5
5. Measurements
The measurements should be conducted in at least several places. These places
should be as flat, smooth and clean as possible. The actual result of the measurements is
the arithmetic average of all the measurements. A line drawn between the electrodes
should be perpendicular to the fibres. If the timber is too thin, place the electrodes
parallel to the fibres.
Hold the device as shown on fig 2. Press the electrodes hard against the wood. Read the
result.
There should not be any metal elements, wet wood or concrete etc under the timber.
It’s best if the timber is
supported only by it’s ends or placed on a layer of
Styrofoam several centimetres thick.
The instrument is equipped with an automatic power off which activates 5 minutes
after the last change in upper
control knob setting. It can be switched off instantly by
setting the upper control knob to OFF.
Fig. 2
6. Remarks
The size of the timber should not be less than 80 x 40 mm. Measuring moisture
contents of smaller pieces leads to results lower than the real moisture contents.
The electrodes are made of special silicon bronze and during normal operation should
not get deformed. If due to excess force or accidental fall the electrodes get deformed, they
should be bend to their original shape. Deformed or misplaced electrodes are the source
of errors and in extreme cases can prevent proper calibration of the device.
Avoid measurements when the timber or the operator of the device are loaded with
high electrostatic charges. Such charges (sparks) make measurements difficult and can
damage the instrument.
