Abstract: A kiln moisture measurement system is provided for measuring the moisture content of a charge of timber in a timber drying kiln, and comprises first and second electrically conductive elements spaced apart in the kiln on respective mounts, with the charge of timber between the electrically conductive elements. The first and second electrically conductive elements are connected to an electronic controller such that electric charge can be transmitted between the first and/or second electrically conductive element and the electronic controller. The electrically conductive elements are each resiliently movable against respective contact portions of the charge of timber when the charge of timber is adjacent the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element.

Abstract: A kiln moisture measurement method and system is provided for measuring the moisture level of a charge of timber in a timber drying kiln. The method includes steps of: transmitting electromagnetic radiation from a transmitter; receiving the electromagnetic radiation at a receiver; wherein the transmitter and receiver are configured such that the electromagnetic radiation passes through at least part of the charge of timber. An electronic data processor determines the gain of the electromagnetic radiation by comparing the intensities of the transmitted and received electromagnetic radiation; and subsequently determines a moisture level of the charge based on the gain of the electromagnetic radiation.