How does the Kestrel CFM function work?
To measure volume airflow (CFM), simply select the duct shape that you will be measuring - either circular or rectangular - then enter the duct size, and hold the Kestrel into the air flow. Readings are automatically calculated and displayed on the screen in either cfm, m3/h, m3/m, m3/s or L/s. The Kestrel also features an averaging function that allows users to measure the air flow for a duct where the flow is variable. The user simply selects the averaging mode and traces the duct. It also has a hold feature if you need to take a measurement inside a duct that you can't see - just "hold" the value and it will be frozen on the screen until you can look at it. The Kestrel has an easy-to-read screen with step-by-step instructions on it to, making it extremely simple to use.
How can I be sure that the Kestrel's readings are accurate?
Every single Kestrel manufactured at NK is calibrated for every single value, either directly against NIST-traceable standards or against an intermediary standard that is calibrated daily. Every unit is shipped with a FREE Certificate of Conformity that states what calibrations were performed, and the certified performance specifications. For an additional charge, NK can provide a NIST-traceable Certificate of Calibration that specifies exactly which values were measured in each multi-point calibration, and details the calibrated standard used for testing. Kestrel's 30-day satisfaction guarantee covers accuracy concerns as well.
Can I customize my Kestrel?
Any Kestrel 4000 series Meter can be customized to suit your needs perfectly. You can disable any readings that aren’t important to your application. Plus these Kestrel Meters feature User Screens, which are three screens that display any three readings at the same time. These screens can be customized to show the readings that are most important to you, or they can be turned off. Data storage is customizable as well. You can set the Kestrel to log data automatically - anywhere from every 2 seconds to every 12 hours, manually - with the press of the capture button, or both.
How does the Kestrel log data, and can it upload the data to a computer?
The Kestrel 4200 features a 3600 data point log. The user can set the Kestrel to store data automatically at a predetermined interval (anywhere from every 2 seconds to once every 12 hours), and/or data can be stored manually with a single button press. Each data point is stored with the date and time, and can be viewed as in chart form. The minimum, maximum and average values are stored for each reading as well. Data can be uploaded to a PC using the available Kestrel Interface (available as USB or serial) or BLUETOOTH®.
How does the Kestrel 4500's crosswind calculator
work?
The 4500 features a built-in digital compass that allows you to measure the wind speed and direction. In order to display the crosswind, simply point the Kestrel down
the runway or target and set the reference heading. Then hold the 4500 into the wind and it automatically
calculates the crosswind with respect to the reference heading. It also calculates the headwind/tailwind
the same way (headwinds are positive values and tailwinds are negative).
What's so great about
the Kestrel impeller?
The Kestrel impeller measures 1 inch across, and turns on a Swiss precision pivot mounted on low friction Zytel® bearings. Its large size ensures accurate readings even if pointed
off-angle from the wind, and its very low start-up speed allows measurement of the lightest puffs of
wind. If damaged, a new calibrated impeller can be purchased for $19 and popped in without tools,
restoring like-new performance.
Can the Kestrel 4000 communicate
directly with a PDA or computer?
Yes! Each Kestrel in the 4000-series can be built with Bluetooth™ and can communicate with PCs, PDAs, and smartphones. Currently the Kestrel Communicator software only works on PC but there are several applications for PDA and smartphone that have been modified or created to capture data from a Kestrel that has been paired to the mobile device. Please refer to our Software Partners page for more information about these apps.
What's that curly looking thing?
That's the patented Kestrel temperature sensor. Unlike most watches
and other products with temperature measurement, the Kestrel sensor is outside the case
to ensure it measures the air, not your hand or pocket. The "curls" serve to further isolate
the temperature sensor from the effects of the case temperature.
How does the Kestrel measure humidity so accurately?
The Kestrel features a patented dual temperature sensor configuration
for rapid response and accurate measurement. Every Kestrel is calibrated against NIST-traceable
standards, and can be recalibrated in the field with the Kestrel RH kit.
How does the Kestrel measure
altitude?
The Kestrel uses an atmospheric pressure sensor and calculates altitude based on a standard atmosphere. This is just like the altimeter in an airplane, or
an altimeter watch. It's more accurate than a GPS altimeter, but does require periodic reset of the reference
pressure to eliminate weather effects.
How does the altimeter work?
Is the reference pressure the same as an altimeter setting?
The Kestrel models with altimeter calculate altitude from barometric pressure in exactly the same manner and according to the same rules as an aircraft altimeter.
The "reference pressure" on the Altitude screen is the same as the altimeter setting obtained from
a local airfield.
Can the Kestrel provide location?
Currently we do not offer a Kestrel with GPS. We may add basic GPS location to a future Kestrel model, but we'll leave the full-blown mapping and navigation to the companies
that specialize in GPS as much as we specialize in weather.
Do you really mean MADE in the USA?
Yes. The entire Kestrel line is designed and built in the USA.
Some electronic components have to be sourced overseas these days, but we buy American wherever we can.
Who
do I call if I have a problem?
You call us! From our Customer Service Representatives to the President
of the company, we all answer the phone and know these products inside and out. If you have a
problem, we'll fix it. Kestrels hardly ever break, but if they do, they're covered by a 5-year warranty.
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