SATO SK-970A Instruction Manual

Moisture Meter for Compost Model SK-970A
Read this manual thoroughly before use and keep it in a safe place for future reference whenever necessary.
Before Use
SK-970A is designed to measure the electric resistance in electrodes on the probe and display a value that represents
the moisture content. As it has temperature compensation function, you do not need to compensate temperature
against the measured value within 5 to 40°C. Note that powdered or granular objects cannot be measured.
The displayed reading is not an absolute value but is relative to electric conductance. If the compost has a high
concentration of highly conductive substances such as salt or metals, the reading will be higher than the actual
moisture content. However, as long as these substances are in small quantities and are evenly distributed throughout
the compost, and so have little effect on the moisture content value, this device is useful for comparative examinations
after proper setting.
SK-970A has eight editable ranges including one standard range
(RANGE1) and seven users' ranges (RANGE2 to RANGE8).
By default, the setting values in all ranges are tentatively set that the
angle is 100 and the equilibrium is 0.0 as shown in the right graph. The
setting values can be individually changed in all ranges. Refer to "Setting
of Users' Ranges."
Note: The RANGE1 can also be edited but it is recommended to not to
change it for future convenience.
If the unit is not used for a long period of time, remove the battery.
Otherwise, the battery may leak resulting in malfunctions.
Names of Parts
Main body
Display
START key
(red)
AVE/OFF key
(blue)
+ (Plus) key
− (Minus) key
How to Use
1. Check that the probe is clean. Wipe it with a dried cloth if it is dirty.
2. Press START key and confirm that "L" (below the range) is displayed.
3. Press + or − key to choose the range from RANGE1 to RANGE8.
4. Apply the electrodes of probe to a part of compost where you wish to measure, then press START key.
Be sure to apply the probe to the compost with the same pressure, and the temperature difference between
the unit and the sample is fairly small.
5. For accurate reading, measure the same sample repeatedly, then press AVE/OFF key to show an average. Stored
data are reset each time when the average is calculated.
6. After the measurement, be sure to clean the probe.
7. Pressing AVE/OFF key for 3 seconds will turn off the device.
Instruction manual for
No. 1736-00
Probe
Battery
Electrode
indicator
1
Graph: Relation between displayed
moisture value and resistance value
Resistance
Display content
Average value is shown
when "AVE." blinks
RANGE1 to 8:
Number of the range
TIME1 to 9:
Counts of measurements
after last display of average
Moisture content
Moisture