1. Introduction and Overview
The VOLTCRAFT FM-200 is a robust and precise measuring device designed to accurately determine the moisture content in various materials. It is ideal for assessing the humidity of wood and common building materials like plaster and screed.
Key features include:
- Live display of moisture values in percentage (%).
- Dedicated measurement ranges for both wood and building materials, ensuring high precision.
- Dual display system with a bargraph and a numerical readout for clear and easy interpretation.
- Invasive measurement type for direct contact readings.
Figure 1: The VOLTCRAFT FM-200 Material Moisture Meter, showing its compact design and clear display.
2. Setup
2.1 Battery Installation
The FM-200 requires 2x AAA batteries (not included). To install the batteries:
- Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the device.
- Slide or unclip the cover to open the compartment.
- Insert 2x AAA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
- Replace the battery compartment cover securely.
2.2 Initial Power-On
After installing the batteries, press the power button (if available, otherwise it may power on automatically). The display should illuminate, showing '0.0%' or a similar initial reading. If the display does not turn on, check battery installation and charge.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 Selecting Measurement Mode
The FM-200 features a switch at the bottom of the display to select between 'Wood' and 'Building' material measurement modes. Slide the switch to the desired mode before taking a measurement.
Figure 2: The FM-200 display showing 'Wood' mode (left) and 'Building' mode (right).
3.2 Taking a Measurement
To measure moisture content:
- Ensure the device is powered on and the correct measurement mode ('Wood' or 'Building') is selected.
- Carefully press the two measurement pins at the top of the device firmly into the material you wish to test. Ensure both pins penetrate the surface adequately for an accurate reading.
- Read the moisture percentage directly from the numerical display. The bargraph provides a quick visual indication of the moisture level.
- Remove the pins from the material once the reading stabilizes.
Figure 3: Demonstrating the use of the FM-200 to measure moisture in a piece of wood.
3.3 Interpreting Readings
The displayed percentage indicates the moisture content of the material. Refer to industry standards or specific material guidelines for acceptable moisture levels for your application (e.g., for firewood, construction timber, or plaster).
4. Maintenance
4.1 Cleaning
Wipe the device with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Ensure the measurement pins are clean and free of debris after each use to maintain accuracy.
4.2 Storage
Store the FM-200 in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If storing for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent leakage.
4.3 Battery Replacement
When the battery indicator on the display shows low power, replace the batteries promptly to ensure accurate readings. Follow the battery installation steps outlined in Section 2.1.
5. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Device does not power on. | Dead or incorrectly installed batteries. | Check battery polarity. Replace batteries with new ones. |
| Inaccurate or fluctuating readings. | Poor contact with material, dirty pins, or low battery. | Ensure pins are firmly inserted. Clean pins. Replace batteries. |
| Display is dim or unreadable. | Low battery. | Replace batteries. |
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | VOLTCRAFT |
| Model Number | FM-200 |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 13.9 x 4.7 x 2.5 cm |
| Item Weight | 100 Grams |
| Voltage | 3 Volts |
| Batteries Required | Yes (2x AAA, not included) |
| Quantity of Items | 1 |
| Country of Origin | France |
7. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, please refer to the terms and conditions provided at the time of purchase or contact your retailer. VOLTCRAFT products are known for their solid manufacturing and innovative technology.
If you encounter any issues not covered in the troubleshooting section, or require further assistance, please contact VOLTCRAFT customer support or your product retailer. Please have your model number (FM-200) and purchase details ready when contacting support.
