FLIR MR176 Moisture Meter with Replaceable Hygrometer

Description

FLIR MR176 Thermal Imaging Moisture Meter – Smart Detection with Thermal Insight

The FLIR MR176 is a smart, all-in-one moisture meter designed for professionals who want to work faster, scan smarter, and troubleshoot more accurately. Equipped with FLIR’s patented IGM™ (Infrared Guided Measurement) technology, it uses a built-in thermal camera to guide you to the exact spot where moisture may be hiding. Combined with both pin and pinless moisture sensing, onboard environmental sensors, and customizable settings, this tool gives you the power to investigate water damage, mold risks, and insulation issues with unmatched precision. Whether you’re in building inspection, restoration, HVAC, or construction, the MR176 delivers real-time results in a clear visual format—so you can stop guessing and start fixing.

Key Features Of  FLIR MR176 Thermal Imaging Moisture Meter

1. FLIR Lepton Thermal Imaging Sensor with Real-Time Feedback

 With an 80 × 60 resolution FLIR Lepton microbolometer and <150mK sensitivity, this moisture meter captures 4800 thermal pixels with remarkable clarity. It supports multiple palettes—Iron, Rainbow, Ice, and Greyscale—and updates at 9Hz, so you’re always working with live data. The thermal camera helps you spot cold spots, hidden leaks, and insulation voids without needing to open walls or guess.

2. Dual Moisture Detection: Pin and Pinless Modes

This unit provides accurate pin-based moisture measurement in the range of 7% to 30% (±1.5% MC), with reference values up to 100%, and 9 selectable material groups for different surface types. In pinless mode, it reads up to 0.75″ (19mm) deep with a fast 100ms response time, offering non-invasive scanning for areas like drywall, wood, or tile without leaving marks.

3. Built-In Environmental Monitoring Tools

You get precise air temperature readings (32 to 122°F ±1.1°F), relative humidity (0–100% ±2.5%RH), dew point (-22 to 122°F ±1.8°F), vapor pressure (0.0 to 12.0kPa), and mixing ratio (up to 560 GPP). This data helps you assess mold risk, condensation potential, and air quality in real-time. All sensors are housed in the MR01 replaceable sensor module.

4. Visual Display & Data Storage for On-the-Go Professionals

It features a bright 2.3″ color TFT graphical display (QVGA 320×240 pixels), and stores up to 9999 BMP-format images with measurement overlays—ideal for generating reports or tracking problem areas over time. Automatic calibration with manual lock lets you fine-tune your readings for consistent results in changing conditions.

5. Built for Field Use: Long Battery Life, Rugged Build

The device includes a 3.7V 3000mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery offering up to 18 hours of continuous use—enough to last four full work weeks under typical conditions. Certified with CE, FCC Class B, and EN 61326 (EMC), it also includes a Class 2 laser for orientation, an international USB charger, an MR02 pin probe, and a USB cable.

Why You’ll Love the FLIR MR176 Thermal Imaging Moisture Meter

1. See What Your Eyes Can’t
This device takes the guesswork out of inspections by giving you actual thermal visuals. Whether you’re tracking a roof leak, checking insulation, or verifying AC performance, the built-in FLIR thermal sensor shows you hidden problems like moisture or heat loss before they turn into bigger damage—making you faster and smarter on every job.

2. Two Moisture Modes, One Reliable Tool
Switch between pin-based and pinless detection depending on the surface you’re testing. Use the pinless mode for non-destructive scanning of walls and floors, and the pin mode when you need pinpoint accuracy. And with support for 9 material groups, you’ll get reliable readings whether you’re testing wood, drywall, tile, or concrete.

3. A Complete Environment Scanner in Your Pocket
It’s not just about moisture—this tool gives you complete environmental insight, including temperature, humidity, dew point, vapor pressure, and mixing ratio. This is crucial for professionals who want to prevent mold growth, analyze building health, or identify HVAC inefficiencies with scientific precision.

4. Saves Time and Tells a Better Story
With the ability to store nearly 10,000 annotated thermal images, you can document findings for clients, insurance, or compliance with ease. Each photo includes your actual moisture and temperature readings, helping you build credibility and simplify reporting.

5. Built to Work as Hard as You Do
This isn’t a fragile gadget—it’s a professional-grade tool made to survive job sites. With an 18-hour battery, rugged design, and international certifications, you can count on it for long field days, demanding inspections, and heavy use without compromise. Whether you’re in wet basements or hot rooftops, it’s ready to go wherever the job takes you.

How to Use

1. Power Up and Navigate the Display
Charge the device fully using the included international USB charger and cable. Press the power button to activate the 2.3-inch QVGA color TFT display. The graphical interface makes it easy to navigate through measurement options, image palettes, and saved data.

2. Choose Your Measurement Mode
Switch between thermal imaging, pin moisture, pinless moisture, air temperature, and relative humidity modes. The device supports quick mode toggling and shows live measurements on-screen, helping you adapt quickly to on-site needs in building inspections or HVAC diagnostics.

3. Use the Thermal Camera for Visual Detection
Aim the integrated FLIR Lepton microbolometer sensor at the surface you wish to inspect. Use the single laser pointer to locate the exact thermal center. With four palette options (Iron, Rainbow, Ice, and Greyscale), view heat signatures and detect cold spots, leaks, or thermal anomalies with a 51° × 38° field of view.

4. Perform Moisture Testing (Pin & Pinless)
For surface readings, attach the MR02 Standard Pin Probe to detect moisture in 9 material groups. The meter measures from 7% to 100% with accurate results in the 7–30% range. For non-invasive readings, use the pinless sensor, which measures up to 19mm depth with a fast 100ms response time.

5. Capture, Save, and Export Readings
Save thermal images with overlaid measurement data in BMP format—up to 9999 images. Use the micro USB connection for data transfer and documentation. The auto image calibration with manual lock scale allows consistent image comparison during multi-day inspections.

How to Take Care

1. Clean the Display and Sensors Properly
Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently clean the screen and external surfaces. Do not use alcohol, water, or cleaning sprays directly on the device. Make sure to remove any dirt from the pin probe before and after use.

2. Store in Safe Packaging After Use
After fieldwork, place the device and its accessories (sensor, probe, charger) back into the original packaging or a padded case. This prevents scratches, accidental damage, and dust buildup, especially during travel.

3. Avoid Moisture and Direct Sunlight Exposure
Although the device is built for field use, avoid exposing it to rain, extreme humidity, or direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure may affect the internal electronics and reduce accuracy over time.

4. Recharge the Battery Regularly
For optimal battery life, recharge the built-in 3000mAh Li-ion battery before it fully drains. A full charge offers up to 18 hours of use, typically lasting about four weeks of standard operation. Always use the provided USB charger.

5. Update Software and Check Certifications
Ensure your device firmware is up to date and meets international safety and environmental standards, including CE, FCC Class B, RCM, EN 61326, and EN 60825-1 Class 2 (Laser). Never attempt to modify or recalibrate it without manufacturer guidance.

Safety Tips

1. Do Not Point the Laser at Eyes
The device includes a Class 2 laser for image orientation. Always avoid direct laser exposure to eyes, animals, or mirrors, even if it appears safe. This is especially important when operating in tight indoor areas.

2. Handle Moisture Probes Carefully
Pin probes should never be forced into hard surfaces. Use gently and only on appropriate materials to avoid damaging the pins or injuring your hands during use.

3. Avoid Using on Live Circuits
Although non-contact, avoid scanning areas near exposed electrical wiring or open panels without proper safety gear. Moisture and heat can mislead readings around electrical zones.

4. Keep the Device Away from Children
This is a professional instrument meant for industrial and field use. Keep it stored away from children or untrained users to avoid accidental drops, misuse, or exposure to thermal sensors and laser functions.

5. Use Only Approved Accessories
Always use the included MR01 and MR02 sensors or manufacturer-approved accessories. Unauthorized parts can give inaccurate readings and void the 10-year warranty.

Why This Device Is Ideal for Professional Moisture and Thermal Detection

This all-in-one Thermal Imaging Moisture Meter delivers robust performance for building inspectors, HVAC professionals, and restoration specialists. It combines thermal imaging powered by a FLIR Lepton sensor, precise pin/pinless moisture detection, and real-time environmental metrics like temperature, RH, dew point, vapor pressure, and mixing ratio. With a display refresh rate of 9Hz, an intuitive 2.3” TFT screen, 9999-image storage, and lightning-fast 100ms response time, it ensures fast and accurate readings. Its rugged design, CE/FCC certifications, and 10-year warranty make it a trusted companion for demanding environments where accuracy, durability, and usability matter most.