The Lignomat Scanner D is a pinless, capacitance-type meter capable of reading moisture in wood, bamboo, and other building materials without leaving marks or damaging the material.
Its ability to obtain readings at ¾ inch depth makes it suited for cabinet makers and floor installers. The meter is programmable for 71 species of wood and also includes several settings for bamboo. Although the manufacturer claims a measuring range of 5% to 60%, the very low end of this range is not possible for some species of wood, after adjusting for specific gravity.
Despite some limitations in accuracy above 20% moisture content (MC), this meter’s overall accuracy makes it worth buying.
Pros
- Accurate when obtaining MC readings in the 5% to 15% range
- Useful features: built-in species correction and HOLD function
- Designed for measurements with wood, bamboo, and other building materials
- 2-year warranty, including on repairs
Cons
- Less accurate at higher MC levels (above 20%)
- Surface moisture significantly affects the accuracy of the readings
- Low/high wood temperatures affect readings when MC is high
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 4.4 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 4.4 out of 5.0
Readings with this meter were fairly accurate from 5% to 15% MC compared to ASTM D-4442 oven dry measurements. Accuracy, however, declined for readings above 15% MC, especially from 20% to 30% MC.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0
Surface moisture caused this meter’s reading to increase by 8.4% above the baseline. These surface moisture 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 – 5.0 out of 5.0
Meter temperature had a minimal effect on this meter’s readings.
A low meter temperature of 34.8° F in the presence of low MC increased the reading by only 0.3% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased by 0.5%.
A high meter temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC saw the reading increase by only 0.2% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased by 1.1%.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 3.0 out of 5.0
Wood temperature has an appreciable effect on this meter’s readings when the MC of the wood is high.
A low wood temperature of 33.6° F in the presence of low MC lowered the reading only 0.1% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased 3.6%.
A high wood temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC lowered the reading only 0.3% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased 5.3%.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 5.0 out of 5.0
This meter accurately repeated its readings.
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Drift – 5.0 out of 5.0
This meter’s readings drifted only 0.1% after 3 seconds.
Cable Interference – N/A
This is a pinless meter with no cable accessory; therefore, it could not be tested for cable interference.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 4.0 out of 5.0
Ease of Use – 3.8 out of 5.0
Meter is simple and fast to operate. Manual documentation is clear and easy to understand.
Quality – 4.3 out of 5.0
Manufactured in the USA. Appears to be high quality and is not likely to malfunction or break with normal use.
Comfort – 4.0 out of 5.0
It’s compact, easily fits in a shirt pocket, and is comfortable to hold.
Versatility – 3.0 out of 5.0
This is a single-mode meter (pinless), which is typical. Meter adjusts for species when specific gravity is entered. Easy-to-read display. Can be used on wood, bamboo, and many other building materials including concrete, drywall, and tile.
Range – 5.0 out of 5.0
Manual states the range for wood is 5% to 60%, although, at lower specific gravity settings, the meter is not able to read down to 5%. For example, for wood with a specific gravity of 0.30, the meter cannot read below 6.8%.
Features – 2.8 out of 5.0
Readings to the nearest 0.1%. Features a low battery indicator, a HOLD function for ease-of-operation, and measurement of moisture at ¾ inch (20 mm) deep.
Customer Service – 5.0 out of 5.0
All Lignomat meters come with a 2-year warranty. 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 a turnaround time of 4-6 business days. We received a fast response to both telephone and email 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.