measurement mode.
Your commonly used species setting values can be written on the meter overlay decal in the spaces
provided using a pencil or non- permanent marker, and erased with a swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
Avoid using a permanent marker because staining of the decal may occur.

6!
Operational Instructions — MMC 220
On/Hold Button:
When the meter is Off, momentarily pressing and releasing this button will cause the meter to
turn On, and briefly display the firmware version, then enter Measurement mode.
When the meter is in Measurement mode, and the On/Hold button is momentarily pressed and released, it
will enter Hold mode to allow the user to “freeze” the moisture content reading. Hold mode is selected
when the symbol (÷) appears in the left corner of the display. This is ideal for keeping a moisture reading
on the display when you are taking moisture readings in hard-to-reach places. The reading will be
“frozen” on the display until you press and release the On/Hold button again.
To turn Off the meter, press the On/Hold button for 3 seconds, and then release. The meter will also turn
itself off automatically when not in use as described in the auto-shutdown section.
Species Button:
The species setting can be changed to compensate for a variety of wood species. When
measuring another species with a Specific Gravity (SG) other than the factory default setting
of 0.50 SG, the species setting needs to be changed. Refer to the Species Setting Tables
included with your meter to locate the correct species setting for your wood. If your species
setting is not listed, contact Wagner Meters. The values entered into the MMC 220 meter omit the
decimal point, so for example the Douglas Fir value of 0.48 would be “48” when programming the
Species Setting Value.
When the meter is in Measurement mode, momentarily pressing and releasing the species button will
cause the display to show the current specific gravity setting. Momentarily press and release the button a
second time to enter CHANGE SPECIES MODE, or momentarily press and release the On/Hold button
to return to Measurement Mode.
When CHANGE SPECIES MODE has been selected, a blinking colon symbol (:) will appear near the left
side of the display. Pressing the Species button again will increment the selected specific gravity value by
01, or hold the button down to increment by 10. The value will go as high as 100, then will wrap around
to 20 and continue incrementing. When the desired setting has been reached, press the On/Hold button to
store the species setting value and return to Measurement mode.
NOTE: If the species setting value selected is more than 80, the maximum moisture content reading
attainable will be lower than 30%.
Your commonly used species setting values can be written on the meter overlay decal in the space
provided using a pencil or non-permanent marker, and erased with a swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
Avoid using a permanent marker because staining of the decal may occur.

7!
Taking Measurements
In order to take correct moisture content measurements, ensure that the meter’s
specific gravity (species) setting is the right one for your species of wood as listed
in the Species Setting Tables.3
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 11/2inches, it is a good idea to take measurements on both
sides.
If the lumber thickness is less than the scan depth of the meter, an air gap of at least one inch needs to be
maintained underneath the wood to prevent erroneous high readings. Ensure that there is nothing
(including your hand) under the material you are measuring, especially any metal. The actual moisture
sensing area is a 1 1/2inch by 2 1/2inch rectangle on the meter’s backside (opposite side of the display
and keypad). In order to take a valid measurement, this sensing area must be completely covered with the
wood or other material 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 CCA, ACQ or any other treatment with metallic or other components that might bias
the moisture readings.4
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Footnotes:
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3!!!!Refer to the Species Setting Tables in the supplemental manual provided.
4!!!!Contact Wagner Meters Technical Services for further information for these applications.!

8!
Features (All 200 Series Meters)
Auto-Shutdown:
The meter will automatically shutdown in 60 seconds when the meter’s moisture content reading has not
changed by more than 2%, and none of the meter buttons have been pressed. The shutdown timer will
reset anytime the meter reading changes or a button has been pressed.
Low Battery Indicator:
If the meter is On, and battery voltage is low, the LO BAT indicator will be shown on the left side of the
display. When the LO BAT indicator is on, you must replace the battery or the meter may not function
properly. If the battery needs to be replaced, use either a 9-volt alkaline or a ni-cad rechargeable. Be sure
to observe proper battery polarity.
Meter Storage
For a long service life, it is important to store your meter properly. Avoid excessively hot or cold
locations, and keep the meter in the case provided. Do not store the meter in an area with excessive
electro-magnetic 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.
Meter Calibration
The meter has been calibrated at the factory and should not require re-calibration. If you need to have the
calibration verified, please contact the Wagner Meters Sales Department to purchase a calibration
verification block if you don’t already have one. Should the meter need to have a calibration adjustment,
it will need to be returned to Wagner Meters Technical Services Department.

9!
MMC 200 Series Meter Specifications
Size:
Length: 4 9/16 inches
Width: 2 3/4 inches
Height: 1 1/16 inches
Scanning Area:
Length 2 1/2inches
Width 1 1/2inches
Scanning Depth: 3/4inch
Weight: 0.37 pounds
Power: 9 volt alkaline or ni-cad rechargeable
Auto Power Shut Down: 60 seconds
Measurement Ranges:
(MMC 205): 5% - 20% MC scaled in 1% increments
(MMC 210): 5% - 30% MC scaled in 0.1% increments
(MMC 220): 5% - 30% MC scaled in 0.1% increments
(up to .80 SG)
Note:
If the MMC 220 species setting value selected is more than 80, the maximum moisture content reading
attainable will be lower than 30%.
Density (SG) Range:
(MMC 205): 0.30 to 0.70 SG
Density (SG) Range:
(MMC 210): 0.30 to 0.70 SG
Density (SG) Range:
(MMC 220): 0.20 to 1.00 SG
Operating Temperature: 30 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit

10!
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 is 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 manufacture 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 equipment does not exceed class B limits per radio noise emissions for digital apparatus, set out in
the Radio Interference Regulation of the Canadian Department of communications. Operation in a
residential area may cause unacceptable interference to radio and TV reception, requiring the owner or
operator to take whatever steps are necessary to correct the interference.
Avis de conformité aux normes du ministère des
Communications du Canada
Cet équipement ne dépasse pas les limites de Classe B d’émission de bruits radioélectriques pour les
appareils numériques, telles que prescrites par le Réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique établi par le
ministère des Communications du Canada. L’exploitation faite en milieu résidentiel peut entrainer le
brouillage des réceptions radio et télé, ce qui obligerait le propriétaire ou l’opérateur à prendre les
dispositions nécessaires pour en éliminer les causes.

11!
Warranty
Wagner Meters warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for seven (7)
years from the date of purchase5, subject to the following terms and conditions:
Wagner Meters’ liability under this warranty shall be limited, at Wagner Meters’ option, to the repair or
replacement of this product or any part thereof, which is demonstrated to be defective. To exercise this
warranty, visit www.wagnerrepairs.com for instructions. This limited warranty does not apply if the
product has been damaged by accident, negligent handling, misuse, alteration, damage during shipment,
or improper service. Wagner Meters shall in no event be liable for any breach of warranty or defect in this
product, which exceeds the amount of purchase price of the product. Wagner Meters shall not be liable
for incidental or consequential damages for the breach of any express or implied warranty with respect to
this product or its calibration.
With proper care and maintenance, the meter should stay in calibration; however, because Wagner
Meters, has no control over the manner in which the unit will be used, it makes no warranty that the meter
will stay in calibration for any specific period of time. Wagner Meters recommends returning the unit to
the factory for a diagnostic checkup and recalibration in the event the meter is dropped or otherwise
damaged, or the meter accuracy is suspect.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, whether oral or written, express or implied. Any
implied warranties, including implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose, are excluded. Agents and employees of Wagner Meters are not authorized to make
modifications to this warranty or additional warranties binding on Wagner Meters. Accordingly,
additional statements, whether oral or written, except written statements from an officer of Wagner
Meters, do not constitute warranties and should not be relied upon by the customer.
This warranty is personal to the customer purchasing the product from Wagner Meters, and is not
transferable.
Footnotes:
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5!!!To obtain a valid warranty, you must register your moisture meter at www.genuinewagner.com

12!
Repair Service
In the event of damage, failure, or if the unit requires re-calibration, contact Wagner Meters at
www.wagnerrepairs.com or by phone for complete shipping and repair information.
* If parts are unavailable to repair we reserve the right to replace the meter with an alternative model with equal or better
accuracy and range
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Wagner Meters
326 Pine Grove Road, Rogue River, OR 97537 USA
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Visit Our Moisture Measuring Information Center at:
www.WagnerMeters.com!
© 2012WM
Wagner Meters
Part # 500-60200-001, rev C!