Radome Moisture Tester

MODEL
A8-AF
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
Part No. MRC005683
Moisture Register Products

A Div. of Aqua Measure Instrument Co.
1712 Earhart Ct.
La Verne, CA 91750
Tel:
+1 (909) 392 5833
Fax:
+1 (909) 392 5838
E-mail: sales@aquameasure.com
www.MoistureRegisterProducts.com
Model A8-AF
Operating Instructions
REV
A
B
C
E.O.
31673
31706
31843
DESCRIPTION
MANUAL
MANUAL
MANUAL
PART NUMBER
MRC005683
MRC005683
MRC005683
DATE
9-96
1-97
9-98
Table of Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................1
Operation ................................................................................................1
Internal Standard ....................................................................................1
Battery Condition Indication....................................................................2
Battery Charging.....................................................................................2
Emergency Battery .................................................................................2
Test Block (Optional) ..............................................................................3
Maintenance ...........................................................................................3
Trouble Shooting ....................................................................................4
Spare Parts List for A8-AF......................................................................5
Test Block Readings...............................................................................6
Notes: .....................................................................................................9
Operating Instructions
Introduction
The Model A8-AF Indicator, Radome Moisture Meter is a direct replacement instrument for the obsolete AF-K2D
Indicator, Radome Moisture Meter. It is used to obtain a qualitative indication of moisture differences in the structure
of radomes.
The A8-AF is comprised of two basic components: the electrode gun and the meter unit. These components are
interconnected by a three foot cable attached with twist lock connectors. In addition, a battery charger and carrying
case are provided.
Theory: The A8-AF indicates moisture pockets in radomes by

measuring the radio frequency dielectric power loss of materials in
contact with the electrode buttons. When water enters the radome
structure, the power loss of the radome at the spot of water entry
increases, causing a higher indication on the meter unit when the
electrode buttons are in close proximity to the moisture pocket.
The response of the A8-AF to moisture pockets is identical to the
response of the obsolete AF-K2D.
Operation
The A8-AF is operated by holding the meter case in one hand and the electrode gun in the other hand. It is
energized by flipping the ON/OFF switch ON. Press the adjust button for a count of three. It is recommended that
you press the adjust button before every test. Due to the sensitivity of this instrument, a slight zero drift may occur
during warm-up. Press the adjust button for a count of three to re-zero.
Place the electrode gun on the radome. Search out areas of higher meter indication by moving the electrode to
different locations on the radome. Attempt to find the most responsive point of high meter indication. In this
manner, moisture pockets can be pinpointed. Do not slide the electrode over the surface of the radome. Always flip
the ON/OFF switch to OFF when finished.
Sliding the electrode will cause the electrode buttons to wear out
and may affect the accuracy of the readings.
Note
Radomes with conductive surfaces cannot be measured through the conductive material. Measurements must be
taken from the inside. Using the comparator scale, determinations can easily be made of the quality of the radome,
and repairs made before damage exceeds allowable levels.
Internal Standard
The A8-AF contains an internal calibration standard attached to the bottom of the meter case. The calibration
standard is used periodically during testing to assure that the indications of the A8-AF are at all times correct. The
standard simulates radome material of high moisture content and is applied directly to the electrode gun buttons to
assure performance checking of the entire instrument.
The standard is as follows:

1. Energize the A8-AF by flipping the ON/OFF switch to ON, wait ten seconds, then press the adjust switch for
a count of three and release it. Press the electrode gun against the red standard plate on the bottom of the
meter case, so the electrode buttons engage their respective depressions on the standard plate.
2. The electrode gun must be in firm contact with the standard. The meter should indicate between 19 and 21
on the numerical scale (arrow on dial).
Figure 1 shows how this standard checking procedure is accomplished.
Figure 1
Battery Condition Indication

The A8-AF has been designed to show a low battery charge indication before battery discharge can reach the point
of damage to battery cells. This indication is in the form of meter zero drift.
When the instrument is first energized after charging, a downscale drift will occur immediately after the instrument
has been turned on and adjustment has been performed. This drift may occur for up to ten seconds but then will
stop, at which time the adjust switch is again operated and the radome testing can proceed.
Unless the battery is in need of a charge, instrument stabilization after initial turn on will occur within a few seconds.
However, as an end of charge indication, initial zero drift will continue and make accurate radome testing
impossible. The batteries must be charged at this time.
Battery Charging
The A8-AF contains two nickel-cadmium rechargeable cells in series to form a nominal 2.50 volt battery. Converting
circuitry is employed to step up this voltage to correct operating levels in the instrument.
An external 115 VAC 60 Hz battery charger is used to charge the A8-AF. For best battery life, it is recommended
that the cells be discharged to the point where the end of charge indication occurs, then fully charged for fourteen to
eighteen hours.
Emergency Battery
The A8-AF will operate correctly with either standard zinc carbon D cells (1.5V unit) or alkaline type heavy duty D
cells (1.4V unit). These types of batteries cannot be charged; therefore do not use the battery charger when
employing these type cells. Extended storage of the A8-AF is not recommended with these types of cells as
damage may occur due to cell leakage. The rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries can be left in the instrument
permanently without damage to the instrument.
WARNING: Do not use the A8-AF battery charger to recharge

standard zinc carbon or alkaline D cell batteries. The battery
charger is intended for use only with Ni Cad batteries purchased
from Moisture Register Products.
Test Block (Optional)

The A8-AF test block (part number 552391) is used to check the accuracy of the A8-AF. It is recommended that the
A8-AF instruments be checked using the test block at regular intervals.
1. Place the A8-AF test block on any solid, dry surface at table top height.
2. Be sure electrode is clean. Do not get any moisture or product material inside electrode.
3. Hold the A8-AF meter and electrode in the air at least 12 inches away from any object or surface. Turn
instrument on by flipping the ON/OFF switch to ON. Press the adjust button for a count of three to re-zero.
4. Place the A8-AF electrode firmly on center of the test block (Figure 2) and verify that the A8-AF reading
matches the value posted on the test block serial label, plus or minus one. Example: If the value posted on
the test block serial label is 18, the reading should be between 17 and 19. Repeat if necessary.
5. Record the reading in charts provided on pages 11-14.
Figure 2
Maintenance
Moisture Register Products is the manufacturer of and the only
authorized repair center for A8-AF instruments. Repairs performed
elsewhere will cause the warranty to be void.
The A8-AF should be kept in its carrying case when not being used. This will keep the instrument clean and free
from contamination. Routine maintenance consists of keeping the electrode gun buttons clean and periodically
checking the zero setting and calibration standard. Water based solvents should not be used to clean the A8-AF, as
an accumulation of residue can cause false readings. Anhydrous methanol is a preferred cleaning solvent for the
plastic parts of the instrument and should be used sparingly.
WARNING: Remove Zinc carbon or alkaline batteries from the A8AF before storing. These types of batteries may leak and cause
damage to the instrument. The rechargeable Ni Cad batteries may
be left in permanently without damage to the instrument.
Trouble Shooting
1. Excessive zero drift longer than ten seconds after proper battery charge:
End of battery life: End of battery life is generally
characterized by inability to hold a
charge, resulting in
excessive drift. In this event, substitute a pair of
alkaline D cells
(1.4V unit) and operate the
instrument.
2. No meter indication after turning the instrument on and pressing adjust switch:
Inability to charge battery: After end of battery life, cell
failure may occur such that the
battery cannot be
charged. Substitute alkaline cells (as above) and
check.
3. Inability to set zero with adjust switch:
a. Check mechanical meter zero: With the meter case
sitting on its bottom end (handle
down), carefully set
meter pointer to zero using black screwdriver
adjustment on
lower center of meter face.
b. Adjust zero trimmer: Remove trimmer cover plate on
right side of meter case. Energize
ON/OFF switch and
adjust button simultaneously. Using a small
screwdriver, adjust trimmer 2 under trimmer cover,
position 2. (Figure 3)
Figure 3
4. Incorrect indication when checking calibration standard:
Adjust calibration trimmer using calibration standard.
Check calibration standard using correct operating
procedure above. If indication is
too high, adjust the
trimmer 1, under trimmer cover position 1, clockwise
one turn (Figure
2). If too low, turn counterclockwise.
Turn on, press adjust and recheck standard. Repeat
until correct.
If significant adjustment is required in Trimmer 1 to
achieve standard calibration, it will
be necessary to r
reset Trimmer 2, as these two controls interact.
Spare Parts List for A8-AF

Part No.
613
3422-M
1635
5554
5570
5682
5566
552393
Part
Connector, BNC UG/657/U
Battery Charger, 2.9V, 400 MA, Dynamic 2-1600
Battery, Ni-Cad, Gould Size D, 1.2V
Electrode Button
Electrode Spring
A8-AF Carrying Case
Cable, Coax, 3ft., Belden 8262 RG 58 C/U
A8-AF Test Block
Test Block Readings

DATE
A8-AF
SERIAL NUMBER
TEST BLOCK
SERIAL NUMBER
STANDARD
READING
Test Block Readings

DATE
A8-AF
SERIAL NUMBER
TEST BLOCK
SERIAL NUMBER
STANDARD
READING
Test Block Readings

DATE
A8-AF
SERIAL NUMBER
TEST BLOCK
SERIAL NUMBER
STANDARD
READING
Test Block Readings

DATE
A8-AF
SERIAL NUMBER
TEST BLOCK
SERIAL NUMBER
STANDARD
READING
Notes:
Moisture Register Products manufacture Continuous On-Line Systems and Hand-Held Portable Meters
that are designed for optimum performance, essential convenience and complete reliability to accomplish
a multitude of applications in a wide range of industries.
Our Continuous On-Line Systems offer Near Infrared and Radio Frequency Sensors to constantly
measure your process moisture. These systems assist you in analyzing, recording and controlling
moisture on your product line.
Our Hand-Held Portable Moisture Meters offer on the spot measurement as well as flexibility for use on a
variety of materials such as:
Moisture Register Products has portable moisture meters for use on a wide variety of materials, some of
which are listed below.
LUMBER
PLASTER WALL
GYPSUM BOARD
NONWOVENS
CORK
VENEER
DRY WALL
TEXTILES
PAPER PRODUCTS
AIRCRAFT RADOMES
Moisture Register Products and AQUA Measure Instrument Company are fully committed in providing
products and services at a quality level that continues to improve and that meets our customers
expectations.
www.MoistureRegisterProducts.com

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MODEL

Part No. MRC005683

Moisture Register Products

Theory: The A8-AF indicates moisture pockets in radomes by

The standard is as follows:

Battery Condition Indication

WARNING: Do not use the A8-AF battery charger to recharge

Test Block (Optional)

Spare Parts List for A8-AF

Test Block Readings

Test Block Readings

Test Block Readings

Test Block Readings

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