27
27
(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 airfl ow 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), airfl ow over the sensors is necessary to measure
accurate temperature and humidity readings. You can ensure airfl ow by either placing the Kestrel Meter in
a breeze, or by waving it back and forth. If no airfl ow 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 diff erent 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 specifi ed 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 airfl ow over the sensors to ensure the most
accurate reading possible.
25
25
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
Air velocity, air fl ow, temperature
User Screen 2
Humidity, humidity ratio, wet bulb
User Screen 3
Air fl ow, temperature, humidity ratio
Display Contrast
10
Automatic Shutdown
15 minutes
Language
English
PC Upload
Stored data may be uploaded to a PC with the optional Kestrel Interface.
28
Kestrel
®
4200 Pocket Air Flow
®
Tracker
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 diff erent 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 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 Meter is designed and
manufactured at NK’s facility in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, USA. We guarantee every Kestrel Pocket Weather
Meter to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of FIVE YEARS from your date of
purchase. We will repair or replace any defective product or part when notifi ed within the warranty period,
and will return the product via domestic ground shipping at no charge. Additionally, each Kestrel Meter has
a 30-day money back guarantee.
The following issues do not result from a manufacturing defect and are not covered under this warranty:
damage due to improper use or neglect (including corrosion), impact damage, modifi cations or
attempted repairs by someone other than an authorized NK repair agent, impeller failure not caused by a
manufacturing defect, normal wear from use of the product, failed batteries, and re-calibration beyond 30
days from your date of purchase.
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.com. We keep your
26
Kestrel
®
4200 Pocket Air Flow
®
Tracker
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the most accurate way to measure variable fl ow with a Kestrel Air Flow Tracker?
To measure CFM, you need to fi rst enter the duct size and shape. The simplest way to measure CFM is to
hold the unit in the airfl ow. However, if the duct has variable fl ow, it is more accurate to use the Kestrel
Meter’s averaging mode. Enter your duct dimensions, then press the
button to enter the averaging
mode. Press the
button to start averaging, and traverse the duct. After a few seconds, you will see the
average start to stabilize. Press the
button again to stop the averaging. This method can be used with
fl oor vents and diff users as well as any variable fl ow duct.
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 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 fi 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
