Every Kestrel Meter features a precision sapphire-bearing impeller. At 1" across, the impeller starts spinning with the slightest puffs of air and guarantees readings accurate to +/-3%. And it's easily replaced in case of damage or wear - just pop in a new one and your Kestrel is restored to like-new.
The Kestrel 4500 Pocket Weather Tracker is unbelievably user-friendly. Screens are arranged in a simple matrix - press up and down arrows to scroll through the readings, and the left and right arrows to view the current, min/max/avg and chart views for each measurement. Clear menus make customization a snap, and users can even turn off any screens that aren't relevant.
Kestrel 4500 models feature a large, customizable LCD display. Users can view the current environmental data, the min/max/avg values for data stored in the log, or chart the stored data. And with an extensive data logger, it's easy to store and review months' worth of environmental data.
Relative humidity is tricky to measure- and thanks to the Kestrel's quick-response RH sensor, it can instantly measure humidity to within +/-3% accuracy. The secret is a patented dual temperature sensor that allows the Kestrel to quickly equilibrate to its surrounding environment, even in extreme or rapidly changing conditions.
Unlike many products that measure temperature, every Kestrel's thermistor is located outside the case to ensure that it measures the air's temperature, not your hand or pocket's. The "curls" serve to further isolate the sensor from the effects of the case temperature. And, since each Kestrel is waterproof and floats, you can actually take water and snow temperature readings.
Kestrel 4500 models automatically store data at a user-selected interval (from every 2 seconds to every 12 hours). But you can also manually take a snap-shot of the environmental conditions with the Manual Capture Button. Simply press this button and every reading is automatically stored in the data log with a date/time stamp.
Even in dark conditions, the Kestrel Meter is easy to use. Simply press the Backlight Button to illuminate the screen. It's bright enough to easily read the screen, even in total darkness.
The NV model has the same features as its more colorful counterpart, but is olive drab with a night-vision preserving backlight which helps users to sustain natural night vision. The NV's backlight incorporates an optical filter to reduce overall brightness and minimize blue and green spectrum light to preserve night vision. Additionally, NV backlights are also much dimmer than a standard backlight, making it more difficult to detect with the naked eye in night operations. This backlight appears soft greyish pink, not red, and is still in the visible spectrum, so is not compatible with night-vision equipment.
Kestrel Meters are designed and manufactured in the US, and built to withstand the day-to-day rigors that our customers are accustomed to. Each Kestrel is IP-67 sealed, meaning that it is totally protected from dust and water, and has successfully endured MIL-STD-810F drop testing. Despite being a precision instrument, a Kestrel Meter is one rugged piece of equipment! And in the unlikely event that you do encounter any problems, every Kestrel is covered by a 5-year warranty.
| Kestrel 3500 | Kestrel 4000 | Kestrel 4500 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measurements: | Wind speed, temperature, wind chill, humidity, dewpoint, heat stress, altitude, barometric pressure, wet bulb temperature | Barometric pressure, pressure trend, altitude, relative humidity, heat stress index, dewpoint, wet bulb temperature, density altitude, wind chill, air, water, and snow temperature, current wind speed, average wind speed, maximum wind gust. | Digital compass, wind direction, crosswind, head/tail wind, barometric pressure, pressure trend, altitude, relative humidity, heat stress index, dewpoint, wet bulb temperature, density altitude, wind chill, air, water, and snow temperature, current wind speed, average wind speed, maximum wind gust. |
| Navigation | Two-button navigation. Scroll left and right through available measurements. | Simple matrix navigation: up and down arrows scroll through available measurements. Left and right arrows scroll between the current reading, min/max/avg readings and stored data chart. Unnecessary measurements may be hidden. | Simple matrix navigation: up and down arrows scroll through available measurements. Left and right arrows scroll between the current reading, min/max/avg readings and stored data chart. Unnecessary measurements may be hidden. |
| Computer Interface | Not Available | Easy upload of data to a PC with the optional Kestrel Interface. Easy-to-Use Communicator software allows for data storage, charting and analysis. | Easy upload of data to a PC with the optional Kestrel Interface. Easy-to-Use Communicator software allows for data storage, charting and analysis. |
| Data Logger | Not Available | 2000 data point log. Automatic data storage at user-determined interval (every 2 seconds to 12 hours), or manually with capture button. Data may be viewed on-screen in detailed graphical form. | 1400+ data point log. Automatic data storage at user-determined interval (every 2 seconds to 12 hours), or manually with capture button. Data may be viewed on-screen in detailed graphical form. |
| NV Configuration | Olive drab colored with tactical backlight. | Olive drab colored with tactical backlight. | Olive drab colored with tactical backlight. |
| Backlight | Aviation green backlight. NV configuration features reduced brightness backlight to preserve night vision. | Aviation green backlight. NV configuration features reduced brightness backlight to preserve night vision. | Aviation green backlight. NV configuration features reduced brightness backlight to preserve night vision. |
| Protective Case | Comes with slip-on hard cover with sure-grip overmolding. | Flip-top impeller cover protects the impeller while exposing other sensors for accurate data logging. Accessory carry cases also available. | Flip-top impeller cover protects the impeller while exposing other sensors for accurate data logging. Accessory carry cases also available. |
| Dimensions & Weight | 4.8 x 1.7 x 0.7 inches 2.3 oz (carry case 1.3 oz) | 5.0 x 1.8 x 1.1 inches 3.6 oz | 5.0 x 1.8 x 1.1 inches 3.6 oz |
| Batteries | One CR2032, average life 300 hours of use. | 2 AAA, average life 400 hours of use. | 2 AAA, average life 400 hours of use. |
Wind Speed
The Current screens display the instantaneous reading for each measurement. At the top of each screen is the measurement's icon, abbreviated name and unit of measure.
Temperature
Pressing the up and/or down arrows scrolls through other measurements' current readings.
Displayed here is every measurement with its corresponding Current Screen. Other views are listed below.
Heading
Clearly displays heading in degrees. Can be set for true or magnetic north and is adjustable for declination.
Crosswind
No more guessing – just set your heading, measure the wind, & the Kestrel calculates the crosswind component.
Headwind
Like the Crosswind – just set your heading, measure the wind, & the Kestrel calculates the headwind component.
Wind Chill
Calculated temperature taking into account the winds effect.
Relative Humidity
The amount of water vapor actually in the air divided by the maximum amount of water vapor the air could hold at that temperature, expressed as a percentage.
Heat Index
A practical measure of how hot the current combination of relative humidity and temperature feels to a human body.
Dewpoint Temperature
The temperature to which air must be cooled in order for condensation to occur.
Wet Bulb Temperature
The lowest temperature to which a thermometer can be cooled by evaporating water into the air at constant pressure.
Barometric Pressure
The air pressure of your location reduced to sea level.
Altitude
The distance above sea level, based on the measured station pressure and the input barometric pressure.
Density Altitude
The altitude at which you would be, given the current air density.
User Screens
There are three User Screens that display three measurements' current values with the corresponding icon. These screens are customizable.
Chart Screen
The data stored in the log may be viewed graphically on the chart screen. Every measurement has a chart screen. To scroll between current, min/max/avg and chart screens for any measurement, press the left or right arrow keys.
Chart Detail Screen
To view the specific data points for each chart, press the center (—) button. A cursor will appear on the chart. Use the left and right arrow keys to scrool the cursor through the data points. The date, time and value for the data point will be displayed.
Date & Time Screen
The Kestrel also has a date and time screen. Setting the calendar and clock is important since every data point is saved with a date and time stamp. With the optional Kestrel interface, all of the stored data can be uploaded for in-depth analysis, charting or storage.
Min/Max/Avg Screen
The min/max/avg displays the minimum, maximum and average values for the data stored in the log for a particular measurement. Every measurement has a min/max/avg screen.
Kestrel Portable Vane Mount
The Kestrel Portable Vane Mount is an ingeniously simple accessory designed for extreme light weight and portability. The Vane Mount assembles in seconds and the precision pivot and lightweight vane extension allows the unit to spin freely in the slightest of breezes. The Vane Mount can be affixed to any tripod for a complete weather station you can easily pack into remote locations.
Kestrel Interface
With the Kestrel Interface and Communicator Software, data can be uploaded for long-term storage, in-depth analysis and detailed charting. The Communicator Software is extremely easy-to-use, and allows users to review, analyze and store their data easily and efficiently.
Kestrel Carry Case
This sturdy padded nylon case lets you build a Kestrel Toolkit perfect for your needs and still carry it on your belt with ease. The top flap features a hook/loop closure and a special window designed to keep the Kestrel's sensors continuously exposed to the outside air, ensuring accurate logged readings. The durable elastic loop on the side of the case is perfect for carrying a small flashlight or other tool. No need to find yourself in the field with dead batteries -- an elastic battery loop inside securely holds two backup AAA batteries.
Tactical Carry Case
This case is designed for military personnel wishing to carry their Kestrel on a MOLLE/PALS mounting system. Manufactured in the USA of USA components, it features a padded 1000 Denier DuPont Cordura® Plus fabric body, a reinforced top flap, a 1" fastex buckle closure, and an inner pouch for spare AAA batteries. Available in Black, Coyote Brown (dark khaki) and Ranger Green (muted drab olive).
Replacement Impeller
This replacement impeller restores any Kestrel's wind speed readings to factory calibration. Simply pop out the old impeller and press in a new one. (*Only required in case of damage or wear.)
Kestrel Tripod
This durable tripod stands 51.4" high when fully extended and has five-section twist-and-pull legs. The collapsed tripod measures just 13.6", and weighs under 2 pounds. It comes with a clamp that mounts any Kestrel Meter and is also compatible with the Kestrel Portable Vane Mount.
Kestrel Mini Tripod
Clamp any Kestrel into this sturdy but lightweight tripod to take readings in the field. The tripod’s legs extend to permit a maximum height of 10", and a minimum of 6". Ultra-compact and portable, it folds to just 7.5” and weighs 4.8 oz. For further options, the top clamp detaches and is compatible with any tripod with a standard tripod mount (1/4" 20 thread fitting). Comes with a padded carry pouch.
NIST-Traceable Certification
Every Kestrel measurement is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, ensuring the highest level of reliability. For users who require documentation, NK offers fully documented NIST-traceable calibration services.
Kestrel RH Field Calibration Kit
The Field Calibration Kit allows users to recalibrate or verify the relative humidity readings of a Kestrel. The kit verifies the RH at two values, and can be used indefinitely.
Measurement
Units
Range
Accuracy
Wind Speed
m/s
ft/min
km/h
mph
knots
Beaufort
0.4 to 60.0 m/s
59 to 11,948 ft/m
1.0 to 218.0 km/h
0.8 to 135.0 mph
0.6 to 118.3 kt
0 to 12 B
+/- 3%
Wind Direction / Heading
degrees
Cardinal Points
360 degrees
360 degrees
+/- 5 degrees
Crosswind
Headwind, Tailwind
mph
ft/min
km/hr
m/s
knots
0.8 to 135 mph
59 to 11,880 ft/min
1.0 to 217.3 km/hr
0.4 to 60.0 m/s
0.6 to 117.3 kt
+/- 5%
Temperature
degrees F
degrees C
-49.0 to 257.0 degrees F
-45.0 to 125.0 degrees C
+/- 1.8 degrees F
+/- 1 degree C
Relative Humidity
%RH
0.0 to 100.0%
+/- 3%RH
Pressure
inHg
hPa/mb
PSI
0.3 to 32.48 inHg
10.0 to 1100.0 hPa/mb
0.15 to 16.0 PSI
+/- 0.05 inHg
+/- 1.5 hPa/mb
+/- 0.02 PSI
Altitude
feet
meters
-6,000 t0 30,000 feet
-2,000 to 9,000 meters
+/- 50 feet
+/- 15 meters
Wind Chill
degrees F
degrees C
0.7 to 135.0 MPH, -49.0 to 257 degrees F
0.4 to 60.0 m/s, -45.0 to 125 degrees C
+/- 1.8 degrees F
+/- 1.0 degrees C
Heat Index
degrees F
degrees C
0.0 to 100.0 %RH, -49.0 to 257.0 degrees F
0.0 to 100.0 %RH, -45.0 to 125.0 degrees C
+/- 3.6 degrees F
+/- 2.0 degrees C
Dewpoint
degrees F
degrees C
0.0 to 100.0 %RH, -49.0 to 257.0 degrees F
0.0 to 100.0 %RH, -45.0 to 125.0 degrees C
+/- 3.6 degrees F
+/- 2.0 degrees C
Wet Bulb Temperature
degrees F
degrees C
-49.0 to 257.0 degrees F, 0.0 to 100.0 %RH, 8.86 to 32.48 inHg
-45.0 to 125.0 degrees C, 0.0 to 100.0 %RH, 300.0 to 1100.0 hPa
+/- 3.6 degrees F
+/- 2.0 degrees C
Density Altitude
ft
m
-49.0 to 257.0 degrees F, 0.0 to 100.0 % RH, 8.86 to 32.48 inHg
-45.0 to 125.0 degrees C, 0.0 to 100.0 %RH, 300.0 to 1100.0 hPa
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