New Protimeter MMS3 The 3rd Generation
Russell Rafton
Director at DRYFIX PRESERVATION LTD Yorkshire's Leading Damp and Timber Specialists / Director Coleman Diagnostics
The new MMS 3 is the third generation of Protimeters' flagship all in one multi-functional moisture meter. Just like the older MMS2, the MMS3 incorporates all the same features and functionality so you'll loose nothing on the upgrade, but you will benefit from some subtle but very much appreciated improvements. Physically even the two are difficult to tell apart with the exception to the obvious yellow banding on the front that follows the shape handset. The MMS3 does however have once huge ace up its sleeve and that's with the introduction of Bluetooth and Protimeters new moisture mapping software.
Generations apart the Protimeter MMS Range 1,2 & 3
I've been lucky enough to trial Protimeters new flagship device for the past few months, so lets take a closer look at some of the changes.
?PHYSICAL CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS
The physical changes between the MMS2 handset to the MMS3 are barely noticeable however, if you already own and use an MMS2 you will appreciate these little changes.
Firstly, there's a colour change. The new MMS has benefited from a style makeover and now incorporates yellow banding on the front to replace the old black look, it's nice but nothing really to sing and dance about.
The MMS3 is now powered by 2 x AA batteries rather than the 9C rectangular battery giving the MMS3 much better battery life.?This is always apricated particularly when you're powering a large colour display.
Protimeter have also improved the robustness of the 3.5mm jack as there had been reports of instability with previous models. If you've had chance to read my article "Best Professional Moisture Meters, Which One?" you'll know that I'm a fan of simplicity when it comes to the connection of accessories. Protimeters 3.5mm jack for the extension probes are so simple, it requires no thought or conscious to connect or remove any accessory which is exactly how it should be. Designs like the Flir MR77 RJ45 connector I find so frustrating to use, that this instrument simply rests at the bottom of my bag as my spare.
Protimeter have also included a little vent port on the right side of the handset to improve the buzzer. I actually have no idea where the buzzer is located on the MMS2 and suspect this is internal somewhere, as it's always sounded buried deep within the handset hence why it’s so quiet. The sound on the new MMS3 is a lot more audible.
The connectivity ports have also been improved switching from the old USB mini to the new Micro USB.
The LCD display is a big improvement and now incorporates a non-reflective screen protector for taking better photographs. Sounds subtle but there's nothing more annoying that repeatedly taking the same image because the camera keeps over exposing the background meaning you’re unable to see the settings or readings.
The LCD screen quality has also increased dramatically, the colours and font are much clearer and vibrant. The menu font size appears to have decreased slightly however with the improvement in screen quality means it’s actually easier to read. Furthermore, the display in measurement modes has changed too. The new measurement mode displays are similar to the displays used in the ReachMaster Pro, which are so much better. Readings are displayed in large window with the traffic light colours illuminating the background. Sounds simple but when you compare it to the display on the old MMS2 it’s a dramatic and much welcomed improvement.
MMS3 Display compared to the old MMS2
Software Changes and improvements
Another rather simple change is the auto switching mode. One of the problems with these multi-functional moisture meters is switching between modes often requires some navigation through a menu. This is both time consuming and unnecessary as Flir proved with the MR77. It’s a reluctance from some manufacturers to introduce individual function buttons thus, keeping the handset clean which means we still need these long unnecessary menu systems. Protimeter have however found an answer, which if you're like me constantly switching between surface probes and non- intrusive mode is very much appreciated. The new auto switching mode automatically detects when the extension probes are connected to the handset and switches modes automatically. A hugely appreciated time saver to anyone who uses these instruments frequently.
The non-invasive sensor has also had a few tweaks too, as there is now a sensitivity adjustment feature the same as the one incorporated into the ReachMaster pro. This allows the sensitivity of the non-invasive sensor to be increased or decreased by +5?or - 5. You might be wondering exactly how this is useful. If however, you’re measuring through a material and the results displayed are consistently high, In this situation,?it can be very difficult to pin point the path of moisture as the material appears evenly affected. Having the ability to decrease the instruments sensitivity can allow you to more accurately pin-point the source / location of the problem. Similarly, this feature is also useful in the opposite scenario where multiple floor coverings are used and increasing sensitivity allows you to penetrate deeper beneath the surface coverings.
The New MMS3 handset incorporates a user manual within the software or atleast a QR code that can be scanned with your mobile leading you to the manual. I’m not quite sure this is needed and only unnecessarily increases the size of the menu.
I've always advocated that people should calibrate their equipment regularly. Protimeter are one of the only manufactures that have always included calibration checks for surface pins with their instruments, whilst many other manufactures sell these as expensive accessories. The new MMS3 now has an inbuilt WME calibration check and also a user friendly re-calibration check for the non-invasive measurement too. This means you'll never have to send the instrument back to the manufacturer well, not at least for calibration purposes.
There are a few other minor software changes such as; auto shut off has been extended from 6 minutes to 10 and it’s now possible to customise the display in psychrometric mode. The unit also has built in different languages. ?
In case you’re not familiar with Protimeters MMS range here’s a list of the features and functions you can expect from the new MMS3
All of the changes are a great improvement on the MMS2 however, are they sufficient enough to encourage you to part with almost ￡750.00 just to upgrade to the new MMS3? Well just wait, as I haven’t got to the best bit yet.
领英推荐
Third Generation Protimeter MMS3 - Big Changes
The biggest change is that the new MMS3 has Bluetooth capabilities allowing you to pair the device to your phone or tablet. This also means you’ll have access to Protimeters brand new moisture mapping software. Whilst moisture mapping software applications are not exactly new, it’s been done already by Tramex. By introducing Bluetooth connectivity and the App, Protimeter are now directly competing with other manufacturers like Tramex for the new generation of intelligent moisture meters. ?
The app is available for IOS and Android devices and requires you to set up a login and password. The app is very simple and intuitive to use. You can set up jobs allowing you to name individual projects with references, job type and address. This will most likely be used for projects where repeat monitoring of a building is required thus the need for multiple reports. There’s also the ability to create a quick snapshot image basically a single reading for reference. This will most likely be used by surveyors or other building professional either wanting to create a single record or image to include within a report.
Like I’ve said, moisture mapping software isn’t anything ground breaking but it is of huge benefit to any user of the MMS 3. Considering the purpose of the software I suspect those purchasing the New MMS3 will likely be water damage restorers and practitioners. These are the people who will make the most of the Bluetooth functionality and moisture mapping software. Personally however, I would have like to have?seen Protimeter make some bigger changes with the MMS3 such as, the introduction of a quantitative scale based on gravimetric / carbide for testing concrete and screeds to make the MMS3 much more of a rival to Tramexs CMEX5 Moisture encounter.
So, are these changes enough to make you consider upgrading from the old MMS2?
Well for anyone, in the water damage industry or those who simply like to stay current and up to date, the MMS 3 is a must. For those who are a little more conservative with their budgets, it’s a nice replacement if and when, your MMS2 is in need of retirement.????
If you've made it this far, I hope you found this review useful and if you have any questions or queries about the new Protimeter MMS 3 please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Happy surveying
Russ
If you would like to learn more about damp, moisture mapping or damp diagnosis you may?also find the following articles useful:
The Truth about Moisture Meters
The Protimeter Reachmaster Pro
Industry Perception Study
Moisture Content Analysis
Russell Rafton - Dryfix Preservation Ltd Senior Surveyor
Dryfix Yorkshires Leading Damp & Timber Specialists
A 5 x Industry Award Winning Company with the Property Care Association.
Chartered Surveyor and Chartered Building Engineer
3 年Great comprehensive review Russell. Like Craig said above, In pin mode, my MMS2 can take up to 10 seconds for the reading to appear, whereas in search mode, it’s instant. Maybe there is a design fault with the MMS2 and this has been corrected in the new MMS3.? The improvements you have highlighted, particularly now seamless between modes, and the battery change are enough on their own to convince me to switch. I won’t miss having to buy a 9 volt battery regularly anymore, and will be able to just stock up on 1 battery type for all of my kit! Also, as with any kit you purchase, it’s tax deductible .
MD | Chartered Fellow Building Surveyor | Registered Expert Witness | Registered Valuer
3 年Hi Russell, good post / article. My MMS2 can be a little slow at showing readings in pin mode compared to my surveymaster 2, can I ask is the software any quicker on the MMS3 ?
Loss adjuster at McLarens
3 年Nice review
CSTDB PCA Independent Damp & Timber Surveyor | 2 X Industry Award Winner
3 年Great review