Tramex Moisture Meter Died! - InspectionNews

Ken Larson · #1 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 11:13 AM

Anyone know what the warranty for the Tramex Moisture Encounter Plus is? I tried the website, they don't seem to list what warranties their products have. Mine is about 3 yrs old, it lights up, but the meter won't budge even when placed on a metal or wet surface.

Tried all 3 Scales.....nada! New batteries installed and the Lights all work but nothing else. Drats!

Tried to email Tramex several days ago, no response.

Rick Hurst · #2 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 01:51 PM

Ken,

Mine crashed a few months ago too. Since I use it on a regular basis I couldn't wait dealing with the company over it so I ran out to Graingers and pick up one there. Only cost 300. and works better than the other one. Smaller in size also makes it easier to carry around.

rick

John Arnold · #3 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 02:00 PM

Rick - Did you get another Tramex at Grainger, or what?

Rick Hurst · #4 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 02:02 PM

Not a Tramex, I bought another one they carry. Its only about the size of a small digital camera.

rick

Ken Larson · #5 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 05:50 PM

I've checked professional equipment.com and may switch to the Surveymaster by Protimeter. Anyone have experience with this model?

Scott Patterson · #6 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 05:54 PM

Last time I needed repairs for a Tramex I sent it to a guy in Littleton, CO. Black Hawk....guys name was Dennis. Repairs were very affordable, he does or did all of their warranty work in the states.

TRAMEX
SALES & SERVICE
c/o Black Hawk Sales Inc.,
28 Pin Oak Drive,
Littleton, CO 80127

Tel: 303 972 7926

Ken Larson · #7 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 07:07 PM

Thanks for that info Scott. I will do that, and keep the Tramex as a backup once repaired. But, will need another moisture meter ASAP. Can't hurt having an extra.

Anyone familiar with the Surveymaster?

Jim Robinson · #8 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 07:44 PM

I've got a surveymaster. To tell you the truth I'm not that impressed. It works okay on the relative moisture, but when I try to use it on pin mode, a lot of times it won't give me a reading at all. It always seems to be when the wood is dry, so maybe there is some minimum moisture content that is needed, but nothing in their directions indicates that. Don't spend any money on the DVD. It's pretty worthless. If you want mine I can send it to you.

Nolan Kienitz · #9 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

Not a Tramex, I bought another one they carry. .... rick

Rick,

What is the make/model of the meter you got at Graingers?

Rick Hurst · #10 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 08:33 PM

Nolan,

Try this link.

Grainger Industrial Supply: Digital Moisture Meter, 0-60 Pct 1VXT2

So far I've had no false tests. Everyone that has opened up a wall that this tester showed moisture as being present, the moisture problem was evident.

rick

Nolan Kienitz · #11 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 08:55 PM

Rick,

Tnx much.

Nolan K.

Michael Thomas · #12 (**permalink**) 09-26-2007, 06:54 AM

FWIW, I own a Tramex Moisture Encounter and the dual mode Surveymaster, and often use use both during the same inspection.

I've not had problems with the pin mode on the Survermaster, and find the supplied pin extension cable *very* handy for getting into tight spots like beam pockets and when I have to take readings at arms length (for example, out on rafter tails) and need to probe around while observing the readings. In the sub-surface mode it's the better choice in situations where the Tramex readings may be affected by surface moisture (for example a ceramic tile floor around a toilet).

Where the Tramex really shines is for rapidly scanning large areas of gypsum board or surface-dry ceramic tile for sub-surface moisture, I find the analog scale far superior to a digital readout when attempting to establishing moisture *gradients* to help trace a problem back to its source.