Kestrel 4500 - Manual (Page 16)

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 firmly
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 airflow 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), airflow over the sensors is necessary
to measure accurate temperature and humidity readings. You can ensure airflow by either placing the
Kestrel Meter in a breeze, or by waving it back and forth. If no airflow 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 different 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 specified 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 airflow 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 different 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 pam-
pered 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 satisfied with the performance or
operation of your Kestrel meter in the first 30 days, you may return it to your place of purchase for a full
refund.