DELMHORST v.1.1 TechScan Moisture Meter Owner’s Manual
- September 21, 2024
- Delmhorst
Table of Contents
v.1.1 TechScan Moisture Meter
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Specifications:
- Product Name: TechScanTM v.1.1
- Reading Scales: Wood (5%-30% MC range)
- Applications: Water damage restoration, home inspection, indoor
air quality, woodworking, flooring installation
Product Usage Instructions:
Switch Key Functions:
-
On/Hold Key: Press to turn the meter on,
resume reading, or hold the current reading. -
Cal Check Key: Press and hold in Read mode to
check calibration. -
Scale Key: Press to select Wood scale or
Reference scale. -
Down Arrow Key: Press and hold to decrease the
alarm setting. -
Up Arrow Key: Press and hold to increase the
alarm setting.
Operation:
Auto Shut-off: The meter turns off after three
minutes of inactivity. Press any key to prevent auto shut-off.
Helpful Tips for Using TechScan to Measure MC in Wood:
-
Set the scale to Wood before use.
-
Ensure the entire sensor plate is in contact with the board
surface. -
Apply uniform, firm pressure when taking readings.
-
Avoid rough or uneven surfaces for accurate readings.
-
Wipe surface moisture before measuring to minimize its
effect. -
Use a resistance-type meter to detect moisture gradients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: How do I check the calibration of TechScan?
A: Press and hold the Cal Check Key while in
Read mode to check the calibration.
Q: What applications is TechScan suitable for?
A: TechScan is suitable for water damage
restoration, home inspection, indoor air quality assessment,
woodworking, and flooring installation.
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TechScanTM v.1.1
Owner’s Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………………………….2 SWITCH KEY FUNCTIONS
…………………………………………………………………3 OPERATION…………………………………………………………………………………….4 TIPS
FOR USING TECHSCAN TO MEASURE WOOD……………………………………5 TIPS FOR USING TECHSCAN TO
MEASURE RELATIVE MOISTURE…………………6 CARING FOR YOUR
METER…………………………………………………………………8 SERVICING YOUR METER
……………………………………………………………………8 WARRANTY……………………………………………………………………………………..8
ADDENDUM …………………………………………………………………………………..10
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TechScanTM
VERSION 1.1
OWNER’S MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing TechScan, a multi-purpose meter that can be used in
many applications including water damage restoration, home inspection, indoor
air quality, woodworking, flooring installation. TechScan provides a fast,
effective way to identify moisture problems and determine if further action
must be taken.
TechScan is a capacitance-type moisture meter with patented sensor technology,
using the relationship between the moisture content and the dielectric
properties of the material under test. When the meter is placed on wood or
other hygroscopic building material, an electro-magnetic field penetrates
approximately ¾ to 1 inch into the material. The meter reading represents a
biased average, with the MC nearest to the sensor having the greatest effect.
If you require a more complete evaluation of moisture conditions or need to
penetrate through flooring, check behind drywall, or test lumber over 1-1/2″
thick, we recommend using TechScan in conjunction with a Delmhorst resistance
(pin-type) moisture meter.
TechScan has two reading scales:
Wood : 5%-30% MC range for wood. Select when testing wood materials, such as
flooring, trim, construction lumber, exterior siding.
Reference: 0-100 scale for non-wood hygroscopic materials. The numbers on this
scale are relative, or qualitative indications of moisture levels not %
moisture content. Select when testing building materials such as drywall,
concrete, plaster, EIFS, etc. Readings in the low end of the scale usually
indicate a drier condition; readings in the upper end of the scale usually
indicate a higher moisture level in the material.
To establish a benchmark or “dry standard” for the material you are measuring,
first take readings in areas that you know are dry, or acceptable. Then take
readings on areas that you know are wet. These “dry to wet” readings should be
used as the
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reference points against which subsequent readings are compared. One should
not expect that the reference scales for meters of different brands and types
(resistance /capacitance) will read alike on the same material. The benchmark
may be different from one meter type/brand to another because a given meters’
response depends on the material used for calibration and on the meter’s
range. SWITCH KEY FUNCTIONS
1. On/Hold Key: Press to turn meter on, resume reading after checking
calibration or setting alarm, or hold current reading if pressed while
reading. (There is a slow beeping sound while holding a reading.)
2. Cal Check Key: Press and hold this key while in Read mode to check
calibration.
3. Scale Key: Press to select Wood scale or Reference scale. 3
4. Down Arrow Key: Press and hold to decrease the alarm setting. 5. Up Arrow
Key: Press and hold to increase the alarm setting.
OPERATION
Checking the Battery and Calibration The meter automatically checks the
battery level when it is turned on. If the battery voltage is not high enough
for reliable operation, all indicators will flash for a few seconds. Replace
the battery with a new one (9v alkaline). To check the meter’s calibration,
turn the meter on. Press and hold the Cal Check key. Hold the meter in the air
so that only the internal reference is read. The meter must read within the
blue calibration check band. If the meter reads out of calibration refer to
the Service for Your Meter section (pg8).
Taking a Reading Press the On/Hold key to turn the unit on. Press the Scale
key to select the Wood or the Reference scale. When the meter is set to wood,
the panel meter wood scale is calibrated to show %MC based on the average
specific gravity of Douglas Fir (0.46). When the meter is set to the reference
scale, the meter switches to a lower sensitivity mode which is suitable for a
wide range of materials. Press the On/Hold key while reading to hold (or
freeze) the current reading. The meter will beep slowly and continue to hold
the reading until the On/Hold key is pressed again. The alarm (fast beep) will
sound whenever the current reading is above the alarm setting.
Setting the Alarm With the meter turned on, press the Up or Down arrow keys to
adjust the alarm setting. When the Alarm Setting is being adjusted, the Alarm
Setting indicator lights and the panel meter shows the alarm setting. The
range of alarm settings is 5.0 to 30.0 for wood and 1 to 100 for the reference
scale. The meter stores separate wood and reference alarm settings. To turn
the alarm off, use the Up key to adjust the alarm setting beyond the end of
the scale. The Alarm Setting indicator flashes when the alarm is turned off.
Exit the Alarm Setting mode by pressing the On/Hold key.
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Auto Shut-off The meter automatically turns off when no keys are pressed for
three minutes. Five seconds before the meter turns off, the beeper will sound
and the active Scale indicator will flash. To prevent the meter from turning
off, press any key before the meter turns off.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR USING TECHSCAN TO MEASURE MC IN WOOD:
Set the scale to “Wood”.
The entire sensor plate should be in contact with the surface of the board.
The sensor plate measures 2-1/2″ x 3-1/2″.
Readings obtained with TechScan and pin-less moisture meters in general, are
affected by the amount of pressure applied to the material. Apply and maintain
uniform, firm pressure to the meter when taking readings.
The meter’s RF signal penetrates to ¾” 1″. When measuring thinner material,
some materials underneath the wood may influence the readings. Place a piece
of glass, rubber or styrofoam under the sample to avoid false readings. Test
the insulating material with the meter first to confirm it provides the
necessary insulation.
The meter works best on smooth lumber and surfaces. Rough, uneven, or cupped
boards yield lower readings due to the air pockets between the sensor plate
and the surface. Avoid readings on knots or splits.
Surface moisture slightly increases the readings. Wipe obvious moisture from
the board surface to minimize this effect.
The meter is influenced by a moisture gradient but cannot detect it. If you
suspect a gradient, use a Delmhorst resistance-type meter with insulated pins
to determine if a normal gradient (wet core to drier outer surface) is present
or if surface moisture has just soaked into the board.
Before installing a wood floor, if possible allow the flooring to acclimate in
its environment for several days before installation. During this period,
check both the floor and the sub floor to ensure that moisture levels of both
materials remain stable and are within recommended MC guidelines.
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The “right” moisture content depends on the final use of the wood and is
climate-driven. Recommended moisture content for indoor woodworking /
furniture ranges from 6%-9%. Outdoor construction grade lumber is usually 19%
or less; 10%-15% for safe painting or staining.
Corrections for Specific Gravity (SG) Measurements obtained with capacitance
type moisture meters such as TechScan are greatly influenced by the specific
gravity of the material (specifically the wood) being measured. Materials with
higher specific gravity produce higher moisture readings than materials with
lower specific gravity at the same moisture content. Since TechScan is
calibrated for wood at a specific gravity (SG) of 0.46, a correction is
required when measuring wood species with SG values other than 0.46. At the
end of this manual you will find a listing of common species with published
average values for SG and also a table to correct meter readings for wood
species. Use these values with the knowledge that specific gravity varies
within a single species and may even vary within the same board. The following
resources can be helpful if you are working with a species that is not
included in these tables. When referring to published data use the SG values
based on green volume and oven-dry weight (sometimes referred to as “green
basis”). www.wood-database.com
HELPFUL TIPS FOR USING TECHSCAN TO MEASURE RELATIVE MOISTURE LEVELS IN NON-
WOOD MATERIALS:
Set the scale to “Reference”. The 0-100 reference scale is for relative
wet/dry indications only. These numbers do not represent %MC.
The entire sensor plate should be in contact with the surface of the material
being measured. The sensor plate measures 2-1/2″ x 3-1/2″.
Readings obtained with TechScan and pin-less moisture meters in general, are
affected by the amount of pressure applied to the material. Apply and maintain
uniform, firm pressure to the meter when taking readings.
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The meter’s RF signal penetrates to ¾” 1″. Material underneath or behind the
surface being tested may influence the readings. This includes metal studs,
wiring, and in the case of concrete, rebar and aggregate.
The meter works best on smooth, clean surfaces. Surface moisture slightly
increases the readings. Wipe obvious moisture from the board surface to
minimize this effect.
Testing Concrete Slabs for Flooring Applications
Pinless moisture meters can be an effective tool to check comparative moisture
conditions in concrete slabs. They can tell you where there may be excess
moisture and help determine if you need to conduct further testing, and
identify specific areas on which that testing should be performed.
TechScan cannot provide quantitative results as a basis for acceptance of a
slab for installation of moisture-sensitive flooring systems. ASTM Test Method
F2170 (RH using in situ probes), F1869 (calcium chloride), and F2420 (RH on
surface using insulated hood) provide quantitative information for determining
if moisture levels are within specific limits.
Using TechScan In A Water Damage Restoration Or Mold Remediation Job:
TechScan is a useful tool in identifying moisture in walls, ceilings and
floors in a water restoration or mold remediation. In order to establish pre-
loss conditions, find an area of the building that was not damaged and take
several readings on various materials. This will provide you with a “dry
standard” or target moisture levels when drying damaged areas.
Take several readings on each wall. Pay special attention near the base,
around doorjambs, electrical and plumbing fixtures, and other places where
water may have entered. Use the meter continuously during the drying process
to monitor drying progress.
Testing EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finishing System): Moisture intrusion
problems in EIFS (synthetic stucco) stem from leaking window and door frames,
improper use of or lack of sealant, and faulty installation of flashing.
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If you suspect a problem conduct a visual inspection. Look for gaps around
windows, doors, air conditioning units, light fixtures, hose bibs, dryer vents
and other areas of potential penetration. Also look for visible signs of water
damage. If you believe a problem exists, use TechScan as a quick scanning tool
to determine the general location of the moisture. Then use a pin- type meter
to better identify exact problem areas and depth of moisture intrusion.
CARE OF YOUR METER:
Store the meter in a clean, dry place. The protective carrying case provided
is an ideal storage place when the meter is not in use.
Change the 9-Volt battery as needed. Continued use with a low battery may
cause the meter to go out of calibration.
Clean the meter with any biodegradable cleaner. Use the cleaner sparingly and
on external parts only.
Remove the battery if the meter will not be used for one month or longer.
SERVICE FOR YOUR METER
If your meter is not working properly, replace the battery with a new one and
check the calibration. If this does not resolve the problem, go to
www.delmhorst.com and follow the instructions under Product Support. If you
require further assistance please call 877DELMHORST (335-6467) or
973-334-2557.
WARRANTY
Delmhorst Instrument Co., referred to hereafter as Delmhorst, guarantees its
TechScan meter for one year from date of purchase against defects in material
or workmanship. If within the warranty period of the TechScan you find any
defect in material or workmanship return the meter following the instructions
in the Service for Your Meter section. This limited warranty does not cover
abuse, alteration, misuse, damage during shipment, improper service,
unauthorized or unreasonable use of the meter. This warranty does not cover
batteries. If the meter has been tampered with, the warranty shall be void. At
our option we may replace or repair the meter.
Delmhorst 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; follow the instructions in the Care of Your Meter section.
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UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL DELMHORST BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY TYPE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, LOST PROFITS OR DOWNTIME ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED IN ANY RESPECT
TO ITS METERS OR ELECTRODES AND NO OTHER WARRANTY, WRITTEN, ORAL OR IMPLIED
APPLIES. DELMHORST SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR
DEFECT IN THIS PRODUCT THAT EXCEEDS THE AMOUNT OF PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT.
The express warranty set forth above constitutes the entire warranty with
respect to Delmhorst meters and no other warranty, written, oral, or implied
applies. This warranty is personal to the customer purchasing the product and
is not transferable.
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For more than 70 years Delmhorst Instrument has been the leading manufacturer
of high quality, US-made moisture meters and thermo-hygrometers. Today we
offer a wide range of meters for applications including water damage
restoration, construction, flooring, lumber/woodworking, paper, and
agriculture.
Delmhorst Instrument Co 51 Indian Lane East Towaco, NJ 07082 973-334-2557 877-DELMHORST (335-6467)
510INS-0032 v.1.1 Rev July 2017
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TECHSCAN ADDENDUM
1. Specific Gravity Correction Table – TechScan Meter Readings vs MC April
2013
2. TechScan Species/Botanical/SG List April 2013
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References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>