PCE-MMK 1 Multifunction Moisture Meter

1 Safety Notes

Please read this manual carefully and completely before using the device for the first time. The device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel. Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from liability and not covered by warranty.

• The device must only be used as described in this instruction manual. If used otherwise, this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
• The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, ...) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.
• Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
• The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
• Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
• You must not make any technical changes to the device.
• The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner, no abrasives or solvents.
• The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
• Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not use the device.
• Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
• The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under any circumstances.
• Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to the user.

PCE Instruments does not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual. General guarantee terms can be found in the general terms of business. For questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

2 Description

2.1 Purpose

The PCE-MMK 1 multifunction moisture meter is designed for mobile use. It measures moisture in building materials or wood, as well as air humidity and temperature. The display shows a humidity reference value in %, eliminating the need for conversion. The scope of delivery includes various insertion probes for wood, building materials, and paper/cardboard. A self-test function allows for checking correct operation. The device also features manual temperature compensation.

2.2 Technical Specifications

2.3 Device Overview

The device consists of the following parts:

• 1. Protective cap: A blue plastic cap covering the measuring electrodes.
• 2. Measuring electrodes: Two metal pins for insertion into the material.
• 3. Digital and analogue display: Screen showing numerical readings and a bar graph.
• 4. Setting key [SET]: Button for adjusting settings and navigating menus.
• 5. Delete key [CLR]: Button to clear settings or reset values.
• 6. Power / menu key [MODE]: Button to turn the device on/off and select menu options.
• 7. Function test points on the protective cap: Two contact points on the cap for self-testing.
• 8. Sensor for ambient temperature and relative humidity: Integrated sensor for environmental measurements.

2.4 Display Indications

The display shows various information:

• 1. Battery status indicator: Displays remaining battery power.
• 2. Menu indicators: Shows current settings like 'LIGHT' (backlight), 'TEMP' (temperature compensation), 'UNIT' (°C/°F).
• 3. Self test mode: Indicates when the device is in self-test mode.
• 4. MIN / MAX graph: Shows minimum and maximum measured values.
• 5. Dry / wet indicator: A scale indicating if the material is dry, moist, or wet.
• 6. Wood class: Displays the selected wood group (W1, W2, W3).
• 7. Building materials: Displays the selected building material group (B1, B2, B3, B4).
• 8. Moisture display (numerical): Shows the measured moisture content numerically.
• 9. Moisture display (graphic): Shows the measured moisture content as a bar graph.
• 10. Temperature display: Shows the measured temperature.

2.5 Delivery Contents

The package includes:

• 1 x PCE-MMK 1 multifunctional moisture meter
• 1 x Measuring cap for self-test
• 1 x Measuring cap for external electrodes
• 1 x Ram electrode, 1 x penetration electrode, 1 x paper electrode
• 2 x 30 mm measuring tips, 8 x 30 mm needles, 2 x 80 mm needles, 2 x 150 mm measuring tips
• 2 x 300 mm extension
• 2 x 10 mm needles (replacement for internal electrodes)
• 1 x User manual

3 Operation

3.1 Switching On/Off

To switch on the device, press the [MODE] key for 2 seconds. The display will show ambient temperature, a diagonal scale from 0 to 60 %, and the moisture value 0.0 %. A horizontal scale indicates DRY / MOIST / WET. The default material setting is WOOD W1. Press the [MODE] key again for 2 seconds to switch off the unit. The device switches off automatically after 3 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery power.

3.2 Device Settings

Press the "SET" and "CLR" keys simultaneously to open the settings menu. Use the "MODE" key to select menu items and the "SET" or "CLR" keys to change values.

Set Material Temperature Compensation

Material moisture depends on temperature. The instrument automatically compensates by measuring ambient temperature. Manual temperature input can increase accuracy. Use the [SET] key to increase and the [CLR] key to decrease the value. This value is not saved and must be re-entered each time the instrument is switched on.

Setting the Moist / Dry Indicator

Adapt the DRY/MOIST/WET scale to specific materials by setting dry and wet indicator values. This allows for quick assessment of material dryness. Use the [SET] key to increase and the [CLR] key to decrease values. Use the [MODE] key to switch between adjusting the 'Dry' and 'Wet' thresholds.

Setting the Display Backlight

The backlight options are AUTO (switches off after inactivity, on during measurement), ON (permanently on), and OFF (deactivated). Press the [SET] key to cycle through these options. This setting is not saved and reverts to AUTO when the unit is switched on again.

Setting the Temperature Unit

You can switch the temperature unit between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F). This setting is saved to the device and remains active after the meter is switched off and on again.

4 Self Test

To perform a self-test, go to TEST mode by pressing and releasing the [MODE] key. Place the electrodes at the contacts on the protective cap marked "T" and "B". Compare the display with the following expected results:

• Contacts marked with B: Display should show 'TEST' and '06' for correct operation, or 'TEST' and '00' for incorrect operation.
• Contacts marked with T: Display should show 'TEST' and '06' for correct operation, or 'TEST' and '00' for incorrect operation.

5 Measurements

5.1 Measurement of Ambient Temperature and Air Humidity

The moisture meter continuously measures ambient temperature and relative humidity. The ambient temperature is used for temperature compensation during material moisture measurement to increase accuracy. Press and hold the [SET] key for 2 seconds to toggle the display between ambient temperature and relative humidity.

5.2 Moisture Measurement

Before measuring, select the material group by briefly pressing the [MODE] key:

• WOOD: For measurements in wood, wood-based materials, and cardboard/paper (divided into 3 groups).
• BUILD: For building materials like plaster, aerated concrete, screed, and concrete (divided into 4 groups).
• TEST: To check the meter with the supplied protective cap.

Select the specific wood or building material group as described in sections 7.1 and 7.2. To measure moisture content, slowly and carefully prick the measuring electrodes into the material without applying excessive force. The puncture in wood should be vertical to the wood fibres. For moisture content below 20 %, penetration geometry is less critical. Always measure at several points for comparison or to calculate an average value.

For hard woods and building materials, ram electrodes are recommended, connected via the connection cable. The paper electrode connects similarly. For very hard materials where needle breakage is a risk, two nails can be driven into the material, and the electrodes applied to these.

6 Material Selection

6.1 Selection of Wood Group (W1, W2, W3)

The device has three groups (W1, W2, W3) for wood and wood-like materials. Change the group by briefly pressing the [SET] key. The following chart lists wood types by group:

6.2 Selection of Building Material Group (B1, B2, B3, B4)

The device has characteristic curves for four groups of building materials. Switch between these by briefly pressing the [SET] key:

• B1: Plaster
• B2: Aerated concrete
• B3E: Screed
• B4: Concrete

7 Indicators and Maintenance

7.1 Wet / Dry Indicator

Below the measured moisture value, the instrument displays a moisture evaluation on a scale. A marking point moves from left to right across the scale, which has 3 main ranges: DRY / MOIST, and WET, each with 5 divisions. This indicator is meaningful only if suitable minimum and maximum values are set for the material (see chapter 4.2). A starting value of 70 for minimum and 850 for maximum is recommended, adjustable upwards or downwards.

7.2 Battery Replacement

If the battery voltage is too low, an icon will appear on the display. Replace the batteries when the icon is visible. Remove the screw on the back of the device and replace the batteries, ensuring correct polarity.

7.3 Contact

For any questions, suggestions, or technical problems, please contact PCE Instruments. Relevant contact information is provided at the end of this manual.

7.4 Disposal

For battery disposal in the EU, Directive 2006/66/EC applies. Batteries must not be disposed of as household waste due to pollutants; they must be taken to designated collection points. In compliance with EU Directive 2012/19/EU, PCE Instruments takes back devices for reuse or recycling. For countries outside the EU, dispose of batteries and devices according to local waste regulations.

8 PCE Instruments Contact Information

PCE Instruments has offices worldwide to serve its customers:

• Germany: PCE Deutschland GmbH, Im Langel 4, D-59872 Meschede. Tel: +49 (0) 2903 976 99 0, Fax: +49 (0) 2903 976 99 29, info@pce-instruments.com, www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch
• United Kingdom: PCE Instruments UK Ltd, Unit 11 Southpoint Business Park, Ensign Way, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 4RF. Tel: +44 (0) 2380 98703 0, Fax: +44 (0) 2380 98703 9, info@pce-instruments.co.uk, www.pce-instruments.com/english
• The Netherlands: PCE Brookhuis B.V., Institutenweg 15, 7521 PH Enschede. Telefoon: +31 (0)53 737 01 92, info@pcebenelux.nl, www.pce-instruments.com/dutch
• United States of America: PCE Americas Inc., 711 Commerce Way suite 8, Jupiter / Palm Beach, 33458 FL. Tel: +1 (561) 320-9162, Fax: +1 (561) 320-9176, info@pce-americas.com, www.pce-instruments.com/us
• France: PCE Instruments France EURL, 23, rue de Strasbourg, 67250 Soultz-Sous-Forets. Téléphone: +33 (0) 972 3537 17, Fax: +33 (0) 972 3537 18, info@pce-france.fr, www.pce-instruments.com/french
• Italy: PCE Italia s.r.l., Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6, 55010 Loc. Gragnano, Capannori (Lucca). Telefono: +39 0583 975 114, Fax: +39 0583 974 824, info@pce-italia.it, www.pce-instruments.com/italiano
• China: PCE (Beijing) Technology Co., Limited, 1519 Room, 6 Building, Zhong Ang Times Plaza, No. 9 Mentougou Road, Tou Gou District, 102300 Beijing. Tel: +86 (10) 8893 9660, info@pce-instruments.cn, www.pce-instruments.cn
• Spain: PCE Ibérica S.L., Calle Mayor, 53, 02500 Tobarra (Albacete). Tel: +34 967 543 548, Fax: +34 967 543 542, info@pce-iberica.es, www.pce-instruments.com/espanol
• Turkey: PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti., Halkalı Merkez Mah., Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C, 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul. Tel: 0212 471 11 47, Faks: 0212 705 53 93, info@pce-cihazlari.com.tr, www.pce-instruments.com/turkish
• Hong Kong: PCE Instruments HK Ltd., Unit J, 21/F., COS Centre, 56 Tsun Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon. Tel: +852-301-84912, jyi@pce-instruments.com, www.pce-instruments.cn

Logos: CE certified, RoHS compliant, FCC compliant.