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The Lignomat Mini DX/C moisture meter comes with the option of using a hammer probe accessory for obtaining deeper measurements within the wood sample. However, we found the hammer probe’s pins to be of poor quality. A large number of them broke during testing and had to be replaced.
The cable for the hammer probe plugs into the top of the meter, but because the cable lacks a locking mechanism, there is a high likelihood that it will fall out during use. Measurements also tend to be significantly affected by surface moisture and cable interference.
Given its shortcomings, we do not recommend the hammer probe accessory for purchase.
Pros
- Easy to operate with only one button to push.
- Features species adjustment settings for up to 40 wood groups.
- Internally checks calibration.
- Easy-to-read red LED display.
Cons
- Hammer probe cable does not lock into the meter.
- Surface moisture and cable interference significantly affect readings.
- Supplied pins break easily.
- The decrease in accuracy above 17% moisture content.
Lignomat Mini DX/C Moisture Meter
A pin moisture meter with two sets of pins. Learn how it performed before you buy.
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.7 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 3.9 out of 5.0
The Mini DX/C Hammer Probe showed fairly good accuracy from 7% to 17% when compared to ASTM D-4442 oven dry standards. However, at higher moisture content levels, the readings were somewhat less accurate.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0
Surface moisture had a significant effect on this meter’s hammer probe readings. These results indicate that operating this meter in high humidity environments where condensation may form on the surface could lead to questionable readings.
Learn about our surface moisture test procedures
Meter Temperature – 4.3 out of 5.0
Meter temperature had some effect on this hammer probe’s readings.
A low meter temperature of 34.8° F in the presence of low MC increased the reading by 1% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading showed no change.
A high meter temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC decreased the reading by 1.7% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased by 1%.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 4.0 out of 5.0
Wood temperature had an effect on this hammer probe’s readings.
A low wood temperature of 33.6° F in the presence of low MC increased the reading by 1.5% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased by 0.8%.
A high wood temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC decreased the reading 1% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased 0.7%.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 5.0 out of 5.0
This hammer probe’s readings were consistently repeatable.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift – 5.0 out of 5.0
This hammer probe showed no drift after 3 seconds.
Cable Interference – 1.0 out of 5.0
Cable interference significantly affected this hammer probe’s readings.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.6 out of 5.0
Ease of Use – 2.5 out of 5.0
With only one button to push, this meter is easy to operate and requires very little use of the manual to get started. Battery installation requires the use of a screwdriver and taking apart the entire meter casing, which is not very convenient.
Quality – 4.3 out of 5.0
Sturdy and durable meter casing. Hammer probe comes with a hard case. The meter itself appears unlikely to break or malfunction with normal use. However, the hammer probe’s pins broke many times during testing. In addition, the cable for the hammer probe cannot be locked into the meter and is likely to fall out during use.
Comfort – 3.5 out of 5.0
The hammer probe was comfortable to use. The meter itself is compact and fits comfortably in a jacket or shirt pocket. Large, bright, easy-to-read LED display.
Versatility – 2.0 out of 5.0
This is a single-mode meter (pin), which is typical. Either the hammer probe or electrode probe accessory is required to take measurements deeper in the wood sample or other building material. The meter has 40 possible settings for making species adjustments using a chart for domestic and tropical wood species, including bamboo. It also has a 0-99 reference scale for comparative readings in non-wood building materials such as drywall and plaster.
Range – 5.0 out of 5.0
According to the manual, this meter’s range is from 5% to 55%, but the actual range depends upon the wood group setting that is selected. The accuracy of readings above 28% should be questioned.
Features – 2.5 out of 5.0
Readings precise to the nearest 0.1%. No low battery indicator or HOLD function. A display indicates when the moisture content is outside the range that the meter is capable of reading. Calibration is internally checked and automatically adjusted as needed.
Customer Service – 5.0 out of 5.0
All Lignomat meters come with a 2-year warranty and a 1-year warranty for accessories. Repairs also come with a 2-year warranty, which is a plus when compared to what other manufacturers typically offer. Lignomat has its own service center for repairs, with 4-6 business day turnaround time. We received fast responses to both email and telephone inquiries. Manual available online.
Our review is based on Moisture Meter Experts independent evaluation of the meter, which was purchased by Moisture Meter Experts or provided free of charge by the manufacturer. By purchasing this meter through the links above, Moisture Meter Experts may be compensated either by your purchase directly from Moisture Meter Experts or from commissions from an affiliate. View our Review Procedures section to learn more about our proprietary evaluation procedure and expertise in the field of moisture meters.