Wiltronics ME2100 User manual

ME2100 Fine Fuel Moisture Meter
User Manual
Wiltronics Research Pty Ltd
5 - 7 Ring Road Alfredton Victoria 3350 I PO Box 4043, Alfredton, 3350
[email protected] I Phone [phone] I Fax [phone]

CONTENTS
1. Description of the Meter 4 - 8
3. Measuring the Moisture Content of a Sample
4. Cleaning the Test Cell
5. Reviewing Stored Results
6. Using ME2100 Manager Software to
Upload/Download Parameters & Data
11 - 12
12
12
13 - 15
7. Clearing the Stored Results from the Moisture Meter
8. Setting the Time and Date
9. Charging the Battery
10. Scheduled Maintenance and Calibration
15
15
15 - 16
16
Acknowledgements
Appendix A. Specifications
Appendix B. A Guide to Fuel Moisture Content and Fire Behaviour
Appendix C. Calibration Equation and Parameters
17
19
20
21 - 23
Appendix D. Establishing a Serial Connection with a PC 24 - 27
1.1 Component List
1.2 Meter Layout
1.3 Keyboard Layout
1.4 Display Layout
1.5 LAB Mode
5 - 6
7
7 - 8
8
8
6.1 Calibration Parameter and Logged Data Download from the ME2100
6.2 Modifying Parameters
6.3 Uploading Modified Parameters to the ME2100
6.4 Display Layout
13
14
15
15
Min, Max Possible Moisture Content Readings
Fuel (leaf) Condition Classification Guide
Calibration Coefficients
Fuel Moisture Meter Calibrations
21
22
23
23
D.1 Connecting the USB Serial Communications Hardware
D.2 Connecting the ME2100 to a PC using ME2100 Manager
24 - 25
26 - 27
PAGE
The contents of this document are subject to copyright © 2023Wiltronics Research Pty. Ltd, all rights reserved.
Wiltronics Research Pty Ltd 3561 DC1V1
2.2 Turning On the Meter
2. Checking the Operation of the Meter 9 - 10

The ME2100 Fine Fuel Moisture Meter is a versatile tool that can be used both in the field and in the laboratory.
Its primary purpose is to measure the moisture content of fine fuels, such as leaves, twigs, and grasses.
The moisture in these fine fuels is one of the most important factors in determining fire intensity, the forward rate
at of spread and the potential of forward spotting. The meter provides this fine fuel data, which is applicable to
wildfire behaviour and to the management of prescribed burns.
The ME2100 meter also has a Lab-Mode with a higher degree of accuracy than the field mode; it is capable of
providing more precise measurements in controlled laboratory settings. The meter has been designed to meet the
needs researchers studying forest ecology or investigating the effects of different moisture levels on fire behaviour.
The ME2100 Fine Fuel Moisture Meter is a valuable tool for officers involved in wildfire management and
researchers studying forest ecosystems.
The conventional method of determining the moisture content of fine fuels through sample collection and
oven-drying is slow, energy-consuming, and not practical for real-time field use. Diurnal and site-to-site variations,
as well as live-fire variations, require frequent measurements across a range of locations over the course of a fire
to ensure safety and effective fire management.
The ME2100 Fine Fuel Moisture Meter offers a fast and accurate alternative to the conventional method. By
measuring the resistance of fine fuel samples, it can provide a quick and reliable estimate of moisture content
without the need for samples being sent to a laboratory and dried for up to 24hrs to determine the % of Oven
Dried Weight (%ODW). The speed of measurement by the ME2100 makes it especially useful in the case of
prescribed burns, where fine fuel moisture content is a critical factor in the decision to burn or not to burn. This
also applies to wildfires where fine fuel moisture content is a critical factor in determining the rate of the fires
spread and subsequent deployment of resources.
The principle of the meters operation is the measurement of the resistance of the sample couple with the application
of a predetermined coefficient. The coefficient is based on the fuel type and its condition. To achieve the accuracy
of the %ODW, the meter is able to measure resistances in excess of 10 TOhms (10x10 ) which corresponds to fuel
moisture contents as low or lower than 2% ODW. (The usable range of the meter is approx. 3 – 200% ODW).
It should be noted that cleaning the top surface of the test cell and keeping it clean is the most critical factor in
achieving accurate readings. In measuring the moisture in a sample, the presence of mineral nutrients in the leaf
matter can vary greatly. The meter is designed to factor out these nutrients, however even the slightest amount of
residue on the top surface of the test cell can cause inaccurate readings.
The meter can store the data on up to 600 samples (Moisture Content, location identifiers, time and date) This data
can be downloaded to a PC if required.
The ME2100's meters ability to store data can also be very useful when in Lab-Modes where it can provide researchers
with the flexibility to gather accurate data in both controlled laboratory settings and real-world field conditions.
The meter is powered by a lithium LiFePO4 battery which will operate the meter continuously for over 20hrs before
recharging is necessary. A feature of the meter to conserve energy is that it will turn itself off after 20 minutes, if no
key has been pressed. Pressing the on/off switch will reactivate the unit. In addition, as each reading only takes
a 1-2 minutes, in the prescribed burn/fire period, recharging may only be required once a month.
However the meter can’t be over charged, so a routine of charging weekly during the season maybe useful.
Due to variations in the moisture content within a leaf and between leaves, the sample must be homogenise before
testing. A pair of multi-bladed scissors and a grinder is provided in the kit, these must be used, to ensure
accurate measurements.
In addition, sample moisture content variation, even within a small area of forest, requires 2 or 3 sample from the site
to be measured and average to achieve best practise of moisture content determination on the site.
Overall, the ME2100 Fine Fuel Moisture Meter is a valuable tool for fire management and forest ecology research,
offering a faster, more efficient and accurate alternative to traditional methods of measuring fine fuel moisture content.
1.Description of the Meter
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12

This list indicates the complete ME2100 moisture meter kit which is supplied when a moisture meter is supplied.
When ordering any parts separately from Wiltronics Research Pty Ltd, please use the indicated part number, or
order online from https://www.wiltronics.com.au/product-category/spare-parts-for-fine-fuel-moisture-meter/
ME2100 Assembled Meter
ME2100 Flash Drive
105-0220
No12 S/1600R White Bristle Brush
ME2018
ME2010
ME2013
Hand compression tool
Hand grinder (see note 1.1a)
Multi-blade fine fuel scissors
M2.5 Hex key (to separate grinder for cleaning when necessary)
Sample ring (stainless steel cylinder)
Media containing ME2100 Manager software, FTDI USB Serial
Port driver, meter manuals and calibration data current at release
1.1 Component List
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Part Number Description
ME2005
HAM2.5-0001

Component List (continued)
6
Notes:
1.1a The grinder has replaceable parts which may be ordered from Wiltronics Research Pty Ltd when
required such as when damaged or worn out. Alternatively the grinder can be returned to Wiltronics
Research Pty Ltd for repair or restoration.
1.1b The use of 99.8% Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes are the only effective and approved cleaner for
use with the test cell
12VDC, 1Amp mains (Australian) plug pack for battery charging
Sample 2pcs 99.8% Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes
ME2012 Replacement Cutter & Grill for Hand Grinder
NOTE
Supplied in 50pk - ME2011
One 1.8m USB A-type connector to B-type connector cable
12VDC car cigarette lighter adapter lead for battery charging
NOTE Replacement Fuse - 1.5A Fast Blow 3AG Fuse Part #FU0245
Part Number Description
CM4052
ME2015
ME2016
ME2011/PART

Grinder
Hex KeyCompression
Tool
Test Cell
Charge
Indicator
2 x Isopropyl Alcohol
(IPA) Wipes 99.8% USB Drive Battery Charger
12V Car Adaptor
Most Keys serve two functions. The first function is for selecting the operation to be performed, e.g. Sample
commands the meter to make a sample reading, Region commands the meter to accept the next two digits
as the code for the region, etc. The second function is as an alphanumeric keypad entry, i.e. for entering 0 to 9
and A to E. The key labelled ‘ENTER’, although also marked as ‘F’ does not enable the entering of ‘F’
as data and functions purely as the ENTER key at all times.
Key 8 is for changing between Field Mode & Lab Mode.
NOTE the default mode is Field Mode, Meter will always start in Field Mode
1.2 Keypad Layout
0 1 2 3
4 5 6 7
8 9 A B
C D E F
REGION BLOCK COMP COUPE
DATE TIME PG UP PG DN
SAMPLE TYPE
RESET ENTERTEST
1.2 Meter Layout (Inside)
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00600 InputInfo
Moisture Cnt= 14.6%
19
09:36 19/04/23
01 3050 231
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Lab Mode operates the same as Field Mode, except that the Moisture Reading takes up to 32 seconds and the
results are more accurate. See SECTION 6 and the APPENDIXES for details on Data Storage etc.
NOTE: The meter is supplied in Field Mode as the Default Mode.
Press KEY 8 to change between modes
Fuel selection indicates which fuel in the numbered list (from 1 to 8) stored in the ME2100 memory was
selected for the test. This number is not related to fuel types in the fuel list found on the flash drive or in
ME2100 Manager software.
When downloading saved test results to a PC, Fuel Type data is also downloaded and should be saved to the
same file with the test results for future use. See Section 6 Pages 13-15
It is important that the user make a note of which fuel specifically was used since if the fuel parameters
in the ME2100 are changed or modified then the fuel selection number (as indicated in the diagram above)
may no longer refer to the fuel parameters that were used in the test.
1.4 Display Layout
1.5 Lab Mode
List of Functions
Region
Block
Comp
Coupe
Date
Time
PgUp
PgDn
Sample
Type
Reset
Test
Enter
commands the meter to accept the next two digits as the code for the region location
commands the meter to accept the next three digits as the code for the block location
commands the meter to accept the next three digits as the code for the compartment location
commands the meter to accept the next two digits as the code for the coupe location
commands the meter to accept a new date setting entered from the keyboard
commands the meter to accept a new time setting entered from the keyboard
scrolls back through the stored moisture measurements one record at a time
scrolls forward through the stored moisture records one at a time
commands the meter to measure the moisture content of the current sample
select from a list of fuel types so that parameters used match the sample being measured
clears all stored measurements and resets the counter to one
same as Sample, but the data is stored with an E prefix to signify it is a test not a fuel sample
signifies to the meter that a command is complete and ready for execution
Wiltronics Research Pty Ltd 8561 DC1V1
Number of samples
stored in memory Command
Prompt
Region Fuel Selection
Time Date
Moisture
Content
Block Compartment Coupe

2.1
2.2
Open the case
To Turn on the meter PRESS and HOLD the Power Button for 2-3 seconds
Testing the Fuel Cell
On Start Up the meter will run a CLEAN CELL TEST
2.3
Banner will display momentarily indicating the meter type and version number.
2. Checking the Operation of the Meter
Wiltronics Research Pty Ltd 9561 DC1V1
TEST ANY
KEY
Start Up Banner
Sample Information Screen
If the Test Passes, the next screen will be the Sample Information Screen. [See 1.4]
If the Cell test Fails the screen will indicate that the cell needs to be cleaned [See 4.0]
After cleaning press TEST button If the Test Passes, the next screen will be the
Sample Information Screen. [See 1.4]
If the cell test fails the screen will indicate that the cell test failed.
Please clean the cell and press any key to continue
Do not press the TEST key - but any other key will take you to the Sample information screen [1.4]
NOTE: if you continue to use the meter after CELL TEST FAILS it can cause from slight to extreme
inaccuracies in the moisture content reading. If the cell continues to fail the meter should be returned
to Wiltronics for repair.

2.4 Enter location information if the results are to be stored and the location is important to you:
(Note 1: All or part of this location information may be omitted. Each component of the location
information may be changed independently. The location data will remain constant until changed
or the meter is turned off.)
(Note 2: If an error is made in entering a number, keep pressing until the correct code is displayed,
only the last two (or three) digits entered will be displayed and stored.)
Press REGION key followed by two digit code and finish with ENTER
Press BLOCK key followed by three digit code and finish with ENTER
Press COMPartment key followed by three digit code and finish with ENTER
Press COUPE key followed by two digit code and finish with ENTER
2.6 To make sure the sample cell is clean by pressing the TEST BUTTON
If the test fails clean the top of the fuel cell with 99.8% Isopropyl Alcohol Wipe
*See Section 4.0 for Cleaning the Cell and recommended cell cleaning base on Fuel Condition
2.5 To enter the fuel TYPE function and select any calibration from the listed fuels:
Press the TYPE key
Eight possible calibrations will be displayed on the screen
NOTE: A standard set of fuel calibration values are supplied ready to use on the meter
but these may be changed. Typically each fuel type calibration already loaded is
representative of a fuel type group, named A, B, C, etc. See appendix 3 for further details
on existing types and groups. The lists are not exhaustive and more fuel types are available
in the fuels list in the ME2100 Manager software. If the required fuel type is not available
on the meter, see section 5 of this manual for details on using ME2000 Manager to change
the fuel types on the meter.
Press a number between 1 and 8 to select the fuel type to be used in the test.
2. Checking the Operation of the Meter (continued)
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3.6 Mount the grinder on the sample cell.
3.7 For leaves of non-conifer trees (and grasses in general), grind about five leaves, one at a time, using
a "two rotations forward and two rotations backward" action. For conifer types, take a small handful of
leaves (needles, for example), cut them up into short lengths using the fine fuel scissors, placing the
cuttings directly into the grinder, then proceed to grind them with the "two rotations forward and two
rotations backward" action.
3.8 Remove the grinder and evenly spread the ground material in the sample ring over the surface of the
test cell withyour finger. The ground material should fill about half the available volume in the ring on
top of the test cell. If not then grind more leaf material into the sample ring as described previously in
section 3.7.
3.10 Press SAMPLE key and wait for the sample’s moisture content to be displayed.
Field Mode Sampling will take up to 10 seconds. Lab Mode Sampling will take up to 32 seconds before
the moisture content is displayed.
*A moisture content of 1.0% indicates a fuel type was not selected at step 4.
*A warning message (* RANGE *) will be displayed if the fuel sample is near the upper or lower limit of
the measurement range.
*A warning message (*ERROR*) will be displayed if the fuel sample is outside measurable limit.
3.9 Mount the compression tool on the sample cell and wind down the compressor until the ratchet slips.
3.1
3.2
Open the case
To Turn on the meter PRESS and HOLD the Power Button for 2-3 seconds
Banner will display momentarily indicating the meter type and version number.
Sample information screen (see 1.4) will then display and stay resident on screen.
Check and correct date/time if needed
3.3 Enter location information if the results are to be stored and the location is important to you:
(Note 1: All or part of this location information may be omitted. Each component of the location
information may be changed independently. The location data will remain constant until changed
or the meter is turned off.)
(Note 2: If an error is made in entering a number, keep pressing until the correct code is displayed,
only the last two (or three) digits entered will be displayed and stored.)
Press REGION key followed by two digit code and finish with ENTER
Press BLOCK key followed by three digit code and finish with ENTER
Press COMPartment key followed by three digit code and finish with ENTER
Press COUPE key followed by two digit code and finish with ENTER
3.4 To enter the fuel TYPE calibration to be used for the calculation of moisture cintent from the
electrical resistance measure
NOTE: Default Power Up Mode is Field Mode which limits the test time to 10 seconds.
Lab Mode is more accurate and has a maximum test time of 32 seconds
Press the TYPE key
Eight possible calibrations will be displayed on the screen
Press a single digit (1-8) corresponding to the appropriate fuel type to be measured
Press Key “8” to change between Field and Lab Mode
3.5 Place the sample ring on the sample cell.
3. Measuring the Moisture Content of a Sample
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4. Cleaning The Test Cell
5. Reviewing Stored Data
3.11
3.12
Press ENTER if you want to store this reading or any other key other than TEST key if not.
Unscrew and remove the compression tool, remove the sample ring and clean away the
compressed sample material with the supplied brush. Wipe the sample cell with a clean,
dry cloth if necessary. If the sample has any sticky residue that remains on the test cell,
press TEST and the meter will run a cell clean test, if necessary clean it off using
99.8% Isopropyl alcohol wipes. Using Isopropyl alcohol wipes circumvents
the need to carry highly flammable liquid into the field.
*See below for more detailed cleaning information and recommended cleaning frequency
3.13 Repeat procedure from step 3.6 for a second and third sample and average the results.
Note: Removing Contaminating Residues
To maintain the accuracy of your moisture readings, the most important thing in the field is to keep
the surface of the test cell top face, residue free.
When or how often to clean the test cell is very subjective.
Pressing the TEST key at any time will run a clean cell test.
Factory testing has determined that the only test cell cleaning product that is effective and does not
leave a contaminating residue is:
99.98% Isopropyl Alcohol
The most covenient product is 99.98% Isopropyl alcohol wipes
Due to its flammability, liquid 99.98% Isopropyl Alcohol is not recommended, particularly in the field.
All other products leave a contaminating residue. Particularly nail polish remover (liquid or wipes),
70% Isopropyl Alcohol (liquid or wipes) etc.
Wiltronics can supply 99.8% Isopropyl Alcohol wipes in packs of 50 as a consumable item
(Wiltronics Part No. ME2011)
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5.1
5.2
Open the case
Turn on the meter
Banner will display momentarily indicating the meter type and version number.
Meter will automatically run a CLEAN CELL TEST. See 2.3 for details
Sample information screen (see 1.4) will then display and stay resident on screen.
5.3 Press PgUp or PgDn to activate the review mode. Press PgUp to view the previously stored moisture
data to the one currently displayed on the screen or Press PgDn to view the next stored moisture data to
the one displayed on the screen. Press ENTER (or any other key) to return to standby mode.
New data will always be added to the end of the current list of data.
Recommended
Fragmenting to Grey
- 1-2 times a day
Grey to Brown
- after every session
Green and Fresh
- after every test

ME2100 Manager is a MS Windows application designed to simplify the process of entering new fuel
types into the ME2100 meter, downloading current fuel type information for modification or saving to file,
editing from a list of existing fuel types, etc.
ME2100 Manager is available on the flash drive that was provided with the meter and can be installed
simply by copying the folder labelled, “ME2100 Manager”, to the PC. It can also be executed directly
from the flash drive.
Once installed, run ME2100 Manager and the following window will be displayed...
Note that the tabbed page displayed may differ if the software has been previously run, since settings are
saved to the registry, when exiting the software, for use next time it is run.
Next, connect the ME2100 meter to the PC via USB port. See Appendix D for details on
establishing a serial communications connection between the ME2100 meter and a PC if uncertain
of the procedure. Ensure that the meter is switched on before proceeding further.
6. Using ME2100 Manager Software to
Upload / Download Parameters and Data.
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6.1 To download data and fuel parameters to ME2100 Manager:
6.1.1
6.1.2
With the mouse, left-click the “Parameters” tab to display the parameters tabbed page.
Click the “Read from ME2100” button or select “ME2100 → Parameter/Data Download” from the menu.
Within a few seconds the table should be filled with fuel type names and parameters. These can be edited
in the grid if new parameters are desired as outlined in section 6.2 and then uploaded back to the meter
as detailed in section 6.3.
6.1.3 To save parameters, click the “Write to File” button or select “File → Save As”, then follow the normal
procedure for saving the parameters file using the “Save As” dialogue box. In this way, different sets of
parameters can be saved to different file names for convenience when loading previous parameters.
6.1.4 Click the “Logs” tab to select the logs tabbed page. Any previously downloaded logged data from the
ME2100 meter (from step 6.1.2) will appear in the logs tabbed page. To save any logged data,
select “File → Save Logs” from the menu and use the dialogue box. An automatically generated file name
will be displayed and this may be altered if so desired. Then select the “Save” button to save the logs file.

NOTE: All cells in the parameters tabbed page grid must be filled with valid data prior to upload or the
software will not upload the parameters to the ME2100 meter.
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6.2 To modify fuel parameters for use in the ME2100
6.3 To upload fuel parameters to the ME2100 meter
6.2.1
6.2.2
With the mouse, left-click the “Parameters” tab to display the parameters tabbed page.
With the left mouse button, click the grid cell to modify and type in the new data.
This can be done with both the fuel type name cells and the numeric parameter cells.
6.2.3 If so desired, there is a large list of existing fuel parameters that can be selected from.
Select the fuel parameter row in the grid to be changed using a left-click, then right-click and
select “Import from Fuels List” or select “Edit → Import from Fuels List” from the menu.
A large list of fuel parameters will appear.
6.3.1 With the mouse, left-click the “Parameters” tab to display the parameters tabbed page if not already
selected. Any updates and modifications should be done in the grid. If merely changing just some of
the existing meter parameters first download the existing meter parameters as outlined in section 5.1
and then modify as required, outlined in section 5.2.
6.3.2 Once the desired fuel parameters have been entered into the parameters tabbed page grid, click the
“Upload to ME2100” button or select “ME2100 → Parameter Upload” from the menu.
6.3.3 If the upload was successful then a small information dialogue should appear indicating “Upload Complete”
Click “OK”. If the “Upload Complete” information dialogue box does not appear within a few seconds,
then there may be a problem with communications.
Check that the meter power is still on and ensure communications is working, then try again.
See Appendix 4 for further details.
6.2.4 To quickly locate a fuel in the list, enter a partial name in the search box at the top of the list and
press enter. NOTE that since not all descriptions in the list follow a careful naming convention,
it is often more effective to enter something like “euc” for eucalyptus types, since they are sometimes
labeled as eucy and sometimes as eucalypt, etc. The search algorithm is very simple and does a
simple case-insensitive text search.
Clearing the search box and pressing enter will cause all fuels to reappear.
6.2.5 From the list of available fuel parameters in the “Fuel Parameters List” dialogue box, double left-click
the desired fuel to import or left-click once and select “Select” from the menu. The new fuel parameters
will now replace the previously selected ones in the parameters tabbed page.
Note that the fuel type name may not be meaningful since it is truncated so it is advisable to modify
it before uploading the new parameters to the ME2100

The “Fuel Parameters List” dialogue box contains a list of previously determined parameters for a variety
of specific fuel types. This list can be edited. Fuel parameters in the “Parameters” tabbed page can be
imported into the list and fuel types in the list can be modified or deleted.
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Continued Next Page
6.4 Modifying the Fuel Parameters List
With the moisture meter turned on, Press RESET followed by ENTER to clear all stored data.
7. Clearing the Stored Data from the Moisture Meter.
The ME2100 meter is fitted with a Rechargeable Lithium LiFeP04 battery. There is no maintenance required.
The battery should have a life of between four and five years.
When the battery voltage is low, the Charge Indicator on the meter will flash red. This indicates less than 15
minutes use available. Finish using unit, store data if necessary then turn off. Only use again after recharging unit.
NOTE: In the field the ME2015 Cigarette Lighter Adapter can be used to run the meter while the battery charges
When fully charged, the battery should operate the meter continuously for about 20 hours. This represents
potentially hundreds of moisture readings.
Unlike a nickel cadmium battery, this battery can be charged whenever convenient, and in fact is best kept fully
charged. When in regular use, it would be advisable to charge the battery at least once a week. A 5 hour
charge cycle (or overnight) is sufficient to fully charge the battery from dead flat. Charging for longer than this is not
necessary, but will not damage the battery. The charger could be left on continuously as the unit goes into trickle
mode after initial boost charge, but this is not necessary. When the meter is not being used for extended periods,
it is advisable to charge the battery about once every two months to keep it in good condition.
8. Charging the Battery
6.4.1
6.4.2
6.4.3
6.4.4
6.4.5
6.4.6
To place the fuel parameters list in edit mode, select “Edit → Edit Fuels List”
To change a fuel parameter or fuel description, select the cell to modify and edit the cell contents directly.
To add a new fuel type, select the row which the new fuel will be placed above, then either right-click the
row and select “Insert New Fuel” or select “Edit → Insert New Fuel” from the menu.
An empty row will be inserted and appropriate data can then be entered.
To delete an existing fuel, select the row to be deleted and either right-click and select “Delete Selected Fuel”
or select “Edit → Delete Selected Fuel”. A confirmation dialogue box will appear.
Click “Yes” to continue or “No” to cancel the delete.
When done, simply close the “ Fuel Parameters List” window by selecting “Cancel” from the menu or
clicking the system window close icon in the top right corner. Any changes will now be saved.
To export a fuel from the “Parameters” tabbed page fuel list to the “Fuel Parameters List”, select the
“Parameters” tabbed page if not already selected, left-click the fuel to export to the fuel parameters list,
right-click and select “Export to Fuels List” or select “Edit → Export to Fuels List”.
The fuel will be appended to the end of the list.

Charge Indicator - The light emitting diode (LED) will light when battery is being charged.
Red LED on indicates full charge current,
Green LED on indicates battery charged, trickle charge current.
Amber LED on indicates that the meter is 75% or more charged and may be used.
The operating time may be reduced to 15hrs continuos use
Flashing red LED indicates LOW battery volts.
Regular Use of Meter
Charge battery overnight once per week
In Storage
Fully charge battery before storage
Charge battery overnight once every three months
NOTE
Long term storage of the ME2100 without battery recharge can lead to a short battery life or even
permanent battery operation impairment.
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Charging the Battery (continued)
IMPORTANT CAUTION
FULLY CHARGE BATTERY BEFORE STORAGE OF THE METER
It is recommended that your ME2100 and the previous models should be returned annually for
scheduled maintenance and calibration.
A "ME2100/ME2000/ME2000A Moisture Meter - Service Return Form" is available on the resources section of the
"Wiltronics Fine Fuel Moisture Meter ME2100" on the website
www.wiltronics.com.au in the "Tools & Test Equipment" Section or email
[email protected] and request a copy of the form
10. Scheduled Maintenance and Calibration
Recommendations

Wiltronics Research Pty Ltd 17 561 DC1V1
The technology used in this meter has been developed by the Fire Research & Development group of
the Centre for Forest Tree Technology (Department of Sustainability & Environment) in conjunction with
the School of Engineering, Federation University. The major collaborators on this project were Kevin
Tolhurst (CFTT, DCNR), Graeme Hood (Federation University), Andrew Wilson (DCNR) and Matt Fenwick.
Wiltronics has made significant changes to the meters performance and accuracy.
This has been achieved by upgrading hardware and software including
• A New Microprocessor
• New Fuel Test Cell [Fuel Cell Passed or Fuel Cell Requires Cleaning]
• Self Test Including Fuel Cell Test On Start Up
• Introduction Of Lab-Mode
• Increased Accuracy For Both Field And Lab Modes
• Improving Read Times To 10 Seconds For Field Mode And 32 Seconds For Lab-Modes
• And More.
An effort has been made to maintain the user interface so that users can move between old & new models
of the meter without any significant operational change or training.
Acknowledgements
Department of Sustainability
& Environment
CENTRE FOR FOREST TREE TECHNOLOGY
CFTT

Min, Max Possible Moisture Content Readings
Fuel (leaf) Condition Classification Guide
Calibration Coefficients
Fuel Moisture Meter Calibrations
21
22
23
23
D.1 Connecting the USB Serial Communications Hardware
D.2 Connecting the ME2100 to a PC using ME2100 Manager
24 - 25
26 - 27
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Appendix
Appendix A.
Specifications
Appendix B.
A Guide to Fuel Moisture Content and Fire Behaviour
Appendix C.
Calibration Equation and Parameters
Appendix D.
Establishing USB Serial Connection with a PC
19
20
21 - 23
24 - 27

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APPENDIX A. SPECIFICATIONS
Physical Dimensions
Length 330mm
Width 290mm
Height 150mm
Weight 4.2 Kg
Communications
Serial interface Virtual COM port via USB using an A-type to B-type USB cable
Baud Rate 19200
Data Bits 8
Stop Bits 1
Parity none
Flow Control none
Construction
Case RPC 1314 ABS Equipment Case
Sample Cell Stainless steel 316 with polyester film insulator.
Sample Ring Stainless steel 316.
Grinder P/N ME2010.
Stainless steel
cutter and grill Part No. ME2012.
Compression tool Part No. ME2020.
Display 4 lines x 20 characters, backlit LCD.
Keypad Membrane, surface mount, positive touch, 4 x 4 keys.
Power
Consumption 280 mA in standby mode, 330 mA in measurement mode
Battery 6.4V 3.8AH Lithium LiFePO4
Battery Chargers 12VDC, 1A, double insulated, overload protected, mains plug pack
with 2.5mm DC plug.
12V car cigarette lighter adaptor with 1.5A Fast Blow SAG Glass Fuse,
1.5m lead, and 2.5mm DC plug
Charge Indicator Tri-colour (red/amber/green) light emitting diode LED
Performance
Temperature
Operating Range 0 to 50°C.
Resistance Measurement 5 x 10² to 5 x 10¹³ Ω
* RANGE * warning given when resistance is below 8 x 10² or above 6 x 10¹².
Nominal moisture
content range 3% to 200% ODW.
Reproducibility 0.1% of moisture content.
Accuracy 1% moisture content or 10% of the indicated moisture content,
whichever is the greater.
Resolution 0.1% moisture content.

Wiltronics Research Pty Ltd 20 561 DC1V1
APPENDIX B. A GUIDE TO FUEL MOISTURE CONTENT
AND FIRE BEHAVIOUR.
Eucalypt
Radiata Pine
Fine Fuel
Moisture Content (% ODW)
Indicative Fire Behaviour
(Radiata Pine Fuels)
(Source: Woodman, M. & Rawson, R. (1982), Fire Research Report No. 14)
< 7 Very intense wildfire possible
7 - 10 Elevated dead needles carry fire of high intensity, which is difficult to control.
Surface needles carry fire of moderate to high intensity.
10 - 15 Elevated dead needles carry fire of moderate intensity (e.g. ROS > 1 m/min).
Surface needles easily ignited and carry fire of moderate intensity.
15 - 20 Elevated dead needles easily ignited and carry fire of low intensity (e.g. ROS up to 1 m/min).
Surface needles ignite and carry slow moving fire (e.g. ROS < 0.5 m/min).
20 - 25 Elevated dead needles will ignite and just carry a fire (e.g. ROS < 0.2 m/min).
Surface needles will just ignite and only carry fire with the assistance of wind
25 - 30 Elevated dead needles will just ignite and will carry fire only with the assistance of wind.
Surface needles will not ignite.
(Adapted from: McArthur, A.G. (1962,1967), For. & Timb. Bureau, Leaflets 80, 107)
Surface Fine Fuel
Moisture Content (% ODW)
Indicative Fire Behaviour
(Eucalypt Fuels)
< 4 Fuel extremely dry. Severe spotting, crown fire, uncontrollable.
22 - 28 Litter is wet. Fuel very difficult to ignite. Burning very difficult to sustain.
4 - 6 Litter very dry. Fire behaviour could be severe, spotting likely, possible crown fire.
6 - 9 Litter dry. Conditions may not be suitable for fuel reduction burning, fuel very easy
to ignite, spotting initiated by large firebrands only, but high intensity fire may develop.
16 - 22 Litter is damp. Eucalypt fuel is difficult to ignite. Burning difficult to sustain.
Low intensity fuel reduction burn could be patchy. No spotting.
9 - 13
Litter is reasonably dry. Eucalypt litter easy to ignite. Burning readily sustained.
Fuel reduction may be carried out in light fuels under very mild weather conditions.
Limited spotting from large firebrands.
13 - 16
Litter just moist. Eucalypt fuel moderately easy to ignite. Burning is sustained.
A suitable range for fuel reduction when other conditions, particularly wind, are suitable.
Spotting unlikely.
NOTE 1. Elevated dead needles refer to dead pine needles lodged on branches, vegetation or debris on the forest floor so
that they are well aerated and above the ground.
NOTE 1. Surface needles refer to the top part of the duff layer of dead pine needles. They are more compacted than
elevated dead needles, but better aerated than the underlying part of the duff layer.