Product Overview
The Extech MO290 combines a pin and pinless moisture meter, a psychrometer and a non-contact infrared thermometer in one meter. Extech describes it as an 8-in-1 instrument for moisture, humidity, air temperature and IR temperature, with calculated grains per pound, dew point and vapour pressure.
It comes with the MO290-P pin probe, a 9 V battery and a case.
What It Measures
- Moisture in wood and building materials — pinless with no surface damage, or with the remote pin probe for contact readings.
- Relative humidity and air temperature from the built-in probe.
- Grains per pound (GPP), dew point and vapour pressure, calculated.
- Surface temperature by non-contact infrared.
- Differential temperature (IR minus dew point) to identify condensation risk.
Features
- Pinless sensor reads to a depth of up to 19 mm (0.75 inch).
- Remote pin-type probe (MO290-P) on a 0.9 m (3 ft) cable.
- Multiple wood types and material ranges.
- Large dual backlit display showing % moisture alongside air temperature, IR temperature or humidity.
- Programmable high and low moisture and humidity alarms.
- Min/max, data hold and auto power off.
Pin or Pinless?
Pinless scans quickly without marking the surface and is best for mapping where the moisture is. Pins give a contact reading at a known depth and are what you use to confirm a result before signing off a drying job. With the Extech MO290-HP Moisture Hammer Probe, 4 cm Insulated Pins you can read at depth in timber, so a dry surface does not hide a wet core.
Specifications
| CCW SKU | EXMO290 |
| Model | Extech MO290 |
| Pinless moisture | 0 to 99% (limited by wood type) |
| Pin-type moisture | 6 to 40% (wood); 13 to 99% (materials) |
| Pinless measurement depth | Up to 19 mm (0.75 inch) |
| Air temperature | −20 to 60°C (−4 to 140°F) |
| IR temperature | −50 to 200°C (−5 to 392°F) |
| IR distance-to-spot ratio | 8:1 |
| IR emissivity | 0.95 fixed |
| Humidity | 0 to 99% RH |
| Vapour pressure | 0 to 20.0 kPa |
| Calculated | Grains per pound (GPP), dew point, vapour pressure, IR minus dew point |
| Supplied with | MO290-P pin probe, 9 V battery, case |
Compatible Probes and Pins
- Extech MO290-P Moisture Pin Probe, 1 cm Pins — near-surface readings, 1 cm pins.
- Extech MO290-HP Moisture Hammer Probe, 4 cm Insulated Pins — readings at depth in timber and hard materials.
- Extech MO290-PINS-HP Replacement Insulated Pins, 4 cm, Pack of 20 — spares for the hammer probe.
- Extech MO220-PINS Replacement Pins, 1 cm, Pack of 50 — spares for the pin probe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it read pinless and with pins?
Yes. Pinless is built in; the MO290-P pin probe is supplied.
Can it calculate GPP?
Yes, from the built-in humidity and temperature probe.
How deep does the pinless sensor read?
Up to 19 mm (0.75 inch).
Where is the user manual?
Ask us and we will send it.
Is there a kit version?
Yes — the Extech MO290-RK Water Damage Restoration Contractor Kit adds hammer, deep wall and baseboard probes and a USB datalogger.
What We See in the Field
[Technician's Note — replace before publishing: two to four sentences of first-hand CCW field experience relevant to this product. A pattern you see, a mistake customers make, or something learned from servicing or selling it. Not spec repetition, not a sales pitch, not invented.]
Tell us your Extech model and we will confirm the part before you order.
