NEWLY REDESIGNED KESTREL® POCKET WEATHER™ METERS BETTER OUTFITTED TO MEASURE THE WEATHER WITH THE PRESS OF A BUTTON

BOOTHWYN, PA… NK, manufacturers of Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters, has recently completed a redesign of their hand-held weather instruments. The Kestrel 1000, Kestrel 2000, Kestrel 3000, Kestrel 2500 and Kestrel 3500 all feature aesthetic as well as function-driven improvements that make them the fastest and most accurate hand-held weather instruments available today. All units are manufactured in the USA, and come with a two-year warranty. New features include:

  • A patented embedded humidity sensor configuration that dramatically improves response time.
  • Sleek new ergonomic design that makes the units easier to hold and use.
  • A rugged protective cover with sure-grip over molding that protects the unit when not in use.
  • Backlit display for easier use in low-light conditions (not available on Kestrel 1000).
  • New Data Hold function that allows users to freeze readings.

The new patented humidity sensor configuration rapidly adjusts to abrupt and substantial changes in temperature and humidity. By using two temperature sensors – one exposed externally and one embedded in the case with the humidity sensor - the Kestrel 3000 and 3500 take readings up to five times faster than other hand-held humidity instruments.  Relative humidity is measured to +/- 3% accuracy over a broad range of relative humidity (5 to 95%).  This broad functional range is important to users working low humidity environments, such as a firefighter working at high altitude.

All models (with the exception of the Kestrel 1000 which measures solely wind speed) have a patented external thermistor. This temperature sensor allows readings to be taken quickly and accurately, even in abrupt and drastic environmental changes. By mounting the thermistor externally instead of embedding it inside the case, Kestrel Meters avoid temperature error caused by the heat of the user’s hand. Additionally, all Kestrel Meters are fully waterproof and float, so they can be used to read water and snow temperatures by simply inserting the unit into the water or snow pack.

The Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters large impeller mounted on sapphire jewel bearings remains unchanged.  This impeller responds to the slightest breeze – taking wind speed readings as low as 0.3 meters per second. This patented impeller is removable without tools, allowing users to replace just the impeller in case of damage or wear. Replacement impellers can be purchased for $15, and are installed by simply popping the old impeller out and sliding the new one in.

The full Kestrel family includes: the Kestrel 1000 ($89), which measures wind speed, wind gusts and average wind; the Kestrel 2000 ($119) which measures wind speed, temperature and wind chill; and the Kestrel 3000 ($179), which measures wind speed, temperature, wind chill, relative humidity, heat stress index, and dewpoint. The Kestrel 4000 ($329) measures wind speed, temperature, wind chill, relative humidity, dew point, heat stress index, barometric pressure, altitude, density altitude and wet bulb temperature. The 4000 also logs 250 data sets and displays the stored data graphically.  In addition, the stored data can be uploaded to a computer with an optional Interface ($79). New models available for 2004 are: the Kestrel 2500 ($199), which measures wind speed, temperature, wind chill, barometric pressure and altitude; and the Kestrel 3500 ($249), which measures wind speed, temperature, wind chill, relative humidity, heat stress index, dewpoint, barometric pressure, altitude and wet bulb temperature.

Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters are employed by thousands of users in hundreds of different activities around the world.  They can be used by anyone who works or plays outdoors and needs accurate and reliable weather information. Aviators, hikers, paddlers, climbers, campers, farmers, firefighters, sailors, hunters, soldiers, paratroopers, educators, weather watchers, engine tuners and HVAC technicians, as well as those involved in environmental tracking and evaluation are just a few examples of people who will find a Kestrel Pocket Weather Meter to be a useful tool.

For over twenty-five years, Nielsen-Kellerman has been known worldwide for its waterproof speed measurement, timing and audio systems for competitive rowers. Virtually every shell at the 2004 Athens Olympic games will carry NK equipment. Nielsen-Kellerman’s Kestrel Weather division has been researching, developing and manufacturing technically advanced portable weather instruments for over eight years and owns multiple patents on their unique features.

- Know Your Conditions -

For more information, contact Amy Winner at 610.447.1555 x219,
or visit www.nkhome.com.

###