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The Lignomat Mini DX/C is a pin moisture meter with two sets of pins. Unfortunately, the pins are too short for anything other than measuring moisture near the surface of the wood.
This meter comes equipped with built-in, automatic calibration and offers programmable species adjustments with up to 40 settings. It lacks some useful features such as a HOLD function or low battery indicator. The meter can measure moisture content (MC) from 5% to 65%.
However, our testing indicates that when moisture levels exceed 17%, the meter provides readings that are significantly lower than the actual moisture content.
Because of its accuracy issues and limitations, this meter is not recommended.
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
- Pins are too short for anything but surface measurements
- Accuracy decreases appreciably above 17% MC
- Surface moisture significantly affects readings
- Lacks HOLD function for taking readings in tight spaces
Lignomat Mini DX/C Hammer Probe
Before you buy, learn how it performed in our rigorous testing.
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.2 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 3.6 out of 5.0
This meter provides relatively good accuracy from 5% to 17% moisture content compared to ASTM D-4442 oven dry standards. The readings decreased in accuracy above 17%.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0
Surface moisture had an appreciable effect on this meters reading, increasing by 10% over the baseline. 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 – 3.0 out of 5.0
Meter temperature had an effect on this meter’s readings.
A low meter temperature of 34.8° F in the presence of low MC increased the reading by 3.5% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased by 1%.
A high meter temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC decreased the reading by 0.9% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased 1%.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 3.7 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 0.6% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased by 1.8%.
A high wood temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC decreased the reading 0.5% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased 2.3%.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 5.0 out of 5.0
This meter provided consistent, repeatable readings throughout tests.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift – 3.0 out of 5.0
This meter showed some drift after 3 seconds.
Cable Interference – N/A
The cable interference test is not applicable to this meter except when cabled accessories are being used. Please refer to the review of the Lignomax X/C hammer probe for test results.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.7 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. This meter itself appears unlikely to break or malfunction with normal use.
Comfort – 4.0 out of 5.0
Compact size, 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. With its short pins, this meter is limited to taking readings near the surface of the wood sample. Use of the optional hammer probe or electrode probe accessory is required to take deeper measurements. 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 65%, but the actual range depends on the wood group setting that is selected.
Features – 2.5 out of 5.0
Readings precise to the nearest 0.1%. No low battery indicator or HOLD function. Comes with two pairs of pins: 3/16 inch (5 mm) and 7/16 inch (10 mm).The 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.