Kestrel 2500 Instruction Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Kestrel 2500 Pocket Weather Meter.This instrument will
measure the following environmental conditions:
• wind speed • wind chill
• maximum wind gust • barometric pressure
• average wind speed • altitude
• temperature (air,water snow)
Plus additional features:
• clock • 3-hour pressure trend
• data hold function • backlight
• automatic power-down function
OPERATION
1) Slide off cover.
2) Turn on. Press the center button ( ) to turn on the unit.
3) Select measurement. Press the right arrow ( ) to scroll through the
measurements listed below. Press the left arrow ( ) to scroll through the
measurements in reverse order. The instantaneous measurements will be
displayed. Each measurement screen is preceded by a brief hint to clarify which
measurement is being displayed. (See Understanding the Measurements section
for more information.)
4) Select the unit of measure. While holding , press to scroll through the
units of measure listed below.
Mode Hint Icon Units of Measure
Clock --- --- 12-hr, 24-hr
Wind Speed SPd m/s, ft/min, km/h, mph, kt, B
Max Gust SPd MAX m/s, ft/min, km/h, mph, kt, B
Avg Speed SPd AVG m/s, ft/min, km/h, mph, kt, B
Temperature dEG C,F
Wind Chill chill C,F
Barometric Pressure* bAro hPa, inHg
Altitude Alt m, ft
* Only one of the pressure icons will be displayed, indicating the 3-hour pressure trend.
pressure rising quickly (rise more than +0.18 inHg)
pressure rising (rise within +0.06 inHg and +0.18 inHg)
pressure stable (remain within -0.06 and +0.06 inHg)
pressure falling (drop within -0.06 inHg and -0.18 inHg)
pressure falling quickly (drop more than -0.18 inHg)
5) Hold mode. While holding , press to hold the time and all of the measured
values. The word “HOLD” will blink to indicate the Hold Mode. Press or to
view the other measurements in Hold Mode. While holding , press to exit
the Hold Mode. This mode can be useful for taking measurements when unable
to view the display.
6) Turn on the backlight. Press to activate the backlight for 10 seconds. If
or are pressed while the backlight is illuminated, the backlight will remain
illuminated for another 10 seconds. Press while the backlight is illuminated
to manually turn off the backlight.
7) Adjust the clock. Simultaneously press and to adjust the clock. While the
clock is blinking, press or to adjust the clock. Hold or to adjust the times
quickly. Simultaneously press and to exit the clock adjustment.
8) Adjust the reference altitude. Obtain your altitude from a topographic map
or landmark to use as your reference altitude. From the barometric pressure
screen, simultaneously press and buttons to adjust the reference altitude.
Press or to adjust the reference altitude, or hold or to adjust the value
quickly. Simultaneously press and to exit the reference altitude adjustment.
9) Adjust the reference pressure. Obtain your barometric pressure reading
from a local weather source to use as your reference pressure. From the altitude
screen, simultaneously press and buttons to adjust the reference pressure.
Press or to adjust the reference pressure, or hold or to adjust the value
quickly. Simultaneously press and to exit the reference pressure adjustment.
10) Turn off. Hold for 2 seconds to manually turn off the unit. The unit will
automatically turn off if no buttons have been pressed for 45 minutes.
UNDERSTANDING THE MEASUREMENTS
Wind Speed - average over the previous three seconds. The measurement will
be accurate for air flow through the front or rear of the unit.
Maximum Wind Gust - maximum 3 - second wind speed since the unit was
turned on.
Average Wind Speed - average wind speed since the unit was turned on.
Temperature - instantaneous temperature of the thermistor, which is located
at the end of the long coiled leads in the open cavity below the impeller. The
exposed thermistor will respond quickly to changes in temperature when air
flows past it. For fastest response, either hold the unit into the wind or wave the
unit side to side for 15 seconds. Readings should be taken in the shade. Water
and snow temperatures can be taken by hold the unit in the water or snow.
Wind Chill - combination of wind speed and temperature, as defined by the US
National Weather Service. Wind chill is the effective temperature on a human
or animal at low temperatures due to wind speed. Wind chill readings will be
the same as the temperature readings above 45ºF or below 3 mph.
Altitude and Barometric Pressure - the Kestrel 2500 will measure station
pressure in order to calculate barometric pressure and altitude. Changes in
either air pressure or altitude will affect these readings, so it’s important to
make adjustments as necessary.
First, you will need to obtain either (a) the current barometric pressure or (b)
the altitude of your location. You can obtain your current barometric pressure
by contacting a local airport or weather service. Set this value as your reference
pressure on the ALTITUDE screen to determine your altitude. Otherwise, you
can obtain your altitude from a topographic map or local landmark. Set this
value as your reference altitude on the BAROMETRIC PRESSURE screen to
determine your barometric pressure.
There are two examples for when and how to use the BAROMETRIC PRESSURE
and ALTITUDE screens. First, assume that you know the altitude from one of the
sources above. Set the reference altitude on the BAROMETRIC PRESSURE screen
to this elevation. As long as you remain at home, you can accurately track changes
in the barometric pressure. However, the measurement on the ALTITUDE screen
also changes. This value will fluctuate as pressure fronts pass through your
location. Since you know your house in not changing elevation, you can ignore
this screen.
Now let’s assume that you are planning a day hike and you’d like to track your
altitude. Before starting, you’ll need to adjust the reference pressure on the
ALTITUDE screen. You can do this by simply adjusting the reference pressure
until you reach the elevation of your house. The reference pressure will be the
same as the pressure reading on the BAROMETRIC PRESSURE screen. You can
now track the altitude as you hike.You can ignore the values on the BAROMETRIC
PRESSURE screen, since the pressure changes are predominantly due to changes
in elevation.
As with all pressure altimeters, it must be assumed that any change in pressure
due to weather is small over the course of one day. If you were to 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 weather.
MAINTENANCE
StoringYour Kestrel
Avoid storing your Kestrel where it will be exposed to temperatures above 80°
C [176° F] or below -30°C [-22°F] for extended periods of time. Doing so may
cause permanent damage. (Note that the inside of a car parked in the hot sun
can reach very high temperatures.)
Use of the Lanyard and Cover
The cover can be captured on the lanyard to avoid loss. First, remove the cord
poplock. Then feed the lanyard end through the large opening in the cover and
out the slot. Replace the poplock on the lanyard.
Replacing the Battery
When your display flashes the low battery indicator ( ) ,
replace the battery. Use a large coin to open the battery
compartment. Insert a new CR2032 coin cell (available where
watch batteries are sold), positive (+) pole up. When replacing
the battery door, be sure to keep the black rubber o-ring seated
in the groove on the case back.
Kestrel® 2500
Pocket Weather™Meter
with Backlight
+
CR2032
3V
!
CR2032
Battery
A
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S
A
Thank you for purchasing a Kestrel Pocket Weather Meter! Please register your
Kestrel within 10 days of receipt to activate your warranty coverage. (If product
is not registered, two-year warranty coverage will start on date of manufacture.)
This information will be kept confidential. Any information collected about our
customers will not be sold or distributed, and will be used for the business of Nielsen-Kellerman only. We are
conducting this survey in order to improve the quality of our product. Thank you for your cooperation and we
appreciate your time.
The team at Nielsen-Kellerman stands proudly behind our products. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to
call us at 1.800.784.4221 or visit our website at www.nkhome.com.
Sincerely,
Nielsen-Kellerman
Sales Department
Kestrel
Pocket Weather Meters

NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: ZIP:
COUNTRY: TELEPHONE NUMBER:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
SERIAL NUMBER: DATE OF PURCHASE:
MODEL: 1000 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4000 NV 4100
MALE: FEMALE:
AGE: 18-24 25-36 37-48 49-56 57+
Why does the Impeller Appear Imbalanced?
It is NORMAL for the impeller to oscillate as it comes to a stop. It is NOT
improperly balanced. Rather, it contains a very small magnet which responds
to the earth’s magnetic fields. This does not affect the accuracy of the wind
speed readings because the magnetic field applies both a braking and an
accelerating force which cancel each other. The impeller has been calibrated
to provide wind speed readings accurate to within at least ± 3%.
High Speed Use
After several hours of sustained operation over 25 M/S (~49 KT, 90 KM/H, 56
MPH or 4,923 FPM), the Kestrel will lose some accuracy due to wear of the
sapphire bearings in the impeller.
Replacing the Impeller
Press FIRMLY on the sides of the black impeller housing with your thumbs to
remove the entire assembly. When inserting the new impeller, be sure the
arrow is facing the display side of the unit, and is aligned with the top of the
meter. Press on the sides of the housing rather than the center.
Sensor Calibration
All the sensors have been factory calibrated to be accurate within
specifications. For recalibration, you may either return it to Nielsen-Kellerman
for factory calibration, or contact NK for field calibration instructions.
BEAUFORT SCALE
The Beaufort Scale is a system for estimating wind
force without the use of instruments based on the
visible effects of the wind on the physical
environment. The behavior of smoke, waves, trees,
etc., is rated on a 13 point scale. The scale was devised
in 1805 by the British naval Commander Sir Francis
Beaufort (1774-1857) and is still commonly used by
mariners.
WARRANTY & SERVICE
Warranty
Every unit is fully tested at our factory for measurement accuracy and
waterproof integrity. Your Kestrel is covered by a full parts and labor warranty
for two years from your date of purchase. The provisions of this warranty do not
apply to: a) batteries, whether contained in a unit or sold individually; b) units
which have been subjected to misuse, negligence, accident or improper
maintenance or application; c) humidity sensors damaged by excess contact
with salt water; or d) units which have been repaired or altered by a party
other than Nielsen-Kellerman’s employees or agents without Nielsen-
Kellerman’s prior written consent.
Parts and Service
To order replacement parts for your Kestrel or obtain service please contact
Nielsen-Kellerman or your original place of purchase.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
What is a “Kestrel”? The American Kestrel is the smallest North
American falcon. Beautiful and highly adaptable, it can be found
virtually everywhere in North America. It is unique among falcons
for its ability to both hover at very low speeds and dive at very
high speeds.
Assembled in the USA. The Kestrel 2500 is protected by US
Patents 5,783,753, 5,939,645 and 6,257,079. Other patents
pending. Nielsen-Kellerman reserves the right to change product
specifications. © 2004. Kestrel, the Kestrel logo, Pocket Weather,
NK and the NK logo are trademarks of the Nielsen-Kellerman Co.
NIELSEN - KELLERMAN
21 Creek Circle, Boothwyn, PA 19061 USA
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
Web www.nkhome.com
E-mail [email protected]
Force Description Kts
0 Calm 0
1 Light Air 1-3
2 Light Breeze 4-6
3 Gentle Breeze 7-10
4 Moderate Breeze 11-16
5 Fresh Breeze 17-21
6 Strong Breeze 22-27
7 Near Gale 28-33
8 Gale 34-40
9 Strong Gale 41-47
1 0 Storm 4 8- 55
11 Violent Storm 56-63
12+ Hurricane 64+
Sensors
Impeller: 25 mm. [1 in.] diameter, sapphire bearings, light weight. User-
replaceable impeller/housing assembly.
Temperature Sensor: Hermetically sealed precision thermistor.
Pressure Sensor: Monolithic Silicon Piezoresisitive sensor.
Display
Type: Reflective 4.5 digit LCD.
Digit Height: 8 mm. [0.31 in.].
Update: 1 second.
Temperature Limitations: Normal operation from -15°C to 50°C [5°F to 122°F].
Below -15°C [5°F] the display fluid will freeze. Above 50°C, the display will
turn black. This is temporary and display will function properly when unit is
returned to normal temps. Accurate readings may be taken by keeping the
unit warmer than -15°C [5°F], or cooler than 50°C [122°F] and exposing it for
the minimum time necessary to take a reading (less than one minute).
Auto Shutdown: After 45 minutes of no button presses.
Environmental
Sealing: Electronics enclosure IP67 – water resistant to 1 m. [3 ft.]. Floats.
Shock: Drop tested to 2 m. [6 ft.].
Storage Temperature: -30°C to 80°C [-22°F to 176°F].
Physical
Buttons: Three sealed tactile rubber buttons control all functions.
Battery: User-replaceable CR2032 coin cell. Typical life, 300 hours.
Impeller: 25 mm. [1 in.] diameter, sapphire bearings, light weight. User-
replaceable impeller/housing assembly.
Case: Slip-on case prevents damage to display and moving parts.
Dimensions: Unit: 4.8 x 1.7 x 0.7 in [122 x 42 x 18 mm]; case: 4.8 x 1.9 x 1.1
(122 x 48 x 28 mm].
Weight: Unit 2.3 oz [65g]; case 1.3 oz [37 g].
For more information or more detailed specifications, please visit
www.nkhome.com.
SPECIFICATIONS
Response Time
Wind Speed, Pressure, Altitude 1 Second
Temperature, Wind Chill <1 Minute
under most conditions.
Accuracy (Within OPERATIONAL RANGE at right)
Wind Speed ±3% of reading
Temperature ±1°C
Wind Chill ±2°C
Pressure ±3hPa
Altitude ±30m (atstandard atmosphericconditions)
Altitude Resolution 1m
Operational Range
Units of Measure Low High
Knots 0.6 78
Meters per Second 0.3 40
Kilometers per Hour 1.0 144
Miles per Hour 0.7 89
Feet per Minute 59 7877
Beaufort Force 1 16
Celsius -29 70
Fahrenheit -20 158
Meters -500 9000
Feet -1500 30000
Hectopascal (or mbar) 870.0 1080.0
Inches Mercury 25.70 31.90
Revised 06/15/05
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME: <$25,000 $26,000-45,000
46,000-75,000 $76,000-100,000 $100,000+
WHERE DID YOU PURCHASE YOUR KESTREL?
HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT KESTREL POCKET WEATHER METERS?
PRIMARY USE (CAMPING, FIRE FIGHTING, AGRICULTURE, ETC.):
SECONDARY USE:
FAVORITE MAGAZINE:
Please fill out the product registration below and mail it to: Kestrel Registration, 21 Creek Circle, Boothwyn, PA 19061.