©York Survey Supply Centre 2018Ref:.. \operat98\instructions 18\354420.qxp 05-01-18
Protimeter Timbermaster Moisture Meter
The Protimeter Timbermaster is a conductivity moisture meter designed for use in wood. ois-
ture measurements can be taken using the integral pin electrodes, or using the meter in com-
bination with moisture probes or hammer electrodes. When used with the temperature probe,
the moisture measurements are automatically corrected with respect to temperature. This fea-
ture is particularly relevant for users testing wood that is significantly above or below 20ºC
(70ºF). The Timbermaster is switched on by pressing -momentarily and switched off by press-
ing and holding -for 2 seconds or more. The instrument will switch off
automatically after 5 minutes unless the default setting is changed (see section 3).
1.0 Usi g the Protimeter Timbermaster without the Temperature Probe
The Timbermaster is calibrated for wood at 20ºC (70ºF). In general, Timber that is hotter than
20ºC will give higher readings and timber colder than 20ºC will give lower readings. An approx-
imate manual correction of 0.5% moisture content per 5ºC may be subtracted from
timber that is above 20ºC. For timber that is below 20ºC, a manual correction of 0.5%
moisture content per 5ºC may be added to the measured value.
1.1 Readi gs with I tegral Electrode Pi s
Remove the cap to expose the needle electrodes and switch the instrument on by pressing -
. Select the appropriate wood calibration scale (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H or J) by referring to the
(enclosed) Protimeter wood calibration tables and pressing ÷. Push the pins into the
surface of the wood and observe the reading.
1.2 Readi gs with Moisture Probe or Hammer Electrode
Connect the oisture Probe or (optional) Hammer Electrode to the 3.5mm socket on the right
hand of the Timbermaster and switch the instrument on by pressing -. Select the
appropriate wood calibration scale (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H or J) by referring to the (enclosed)
Protimeter wood calibration tables and pressing ÷. Drive the moisture probe pins or
hammer electrode needles into the wood and observe the reading.
2.0 Usi g the Protimeter Timbermaster with the Temperature Probe
If the timber being measured is significantly above or below 20ºC (70ºF) then the Timbermaster
should be used in conjunction with the temperature probe. When this probe is connected, the
Timbermaster automatically corrects the measured moisture value with
respect to temperature.
2.1 Automatically Temperature Corrected (ATC) Readi gs
Switch the Timbermaster on and select the appropriate wood calibration scale as detailed in
sections 1.1 or 1.2. Using either a Hammer Electrode or a hammer and nail of nominal 2mm
diameter, make a hole in the wood to be tested. Remove the Hammer Electrode or nail and
push the Temperature Probe into the hole until the tip is at the required depth. Connect the
Temperature Probe to the Timbermaster via the 2.5mm socket.
To obtain the automatically temperature corrected (ATC) moisture value, take moisture
readings as detailed in sections 1.1 or 1.2 whilst the Temperature Probe is positioned in the
wood and connected to the Timbermaster. If the temperature of the wood is assumed to be
equal to the ambient air temperature, ATC moisture values can be obtained by holding the con-
nected temperature probe in air. Switch between temperature and moisture displays by
pressing ÷.
3.0 Setup Mode
The setup mode is entered by pressing -and ÷simultaneously. This action displays the
following information about the instrument in the following sequence: Firmware version
number (example 1.08), product part number (example bLd5601), and firmware date in
yy-mm-dd format (example 00-05-28).
The user then has the option of changing the default setting for the temperature display (ºC or
ºF) and the automatic switch off time (disable automatic switch off or set from 1 to 9
minutes) by changing the codes as detailed in the following table. The first code digit is changed
by pressing -and second digit by pressing ÷.Confirm the new settings by
pressing -.
Code Description
0=0 No action
0=1 Resets all user settings to the default settings (ºC, 5min)
1=0 Selects ºC for temperature display
1=1 Selects ºF for temperature display
2=0 Disables automatic switch off
2=1 Selects automatic switch off at 1 minute
2=2 Selects automatic switch off at 2 minutes
2=... ...and so on to...
2=9 Selects automatic switch off at 9 minutes
4.0 Calibratio Check
The calibration of the Timbermaster is checked by holding the electrode needles across the
exposed wires of the ‘calcheck’ device (supplied) or across the terminals of the Protimeter
Checkbox (optional accessory). When checking the calibration, the A scale should be
selected and the temperature probe must be disconnected. Correctly calibrated
Timbermasters will register a % C value in the range 17.8 to 18.3.
5.0 Care a d Mai te a ce
When not in use, keep the Timbermaster in it’s pouch with it’s accessories. Store the kit in a
stable, dust-free environment out of direct sunlight. Remove the batteries from the instrument
if it is to be stored for periods of more than four weeks, or when the low battery power
symbol appears on the display. Check the condition of accessories used with the Timbermaster
instrument on a regular basis and replace them if they become worn or
damaged.
