Kestrel® Library

Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters & HVAC (See more Kestrel applications)

10+ Year History of Quality Environmental Electronics  
Kestrel may be a new name to the HVAC world, but we're hardly new to the business of measuring the environmental conditions. Since 1995, designing and manufacturing accurate, durable and user-friendly portable instruments has been our focus. In 2005 we developed the first Kestrel Meter designed specifically with the HVAC technician in mind. HVAC Technician

NIST-Traceable Accuracy  
We understand that Kestrel Meters are used to help people do their jobs more efficiently, and that accuracy is paramount. Each Kestrel is built right in our manufacturing facility in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, and is calibrated to NIST-traceable values and carries a 5-year warranty. In other markets, Kestrel Meters are trusted by wildland firefighters, scientific researchers, professional meteorologists, first responders, HAZMAT teams, and even the US Military. As you can see, we can't let our customers down! HVAC Technician

Innovative Design & Features  
Kestrel is owned by engineers who are constantly developing and improving the features of our instruments… and we have four US patents to prove it! By listening to our customers, we incorporate features that are innovative and useful. For example, the Kestrel 4100 and Kestrel 4200 incorporate automatic CFM calculations, making an HVAC tech's job one step shorter, and much less complicated. HVAC tools

Easy-to-Use Data Collection  
Both of the Kestrel Pocket Air Flow Tracker models not only measure the environmental conditions, but they also feature a 2000-data point log that allow users to automatically and/or manually store data. And they're totally customizable, so users can determine what information they want to see. Data can be displayed as current values, in chart form, as minimum/maximum/average values, or uploaded to a PC with the optional Kestrel Interface. And with on-screen tips and easy-to-use navigation, Kestrel Meters are easy enough for anyone to use. Kestrel 4100 & Kestrel 4200

You Don't Have to Take Our Word for it…  
Just about everyone who gets their hands on a Kestrel Pocket Air Flow Tracker can't wait to start using it on the job. Here are a few comments from our customers:

"I found the Kestrel Pocket Air Flow Tracker to be the perfect solution to taking the many readings we often need. Having CFM with temperature and relative humidity in such a small package is great! I recently used it on one of my jobs to demonstrate that the air balance had not been done properly, confirming that this was the cause of the occupant's discomfort, not my control system. My name and reputation was cleared… thank you Kestrel!"

"WOW, the Kestrel just arrived and I powered that jewel up right away and started checking it out. It has far too many cool things it can do! The Kestrel 4200 is attractive, easy to use, and a great tool for the HVAC contractor!"

"I use my Kestrel Air Flow Tracker mainly on sales calls - it allows me to take and record the current readings from room to room, and then decide with the customers what we can do to improve it. The Kestrel can also help the install department when they are making equipment changes - the air flow at each register is recorded with both the old and new equipment to show the homeowner the difference. It's a handy tool and very powerful for its size."		 HVAC Technician

Testing Products Help Save Valuable Time
by Mike Murphy of the NEWS Staff

  
"In an age of HVAC when labor shortages often hinder a contractor's ability to take on more work projects, new equipment diagnostic tools often make fewer workers more productive. The Testing and Monitoring Products category yielded a large number of entries in the NEWS' second annual Dealer Design Awards.

Bronze Winner - Kestrel 4100 Pocket Air Flow Tracker
Nielsen-Kellerman presented the company's recently introduced hand-held Pocket Air Flow Tracker for the consideration of our contractor judges. One zealous judge told us that, "Every technician I employ will have one of these ASAP!"

The Kestrel 4100 is specifically designed for measuring cfm, temperature, relative humidity, and dewpoint with storage of up to 480 data points (recently upgraded to 2000).

The data-logging function allows technicians to monitor facilities in a specific area over time. The user is able to set the logging interval to store data automatically (frequency options of anywhere from every two seconds to every 12 hours), providing great user flexibility. The data can be viewed on the Kestrel's screen in chart form, or uploaded to a computer using the optional interface.

Christine Munding, assistant brand manager with Nielsen-Kellerman said, "The Kestrel 4100 makes a technician's job easier by eliminating the need for calculators or equations. The user simply selects the shape of the duct or opening (rectangle or circle), and then enters the dimensions of the duct and the airflow is automatically calculated. The cfm is instantaneously displayed with the Kestrel 4100 is held in the airflow."

In order to ensure accurate readings when the airflow is fluctuating or variable across the duct, this instrument has a simple averaging function that allows the user to control the timing of the averaging. Because the Kestrel holds the maximum and average flow values, this function is also ideal for technicians taking readings in ducts that are reachable, but hard to see."

The full Dealer Design Award article was featured in the July 18, 2005 issue of the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration News Magazine. 		hvac

FAQs  

Get the answer to this and other questions at NK's:

Knowledge Center

Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters & HVAC Brochure (PDF)

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 se - 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.

How does the Kestrel log data, and can it upload the data to a computer?
The Kestrel 4100 and 4200 feature a 2,000 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).

What's so great about the Kestrel impeller?
The Kestrel impeller measures 1 inch across, and turns on a Swiss precision pivot mounted on sapphire 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.

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.

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. They even carry a lifetime Customer Care warranty program that replaces damaged Kestrels (even if accidental) with a new unit for a significant discount.