Moisture Content Map of USA

Posted by on March 18, 2013 No comments

As guitarists we have learned, New England can be rough on our instruments. 
This map shows the lowest and highest average humidity for each region of the US.
The greatest variation is in New Hampshire. There are other areas with a wide variation
in humidity.

Guitars shrink in the dry winters and expand in the humid summers.
Being made of wood a bit of movement is normal but extremes can cause warping and cracking.

So, humidify your instrument in the winter and don’t let it get overly moist in the summer. 

A good rule of thumb is in-the-case in the winter and out-of-the-case in the summer.

EMC: Wood Moisture Content in Context

Posted by on March 18, 2013 No comments

Wood needs time to settle once it is installed, because all wood must adapt to its end-use environment. In moisture content (MC) terms, wood’s natural moisture levels need to reach equilibrium with its external surroundings before construction or installation begins. Unequilibrated MC in the wood product can give rise to continuous MC instability and ongoing moisture-related problems if that initial moisture balance was never achieved.

Equilibrium Moisture Content

Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) occurs when the MC inside wood reaches a balance with the relative humidity (RH) and temperature of the wood’s surrounding environment. This balance is crucial, because wood continues to absorb and release moisture as the RH changes over time. On a humid, muggy day, wood can absorb moisture; on a dusty, dry day, wood can release moisture. For millennia, wood and its environment have interacted. So it continues to be. It’s as if nature and wood interact to keep moisture balanced in our world.

Wood strength and performance can be compromised by any MC imbalance, resulting in excess moisture. This is why lumber producers invest so much money in their kiln drying equipment and processes: to ensure quality control by drying the lumber to a specified target MC to ensure that the wood’s EMC is reached prior to shipping.

Builders and homeowners need to pay the same respect for wood’s need to acclimate to its surroundings upon delivery to its permanent home. Such respect is too often neglected in the rush of a busy schedule.

Sinometer DT830B Digital Multimeter Review

Posted by on February 4, 2013 No comments

Review summary: The Sinometer DT830B is an incredibly popular digital multimeter, not least for its highly affordable price tag and versatile feature set, which covers many of the general requirements that DIY’ers and hobbyists may have. It is not a professional product but serves well as a basic and reasonably accurate multimeter for home and auto use. It measures a mere 5.0 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches, weighs little and comes with 20-range DMM and built-in battery tester.

For those purchasing this device primarily to test batteries, it should be noted that some users have had issues in this regard–particularly when measuring rechargeable NiMh batteries. It is actually specified for 1.5V and 9V batteries, which implies that lower-voltage rechargeable batteries may pose a problem.

The instruction manual included with the unit is somewhat lacking in scope, so the user is assumed to have a decent grasp on how to use the product.

It takes a little longer to get a stable reading with the Sinometer DT830B as opposed to e.g. a Fluke multimeter, but the readings seem to be surprisingly accurate considering the very low price.

Since this multimeter costs a mere fraction of a professional-grade product, it has to be said that it delivers great value for money. For the user who just needs a multimeter occasionally, the Sinometer DT830B is a good device. It is easy to carry around or stuff in the tool box and is fairly accurate as well as durable in spite of its low weight.

Features
20-range AC/DC V and DCA multimeter
1.5V and 9V battery tester
Ultra compact design
Diode check and transistor tester
90-day manufacturer’s warranty

Sinometer M300 Review: Pocket Multimeter

Posted by on January 31, 2013 No comments

We haven’t had our hands on the Sinometer M300 yet, but here is a brief product description. The Sinometer M300 is a very small basic multimeter 13 ranges. It is somewhat limited in scope but is nevertheless a practical device that you can keep in your shirt pocket wherever you go. For its size, it is quite a competent little machine. It measures DC current up to 200 mA and AC/DC voltage up to 500 volts. It can also measure resistance and continuity. Test leads are included, or in fact pre-installed (3V X 2 SR44).

 

Another pleasant aspect with the M300 is its exceptionally low price tag. The list price is low – $14.95 – but it is currently selling for almost half: $7.99. On the whole it looks like a very good deal on a pocket-sized digital multimeter for hobbyists and DIY’ers. It is certainly easy to travel with. The user reviews on Amazon are unanimously praising the device, giving it a 5 out of 5 average score for usability and low cost.

Features

  • AC/DC 500V DC 200mA 0-2Mohm Diode Continuity
  • Low power consumption
  • All ranged fused
  • Overload indication
  • 1 Year Warranty

Sinometer DT9205 Digital Multimeter Review

Posted by on January 27, 2013 No comments

The DT9205 from Sinometer is a 32-range digital multimeter with all the basic functionality and a robust build. It measures voltage (AC/DC), resistance and current and comes with diode check and transistor test.

There are no editorial reviews available for this multimeter, and user reviews are quite varied but generally positive. The average rating on Amazon.com, for example, is 3.5 stars out of five. Many users point out that the DT 9205 offers excellent value for money, while others remark that it is feels fairly cheap or along the lines of “you get what you pay for”.

Considering the exceptionally low price tag at the moment (less than $25) it still has to be said that the ratings are well above average from what you’d expect from such an affordable multimeter.One user says that the Sinometer DT9205 has an excellent build quality with a comfortable rubber grip and does what it’s supposed to. On the downside, several reviewers remark that the battery drains even when the multimeter is not in use (it ships with a 9V battery).

Because of its lower-than-average price tag it lacks some of the features that are included with more expensive multimeters, such as autoranging and it is not a True-RMS meter. It is therefore primarily targeted at hobbyists and seems to fill this purpose relatively well.

Specifications:

DCV:20mV/20V/200/V/1,000V ±0.5%
ACV:20mV/20V/200V/700V ±1.2%
DCA:20mA/200mA/20A/ ±1.4%
ACA:20mA/200mA/20A/±1.8%
Resistance:200/20K/200K/20M/200M /±1.2%
Capacitance:2nF/20nF/2uF/200uF/±4.0%
Continuity Test
Diode Test
Transistor check
Large LCD
Battery Test: 9V
It comes with battery and test leads
3 1/2 digits LCD with a max. reading of 1999,IEC-1010, CAT-II and pollution 2.
Low power consumption

HisTest.com Store (HisGadget Inc) is SinoMeter’s Authorized Reseller in the United States. We guarantee that your SinoMeter Digital MultiMeter will be 100% functional or we will issue you an immediate replacement. In addition, the SinoMeter Digital MultiMeter is covered by a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty which will be honored by us through our warehouse in Union City, CA.

Review For Dr.Meter SM206 Digital Solar Power Meter

Posted by on January 10, 2013 No comments

Dr.Meter SM206 Digital Solar Power Meter, a Handheld Digital Solar Power Meter (Model SM206), a precision instrument for measuring the Solar Radiation and other applications where solar energy is important. Measures directly without adjustment. Perfect for homeowners, technicians and engineers.

Description:

Handheld Digital Solar Power Meter (Model SM206), a precision instrument for measuring the Solar Radiation and other applications where solar energy is important. Measures directly without adjustment. Perfect for homeowners, technicians and engineers.

Specification:
Dr.Meter SM206 Digital Solar Power Meter & Solar Radiation Pyranometer

This solar meter is a precision instrument for measuring the solar radiation. It is used in solar radiation measurement, solar research, physical and optical experiments, metrology, and agriculture. It can also be used to measure glass light intensity to verify glass properties.

Model: SM206
Brand: Dr.Meter

Brief Specifications:
♦ Resolution: 0.1W/m², 0.1 Btu/（ft²-h）
♦ Error range: ± 10W/m² [±3 Btu/（ft²-h）] or ±5% of the measured value
Temperature error: ±0.38W/m² / ℃ [ ±0.12 Btu/（ft²-h）/℃] deviation at 25℃
♦ Display: 3-3/4LCD display, maximum displayed numerical value 3999
♦ Shift: <±3% /year
♦ Overload display “OL”
♦ Range: 0.1-399.9 W/m², 1-3999 W/m², 0.1-399.9 Btu/（ft²-h）, 1-3999 Btu/（ft²-h）
♦ Sampling time: 0.25s/time
♦ Operation temperature and humidity: 0°C to 50°C <80%RH
♦ Storage temperature and humidity: -10°C to 60°C <70%RH
♦ Dimensions and weight: 132（L） x 60（W） x 38 （H）mm
♦ Weight: approx. 150g
♦ Battery needed: 9V battery
♦ Battery operation life: Approx. 100 hours

Package Included:
1 x solar power meter
1 x case
1 x 9V battery
1 x English manual
Compatible Part Number:
Advantage:
Selectable from two units
Peak value retention function
Data retention function
Measures directly without adjustment
Steadily measure for a long period

Compatible Model:
Dr.Meter SM206 used in solar radiation measurement, solar research, physical and optical experiments, metrology, and agriculture. Perfect for homeowners, technicians and engineers.

Additional Information:
Find a Digital Solar Radiation Meter? Do you still can't find the exact Digital Pyranometer supplier? Discover things to know to about Digital Solar Power Meter. Choose Quality Digital Solar Power Meter from HisTest.com, a leading solar integration firm in California.

HisTest.com Releases Updated Version LX1010B LuxMeter

Posted by on December 25, 2012 No comments

The lx1010b digital light meter can only measure up to 5000 lux, while in our daily life or work, we may hope there is one digitla lux meter can measure up to more lux. Or there are many people looking for this kind of digital lux meter for a long time. To meet our customer’s needs, Today, HisTest.com releases the Updated Version LX1010B Digital Light Meter. Comparing with the original LX1010B, this updated edition can measure up to 100,000 lux, approximately 10,000 footcandles, that’s the range is bigger. Meanwhile from appearance this one is more cute. Let’s take a look at this updated version LX1010B digital light meter description:

Description:
Digital Light Meter LX1010B (Updated Edition) – Handheld Illuminance Meter Measuring Up To 100,000 Lux, High Accuracy and Rapid Response. Get The Right Light Measurement Tool for your application.

Specification:

Quality Digital Lux Meter LX1010B Illuminance Meter 100,000 Lux (Updated Edition)

The digital lux meter LX1010B can measure up to 100,000 lux, approximately 10,000 footcandles. It’s used for checking the level of luminance, luminance is a measure of the amount of light falling on a surface. It is defined as: ‘the density of the luminous flux incident on a surface’. It is the quotient of the luminous flux by the area of the surface when the latter is uniformly illuminated.. This convenient gadget is widely used in many areas such as construction, inspection, photography and etc.

MODEL: LX1010B

Features:
High Accuracy and rapid response
Auto Zeroing
Over-range indication
LCD Display
Data Hold
Low battery alert

Specifications:
Display: 3-1/2 digit 18mm LCD
Power: 9V battery
Ranges: 0 – 100,000 Lux
Accuracy: ±5%
Sampling rate: 0.4second

Operating temperature: 32-122 degrees F (0-50 degrees C)
Battery life: 200 hours (estimate)
Dimensions: 130×72×30mm

Package includes:
1 piece Lux meter LX1010B,
1 piece Carrying case,
1 piece 9V battery,
1 piece User manual.

Compatible Part Number:
Mastech LX1010B, SinoMeter LX1010B,

A light meter is a device used to measure the amount of light. In photography, a light meter is often used to determine the proper exposure for a photograph. Typically a light meter will include a computer, either digital or analog, which allows the photographer to determine which shutter speed and f-number should be selected for an optimum exposure, given a certain lighting situation and film speed.

Light meters are also used in the fields of cinematography and scenic design, in order to determine the optimum light level for a scene. They are used in the general field of lighting, where they can help to reduce the amount of waste light used in the home, light pollution outdoors, and plant growing to ensure proper light levels.

Additional Information:
This Digital Lux Meter will give you an opportunity to set up your habitat like you have never been able to do before. Warranty & Fast Shipping.

HisTest.com Offers Coupon Code For Coming Christmas

Posted by on December 3, 2012 No comments

With the coming of Christmas, all merchant launch many special offers to customers. As well, HisTest.com is offering coupon codes for those customers who are supporting our business all the time.

HisTest.com – USA professional reseller of hundreds of measurement tools, including DC Power Supplies, Digital Multimeters, Digital Light Meters,Sound Level Meters and Moisture Meters .

Here are several available coupons for you on HisTest.com on December. Please Check it and save your money to get your item.

Coupon Code: Dr.Meter DT2234C
Product: Dr.Meter DT2234C Digital Photo Tachometer 99,999 RPM Non-Contact Tach
Discount: 10% off
Date: December 1 – December 31
Availability: 150

Coupon Code: HTMS8222H
Product: Mastech MS8222H Digital MultiMeter 30-Range 12-Function LCR Meter
Discount: 10% off
Date: December 1 – December 31
Availability: 200

Coupon Code: HTMS8222H
Product: Sinometer MS8222H Digital MultiMeter 30-Range 12-Function LCR Meter
Discount: 10% off
Date: December 1 – December 31
Availability: 200

Coupon Code: HTMS6812
Product: Mastech MS6812 Cable Tracker Remote Line Tester (Sender & Receiver)
Discount: 10% off
Date: December 1 – December 31
Availability: 150

Coupon Code: HTMS6812
Product: Sinometer MS6812 Cable Tracker Remote Line Tester (Sender & Receiver)
Discount: 10% off
Date: December 1 – December 31
Availability: 150

Coupon Code: HTMS8269
Product: Mastech MS8269 Digital MultiMeter 31-Range LCR Meter 20H Inductance
Discount: 10% off
Date: December 1 – December 31
Availability: 200

Coupon Code: HTMS8269
Product: Sinometer MS8269 Digital MultiMeter 31-Range LCR Meter 20H Inductance
Discount: 10% off
Date: December 1 – December 31
Availability: 200

The coupon code must be presented before purchase if you have one. Please email us at service@histest.com for latest coupon when you find the above coupon is invalid.

Digital Multimeters and Safety Measures While Using Them

Posted by on November 13, 2012 No comments

Just like all other testing equipments, digital multimeters need to be maintained properly for getting accurate and precise results. Also, there are certain safety measures that are to be used while handling these products so that you can avoid unwarranted accidents at your work place or home.

It is always advisable to read the user manual properly before making use of digital multimeters, and this is especially applicable if you are using them for the first time. For ensuring ultimate safety, you should read the safety warnings page thoroughly to steer clear of accidents like fire, electrical shock, etc. It is always recommended that you should use these testing equipments on an appropriate power supply and voltage rating as has been mentioned in the instruction manual.

Also, make a note of all the ‘warning’ instruction and never ever try to go against them or you will have to face dire consequences. Again before you start operating digital multimeters, for any measurements it is imperative that they should be in good working condition. If you find any abnormality like broken test leads, or cracked cases etc. it is advisable not to use it. Any exposure of multimeters to extreme climatic conditions like sunlight, heat or moisture may make them dysfunctional or damage them irreparably.

Moreover, while measuring voltage with digital multimeters, you should never use them to measure voltages, that exceed their maximum allowable input value. Additionally, you should never touch exposed wiring, connections or any live circuit when attempting to take measurements using these multimeters.In fact, you should keep fingers behind the probe barriers while using digital multimeters.

These safety measures also apply to infrared thermometers and digital pressure gauge. So, keep them in mind whenever you are using any kind of gauging equipments. This would enable you to get accurate measurements and avoid any related accidents.

LX1330B Digital Light Meter Review

Posted by on November 1, 2012 1 comment

I received this LX1330B digital lux meter from histest.com store yesterday. I found this is a pretty nice light meter for the price. The fact is the meter works great, and is accurate, and can handle the full range up to 200,000Lux accurately. The way it displays the Lux/FC is odd because it only has a 4 digit numeric display. You have to re-scale the display for different ranges. To display things in the 1000′s or 100,000′s you have to hit a x10 or x100 button. So when it shows 2000 in the display when you have the x100 range activated, that means its 200,000 Lux. I was hoping to see the full number 200,000 on the screen, but like i said before, for the price i can live with it.

I’ve been trying to grow orchids by a west-facing window, then trying to guesstimate how much light my plants are getting, which is a real futile activity, which is why I bought this light meter. And good thing I did. I found that standard dual-paned glass eats about 70% of the light, and then light falls off more as a function of distance; even the screen blocks about 50% light — all facts I would have never figured out by eye alone.

I digress. This light meter works just as advertised in both Lux and FC; real easy to figure out. The only drawback, and it’s really only a minor quibble, is that it doesn’t remember the Lux/FC setting, and it can’t just change the range by itself (which should’ve been an easy implementation, I think).This makes it somewhat confusing if you’ve accidentally turned off the unit for whatever reason, and then turned it back on thinking that you’re measuring in FC, when in fact it has reverted to Lux. Not a big deal, but something to keep in mind.

The other thing that confused me at first is that the battery compartment is conveniently hidden behind the orange rubber casing that you must remove to see. The instructions were really useless in this regard. While this may be obvious for those who commonly use electrical tools, I didn’t quite get the memo.

Once those little issues were dealt with, this is simply a product that works, without being too expensive.

Not only I need this light meter for planting flowers,but also my wife need it to monitor the lighting in her nursery. He found it easy to use although the directions might be a bit improved. For instance, putting in the supplied battery it’s necessary to remove the rubber casing. The instructions said to slide off the battery cover in the direction of the arrow but there was no arrow and the cover wouldn’t securely fit unless the rubber case was on. It took a little practice to figure out the scales since pushing the range button wasn’t simply reflected on the LCD, especially on the lower ranges (afterwords it would show 10x,100x, etc.)It would have been nicer had it shown the actual amount on the readout within a particular range rather than having to multiply it by one of the factors.

I should emphasize that the above quibbles are very minor and that the meter performs it’s functions very well. The meter is well built and the rubber casing and sensor cover afford it excellent protection. Both the sensor and main unit are light weight and easy to grip. The readings I got were consistent time after time.I think that for the money it’s an excellent buy and superior to most others on the market in its price range or even some higher priced ones. I would recommend this meter for anyone who wants a reliable meter that covers a great range and is very affordable.