Kestrel 2500 User Manual
Page 5
Kestrel® 2500 Pocket Weather® Meter
9
Also, the above discussion applies to ALL pressure altimeters, including one you may have
in a watch or other device, but not to GPS altimeters, which use satellite triangulation to
determine altitude. Note that with present GPS technology, pressure altimeters remain more
accurate for measuring altitude change. This is why airplanes still rely on pressure altimeters,
not GPS.
MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING
Environmental
Every Kestrel Meter is fully waterproof and floats, and has passed mil-spec drop testing.
Storing Your Kestrel
Avoid storing your Kestrel where it will be exposed to temperatures below -30°C [-22°F] or
above 60° C [176° F] for extended periods of time. Doing so may cause permanent damage.
(Note that the inside of a car parked in the hot sun can reach very high temperatures.)
Use of the Lanyard and Cover
The cover can be captured on the lanyard to avoid loss. First,
remove the cord poplock. Then feed the lanyard end through
the large opening in the over and out the slot. Replace the
poplock on the lanyard.
Replacing the Battery
When your display becomes dim or disappears, replace the
battery. Use a large coin to open the battery compartment.
Use only new CR2032 coin cell batteries (available where watch batteries are sold). Wipe
the battery clean of any fingerprints and insert the positive (+) pole up, angling the battery
downward and pressing it firmly into place. When replacing the battery door, be sure to keep
the black rubber o-ring seated in the groove on the case back.
Why does the Impeller Appear Imbalanced?
It is NORMAL for the impeller to oscillate as it comes to a stop. It is NOT imbalanced. Rather,
it contains a very small magnet that responds to the earth’s magnetic fields. This does not
affect the accuracy of the wind speed readings because the magnetic field applies both a
braking and an accelerating force which cancel each other. The impeller has been calibrated
to provide wind speed readings accurate to within at least ± 3%.
High Speed Use
After numerous hours of sustained operation over 25 M/S (~49
KT, 90 KM/H, 56 MPH or 4,923 FPM), the Kestrel will lose some
accuracy due to wear of the pivot and bearings in the impeller.
Replacing the Impeller
You may recalibrate the wind speed readings by replacing
the impeller. Press FIRMLY on the sides of the black impeller
housing with your thumbs to remove the entire assembly.
When inserting the new impeller, be sure the arrow is facing
the display side of the unit, and is aligned with the top of the
meter. Press on the sides of the housing rather than the center.
Replacing the Battery
Replacing the Impeller