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Kestrel 4500 User Manual

Kestrel 4500
36 pages
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Revised 02/09
Instruction Manual for
Kestrel 4500 & Kestrel 4500 NV Models
4500
Pocket Weather
®
Tracker
with Backlight
In a hurry?
Be sure to read pages
5-8 to ensure that
your Kestrel is setup
properly!
www.kestrelweather.com 800.784.4221
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Kestrel 4500 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandKestrel
Product CategoryWeather Station
Barometric Pressure Range750 to 1100 mbar
CompassYes
WaterproofYes
FloatsYes
Water ResistanceIP67
Data LoggingYes
Wind Speed Range0.6 to 40 m/s
Temperature Range-29 to 70°C (-20 to 158°F)
Battery LifeApproximately 400 hours
MeasuresWind speed, temperature, humidity, pressure
Heat Stress Index Range0 to 55 °C
AccuracyWind speed: ±3%, Temperature: ±1°C, Humidity: ±3%, Pressure: ±1.5 mbar
ResolutionWind Speed: 0.1 mph/m/s/km/h/ft/s/knot, Temperature: 0.1 °F/°C, Humidity: 0.1 %, Pressure: 0.1 mbar
Operating Temperature-29 to 70°C (-20 to 158°F)
Battery Type2 x AAA
DisplayHigh-contrast, sunlight-readable
Dimensions122 x 46 x 18 mm

Summary

GETTING STARTED

Lanyard and Pouch Installation

Instructions for installing wrist and neck lanyards and a small pouch for the Kestrel meter.

Battery Installation Guide

Guidance on inserting AAA batteries, including orientation and shim usage, for accurate compass readings.

Powering the Kestrel Meter On/Off

Steps to power the Kestrel Meter on by pressing the button or off by holding the button.

NAVIGATION AND MODES

Date and Time Setup Procedure

Procedure for setting the date and time after turning on the meter or changing batteries.

Digital Compass Calibration

Instructions for calibrating the digital compass to correct for battery magnetic fields and ensure accuracy.

Compass Calibration Error Messages

Explains common error messages like 'Magnetic Batteries' and how to resolve them.

Understanding Measurements and Screens

Details on available measurements like wind speed and direction, and screen types like User Screens and Date/Time.

Device Operating Modes

Explanation of the different operating modes: Current, Min/Max/Avg, and Chart displays.

Chart Data Navigation

How to review data points within charts by using the cursor and navigation buttons.

SPECIAL FUNCTIONS

Customizing User Screens

Customizing three screens to display three current measurements simultaneously for quick reference.

Max/Avg Value Calculation

Explains how Max/Avg values are measured independently and what is displayed for Direction.

Manual Data Storage

Instructions on how to manually store data using the button, with options for Data Stored, Full, or Off.

Backlight Functionality

Details on the high-visibility green backlight and the NV model's night-vision preserving backlight.

MEASURING DIRECTION

Compass Reading Best Practices

Key factors for accurate compass readings: vertical orientation, battery influence, and impeller stability.

Taking Directional Readings

Procedure for taking a compass reading by pointing the back of the unit and displaying cardinal direction and degrees.

True vs. Magnetic North

Explains the difference between True and Magnetic North and how to input declination for accurate readings.

Crosswind and Headwind/Tailwind Measurement

How to measure crosswind and headwind/tailwind relative to a runway or target direction.

Setting Target Heading

Methods for entering runway or target heading (Auto Set or Manual Set) for crosswind/headwind measurements.

Relative Humidity Measurement

Information on accurate RH measurement and recommendations to avoid inaccurate readings.

RH Readings After Temperature Swings

Steps for achieving thermal equilibrium for accurate RH readings, especially after temperature changes.

BAROMETRIC PRESSURE AND ALTITUDE

Setting Reference Pressure and Altitude

Procedure to set reference pressure and determine correct altitude using the ALTITUDE and BARO screens.

Setting Reference Pressure for Altitude

Procedure to set reference pressure and determine correct altitude using the ALTITUDE and BARO screens.

Setting Reference Altitude for Pressure

Procedure to set reference altitude and determine correct barometric pressure using the BARO and ALTITUDE screens.

Altitude Adjustment for Weather/Hikes

Guidelines for adjusting reference pressure for weather tracking or hiking, and for aircraft altimeter resets.

Pressure and Altitude Notes

Notes on station pressure for tuning, GPS vs. pressure altimeters, and density altitude calculation.

MAIN SETUP MENU

Powering Off the Unit

How to turn off the display or the unit, noting that data storage continues even when the display is off.

MEMORY OPTIONS

Clearing Stored Data

Clears all stored data, including Min/Max/Avg values.

Resetting Min/Max/Avg Values

Clears Min/Max/Avg data while keeping chart data intact.

Automatic Data Storage

Enables or disables automatic data storage at preset intervals.

Setting Data Store Rate

Sets the frequency for automatic data storage, affecting battery life.

Data Overwrite Setting

Manages data storage when the log is full, either discarding old data or stopping new data entry.

Manual Data Storage Setting

Controls whether manual data storage is active or disabled.

MEASUREMENT SCREENS

GRAPH SCALE ADJUSTMENT

Adjusting the lower and upper limits of chart scales for optimal data visualization.

UNIT SELECTION

Options for selecting units of measure for various parameters like wind speed, temperature, and pressure.

Unit Options Overview

Table listing available units for Wind Speed, Temperature, Pressure, and Altitude.

USER SCREEN CONFIGURATION

Customizing three screens to display three current measurements simultaneously for quick reference.

SYSTEM SETTINGS

Display Contrast & Auto Shutdown

Adjusting display contrast and setting automatic screen turn-off times to conserve battery.

Pressure Sensor Calibration (Baro Cal)

Procedure for recalibrating the pressure sensor, emphasizing the need for known altitude and pressure.

Humidity Sensor Calibration (Humidity Cal)

Information on recalibrating the humidity sensor, requiring special kits and procedures.

Date and Time Settings

Adjusting date, time, and their respective formats (12/24 hour, day/month/year).

Language Selection

Selecting the display language from five available options (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish).

Factory Default Restore

Resetting units of measure, date/time, and system settings to factory defaults.

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Weather Monitoring Setup

Example settings for tracking weather conditions over a 2-month period with specific store rates.

Hiking and Camping Setup

Recommended settings for tracking conditions during a weekend hike/camping trip for approximately 20 days.

Soaring and Hang Gliding Setup

Settings for tracking all conditions for 46 hours during soaring or hang gliding activities.

Skydiving Data Logging

Settings for recording a detailed account of a skydive, tracking altitude and conditions every two seconds.

HVAC Environmental Monitoring

Settings for monitoring conditions in labs or plants for approximately 2 days, recording every five minutes.

HVAC/R System Balancing

Application example for HVAC/R system balancing with specific Auto Store and Man Store settings.

MEMORY CAPABILITIES OVERVIEW

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Altimeter Setting Definition

An aviation term for local barometric pressure, also known as reference pressure.

Altitude Definition

The distance above sea level, calculated based on station pressure and reference pressure.

Barometric Pressure Definition

Air pressure reduced to sea level, affected by weather systems.

Declination Definition

The angle between magnetic north and true north, also called variation.

Density Altitude Definition

Altitude based on air density, used by pilots and engine tuners.

Dewpoint Definition

The temperature at which air must be cooled for condensation to occur.

Heat Index Definition

A measure of how hot the combination of relative humidity and temperature feels to a human body.

Magnetic North Definition

The point on Earth's surface where the magnetic field points directly downwards.

Reference Pressure Definition

Local barometric pressure input to the altitude screen for correct readings.

Relative Humidity Definition

The amount of water vapor in the air expressed as a percentage.

Station Pressure Definition

The air pressure of your location, not reduced to sea level.

Temperature Definition

The ambient air temperature.

True North Definition

The direction of the North Pole relative to the navigator's position.

Wet Bulb Temperature Definition

The lowest temperature achieved by evaporating water into the air.

Wind Chill Definition

The cooling effect of combining wind and temperature on the human body.

DEFAULT SETTINGS SUMMARY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Setting Correct Barometric Pressure and Altitude

Procedure for accurately setting barometric pressure and altitude by using reference values.

Troubleshooting Wind Speed Readings

Troubleshooting steps for wind speed issues, often related to a faulty or missing impeller.

Accurate Temperature and Humidity Readings

Tips for accurate temp/humidity readings, including airflow and thermal equilibrium.

Water Speed Measurement Limitations

Explains that while waterproof, the meter is not designed for accurate water speed measurement.

LCD Performance in Extreme Temperatures

Information on the LCD operating temperature range and performance in extreme heat or cold.

Meter vs. Local Weather Report

Explains discrepancies between Kestrel readings and weather reports due to microclimates.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WARRANTY

Kestrel Pocket Weather Meter Warranty

Details the 5-year warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee, and exclusions.

Warranty Registration and Proof of Purchase

How warranty period is measured and the importance of registering the product.

Calibration, Certification, and Service Options

Information on factory testing, calibration, N.I.S.T. traceability, and factory service.

Lifetime Customer Care Program

Details on the trade-in program for Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters.

Getting Technical Support

Contact information and resources for support, including the Knowledge Center and email addresses.

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