FAQs
Why is it important to know the weather
conditions, and how can the Kestrel 4000 help me win races?
Weather affects your performance. Period. If you are not using
something to measure the weather conditions then you are missing
a piece of valuable information that can help you win races. Environmental
conditions such as relative humidity, density altitude, dewpoint
and wind speed all influence your car. By monitoring these conditions
and analyzing how weather patterns from previous races change your
car's performance, you are able to make more informed dial-in and
tuning decisions. Since the Kestrel 4000 Pocket Weather Tracker
is portable and accurate, it enables you to monitor the weather
conditions that concern you right at the track, not at the trailer
miles away.
I've seen a lot
of high dollar weather units on the market, yours is so inexpensive,
can it really be accurate?
The engineers at NK have been working on the Kestrel's functionality
for over ten years, and have been awarded four patents on their
innovative engineering. Additionally, each and every Kestrel is
calibrated against NIST-traceable standards, and can be recalibrated
in the field or factory. We're so sure of Kestrel Meter's functionality
that we guarantee each Kestrel for 5 years, and each one comes
with a Certificate of Conformity. Visit www.kestrelweather.com
for detailed specifications.
How can I be sure the Kestrel 4000
is giving me the altitude and barometric pressure readings that
I'm looking for?
The Kestrel 4000 uses the same barometric pressure sensor used
in most common barometers and altimeters. These sensors are influenced
by the surrounding environment (the altitude), as well as the weather
(barometric pressure). These two readings are inter-dependent,
and you need to know one of them in order to measure them correctly.
The
easiest thing to do is to determine the altitude of the track where
you are racing. Google Earth is free software that pinpoints the
altitude of any address. Simply enter this value into the barometric
pressure screen as the "reference altitude". Then take
the barometric pressure reading that the Kestrel displays and enter
that as the "reference pressure" on the altitude screen.
Now you're good to go!
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. |
