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Thursday, February 22, 2018

The Case For Wireless Moisture Meter



Is wireless technology really that important for moisture meters? I am a big proponent of wireless technology for most measurement instruments. But with a moisture meter, I have a hard time coming up with situations wherein wireless capability would be very useful.


Let us look at the two most common uses for moisture meters. The first one is taking moisture content readings of wood. The second one is measuring the moisture content of concrete. Both are very important tasks in construction. Wet wood can twist, shrink or split as it dries. Moisture from concrete can bleed into other building materials, such as wood flooring, coatings, or structural support, compromising their integrity. It is important for wood and concrete to be sufficiently dry before being used or proceeding with the building process. In both examples, I find it hard to see how a wireless moisture meter would benefit the worker. There is no danger involved that can be alleviated by remote measurements. It also doesn't make the work any faster. It is hard to justify spending more for a wireless moisture meter.


However, for research and surveys, a wireless moisture meter could be useful. In agriculture, soil moisture plays a big role in determining the plant species that are suitable for planting. A survey must be conducted to see how moisture levels change throughout a certain period. In this case, a wireless moisture meter can be very useful. A wireless probe is driven underground and it will periodically send readings to the main unit aboveground. The surveyors will not have to dig every time he or she needs to take a reading.


Wireless technology has limited uses for moisture meters. When buying a moisture meter, it is important to carefully consider the type of application to avoid spending for a feature that offers no real benefit.


Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Testing For Moisture



Moisture is a crucial factor in manufacturing and construction. Lots of porous materials are sensitive to moisture. Moisture can cause materials to degrade or change its physical properties. Wood and paper are good examples. Wood becomes heavy, weaken, and twist from moisture changes. Wet paper loses its structural strength. Materials have to be tested for moisture content before use.


A moisture meter is a measurement instrument used for measuring the moisture content of a substance. There are many types of moisture meters for varying applications and substances.


There are two main types of a moisture meter. The first type is the pin-style moisture meters. With these instruments, two pins are inserted into the substrate. The pins are connected to electrodes and electric current flows from one pin to the other. Electrical resistance is measured and used as the basis for determining moisture content. Presence of moisture allows electricity to flow more easily. Dry wood is resistant to electrical flow. The pins can be inserted to different depths for variable reading depths. The insertion of the two pins requires puncturing the surface of the substrate. This creates blemishes on the surface that have to be fixed afterward.


The second type of moisture meters are the pinless types. These use sensor pads work in contact with the wood. Sensor pads emit electromagnetic signals for measuring moisture content. These provide quick and accurate measurements. It eliminates of driving pins into the substrate preserves the quality of the surface. It is possible to maintain a blemish-free surface. This type of moisture meters can be used for a wider array of materials. However, they require calibration depending on the type of material and uneven surfaces can distort results.


Regardless of which type of moisture meter is used, the most important thing for getting accurate and valuable results is knowing how to use them.


Monday, February 19, 2018

Wireless Pressure Gauge



There are many pressure gauges on the market to choose from. And there are various features and specifications to consider. One of which is wireless technology.


It is reasonable to be cautious when shopping for whatever item. This is to make sure that whatever you are buying, you will be using or benefiting from. Paying more for some feature you do not need or use is a wasteful use of money. In this regard, it is important to ask what a wireless pressure gauge offers. The answer is, quite a bit.


It can speed up completion of projects or tasks. Taking interval readings with a wireless pressure gauge is faster. You can leave the sensor in position and take readings at intervals without having to go near the position every time. This saves time, especially when the location for taking readings is difficult to reach. It also makes tasks dangerous since you could take the readings from far away.


Because you only need to carry the sensor unit and set it up only once, it makes work less physical. Some jobs or projects that require two people can be accomplished by one person. Jobs become less tiring which will allow you to focus, helping with both safety and quality of work.


Wireless technology allows you to connect your main unit to other devices. You can transfer your readings to the computer and other devices for sorting out, analysis and reporting.


It is downright impossible to argue against the benefits of wireless technology for pressure gauges.


Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Multi-use Pressure Gauge



The pressure gauge is a very handy personal and professional tool. This measurement instrument measures pressure. The most common is the tire pressure gauge. Apparent in its name, it is used for inflating vehicle tires. To make sure that the tire has the right amount of air for optimum performance. Tire pressure gauges are single-use instruments. Single-use means they have a singular function. In the case of a tire pressure gauge, to take pressure readings from the tire.


A multi-use pressure gauge can be used for various applications. A multi-use pressure gauge has replaceable sensor units and blocks. There are sensor units for barometric and absolute pressure. There are sensor blocks for air and water. There are sensor units and blocks designed to measure wind velocity. There are also add-ons that enable the pressure gauge to handle specific tasks.


In terms of personal use, you can use the multi-use pressure gauge for measuring tire pressure of your vehicle prior to a trip or use it to troubleshoot the ventilation system. You can also use it to inspect the plumbing, making sure that the plumbing system has no abnormal pressure differences. Multi-use pressure gauge is a very nice tool to have.


For professionals, the pressure gauge is a need.  Multi-use pressure gauges eliminate the need a set of different types of instruments. Professional multi-use pressure gauges have wireless connectivity that allows transmission of data to a computer and other external computing devices.


Prices of multi-use pressure gauges vary depending on functions and features. An instrument intended for personal use makes sense to be cheaper than professional grade instruments.


Sound Meter For Professionals




Sound meters are instruments used to measure sound. These instruments are used for various applications. A sound meter can be used for troubleshooting machines and other mechanical equipment. Abnormal noise is a common sign of mechanical problem. Sound meter makes it easier to pinpoint the source of the problem and the cause of the noise. The sound meter is also to test if soundproofing measures are sufficient to regulate noises inside a building. Another use is the tuning of engine, wherein performance must be balanced with exhaust sound to make sure the vehicle passes noise regulations.


Professionals looking to procure a sound meter must be careful in selecting a product. A sound meter must provide accurate and precise measurements. Professional reputation and growth are largely dependent on the quality of work. And quality results greatly depend on accuracy and precision of the instruments.


Carrying a sound meter all day is no easy task. That is why a sound meter for a professional must be easy to carry. It helps keep fatigue down and helps with avoiding dropping the instrument and damaging or losing it.


Given how sound management is used for various applications, it is important to have a sound meter that can be used for various functions. Sound meter must be reliable and durable so that it can work when needed and even in adverse conditions.


Practical data management is important for professionals. Easy access, organization, and reporting of said data helps speed up completion of the project.


Lastly, the sound meter must be reasonably priced. As good as a sound meter maybe, there is no use for it if one cannot afford it. Professional-grade sound meters don't necessarily have to be expensive. In Sweden, Nordtec is a company that offers a wide range of sound meters with different specifications and prices to suit the needs of any professional.


Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Passing The Transport Agency Inspection With Aftermarket Exhaust








Aftermarket exhaust, improve performance, aesthetics and give vehicles, from cars to motorbikes, sportier sounds.


Some aftermarket exhaust removes the part of the stock exhaust with the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter helps reduce the number of carbon emissions. It makes vehicle comply with emission standards. Its absence is sure to make the vehicle fail the emission test.


The installation of aftermarket exhaust usually comes with remapping of the engine control unit or ECU. The ECU controls the fueling of the vehicle among other things. A stock ECU is designed for fuel economy. It can be tuned for performance and match it up with the aftermarket performance. The tradeoff is that the vehicle becomes less fuel efficient and produces more carbon.


Then there is the issue of sound. Vehicle noise is regulated to protect the wellbeing of people. The vehicle has to undergo a test using a sound meter during the inspection. You can already see the problem here.  The added performance from the aftermarket exhaust normally comes with additional noise. The added noise can cause the vehicle to fail the sound test.


If the aftermarket exhaust eliminated the catalytic converter, it would be very hard to pass the emissions test.  The best course of action is to reinstall the stock exhaust system or the link that contains the converter. Then you need to restore the ECU mapping to stock. With the sounds test, some exhaust can be installed with a baffle to lower the decibels.  If that is not possible, you will have to reinstall the original can. The amount of work and time to do all these are actually not that much.

Restoring the ECU map is fast and easy. You just need the harnesses and software on your computer. Anyone who is into performance driving has all these. Reinstalling the catalytic converter and adding a baffle won't take more than an hour for anyone who has done it before.


Aftermarket exhaust is great for many reasons. But passing the transport agency inspection is going to require a bit of work. Still, that is a sacrifice many are more than willing to take to make driving a fun and stimulating experience.