4500
Pocket Weather ® Tracker
In a hurry?
Be sure to read pages
5-8 to ensure that
your Kestrel is setup
properly!
with Backlight
Kestrel 4500 & Kestrel 4500 NV Models
Instruction Manual for
www.kestrelweather.com 800.784.4221
Revised 07/29/10
Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 3
MANUAL MEMORY
BUTTON Press to manually
store current conditions to
memory.
MEASUREMENT BUTTONS
Press to scroll between
screens: Date/Time,
Measurements, User
Dened Screens
POWER/SETUP BUTTON
Hold to turn power on or
o. Press to enter and exit
Main Setup Menu.
FRONT
IMPELLER Zytec™
V-bearings on a userreplaceable impeller.
IMPELLER COVER Swivel
cover protects impeller
when not in use.
BACKLIGHT BUTTON
Press to activate
backlight for 1 minute.
MODE BUTTONS Press
to change mode of
measurements: Current,
Min/Max/Avg, Chart.
COMMAND BUTTON
In Chart Screens, press
to view data points. In
Setup Menus, press to
make selection.
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DATA UPLOAD OPTICAL
COUPLER Software and
serial port interface sold
separately.
BATTERY DOOR Sealed
with o-ring to keep
product watertight.
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Hermetically sealed precision
thermistor coiled to isolate
from case temperature.
HUMIDITY SENSOR Capacitive
sensor with secondary
thermistor to improve
accuracy and response.
SERIAL NUMBER
PRESSURE SENSOR Monolithic
silicon piezoresistive sensor.
Do NOT insert any objects
into this hole.
AAA BATTERIES
BACK
Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GETTING STARTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
NAVIGATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
SPECIAL FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
MAIN SETUP MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
APPLICATION EXAMPLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
MEMORY CAPABILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
DEFAULT SETTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
CUSTOMER SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Congratulations on the purchase of your Kestrel 4500 Pocket Weather Tracker! The Kestrel 4500 is our
newest and most comprehensive weather meter. It not only measures EVERY environmental condition
easily, accurately, and right in the palm of your hand, but now also integrates a digital compass to
indicate wind direction, cross wind and headwind/tailwind.
While the Kestrel 4500 is user-friendly and simple to use, reading the instruction manual is
recommended in order to use the Kestrel 4500 to its fullest potential.
NK, manufacturer of Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters, is available to answer questions and provide
support. Contact NK by phone: 610.447.1555, fax: 610.447.1577, email: info@
nkhome.com, or web: www.nkhome.com.
GETTING STARTED
Pouch and Lanyards
Wrist and neck lanyards and a small pouch have been provided. To install the
lanyard, feed the thin end of the lanyard around the metal post on the battery
door (as shown in diagram). Feed the thick end of the lanyard through the loop
on the thin end. Using tweezers can help.
Battery Installation
AAA batteries have a magnetic signature that is strong enough to inuence
compass readings. In order to negate the batteries eect, it is important that the Kestrel 4500’s batteries
remain in the same orientation as they were when the unit was calibrated. To accomplish this, the Kestrel
4500 has a exible plastic shim that slides in between the two batteries to keep them in place. Insert
the batteries in the orientation indicated on the battery door, then insert the shim between the new
batteries with the clear tab out and folded toward the end of the battery with the positive pole (the
“bump”) pointing up. Press the tab down over the battery with the “bump” through the hole (it will not
remain completely at). Close the door tightly. When changing the batteries, lift the clear tab folded over
the positive pole of the battery, remove the shim, and then remove the batteries and replace them with
new ones. Please be careful when changing batteries not to lose the shim!
After installing the batteries, the Kestrel Meter will automatically start in the Date and Time Setting
mode. (See Date and Time Setup.) Custom settings and chart data will be saved during a battery change;
only the date/time and MMA values will be lost.
Turning the Kestrel Meter ON and OFF
To turn the Kestrel Meter ON, press the button. To turn the Kestrel Meter OFF, hold the button for
two seconds. Or, press the button, then press the button with the word OFF highlighted. (Note:
your unit will continue to automatically store data when the power is turned o.) When rst turned on,
the Kestrel Meter will display a splash screen displaying the model number, the battery indicator, and
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Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 7
the code version. This battery indicator will indicate the percentage of battery life remaining, which is
helpful in preventing unexpected dead batteries.
Date and Time Setup
The rst time that you turn on your Kestrel Meter, as well as after a battery change,
you will need to set the date and time. The Introduction Screen will appear for 3
seconds, followed by the Date/Time Setup Screen. Press the and buttons to
scroll through the settings. Press the and buttons to scroll through the setting
options. After entering the date and time, press the button to exit the Date/Time
Setup. Then press the button again to exit the Main Setup Menu.
Calibrating the Digital Compass
Due to the magnetic signature of the AAA batteries, the Kestrel 4500’s digital compass must be
calibrated, or “taught” to correct for the magnetic eld of the batteries. This must be done each time the
batteries are changed or the battery door is opened. If your unit has not been calibrated, it will display
“uncalibrated” at the base of the Direction, Crosswind and Headwind screens and will not display or log
any values until it has been calibrated.
When calibrating the compass, be sure to choose a location that is not near metal or magnetic materials.
For example, you cannot calibrate the Kestrel Meter reliably on a metal desk. Also, keeping the Kestrel
Meter vertical (front/back and left/right) is crucial to accurate calibration. The foam stand included in the
Kestrel Meter’s packaging will help to stabilize the unit during calibration. (The piece is also handy for
standing the Kestrel Meter up while taking readings in the eld.) Finally, removing the impeller during
calibration is recommended. (Simply press on the edges of the impeller to pop it out, then press it back
in after calibration is complete. Align the small triangle on the impeller housing with the matching
triangle near the hinge of the impeller cover on the front of the unit.)
To calibrate the unit’s digital compass, press the button to enter into the Main Menu, and use the
button followed by the button to select System. In the System menu, select “Compass Cal.” Following
the screen prompts, place the Kestrel Meter in the foam stand and slowly spin it around three full times.
Each rotation should take approximately 10 seconds. “Cal Complete” will be displayed on the screen
when the calibration is nished. Press the button to exit out of the Menus.
After calibrating, you may wish to verify the digital compass’ accuracy with a compass that you know to
be operating properly. Being careful to orient the Kestrel Meter vertically, verify the readings at north,
south, east and west. (It is possible that some but not all of the directions would be correct if the unit is
not calibrated correctly.) Remember to hold the Kestrel Meter and the compass far enough away from
each other that they do not interfere. You should expect the Kestrel Meter’s readings to be within ±5°
of the reference compass or better. If the Kestrel Meter’s direction readings do not appear to be correct,
simply run the calibration routine again.
Once your unit is correctly calibrated, you do not need to calibrate again unless a) you change the
batteries or open the battery door; b) the unit displays “uncalibrated” at the base of the Direction,
Crosswind or Headwind screen.
Calibration Error Messages
There are three error messages you may see during calibration. They are:
Magnetic Batteries: In some instances, the magnetic eld of the batteries is such that the Kestrel Meter
cannot accurately calibrate the compass. If this is the case, upon completion of the three rotations the
screen will display this error message. Simply open the battery door, rotate one or both of the batteries
slightly, and run the calibration again.
Too Slow: The unit was spun too slowly during the calibration routine. Press the button to remove the
error screen, and then follow the directions on the screen to calibrate.
Too Fast: The unit was spun too quickly during the calibration routine. Press the button to remove the
error screen, and then follow the directions on the screen to calibrate.
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Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 9
NAVIGATION
Measurements use and
Direction
Wind Speed
Crosswind
Headwind/Tailwind
Temperature
Wind Chill
Humidity
The Kestrel 4500 is set up to display 13 Measurements (some are calculations) in 3 Modes.
The Measurements are listed here with their corresponding screen icon. In addition to these
Measurements and Modes, there are also 3 User Screens, which simultaneously show 3 current
measurements, and the Date & Time Screen, which gives the current date and time. Use the and
buttons to scroll through the various Measurements, followed by the 3 User Screens and the Date/Time
Screen. Any of these screens can be turned o so that you can customize your Kestrel Meter to show the
screens that your application requires. (See the Measurements section in the Main Menu.)
The Modes are displayed below. Use the and buttons to scroll through the various Modes. From any
mode, you may still scroll to a dierent Measurement by pressing the and buttons.
Current - Displays the instantaneous reading.
Min/Max/Avg - Displays the Minimum/Maximum/Average readings from stored data. If there is no
stored data, the values will be displayed as --.-.
HI
Heat Index
DP
Dew Point
WB
Wet Bulb
Barometric Pressure
Altitude
D
Density Altitude
Chart - Displays a graphical representation of up to 1400 stored data points for each measurement. If
there is no stored data, the axis will appear, but the chart will be blank. (See the following section for
information on Chart Navigation.)
Modes use and
Modes use
and
Note: The Direction chart will display the logged direction in degrees, with the base line of the chart
representing 0° and the top of the chart representing 360°. The crosswind and headwind charts will
have the same graph scale as the wind speed chart. The graph scale can be adjusted in the Main Menu if
necessary to ensure that your logged values are displayed on screen.
Navigation of Charts
The Kestrel 4500 is capable of storing up to 1400 data points for each measurement. To review the data,
press the - button while viewing a chart. A cursor will appear on the most recent data point. Press the
and buttons to scroll through the data points. The date and time at which the data was stored will be
displayed at the bottom of the screen, and the data value will be displayed at the top of the screen. Hold
down the or button to scroll quickly through the data points.
Press the or button to review the data for the other measurements. Please note that the cursor will
remain at the same date and time. If new data is stored while viewing chart data, the entire chart will
shift left with the new data point charted on the right. The cursor will not shift with the chart.
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Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 11
Press the button to return to the Chart Mode.
Value
Date & Time
Chart
Cursor
SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
User Screens
The Kestrel Meter has three User Screens that can be customized to display three
current measurements simultaneously. These screens can also be turned o. (See the
Main Menu section for setup instructions.)
The Max/Avg values for the Wind Speed and Direction values are measured independently from the
stored and charted data. (The Direction measurement does not record the Max and Average since it is
not applicable, and will display N/A on the Min/Max/Avg screen.)
This allows the user to start and stop the averaging period in the most appropriate manner for their
application. Averaging on all wind-related values (Wind Speed, Crosswind, Headwind and Wind Chill)
will be started and stopped together.
While viewing the Min/Max/Avg screen for any of these measurements, hold the unit into the wind, and
press the button when the screen displays “--average” to begin collecting data for all measurements,
and again when the screen displays “--stop” to stop collecting data and hold the values on the
display. Press the
Max/Avg for Wind Speed, Direction, Headwind/Tailwind, Crosswind & Wind Chill
button when the screen displays “--clear” to clear the data. This routine will work
simultaneously for all measurements, regardless of which one is displayed while the routine is run. The
Max/Avg for these wind values will not aect any other Min/Max/Avg or stored data.
Manual Data Storage
To manually store data, press the button. One of the following will appear: Data Stored (data has
been captured and will appear on chart), Full (Overwrite is o and data log is full), or O (Manual Store
button has been disabled). (See the Main Setup Menu section for more information on memory.)
Backlight
The Kestrel Meter has a high-visibility green backlight, which makes the display easily read in low-light
conditions.The Kestrel 4500 NV has a night-vision preserving backlight which helps users to sustain
natural night vision. The NV’s backlight incorporates an optical lter to reduce overall brightness and
minimize blue and green spectrum light to preserve night vision. Additionally, the backlight is much
dimmer than a standard backlight, making it more dicult 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 it is
not compatible with night-vision equipment.
It takes 30 to 45 minutes for the average eye to adapt to darkness and maximize night vision. Even a
short burst of white, yellow, green or blue light “bleaches out” the rod cell photoreceptors in the eye
and causes night blindness until the entire adaptation process can take place again. Light in the red
spectrum does not cause this “bleaching out”, preventing night blindness and night vision fatigue.
Press the button to activate the backlight. The light will remain activated for one minute. Press the
button within one minute to deactivate the light manually.
Measuring Direction
Before you begin, there are three simple things that are important to understand before using the
Kestrel 4500 to take compass readings:
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Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 13
1. Because the Kestrel 4500 is designed primarily to measure wind direction, the digital compass
component is aligned to work with the Kestrel Meter held vertically, in the same orientation used
when measuring wind. As is the case with all compasses, the compass component must be level to
yield accurate readings. To maximize the accuracy of compass readings, the Kestrel 4500 must be
positioned as close to the vertical as possible (front/back and left/right) when using any compassrelated feature (direction, crosswind, headwind, calibration). For every degree o vertical that the
unit is positioned, compass readings may vary up to three degrees.
2. The Kestrel Meter uses two AAA batteries to power the unit. These batteries have a magnetic
signature that can inuence the compass readings if not properly calibrated. After installing or
replacing the batteries, you must execute the simple self-calibration routine (see the Calibrating the
Digital Compass section) to ensure that the eect of the batteries is negated. If your unit has not
been calibrated, it will NOT measure direction and will post the message “uncalibrated” at the base
of any direction screen.
3. The impeller of the Kestrel 4500 also contains a small magnet that may slightly inuence the
compass readings when the impeller is still or rocking slightly. For maximum accuracy of compass
readings, the impeller should be spinning (or removed).
Taking a Compass Reading
To take a compass reading, simply hold the unit vertical and point the BACK of the unit toward the
direction that you wish to measure. (You can sight through the sensor opening to conrm the direction
alignment.) The unit will display the cardinal direction and degrees.
True vs. Magnetic North - Entering Variation/Declination
“True north” is the northern axis of rotation of the Earth. It is the point where the lines of longitude
converge on maps. “Magnetic north” is the point on the Earth’s surface where its magnetic eld points
directly downwards. Magnetic north does not exactly coincide with true north, and its location changes
over time. The dierence between Magnetic North and True North is called “Declination” or “Variation”.
These values for your location can be obtained on the internet. The NOAA website is an excellent
resource for this information: www.ngdc.noaa.gov
The Kestrel 4500, just like any other compass, will measure Magnetic North. However, True North can
be displayed by simply programming the Variation for your location. When viewing the Direction in
Magnetic North mode, the display will show “Magnetic North” below the reading. When viewing the
Direction in True North mode, the display will show “True N #.# E”, where #.# is the variation setting.
To switch between these modes, press the button. Then use the and buttons to toggle between
Magnetic and True. To enter the variation for your location, press the button to highlight Variation,
then and to adjust the value.
Measuring Crosswind & Headwind/Tailwind
The Kestrel 4500 automatically calculates crosswind or headwind with respect to a runway or target
direction. To use either of these screens, you must rst set the “heading”, or direction of the runway or
target as described below. You then measure the wind in the normal way, pointing the Kestrel into the
wind. The large number shown on the display will be the eective Crosswind or Headwind (depending
on the screen selected) for the target direction.
Note: Tailwinds are displayed as negative values on the Headwind screen. The full value wind speed and
direction are displayed below the Crosswind or Headwind for reference.
To enter the runway or target heading, press the button while on the Crosswind or Headwind screen.
The adjustment screen will always display the Magnetic North heading along the top, even if you have
the Kestrel set to True North. (If you selected True North mode in the Direction screen, this selection will
still be preserved when you return to the Direction screen.) Use the and buttons to select Auto Set
or Manual Set, and the button to enter the selection of your choice, then follow the instructions on
the screen to set the Magnetic Heading either automatically or manually.
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Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 15
- Auto Set allows you to point the Kestrel down the runway or in the direction of the target, and it
automatically enters the reference heading. Point the Kestrel down the runway or target, and press
the button.
- Manual Set allows you to enter the known heading of the runway or target. In Auto Adjust, follow
the prompts on the screen to have the Kestrel automatically set the heading. Use the and
buttons to enter the runway or target heading. Press the button to enter the selection of your
choice.
Relative Humidity
The Kestrel Meter is capable of measuring RH to a high accuracy: +/- 3% RH between 5 and 95%. To
ensure operation within these specications, please follow these recommendations:
• Avoid taking measurements in direct sunlight, which will heat the air inside the humidity sensor
enclosure and cause inaccurate readings.
• If your circumstances force you to expose the Kestrel Meter to a large temperature swing prior to
taking a relative humidity reading (such as when taking a Kestrel Meter stored inside at 70° F outside
to a temperature of 40° F), you will need to take additional steps to ensure that the Kestrel Meter’s
external temperature sensor is in thermal equilibrium.
- Ideally, provide an airow of at least 1 M/S (2.2 MPH), over the temperature sensor - point the
Kestrel Meter into the airow. If there is no airow, simply wave the unit back and forth so air
passes over the sensors. With airow over the temperature sensors and humidity chambers,
readings within specications will be provided within two to three minutes, even after a large
temperature shift.
- If no airow can be provided, you must allow sucient time for the RH value to stabilize. This
can take as long as 20 minutes- the greater the temperature change, the greater the time. You
can use the logging capability of the Kestrel Meter to conrm that the unit has stabilized to
a correct reading: Set the memory options to a relatively short logging interval (20 seconds
works well), select the graphical display of RH, and you can see when the value is no longer
changing signicantly. At that point, the RH value is stable and can be relied upon to be within
the accuracy specications.
Barometric Pressure and Altitude Adjustment
The Kestrel Meter measures “station” pressure—the actual air pressure in the measurement location—
and uses this value to calculate barometric pressure and altitude. Station pressure changes in response
to two things—changes in altitude and changes in the atmosphere. Because the Kestrel Meter is
constantly changing location and altitude, it is important to enter adjustments or “references” when
accurate pressure and altitude readings are needed.
Barometric pressure is station pressure corrected to sea level. In order to make the correction, the Kestrel
Meter needs an accurate reference altitude. Altitude is the height above sea level. In order to correctly
calculate altitude, the unit needs an accurate barometric pressure reference, also known as an “altimeter
setting”. Fortunately, you only need to know ONE of these values (current barometric pressure or current
altitude) in order to set your Kestrel Meter up to show accurate readings.
Starting with the known barometric pressure for your location
You can obtain your current barometric pressure by checking an internet weather
site for a nearby location, or contacting a local airport. Set this value as your
reference pressure on the ALTITUDE screen to determine your correct altitude: Press
the button to enter the reference setting mode. Press the button to increase
the reference pressure or the button to decrease the reference pressure. You
will notice that the altitude will change with changes in the reference pressure. Press the button to
exit the adjustment mode. Set your Kestrel Meter down on a table and allow the altitude reading to
stabilize. (Note: very small changes in pressure generate noticeable changes in altitude. In order to
provide meaningful readings for activities where altitude changes quickly, the Kestrel Meter features
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Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 17
rapid altitude response. This is why the altitude readings tend to uctuate by a few feet.) After obtaining
a current altitude from the ALTITUDE screen, move to the BARO screen and enter this value as your
reference altitude by following the same procedure. Both readings will now be accurate.
Starting with a known altitude for your location
You can obtain your altitude from a topographical map or local landmark. Google
Earth is an excellent free program that provides the exact altitude for any given
address: www.earth.google.com/. Set this value as your reference altitude on the
BARO screen to determine your barometric pressure: Press the button to enter
the reference setting mode. Press the button to increase the reference altitude or the button to
decrease the reference altitude. You will notice that the barometric pressure will change with changes in
the reference altitude. Press the button to exit the adjustment mode. Again, allow the Kestrel Meter to
stabilize, then enter the value from the BARO screen as your reference pressure on the ALTITUDE screen
by following the same procedure. Both readings are now accurate.
When reviewing stored data, remember that changes in pressure AND changes in location/altitude will
aect the stored values. When tracking pressure changes relative to weather, set the reference altitude
on the BARO screen and keep the Kestrel Meter in one location. Your graph history will now show trends
in barometric pressure. Your altitude as shown on the ALTITUDE screen will change as the weather
changes, but you can ignore this screen for this purpose.
If you are planning a day hike would like to track your altitude, you’ll need to enter the correct reference
pressure on the ALTITUDE screen as described above in “starting with the known barometric pressure.”
You can now track the altitude changes as you hike. In this instance, you should ignore the values on the
BARO screen, since the pressure changes will be due to changes in elevation far more than to changes in
the weather.
In general, changes in barometric pressure associated with weather changes are small over the course
of one day, but they will aect the accuracy of the altimeter over time. This is why aircraft reset their
altimeters at every aireld by entering the eld’s “altimeter setting” or reference pressure. Accordingly,
if accurate altitude readings are your primary interest, you should reset the reference pressure on your
Kestrel Meter regularly. If you encounter an elevation landmark, you can adjust the reference pressure
until the altitude matches the landmark elevation. This will correct the altitude for any pressure changes
due to the weather. (Or, you can obtain an updated reference pressure from the sources described
above.)
Some nal notes - If you wish to know the actual or station pressure for your location (such as for
engine tuning), simply set the reference altitude on the BARO screen to “0”. In this case, the Kestrel
Meter will not make any adjustment and will display the measured value. (Engine tuning and ballistics
software sometimes refer to atmospheric or station pressure as “absolute pressure.” These applications
are concerned with the actual air density, as opposed to pressure gradients relating to weather, so
barometric pressure is less useful.)
Also, the above discussion applies to ALL pressure altimeters, including one you may have in a watch or
other device, but not to GPS altimeters, which use satellite triangulation to determine altitude. Note that
with present GPS technology, pressure altimeters remain more accurate for measuring altitude change.
This is why airplanes still rely on pressure altimeters, not GPS.
Finally, the DENSITY ALTITUDE screen is calculated from the absolute values of station pressure, relative
humidity and temperature, and is not aected by the reference values entered in the BARO and
ALTITUDE screens.
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Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 19
MAIN SETUP MENU
You can customize your Kestrel Meter in multiple ways. Press the button to access the Main Setup
Menu. Press the - button to select the highlighted setting. The Main Setup Menu contains: OFF, Memory
Options, Measurements, Graph Scale, Units, User Screens, System, Date & Time, Language and Restore.
O
Press the then the button to turn the display o. Even when the Kestrel Meter’s display is turned
o, the unit will continue to automatically store data at the dened Store Rate. The battery life will be
decreased if data is stored frequently. The only way to completely shut o the unit is to remove the
batteries. Custom settings and data will be stored when the batteries are removed.
Memory Options
These settings control the data storage properties.
Setting Description Operation
Clear Log
(Go/Done)
Reset MMA
(Go/Done)
Auto Store
(On/O)
All stored data is cleared. This will also clear Min/
Max/Avg data.
All Min/Max/Avg data is cleared. Chart data will
remain intact.
When On, data is automatically stored at preset
Store Rate. When O, data is only stored when
manually captured with the button.
Press or to clear the log.
Press or to clear the
MMA.
Press or to toggle
between On and O.
Store Rate*
(2 sec – 12 hr)
Overwrite
(On/O)
The frequency at which data sets are automatically
stored. (Battery life may be shortened if data is
stored frequently.)
This setting only applies when the data log is full.
When On, oldest data point is discarded to allow
memory for the new data point. When O, new
Press or to increase
or decrease Store Rate
frequency.
Press or to toggle
between On and O.
data points are not saved.
Man Store
(On/O)
When On, data is stored when the button is
pressed. When o, the button is disabled.
Press or to toggle
between On and O.
When unit is o, data is NOT stored for 2 sec and 5 sec Store Rates.
Measurements
Measurement screens can be turned o, or “hidden” from the normal measurement navigation. For
example, if wind chill is not of interest, it can be hidden. Press the
or button to toggle between
ON and OFF for each individual measurement. Press the or button to highlight the desired
measurement. Press the button to return to the Main Setup Menu. Even when measurements are
hidden, the Kestrel Meter will continue to log data for all measurements. If you wish to see the logged
data for measurements that are hidden, simply enter the Measurement screen and turn them back on.
The data will be stored in the same manner as all other measurements, as specied in the Store Rate.
Graph Scale
These settings control the chart limits of your Kestrel Meter. Depending on the conditions, the lower
and upper limits of the chart scale may need to be adjusted in order to get the best view of the data.
Highlight the desired measurement by pressing the or button. Select the highlighted measurement
by pressing the button. Press the or button to increase or decrease the value of the limits. Press
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Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 21
Highlight the desired User Screen by pressing the or button. Press the button to select the
the or button to change between the upper and lower limits. Press the button to exit and return
to the Measurement Selection screen. Press the button to return to the Main Setup Menu.
Units
The units of measure can be adjusted to best suit the application. The following units are available:
Wind Speed Temperature, Dewpoint, Wet Bulb
m/s meters per second
km/h kilometers per hour
kt knots
mph miles per hour
ft/m feet per minute
Bft Beaufort
Temp, Wind Chill & Heat Index
°C Celsius
°F Fahrenheit
Pressure Altitude, Density
InHg inches
mercury
HPa hectopascals
psi pounds per
square inch
mb milibar
Altitude
m meters
ft feet
Highlight the desired measurement by pressing the or button. Press the or button to scroll
through the available units. Press the button to return to the Main Setup Menu.
User Screens
The three User Screens can be recongured to display the most appropriate information for your
application. For example, if you need to monitor the wind speed, humidity and barometric pressure, a
User Screen can display these current measurement values on the same screen for quick reference. Only
current measurements can be selected for the User Screens - Min/Max/Avg and Charts are not available.
highlighted User Screen. Press the or buttons to change lines, and the or button to scroll
through the available measurements for each highlighted line. Press the button to return to the User
Screen Setup Menu. Repeat above process for the other User Screens or press the button to return to
the Main Setup Menu. The User Screens may also be hidden if not needed.
System
The display Contrast and Auto Shutdown can be recongured as required. The relative humidity and
pressure sensors can also be recalibrated. Press the or buttons to highlight the appropriate
selection, and the or button to adjust or select.
The Contrast can be adjusted for better visibility depending on the ambient lighting conditions. Press
the or button to increase or decrease the contrast from 0 to 20 (0 is lightest, 20 is darkest).
The display can be set to automatically turn o in order to conserve the battery life. Auto Shutdown will
only occur after the preset time has elapsed without any button presses. Press the or button to scroll
through the Auto Shutdown options (15 minutes, 60 minutes, O). Battery life will be shortened if the
Auto Shutdown is turned to O.
Baro Cal - Recalibration of this sensor is not typically required, and it is not recommended that you recalibrate
without speaking to an NK technician. The pressure sensor can be calibrated if necessary. It is extremely
important to know the precise altitude and mean sea level barometric pressure at the time of calibrating
the sensor. First, set the reference altitude on the BARO measurement screen to the known altitude
(see Pressure Adjustment section for instructions). Then adjust the calibrating setting on the Baro Cal
screen to the known mean sea level barometric pressure. If recalibration is desired, the unit may also be
returned to NK for service.
Humidity Cal - Recalibration of this sensor is not typically required, and it is not recommended that you
recalibrate without speaking to an NK technician. The humidity sensor can be calibrated by “teaching” it
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Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 23
the correct humidity. Some special equipment is required for this calibration, including two hermetically
sealed containers and saturated salt solutions. NK oers a calibration kit, and instructions are available
on www.nkhome.com. If recalibration is desired, the unit may also be returned to NK for service.
Date & Time
The date and time, as well as date and time formats, can be adjusted. The Time Formats available are 12
hour and 24 hour. The Date formats available are day/month/year and month/day/year. (See the Date
and Time Set Up section for instructions.) Press the button to return to the Main Setup Menu.
Language
Displayed text can be set in one of ve languages: English, French, German, Italian or Spanish. To choose
a language, use the or buttons to highlight the desired language. Press the button to select
the language and return to the Main Setup Menu. Otherwise, press the button to return to the Main
Setup Menu without changing languages.
Restore
Default settings for units of measure, date and time formats, and system settings can be restored. (See
the Factory Default Settings section for more information.) Press the or button to highlight the
desired default setting: Metric, Imperial or Defaults. Press the or button to reset the factory setting.
Press the button to return to the Main Setup Menu.
APPLICATION EXAMPLES
This section provides examples of applications where a Kestrel Meter might be used, and the
appropriate memory settings.
Weather Monitoring
Auto Store On
Store Rate 1 hr
Overwrite On
Man Store O
These settings will allow you to track conditions for 2 months. When the memory is full, each new
measurement will be stored in place of the oldest data point. The charts will provide a quick look at the
recent weather conditions. Keep an eye out for falling barometric pressure, which indicates that a storm
is coming.
Hiking/Camping for the Weekend
Auto Store On
Store Rate 20 min
Overwrite O
Man Store On
These settings will allow you to track the conditions for almost 20 days. Measurements will be
stored every 20 minutes, and stop storing when the log is full. This will let you review the trip at your
convenience when you return. You can also manually store the conditions, in case you get caught in 40
mile per hour winds or make it to the top of a mountain. For more detailed information on your trip, set
the Store Rate to 2 hours overnight, and 10 minutes during the day.
Soaring/Hang Gliding
Auto Store On
Store Rate 2 min
Overwrite O
Man Store On
These settings will allow you to track all conditions for 46 hours. Chart your altitude changes, watch how
the temperature and humidity vary with altitude, and log your apparent speed. Data will no longer be
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Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 25
stored once the log is full, in order to preserve it until it can be reviewed later. Be sure to clear the data
log just before your ight.
Skydiving
Auto Store On
Store Rate 2 sec
Overwrite O
Man Store O
These settings will allow you to record a detailed account of your jump. Be sure to clear the data log just
before jumping. As you descend toward the ground, you will be tracking the altitude every two seconds,
as well as the conditions at that altitude. The chart will clearly show the point at which the parachute
opens, as well as the point you get back on the ground.
HVAC - Environmental Monitoring
Auto Store On
Store Rate 5 min
Overwrite On
Man Store O
These settings will record conditions every ve minutes, for a total storage of almost 2 days. You can
monitor the conditions in a laboratory or manufacturing plant, both day and night, to determine if the
climate control is working properly. Or you can examine the eect on the environment when employees
enter and exit the building.
HVAC/R - System Balancing
Auto Store O
Store Rate —
Overwrite O
Man Store On
These settings will require you to press the Manual Store Button in order to store any data at a duct,
hood, vent, or other air system. The meter will not store any data automatically. Be sure to record the
location and date/time of storage for reference when reviewing the data. After storing the conditions at
each location, simply review the data and balance the system.
MEMORY CAPABILITIES
Store Rate Total Memory
2 sec 46 min, 40 sec
5 sec 1 hr, 56 min, 40 sec
10 sec 3 hr, 53 min, 20 sec
20 sec 7 hr, 46 min, 40 sec
30 sec 11 hr, 40 min
1 min 23 hr, 20 min
2 min 1 day, 22 hr, 40 min
5 min 4 days, 20 hr, 40 min
10 min 9 days, 17 hr, 20 min
20 min 19 days, 10 hr, 40 min
30 min 29 days, 4 hr
1 hr 58 days, 8 hr
2 hr 116 days, 16 hr
5 hr 291 days, 16 hr
12 hr 700 days
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Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 27
GLOSSARY
The below denitions have been greatly simplied in order to keep this section brief. We strongly
recommend that anyone who wishes to make use of these measurements refer to one of the many
excellent weather references available for a more in-depth denition. On the internet, visit www.
usatoday.com or www.noaa.gov. Or, locate the USA Today publication, The Weather Book. Please note
that any words in a denition printed in italics are themselves dened in this glossary.
Altimeter Setting
An aviation term for the local barometric pressure. Same as reference pressure.
Altitude
The distance above sea level. The Kestrel Meter calculates altitude based on the measured station
pressure and the input barometric pressure - or “reference pressure”.
Barometric Pressure
The air pressure of your location reduced to sea level. Pressure will change as weather systems move into
your location. Falling pressure indicates the arrival of a low pressure system and expected precipitation
or storm conditions. Steady or rising pressure indicates clear weather. A correct altitude must be input
for the Kestrel Meter to display barometric pressure correctly.
Declination
Also called variation, is the angle between magnetic north and true north. Declination is considered
positive east of true north and negative when west. Declination changes over time and with location.
Density Altitude
The altitude at which you would be, given the current air density. Often used by pilots in order to
determine how an aircraft will perform. Also of interest to individuals who tune high performance
internal combustion engines, such as racecar engines.
Dewpoint
The temperature to which air must be cooled in order for condensation to occur. The dierence between
dewpoint and temperature is referred to as the “temperature/dew point spread”. A low dewpoint spread
indicates high relative humidity, while a large dewpoint spread indicates dry conditions.
Heat Index
A practical measure of how hot the current combination of relative humidity and temperature feels to a
human body. Higher relative humidity makes it seem hotter because the body’s ability to cool itself by
evaporating perspiration is reduced.
Magnetic North
The point on the Earth’s surface where the Earth’s magnetic eld points directly downwards. This pole is
constantly wandering.
Reference Pressure
The local barometric pressure. Input to the altitude screen to provide correct altitude readings. Also
known as the altimeter setting.
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.
Station Pressure
The air pressure of your location, NOT reduced to the sea level equivalent.
Temperature
The ambient air temperature.
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Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 29
True North
True north is a navigational term referring to the direction of the North Pole relative to the navigator’s
position. The direction of true north is marked in the skies by the celestial north pole.
Wet Bulb Temperature
The lowest temperature to which a thermometer can be cooled by evaporating water into the air
at constant pressure. This measurement is a holdover from the use of an instrument called a sling
psychrometer. To measure wet bulb temperature with a sling psychrometer, a thermometer with a wet
cloth covering over the bulb is spun rapidly through the air. If the relative humidity is high, there will be
little evaporative cooling and the wet bulb temperature will be quite close to the ambient temperature.
Some exercise physiology guides use wet bulb temperature, rather than heat index, as a measure of the
safety of exercise in hot and humid conditions.
Wind Chill
The cooling eect of combining wind and temperature. The wind chill gives a more accurate reading
of how cold it really feels to the human body. The Kestrel Meter’s wind chill is based on the National
Weather Service standards as of November 1, 2001.
DEFAULT SETTINGS
UNIT METRIC IMPERIAL
Wind Functions M/s mph
Temperature Functions °C °F
Barometric Pressure hPa inHg
Altitude Functions M Ft
Time Format 24 hour 12 hour
Date Format Day/month/year Month/day/year
SETTING FACTORY DEFAULT
Automatic Data Store On
Data Store Rate 1 hour
Data Overwrite On
Manual Data Store On
User Screen 1 Direction, wind speed, temperature
User Screen 2 Temperature, Humidity, dewpoint
User Screen 3 Pressure, altitude, density altitude
Display Contrast 10
Automatic Shutdown 15 minutes
Language English
PC Upload
Stored data may be uploaded to a PC with the optional Kestrel Interface.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I set my Kestrel Meter to read the correct barometric pressure and altitude?
To measure these values accurately, you must know either your current pressure or altitude. If you
know the current barometric pressure, go to the altitude screen, and press the button to enter the
reference pressure. As you adjust the reference pressure, you will notice that the altitude will change.
Once the reference pressure is entered, note the new altitude, and go to the barometric pressure screen.
Press the button to enter this altitude as the reference altitude. Your Kestrel Meter is now displaying
the accurate pressure and altitude. (If you start with a known altitude, simply start with entering this
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Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 31
value as the reference altitude on the barometric pressure screen. The adjust the reference barometric
pressure on the altitude screen.)
You will need to update the reference pressure and altitude as you change altitude or the weather
changes. For more information on this topic, see the Barometric Pressure and Altitude Adjustment
section under “Special Functions.”
Why is my Kestrel Meter is not registering wind speed?
It probably just needs a replacement impeller. You can verify this by removing the impeller (press rmly
on the sides of the impeller), and turn the unit on to the wind speed screen. Hold the Kestrel Meter
near a television, computer monitor or some electronic device and it will display a wind speed. Or,
wave a magnet (like a refrigerator magnet) back and forth by the Kestrel Meter. If the Kestrel Meter is
working properly, you will register a wind speed reading, even though there is no impeller installed.
Simply purchase a new impeller and your Kestrel Meter’s wind speed readings will be restored to factory
calibration.
What is the best way to take accurate temperature and humidity readings?
Avoid taking measurements in direct sunlight, and be sure there is airow over the sensors. Especially
if you expose the Kestrel Meter to a large temperature swing prior to taking a reading (such as taking
a Kestrel Meter from the indoors to the outdoors in the winter), airow over the sensors is necessary
to measure accurate temperature and humidity readings. You can ensure airow by either placing the
Kestrel Meter in a breeze, or by waving it back and forth. If no airow can be provided, you must allow
up to 20 minutes for the values to stabilize and accurate readings to be displayed.
Can my Kestrel Meter measure water speed by placing it in wind speed mode and submerging it?
Even though your Kestrel Meter is fully waterproof and can be submerged without damage, the viscosity
of water is dierent than that of air. The Kestrel Meter will display a value, but the readings will not be
the accurate water speed.
Why does my screen turn black in the heat? Why does screen become sluggish or blank in the
cold?
The liquid crystal display used in Kestrel Meters has an operational temperature range of 14.0 to 131.0°F
(-10.0 to 55.0°C). Above this temperature, the whole screen will turn black. Below this temperature, the
liquid crystals will freeze and not display a reading. Even in these conditions, your Kestrel Meter will still
continue to measure and record readings as specied by the automatic and manual data storage rates,
you will just not be able to read the display until the environment’s temperature is within the operational
range. In cold environments, you can keep the Kestrel Meter warm in your pocket and remove it only to
take readings. Be sure to wave the unit back and forth to create airow over the sensors to ensure the
most accurate reading possible.
Why doesn’t my Kestrel Meter match the local Weather Report?
Obtaining a weather report from a local television station, airport or internet site will give you the
weather where those instruments are, which is not necessarily the same as where you are. Your Kestrel
Meter is measuring the conditions right where you are. The nature of microclimates and weather fronts is
that they are varied, and even locations as close as a mile apart can have dierent weather readings. You
can certainly use these weather reporting services for good estimates of what the conditions will be, but
for the most accurate readings at your particular location, the Kestrel Meter is better.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
KESTREL POCKET WEATHER METERS 5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
NK does not believe in “disposable electronics.” We know that Kestrel Meters don’t typically lead pampered lives, and we design them for years of performance in tough conditions. Every Kestrel is designed
and manufactured at NK’s facility in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, to be the accurate, reliable weather
instrument you need for your application. If for any reason you are not satised with the performance or
operation of your Kestrel meter in the rst 30 days, you may return it to your place of purchase for a full
refund.
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Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 33
We guarantee every Kestrel Pocket Weather Meter to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of FIVE YEARS from their date of rst consumer purchase. NK will repair or replace
any defective product or part when notied within the warranty period, and will return the product via
domestic ground shipping or NK’s choice of method of international shipping at no charge.
The following shall be excluded from warranty coverage: damage due to improper use or neglect
(including corrosion); damage caused by severe or excessive impact, crushing or mechanical harm;
modications or attempted repairs by someone other than an authorized NK/Kestrel repair agent;
impeller failure not caused by a manufacturing defect; normal usage wear; failed batteries; and accuracy
issues resolvable by recalibration. Recalibration is provided free of charge within thirty (30) days of
purchase if necessary.
com. We keep your registration information strictly condential and do not sell it, share it, or use it for
anything but product-related information bulletins (which you may decline receiving). If you do not
register and cannot provide proof of purchase, your warranty period will be measured from our date of
manufacture, determined by serial number.
We request that you contact NK if you feel your product is not working properly. We can often solve
product issues by phone or e-mail, saving you the time and expense of returning the unit. If we require
the product to be returned, we will issue a Return Authorization to expedite the handling of your warranty claim.
The Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters are covered by the following patents: 5,783,753, 5,939,645, 6,257,074,
and 7,059,170.
Except for the warranties set forth herein, NK disclaims all other warranties, expressed, implied
or statutory, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability or tness for
a particular purpose. Any implied warranties that may be imposed by applicable law are limited
to the term of this warranty. In no event shall NK be liable for any incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited to, loss of business, loss of prots, loss of data or
use, whether in an action in contract or tort or based on a warranty, arising out of or in connection
with the use or performance of an NK product, even if NK has been advised of the possibility of
such damages. You agree that repair, and (upon availability) replacement, as applicable, is your
sole and exclusive remedy with respect to any breach of the NK Limited Warranty set forth herein.
All product liability and warranty options are governed exclusively by the laws of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
Your warranty period will be measured from your date of purchase. The best way to ensure full warranty coverage is to REGISTER your NK product promptly on our website: www.kestrelweather.
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Calibrations, Certications and Service
Every NK product is tested and calibrated before it leaves our factory. We guarantee that it will perform
within specications when you receive it. Each Kestrel Meter comes with a Certicate of Conformity, with
the stated specications for that product on the back. If you feel an NK product is not meeting specs
when you receive it, call us and we’ll make sure you are operating it correctly. If it still appears that it
may be out of spec, return it to us within 30 days of purchase and we will test and recalibrate all values
at no charge. Beyond 30 days, we oer reasonably-priced tests, calibration services and N.I.S.T. certied
calibrations as well as Kestrel Meter tune-ups.
All of our measurements are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, ensuring
the highest level of accuracy. Our primary Calibration Standards are sent for calibration in accordance
with N.I.S.T. requirements and based on a regular schedule. Only approved laboratories and N.I.S.T
Kestrel® 4500 Pocket Weather® Tracker 35
themselves are used for these calibration services. Incoming and outgoing data is supplied with the
certicate of calibration.
We also oer full factory service on every product we manufacture for as long as we make the product
(and as long after as component availability permits). If we can’t repair a product, we will oer you a
brand-new replacement under our Customer Care Program (even for accidental damage and misuse).
Cost of repairs and other important information can be found on our website.
We request that you contact NK if you feel your product is not working properly. We can often solve
product issues by phone or e-mail, saving you the time and expense of returning the unit. If we require
the product to be returned, we will issue a Return Authorization to expedite the handling of your claim.
Visit www.kestrelweather.com for more information and pricing for these services.
Lifetime Customer Care Warranty
NK wants you to be an NK customer for life, so we take care of you even beyond the terms of the above
warranty with our Customer Care Program. Trade-in any Kestrel Pocket Weather Meter, no matter the
age or condition, and receive a generous discount on the replacement product (same model only).
Our Customer Care Program applies only as long as we manufacture the product, and does not cover
product upgrades.
Need Help?
Our NK Knowledge Center has answers to many common questions, along with tips and tricks for
using NK products. It’s available 24-7 at www.nkhome.com/knowledgecenter/.
For email assistance with the installation or operation of your NK product, write
techsupport@nkhome.com.
For help with an apparent malfunction, or to arrange or inquire about a repair, write
repairs@nkhome.com.
Or call 800.784.4221 (610.447.1555 outside of the USA), Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, East Coast Time.
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Kestrel® Pocket Weather® Meters are designed and manufactured in the USA by:
NIELSEN-KELLERMAN
21 Creek Circle, Boothwyn, PA 19061
Phone: (610) 447-1555 Fax: (610) 447-1577
Web: www.kestrelweather.com
Email: kestrel@nkhome.com
Please register your Kestrel Meter at www.KestrelWeather.com
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