1. Product Overview
The HanOaki PM6811A is a portable wood moisture meter designed for quick and accurate measurement of moisture content in various materials. It features a backlit LCD display, three indicator levels (low, medium, high moisture), and multiple measurement modes for wood, paper, and wall materials. The device is constructed from durable ABS material, ensuring longevity and reliability.

Figure 1: Front view of the HanOaki PM6811A Wood Moisture Meter with its backlit display showing a measurement.
Key Features:
- High-Quality Construction: Made from corrosion-resistant ABS material for extended service life.
- Smart Backlit Display: Provides enhanced visibility and brightness in various lighting conditions.
- Accurate Measurement: Equipped with two high-precision pins for quick and reliable moisture content readings.
- Three Indicator Levels: Visually indicates moisture status as green (low), yellow (medium), or red (high).
- Multiple Measurement Modes: Supports measurement for wood, paper, and wall materials.
- Data Hold Function: Allows users to freeze readings on the display for easy recording.
- Auto-Off Feature: Automatically powers down after 5 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery life.
2. Safety Information
Please read and understand all safety instructions before operating the device. Failure to follow these instructions may result in injury or damage to the meter.
- Sharp Pins: The meter is equipped with sharp measurement pins. Handle with care to avoid injury. Keep out of reach of children.
- Battery Safety: Use only the specified battery type (2x 1.5V AAA). Do not mix old and new batteries or different types of batteries. Remove batteries if the device will not be used for an extended period.
- Environmental Conditions: Do not expose the meter to extreme temperatures, high humidity, or direct sunlight. Avoid using in environments with strong electromagnetic interference.
- Cleaning: Clean the device with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Disassembly: Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the meter. Repairs should only be performed by qualified personnel.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- 1x HanOaki PM6811A Wood Moisture Meter
- 1x User Manual (this document)
- Note: 2x 1.5V AAA batteries are not included and must be purchased separately.
4. Setup
4.1 Installing Batteries
- Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the meter.
- Slide or unclip the cover to open the compartment.
- Insert two (2) 1.5V AAA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
- Replace the battery compartment cover securely.

Figure 2: Side view of the meter, indicating the general location of the battery compartment.
4.2 Initial Power On
After installing batteries, press the HOLD/Power button to turn on the device. The backlit LCD display will illuminate, and the meter will perform a brief self-test before entering measurement mode.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Controls and Display

Figure 3: Detailed view of the meter's LCD display and control buttons.
- HOLD/Power Button: Press briefly to turn on/off the device. Press during measurement to freeze the current reading (Data Hold).
- MODE Button: Press to cycle through different measurement modes (Wood, Paper, Wall).
- MAX/MIN Button: Press to display the maximum or minimum recorded moisture value during a measurement session.
- LCD Display: Shows moisture percentage, selected material mode, battery status, data hold indicator, and MAX/MIN indicators.
- Indicator Lights: Green (low moisture), Yellow (medium moisture), Red (high moisture) provide quick visual feedback.
5.2 Selecting Measurement Mode
Press the MODE button repeatedly to select the appropriate material type for your measurement. The selected mode (WOOD, PAPER, or WALL) will be displayed on the LCD screen.
- WOOD Mode: For measuring moisture content in various types of wood. The meter supports different wood groups (1, 2, 3, 4) which can be selected by pressing the MODE button after selecting WOOD. Refer to the wood group chart in the specifications for details.
- PAPER Mode: For measuring moisture content in paper products.
- WALL Mode: For measuring moisture content in wall materials like drywall, plaster, etc.
5.3 Taking a Measurement
- Turn on the meter by pressing the HOLD/Power button.
- Select the correct material mode (WOOD, PAPER, or WALL) using the MODE button. If in WOOD mode, ensure the correct wood group is selected.
- Carefully press the two measurement pins into the surface of the material you wish to test. Ensure both pins fully penetrate the surface for an accurate reading.
- The moisture content percentage will be displayed on the LCD screen.
- Observe the indicator lights:
- Green Light: Low moisture content.
- Yellow Light: Medium moisture content.
- Red Light: High moisture content.
- Remove the pins from the material.
5.4 Data Hold Function
While a measurement is displayed, press the HOLD/Power button briefly to activate the Data Hold function. The reading on the display will freeze, indicated by a "HOLD" icon. Press the button again to release the hold and resume live measurement.
5.5 MAX/MIN Measurement
During a continuous measurement session, press the MAX/MIN button to view the maximum or minimum moisture value recorded since the meter was turned on or the MAX/MIN function was reset. Press repeatedly to cycle between MAX, MIN, and current reading.
5.6 Auto-Off Feature
To conserve battery life, the PM6811A will automatically power off after approximately 5 minutes of inactivity. To turn the meter back on, press the HOLD/Power button.
6. Maintenance
6.1 Cleaning
Wipe the meter's casing with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners, solvents, or abrasive materials, as these can damage the device or its display.
6.2 Battery Replacement
When the battery low indicator appears on the LCD, replace the batteries promptly to ensure accurate readings. Refer to Section 4.1 for battery installation instructions. Always use fresh 1.5V AAA batteries.
6.3 Storage
Store the meter in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If storing for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent leakage.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Meter does not turn on. | Dead or incorrectly installed batteries. | Check battery polarity. Replace with new 1.5V AAA batteries. |
| Inaccurate readings. | Incorrect measurement mode selected. Pins not fully inserted. Material outside measurement range. | Ensure correct mode (WOOD, PAPER, WALL) is selected. Press pins firmly into the material. Verify material is within the meter's specified measurement range. |
| Display is dim or flickering. | Low battery power. | Replace batteries. |
| Meter turns off unexpectedly. | Auto-off feature activated. Low battery power. | This is normal after 5 minutes of inactivity. Press power button to restart. Replace batteries if low battery indicator is present. |
8. Specifications
| Model: | PM6811A |
| Material: | ABS |
| Measurement Range: | Wood, Paper, Wall (specific ranges not provided, refer to display for limits) |
| Accuracy: | ±1.0% |
| Resolution: | 0.1% |
| Power Supply: | 2 x 1.5V AAA Batteries (not included) |
| Battery Undervoltage Prompt: | Approx. 2.4V (LCD prompt) |
| Auto-Off: | After 5 minutes of inactivity |
| Working Temperature: | -10℃ to 60℃ (14℉ to 140℉) |
| Working Humidity: | <75%RH |
| Storage Temperature: | -20℃ to 80℃ (-4℉ to 176℉) |
| Storage Humidity: | <75%RH |
| Altitude: | Below 2000 meters |
| Pollution Level: | Level II |
| Dimensions: | 136mm × 54mm × 28mm (5.35 x 2.13 x 1.10 inches) |
| Weight: | Approx. 4.6 ounces (without batteries) |
Wood Group Chart (Example)
The PM6811A may include pre-calibrated settings for different wood groups. Please refer to the specific wood group chart provided with your meter for accurate selection. An example of wood groups might be:
- Group 1: Teak, Walnut, Afrormosia, Rubber Tree, Imbuia, Kokrodua, Niove Bidinkala, Cork
- Group 2: White Poplar, Keruing, Beech, Cedar, Tola, Larch, Birch, Fir, Oak, Cherry, Hemlock, Elm, Aspen, Spruce, Maple, Padauk, Ash, Douglas Fir, Meranti
- Group 3: Lauan, Ash, Elm, Alpine Fir, Maple, Padauk, Oak, Cherry
- Group 4: Pine, Larch, Birch, Fir, Oak, Cherry, Hemlock, Elm, Aspen, Spruce, Maple, Padauk, Ash, Douglas Fir, Meranti
Note: The exact wood groups and their corresponding settings may vary. Always use the chart specific to your device for optimal accuracy.
9. Warranty and Support
HanOaki products are designed for reliability and performance. For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the contact details provided at the point of purchase or visit the official HanOaki website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.
If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding the operation of your PM6811A Wood Moisture Meter, please contact our customer support team for assistance.