Lignomat Scanner S/D Moisture Meter Review

Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.9 out of 5.0

Accuracy – 4.3 out of 5.0

MC readings taken with this meter are generally accurate when compared to ASTM D-4442 oven dry standards. Above 18% MC, accuracy decreased appreciably.

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Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0

Surface moisture caused the reading taken with the meter to increase by 6.3% MC. These surface moisture results indicate that operating this meter in high humidity, or where condensation may form on the surface, could lead to inaccurate readings.

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Meter Temperature – 5.0 out of 5.0

Meter temperature had an effect on this meter’s MC readings, particularly when the MC of the wood was high. A low meter temperature of 34.8° F in the presence of low MC caused a slight decrease of 0.1% in the reading when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased 0.6%. A high meter temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC increased the reading only 0.4% when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased by 1.6%.

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Wood Temperature – 3.0 out of 5.0

Wood temperature had an appreciable effect on MC readings when the MC of the wood was high. A low wood temperature of 33.6° F in the presence of low MC showed a slight decrease of 0.3% in the reading when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased 3.5%. A high wood temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC showed a slight increase of 0.2% in the reading when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased 5.4%.

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Reading Repeatability – 5.0 out of 5.0

The Scanner S/D meter provided consistent, repeatable MC readings throughout testing.

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Drift – 5.0 out of 5.0

This meter’s MC reading did not drift after 3 seconds.

Cable Interference – N/A

Because this meter is pinless, the cable interference test could not be conducted.

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Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 4.0 out of 5.0

Ease of Use – 3.8 out of 5.0

This meter is fast and simple to operate with very little use of the manual needed to get started. Documentation in the manual is clear and easy to understand.

Quality – 4.3 out of 5.0

Solid and durable, this meter appears unlikely to malfunction or break with normal use.

Comfort – 4.0 out of 5.0

This meter is lightweight, compact, and fits comfortably in a shirt pocket. Comes with a soft case that can attach to a belt.

Versatility – 3.0 out of 5.0

This is a single-mode meter (pinless), which is typical. Features include a built-in species adjustment once specific gravity is entered, and two possible measuring depths (1/4 inch and 3/4 inch) that allow readings close to the surface and toward the core of thicker boards. The S/D can be used on wood, composites, laminates, sheetrock, and other building materials.

Range – 5.0 out of 5.0

Manual states the MC range for wood is 5% to 60%. When using the meter’s species adjustment settings, the meter provides readings down to only 6.8% in some cases.

Features – 2.8 out of 5.0

Readings precise to the nearest 0.1%. Low battery indicator. Offers a HOLD function to “freeze” readings until they can be viewed, which is very useful when working in tight spaces. Lignomat sells a NIST-certified device to check calibration.

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.