The Lignomat VersaTec uses an advanced microprocessor technology from Lignomat. Designed for maximum versatility, it comes with built-in adjustments for different wood species, bamboo, sheetrock and a reference scale for concrete and other building materials.It also offers three modes: pin mode, scan (pinless) mode with selectable measuring depths, and a relative humidity (RH) mode that measures temperature and RH. The calibration is internally checked before each reading for the pin and pinless modes and automatically adjusted as needed.
Despite some accuracy limitations when moisture content (MC) exceeds 15%, this meter is worth buying.
Pros
- Versatile with 3 modes of operation.
- Built-in adjustments for different wood species and other building materials.
- Reasonable accuracy, especially in the 5% to 15% range.
- Internal calibration check.
Cons
- After adjusting for specific gravity, readings for some species only go down to 6.8%.
- Surface moisture significantly affects readings.
- Cable for hammer probe accessory is not always reliable; pins are prone to breakage.
Lignomat VersaTec Hammer Probe
This meter offers three modes: pin mode, scan (pinless) mode with selectable measuring depths and relative humidity (RH) mode for measuring both temperature and RH. We also tested the hammer attachment.
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.7 out of 5
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Accuracy – 4.4 out of 5.0
This meter’s MC readings were reasonably accurate from 5% to 15% when compared to ASTM D-4442 oven dry measurements. Above 15%, readings were somewhat less accurate.
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Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0
Surface moisture caused this meter to post readings 7.4% higher than 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 meter’s MC readings.
A low meter temperature of 34.8° F in the presence of low MC showed an increase of 1.4% when compared with the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased by only 0.3%.
A high meter temperature of 110° F showed a slight increase of 0.3% in the reading when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased by 1.7%.
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Wood Temperature – 2.6 out of 5.0
Wood temperature affected this meter’s readings, especially at high wood temperature.
A low wood temperature of 33.6° F in the presence of low MC showed a 0.4% increase in the reading when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased 1%.
A high wood temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC showed a slight 0.9% increase in the reading when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased by 9.2%.
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Drift – 5.0 out of 5.0
This meter did not show drift after 3 seconds.
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Reading Repeatability – 5.0 out of 5.0
The meter demonstrated consistent, repeatable MC readings throughout the testing.
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Cable Interference – N/A
In the VersaTec’s pinless mode, reviewed here, the cable interference test could not be performed. Please refer to the separate hammer probe review for the VersaTec for the results of the cable interference test.
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Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 4.2 out of 5.0
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Ease of Use – 4.4 out of 5.0
This meter is simple to operate with only minimal 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, we experienced problems with using the hammer probe accessory.
Comfort – 4.0 out of 5.0
Compact size 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 mode, scan or pinless mode, and relative humidity mode. It also features built-in species adjustment settings and can be used with wood and non-wood materials, including drywall and concrete.
Range – 5.0 out of 5.0
Manual states the MC range for individual wood species 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 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 the pin and pinless modes and automatically adjusts if necessary.
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 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.