Condtrol moisture meters: manufacturer features, review of Hydro Tec, Test, Pro models, rules for measuring the moisture content of concrete, wood, building materials

In order to guarantee the quality and safety of their materials, moisture meters are crucial tools for professionals in both agriculture and construction. One of the top brands in this industry, Condtrol, provides accurate and dependable moisture meters for a range of applications. These tools are intended to measure the moisture content of various materials, including wood, soil, crops, and concrete.

Maintaining the proper moisture content in building materials like concrete is essential. While too little moisture can result in cracks and other problems, too much moisture can weaken the structure. Condtrol moisture meters give accurate readings, enabling builders to preserve the integrity of their projects and make wise decisions.

Condtrol moisture meters are a very useful tool for agricultural experts. Farmers can improve yield quality, optimize irrigation, and avoid problems like mold and rot by knowing the moisture content of the soil and crops. These tools are incredibly useful for anyone working in agriculture because they are simple to use and provide fast, precise results.

The moisture meters made by Condtrol are renowned for their dependability and intuitive design. By making sure that the moisture levels are just right, these tools can save time and resources, whether you are managing a farm or working on a construction site. Purchasing a high-quality moisture meter from Condtrol can have a big impact on your projects’ success.

Contents

What manufacturer is this?
About the brand
Model characteristics
Hydro Tec
Test
Pro
Rules of use
For concrete
Wood
Building materials
Air
The best model
Advantages and disadvantages
Video on the topic
CONDTROL HYDRO PRO moisture meter
CONDTROL Hydro-Tec moisture meter
Innovations in gardening. Hitech Review.
Non-contact moisture meter TESTO 616. Review and testing
Kd.i: How to measure the moisture content of a board, moisture meters. ch. 1.
Moisture meter, why is it needed and how it works
CONDTROL HYDRO-Tec moisture meter
🤓moisture meter for concrete #shrots #construction #real estate

What manufacturer is this?

Condtrol is a Russian scientific and production association that was established in 2003 in Chelyabinsk and has been growing ever since. Condtrol is a market leader in the development of cutting-edge strength monitoring systems and the non-destructive assessment of the mechanical and physical characteristics of building structures.

The following areas are included in the purview of a company with over 60 highly skilled professionals:

Development of innovative solutions for efficient and safe testing methods for building structures.
Design of metrological equipment, laser rangefinders and other equipment for the examination of solid, plastic or bulk materials.
Full-cycle production, equipped with advanced German-made machines with a high level of automation.
Testing and commissioning of products manufactured according to the company"s own drawings with subsequent receipt of a GOST certificate of conformity for each product unit.
Sale of own products through a network of authorized dealers located in 7 largest cities of our country.

Every year, the Condtrol brand adds new models of high-precision moisture meters and other measuring equipment to its lineup. The company actively participates in a number of specialized exhibitions of federal and international significance, winning only prize places there.

Condtrol moisture meters are vital instruments for the building and farming sectors, guaranteeing ideal conditions for building materials and crops. By determining the moisture content of wood, concrete, and other materials, they safeguard structural integrity during construction and help avoid expensive damages. They support farmers in monitoring crop and soil moisture, resulting in healthier growth and higher yields. These jobs are made simpler and more effective by Condtrol’s dependable and accurate moisture meters, which help farmers and builders alike maintain high standards of productivity and quality.

About the brand

Regardless of style, size, functionality, or suggested use area, all moisture meters from the detuned brand are assumed to have the following features and technical attributes, which are unique to these particular brand’s products:

The permissible range of identified humidity in structural elements and materials, depending on the type and category of the product – from 0.1% to 70%.
Permissible factory errors of moisture meters – from 0.9% for concrete with a class of B15 and above to 2.5% for wooden products.
Permissible climatic temperature conditions in which the moisture meter can be used without the risk of its failure or failure of the accuracy of the settings – from 0 o C to 45 o C.
Overall dimensions of moisture meters of the brand in question (L x W x H) – from 110 to 150 x from 43 to 55 x from 25 to 35 mm.
Equipped weight of moisture meters of the brand – from 65 to 170 g.
Types of moisture meter batteries – AA, AAA batteries, from 2 to 3 units with a total voltage of 3 to 4.5 V, or 9V LI-Ion battery with increased capacity and a socket for a charger plug.
Each moisture meter of the brand equipped with a sealed rubberized coating.
Type of moisture meter information display – TFT, monochrome / color, depending on the model.
Moisture meter control panel – push-button, with mode switching function.

Every moisture meter made by Condtrol comes with a quality passport that lists all of the product’s technical specs, an instruction manual for using the gadget correctly, and a serial number that certifies the product’s authenticity and complies with Russian regulations.

Model characteristics

It might be challenging for a prospective customer to select the best moisture meter model because Condtrol has been on the market for nearly 20 years and offers a wide variety of models.

The most popular models of this brand’s metrological devices are ranked below, along with a description of their features, benefits, and drawbacks, as well as the suggested retail price, to help ensure that mistakes are avoided and the desired outcome is reached.

Hydro Tec

An efficient non-contact technique for assessing the humidity of any building structure sets apart this all-purpose non-contact moisture meter.

Equipped with an enlarged, high-resolution LCD display that shows the room’s air temperature, the sample’s current humidity, and the results of previous measurements that have been recorded. The front panel beneath the screen is where you switch between modes and test materials. Uses:

Non-contact measurement of moisture in wood.
Determination of water vapor content in concrete, brick, plaster, screed.
Separate moisture meter mode for gypsum materials.
Determination of room air temperature.
Registration of up to 50 latest readings.

Features:

Range of determined moisture in structures, depending on the type of material – from 0.1% to 65%.
Errors and mistakes – from 0.9% for heavy concrete to 2.5% for fibrous wood.
Maximum temperature range at which the moisture meter can be used – from 0 o C to 40 o C.
Dimensions of the device (L x W x H) – 110 x 43 x 25 mm.
Own weight of the moisture meter – 75 g.
Type of power elements, voltage – 2 x 1.5 V = 3 V, AAA.

Use:

Private use by the owner of a summer cottage before building his own house.
Determination of moisture in building structures on small capital objects.
Checking the quality of wood and other materials at the point of sale before purchasing.
Acceptance of completed work from contractors, intermediate analysis of quality and required characteristics by technical or author supervision at the construction site.

Benefits

Scanning depth of the structure of the tested material up to 20 mm, without damaging the structure.
Minimum time interval between adjacent iterations when conducting a series of measurements.
High measurement accuracy for a semi-professional moisture meter.
It is a registered metrological equipment, equipped with a corresponding certificate.
Universality – can be used for almost all types of building materials.

Drawbacks:

High cost, which excludes the purchase of the device by owners of summer cottages.
A liquid crystal display does not tolerate direct UV rays well, which makes it difficult to use the moisture meter in the summer.
No memory of the last moisture meter readings.
Inconvenient key for reading readings, located too deep relative to the front plane of the structure.
Need for frequent replacement of discharged batteries.

Cost: between 6900 and 7100 rubles.

Test

The brand’s most basic metrological device, which stands out for being lightweight and small in size. The tool works well with all kinds of wood, screed, concrete, brick, and insulation; it doesn’t have any extra features.

Two contact needle sensors made of corrosion-resistant hardened steel are located in the upper portion of the body. The measurement principle involves analyzing the conductivity of the structure being tested. Every outcome is shown on a tiny backlit screen. Uses:

Identification of moisture in the body of wood products with a large scanning depth, using steel probes.
Analysis of moisture content in concrete structures or brickwork.
Display of the obtained data on the screen for their use in design or writing a report, based on the results of the inspection of the building structure.

Features:

Limit of identifiable moisture in various materials – 0.0% to 44%.
Permissible error – +/- 2.0%.
Maximum temperature range at which the moisture meter can be used – from 0 o C to 45 o C.
Overall dimensions of the moisture meter (L x W x H) – 135 x 50 x 32 mm.
Equipped weight of the moisture meter – 65 g.
Battery – 9V, Li-Ion.

Use:

Analysis of the quality of wood materials, bricks and other structural elements received for the construction of a private house.
Checking the quality of finishing work in an apartment or private house, office before installing finishing coatings.
Analysis of the moisture content of the material at a sawmill or construction market before making a purchase.

Benefits

Small dimensions and own weight of the product.
Ease of operation, the moisture meter does not require experience and special knowledge.
Rapid measurement of humidity indicators in just 1 second after contact with the test surface.
Wide range of applications.
Automatic shutdown function of the moisture meter in idle mode, to save battery power.
The most inexpensive device in the category under consideration.

Drawbacks:

Large factory error.
Inability to use for commercial purposes.
Small resource of the device.
Rapid onset of physical wear.
Small display, difficulties with reading and recording indicators.

Cost: between 1900 and 2100 rubles.

Pro

The most intricate, extremely sensitive, and precise gadget of the brand in question. outfitted with a color TFT display that shows the air temperature, water vapor content, actual density, and a graphic representation of the material type and moisture content of the test sample.

Professionals use this device often as a portable mini-laboratory, and it fully complies with GOST regulations in terms of the algorithm used to determine the parameters of the products under test. Additionally, the device has remote sensors for comfortable operation and error-free results. Uses:

Determination of humidity by a non-contact method in all types of building materials or finished structural elements in a building.
Identification of humidity in bulk materials.
Determination of the dew point in the body of insulation or wood.
Use of a moisture meter as a hygrometer and thermometer.
Possibility of automatic selection of maximum, minimum or calculation of average values.
Transfer of received data to a PC for subsequent registration in a log.

Features:

Acceptable boundary conditions for determining the amount of water in the structures being examined, depending on the category of material – from 0.1% to 65%.
Permissible absolute error – from 0.9% for standard structural concrete to 2.5% for soft wood (e.g. pine).
Permissible climatic and temperature parameters for successful moisture meter measurements – from 5 °C to 40 °C.
Number of free cells in the device’s memory – up to 50 latest measurement results.
Overall dimensions of the moisture meter (L x W x H) – 150 x 59 x 28 mm.
Weight with battery – 170 g.
Battery – Li-Ion, 800 mAh capacity, with the possibility of recharging from a separate adapter via a single-phase network.

Use:

Performing mandatory technical supervision functions at a construction site.
Analysis of the quality of raw materials used in furniture or other production.
Conducting an independent examination of building structures at the request of supervisory authorities.
Humidity analysis of a wholesale batch of construction or finishing materials received at a retail outlet or for safekeeping in a warehouse.

Benefits

Measurements are carried out only by the high-frequency method, which guarantees the highest accuracy.
Convenient high-resolution TFT screen with color image transmission.
The device is equipped with 3 different types of humidity sensors at once.
Possibility of using the moisture meter in question as a hygrometer.
Registration of up to 50 recent readings, which makes it possible to conduct an examination of building structures at the facility.
Convenient rubberized dust- and moisture-proof body of the device.

Drawbacks:

High retail cost.
Relatively small scanning depth for professional equipment.
Many metrology devices used for commercial purposes from other manufacturers give a smaller measurement error.
The battery quickly discharges and requires refilling, which is not always possible in the field.
A small indicator of the impact strength of the device.

Cost: between 14900 and 15500 rubles.

Rules of use

Choosing the appropriate product alone is insufficient because different models of moisture meters are made for various building structures or other materials. Detailed instructions for using each of Condtrol’s moisture meters are provided below, based on the type of material being tested and the electronic metrology device’s intended use.

For concrete

One of the most popular building materials for constructing a capital structure’s supporting frame is monolithic reinforced concrete. The material is poured into the structure liquid, and the moisture slowly evaporates as the material gets stronger. Supervisory authorities monitor the structure’s moisture content over time, taking into account the standard 28-day duration of the chemical reaction following the binder’s hydration. They do this by adhering to the following rules, guidelines, and subtleties:

For concrete, Hydro test and Hydro Pro moisture meters can be used.
On a building structure or a cube sample, poured separately in the same climatic conditions as the ceiling, wall, column or pylon, test locations are selected.
For a vertical structure, points are measured near the floor, in the middle of the element height, as well as at the place where it mates with the ceiling.
For a ceiling, test zones are selected at the top and bottom of the span element, in the center, and also near the supports.
For a cube sample, measurements will need to be taken from at least three of its faces.
The Hydro test moisture meter is placed with contact probes against the surface of the concrete, after which the user presses the analysis key, presses the device, and the display immediately shows the percentage of water vapor in the concrete structure.
The Hydro Pro moisture meter, after selecting the desired moisture analysis mode for the surface of the concrete structure, approaches the plane of the concrete, after which the user carefully moves the device along the structure. As you move along, depending on the settings, the moisture meter automatically records the moisture readings, constantly updating the maximum and minimum values.
Based on the results of measurements, the Hydro Pro moisture meter automatically displays the maximum, minimum and average values of the water molecule content in the pores of the concrete, in relation to its total volume within the scanning depth of the material structure.

Concrete is subjected to wetting or other recovery procedures if insufficient moisture content is found in the material on a specific date of strength gain.

Wood

When wood is still fresh, it naturally becomes fibrous and absorbs a large amount of water into all of its pores. Because of the way that wood is structured, when it dries, the bonds that hold the fibers of the solid together break, changing the material’s volume and causing cracks to appear. The occurrence of this phenomenon following the installation of wooden structures may result in a breach of the structure’s geometry and a loss of its operational qualities.

You will need a wood moisture meter and measure the moisture indicators strictly according to the following process chart in order to avoid this:

The material is selected from the batch – boards, logs, bars or plywood.
The consumer or owner of the future real estate studies the information on the moisture content of the wood from the supplier of the products.
The top cover is removed from the Hydro tec wood moisture meter, under which the needle probes are located, or the desired operating mode is selected for the Hydro pro model equipment.
The needle sensors are brought to the surface of the fibrous wooden product, strictly along the perpendicular, relative to the plane being tested, conditional axis.
The user presses firmly on the body of the Hydro tec moisture meter and the probes are immersed in the body of the wood.
Immediately after the sensors are manufactured, the humidity indicator is displayed on the screen.
The operation is repeated for all faces of the wooden product, including its end.
When using the multifunctional Hydro pro device, you only need to bring the sensitive contactless sensor closer to the board or block, after which the device will automatically scan and determine the number of water molecules between the wood fibers.
Hydro pro allows you to transfer measurement data to the PC screen, where the engineer processes them and determines the suitability of the wood for further use.
In the case of using the Hydro tec moisture meter, you will need to manually record the previously recorded results with their subsequent comparison and calculation of average indicators.

Before buying lumber at a retail store, experts and experienced installers advise prospective customers to make sure they have a portable moisture meter with them. This will help prevent unfavorable outcomes from the use of structural elements that are too raw or have not undergone pre-treatment.

Overview of the device in the video:

Building materials

A specific level of humidity is required for the various types of building materials that are used to construct an object. In this sense, it might be required to determine the moisture content of their structure before accepting structural elements or before buying, installing, or doing preparatory work. The following subtleties are taken into consideration when conducting tests, which reduces the possibility of making big mistakes:

Depending on the type of building materials, different moisture meters may be required, as well as different principles for identifying the level of water vapor content – contact or contactless.
Several units of goods are selected from the batch, but not less than 2 – 4.
The Hydro Pro moisture meter is brought from the side of the spherical flask to different parts of the products, and the user records the humidity readings on the screen.
For bulk materials, a special attachment may be required, integrated into a semi-professional modification of the moisture meter of the brand in question.
The bulk material is poured into a flask, after which it is hermetically sealed, and the moisture indicator is displayed on the screen.
The moisture analysis in the brick must be carried out from the side of the bed and spoon.
In case of determining the moisture content for bulk materials with a Hydro test moisture meter, it is necessary to select samples both from the top of the embankment and near its foot.
Upon completion of the analysis of the selected sample, the minimum and maximum values are written out for all iterations.
The operation is repeated for several samples of materials, after which the user calculates the average indicator, compares it with the data of the quality certificate, the required technical characteristics of the material.
Based on the results of the measurements, the interested party concludes on the suitability of the building material for use or the need for its modification to improve its performance properties by drying or saturating the structure with moisture.

The installer can use the moisture meter to check whether the reinforced concrete structure can be stripped after it has been poured and partially strengthened, or to assess how ready the plaster mix is for the installation of finishing elements.

Air

Hygrometers, one of the most basic kinds of moisture meters, measure the amount of humidity in the air. The following detailed instructions are followed in order to measure the amount of water vapor in the operating space’s air:

It will be necessary to first block the access of outside air to the room by closing all windows and doors.
Wait at least 10-15 minutes for the humidity of the internal air to settle.
The Hydro pro device is turned on.
The hygrometer mode is selected on the Hydro pro moisture meter.
The user makes an initial measurement of humidity in the center of the room, near the floor.
The second iteration is repeated in the middle of the height of the room.
The third measurement is made near the ceiling.
When measuring air humidity in the room of large area, it is recommended to choose points in the room in advance where the measurement will be made. The distance between the zones is recommended to take from 5 to 10 meters.
Upon completion of the tests, the maximum, minimum, and the average value is calculated, which can be taken as a calculated value for further work.

The user will require a unique multipurpose Hydro Pro moisture meter to complete this task. This meter can measure air humidity by simply flipping through the appropriate modes.

The best model

The Hydro Pro model is the best modification of this series of measuring devices for construction purposes, according to reviews written by actual Condtrol brand customers. It combines the features of a hygrometer to determine the percentage of humidity in the air, is made for all kinds of building structures, and exhibits enhanced accuracy.

In addition, this model is one of the brand’s premium class items, which are classified as high-priced. Owners of summer cottages who construct their real estate only once every twelve years may find it unsuitable in this regard, as they do not require such semi-professional equipment with higher accuracy.

Advantages and disadvantages

Because all products from this brand have so many benefits, moisture meters made by the scientific and production association Condtrol are highly sought after by large contractors and owners of private plots.

Optimal ratio of acceptable cost, high quality and reliability.
Increased accuracy of measurements.
Completely Russian development, which relieves potential consumers from the need to overpay for the difference in exchange rates, logistics and customs clearance when delivering the device to the point of sale.
Multi-stage quality control of the assembly of each modification of the device.
The equipment is fully certified for use in our country.
12-month warranty for each model of the brand.
Most modifications are multifunctional, designed to measure humidity in various types of solid materials, as well as in the air.
The brand"s range does not include complex, bulky and heavy models.

However, Condtrol moisture meter models also have certain shortcomings. For this reason, both experts and novices frequently favor metrological equipment from other brands, specifically:

Condtrol metrological equipment is mainly used for domestic purposes.
Lack of a special PC application that allows you to issue an official report on the results of measurements.
Difficulty in using the device for commercial purposes due to insufficient accuracy, which is not accepted by all supervisory authorities.
The need for periodic verification and calibration of the device in the service centers of official dealers of the brand, so as not to lose the free warranty.
Fast battery drain, need for frequent recharging.
Despite the rubberized case, the equipment is not recommended for use in heavy rain.
Steel probes, which are equipped with moisture meters for wood, are immersed to a shallow depth into the body of the material, leaving traces on its surface.
Non-contact devices with a measuring flask and thin sensitive plates send a pulse to an insufficient depth, which does not allow obtaining an accurate result and can lead to negative consequences due to measurement errors.

Condtrol products are among the best-selling and most popular on the consumer market, despite a few drawbacks. The brand’s production capacity grows yearly, progressively adding new multifunctional devices to the catalog and expanding its product line.

Application	Moisture measurement in construction and agriculture
Features	Easy calibration, fast results, user-friendly interface
Benefits	Accurate readings, helps prevent material damage, enhances productivity
Popular Models	Condtrol CM120, Condtrol CM150

Condtrol’s moisture meters are a useful option for both agricultural and construction applications. These tools are crucial for maintaining ideal soil moisture levels in farming as well as for guaranteeing the strength and quality of concrete in construction projects. Condtrol moisture meters reduce risks, facilitate informed decision-making, and improve workflow efficiency by giving precise readings.

Understanding the moisture content of concrete is essential for construction professionals to prevent issues such as the growth of mold, damage to the structure, and delays in the curing process. Condtrol moisture meters make this task easier by providing accurate and speedy measurements. This can result in improved project outcomes by guaranteeing that all safety regulations are met and long-lasting structures are constructed.

Keeping the soil at the proper moisture level is essential for crop health and productivity in agriculture. With the use of control moisture meters, farmers can more efficiently monitor the state of the soil, allowing for more targeted irrigation and less water waste. In addition to increasing output, this technology encourages water resource conservation through sustainable farming methods.

Condtrol moisture meters are, all things considered, invaluable instruments that improve the precision and effectiveness of agricultural and construction activities. They are a great addition to any professional toolkit because of their dependability and ease of use, which enable better results with less work.