Breathe Essential SAM-PRO Pinless Moisture Meter User Manual

Meter Components

Image: Front view of the SAM-PRO Pinless Moisture Meter with numbered labels indicating its various components and their functions.

1. SCAN DENSITY icon: Indicates the meter is in scan density mode.
2. Timber density grade: Displays the selected timber density setting.
3. Upper limit value setting: Shows the set upper moisture limit.
4. Within upper limit: Indicator for moisture content within the set limit.
5. Out of upper limit range: Indicator for moisture content exceeding the set limit.
6. Low Battery Indication: Alerts when battery power is low.
7. Moisture value: Displays the measured moisture percentage.
8. UP arrow button: Used for navigating menus and increasing values.
9. ON/OFF and setting upper limit key: Powers the device on/off and adjusts the upper limit.
10. DENSITY key: Used to select different timber density grades.
11. Down arrow button: Used for navigating menus and decreasing values.
12. Sensor (Back of Unit): The area on the back of the meter that makes contact with the material for measurement.
13. Battery case (Back of Unit): Compartment for batteries, located on the back of the unit.

3.1 Battery Installation

Image: The SAM-PRO Pinless Moisture Meter, its carrying pouch, and three AAA batteries, indicating the power source.

1. Locate the battery case on the back of the unit (refer to Product Overview, item 13).
2. Open the battery compartment cover.
3. Insert three (3) 1.5V AAA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
4. Close the battery compartment cover securely.

The meter is now ready for use. If the low battery indicator (item 6 in Product Overview) appears, replace the batteries.

4.1 Powering On/Off

• To power on the meter, press the ON/OFF button (item 9 in Product Overview).
• The meter will automatically shut off after 5 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery power.
• To manually power off, press and hold the ON/OFF button.

4.2 Selecting Timber Density Grade

Image: The SAM-PRO Pinless Moisture Meter surrounded by different types of wood, illustrating its versatility for various timber densities.

The meter offers 10 unique grades of timber density to ensure accurate readings for different wood types.

1. Press the DENSITY key (item 10 in Product Overview) to cycle through the available timber density grades.
2. The selected grade will be displayed as the "Timber density grade" (item 2 in Product Overview) on the screen.
3. Choose the grade that best matches the density of the wood you are measuring. Refer to external wood density charts if unsure.

4.3 Taking a Measurement

Image: A hand holding the SAM-PRO Pinless Moisture Meter against a piece of lumber, demonstrating how to take a measurement.

1. Ensure the meter is powered on and the correct timber density grade is selected.
2. Place the back sensor area (item 12 in Product Overview) of the meter flat against the surface of the material you wish to measure.
3. Hold the meter steady for a few seconds.
4. The moisture value (item 7 in Product Overview) will be displayed on the LCD screen.

The meter is non-invasive, meaning it measures moisture without piercing the material's surface, preserving the integrity of your wood.

4.4 Understanding Readings and Upper Limit Setting

• The "Moisture value" (item 7) indicates the percentage of moisture content.
• You can set an upper limit for moisture content. Press the ON/OFF button (item 9) briefly to enter the upper limit setting mode. Use the UP (item 8) and DOWN (item 11) arrow buttons to adjust the value. Press ON/OFF again to confirm.
• The "Within upper limit" (item 4) or "Out of upper limit range" (item 5) indicators will show if the measured moisture is within or exceeds your set threshold.

4.5 Calibration Recommendation

To ensure accurate measurements and prolong the meter's lifespan, it is recommended to calibrate the SAM-PRO meter under the following conditions:

• After exchanging batteries.
• When using the SAM-PRO meter for the first time.
• If the SAM-PRO meter has not been used for a long time and you restart using it.
• When using the product with significant temperature differences between the meter and the environment.

The meter features a temperature compensation function. For optimal accuracy, keep the object to be tested at a consistent temperature for at least 5 minutes before measurement.

6.1 Inaccurate Readings

• Check Calibration: Ensure the meter has been calibrated as recommended, especially after battery changes or prolonged storage.
• Temperature Stability: Verify that the object being tested has been at a consistent temperature for at least 5 minutes.
• Timber Density: Confirm that the correct timber density grade is selected for the material being measured.
• Interference: Keep the meter away from any electrified objects during measurement, as these can influence readings.

6.2 Meter Not Powering On

• Battery Check: Ensure batteries are correctly installed with proper polarity.
• Battery Replacement: Replace with fresh 1.5V AAA batteries if the existing ones are depleted.

6.3 Low Battery Indication

• The low battery icon (item 6 in Product Overview) indicates that the batteries are running low. Replace all three 1.5V AAA batteries promptly.