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The VersaTec meter and its hammer probe accessory use an advanced microprocessor technology from Lignomat. Designed for maximum versatility, the meter offers three modes: pin, scan (pinless) with selectable measuring depths and relative humidity (RH) for measuring both temperature and RH.
It comes with built-in calibrations for different wood species, bamboo, sheetrock and a reference scale for concrete and other building materials. The calibration is internally checked before each reading for pin and pinless mode and automatically adjusted as needed.
During testing, we experienced multiple problems with fluctuating readings, with the hammer probe’s cables not always working, and the pins either bending or breaking.
Given the problems, the hammer probe accessory for the VersaTec may not be worth buying.
Pros
- Versatile with 3 modes of operation.
- Built-in calibration for different species and building materials.
- Reasonable accuracy, but not for all species of wood.
- Hammer probe can measure at various depths using different pins.
Cons
- The hammer probe cables broke and worked only intermittently.
- The hammer probe pins had to be replaced often because they either broke or bent.
- Surface moisture affected readings.
Lignomat VersaTec Moisture Meter
The Lignomat VersaTec uses an advanced microprocessor technology from Lignomat. Learn how it handled our testing.
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.8 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 4.6 out of 5.0
This meter’s hammer probe provides generally accurate moisture content (MC) readings when compared to ASTM D-4442 oven dry measurements, but not for all species. Our test results for red oak were off target for 9% MC and above, with increasing inaccuracy as MC increased.
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 reading. Readings increased by 12.3% from 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 – 4.7 out of 5.0
Meter temperature had a small effect on this hammer probe’s readings.
A low meter temperature of 34.8° F in the presence of low MC showed a drop of 1.5% in the reading when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased only 0.5%.
A high meter temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC saw the reading drop 1% when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading dropped 0.2%.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 4.0 out of 5.0
Wood temperature had some effect on this meter’s hammer probe readings.
A low wood temperature of 33.6° F in the presence of low MC dropped only 0.6% from the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading dropped 2.8%.
A high wood temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC increased 1% from the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased by 0.9%.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 3.0 out of 5.0
Readings taken with this meter’s hammer probe were somewhat lacking in repeatability during the testing.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift – 2.0 out of 5.0
Readings taken with this meter’s hammer probe showed significant drift after 3 seconds. This is inadequate for one who needs more than 3 seconds to observe the reading and may easily lead to taking an inaccurate reading.
Cable Interference – 4.0 out of 5.0
Cable interference caused this hammer probe to show a small change in the readings. The reading initially jumped to a very high number before unexpectedly dropping back to where it should have been. This could cause someone inexperienced with this hammer probe to record the wrong reading when it read high.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.7 out of 5.0
Learn about our subjective testing procedures
Ease of Use – 3.8 out of 5.0
This meter is simple to operate with very little use of the manual needed to get started. Documentation in the manual is exceptional and is clear and easy to understand.
Quality – 4.3 out of 5.0
Solid and durable, this meter is unlikely to malfunction or break with normal use. However, the same cannot be said of the meter’s accessories. The hammer probe’s cables worked only intermittently during our testing. The pins had to be replaced often because they either bent or broke. Additionally, the hammer probe’s readings fluctuated when the pins were inserted into the wood, providing a very high number, at first, then dropping to a more appropriate reading.
Comfort – 3.5 out of 5.0
The meter itself is compact, fits comfortably in a shirt pocket, and comes with a soft case that can attach to a belt. Large, easy-to-read display.
Versatility – 4.0 out of 5.0
This meter offers three modes: pin, scan or pinless, and relative humidity. It also features built-in species adjustment settings and can be used with wood and non-wood materials, including drywall and concrete.
Range – 2.3 out of 5.0
Manual states the range is 5% to 99.9% for the pin mode. The stated range for the scan or pinless mode is 5% to 60%, but for some species, after adjusting for specific gravity, readings only go down to 6.8%.
Features – 2.8 out of 5.0
Readings precise to the nearest 0.1%. Low battery indicator. Includes a HOLD function, which makes this meter suitable for use in tight spaces where the display cannot always be viewed. Calibration is internally checked before each reading for pin and pinless mode and automatically adjusted as needed. Lignomat also sells an NIST-certified device to check calibration. Measuring depth is up to 2 inches with the E12 hammer electrode accessory, and up to 7 inches with the E16 specialty electrode for concrete.
Customer Service – 5.0 out of 5.0
All Lignomat meters come with a 2-year warranty, and accessories have a 1-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 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.