The Kestrel Basic Meters have a large, high contrast easy to read LCD screen and just three buttons to make your selections. Most are backlit as well.

The Kestrel Advanced Meters all start with the number 5, such as the Kestrel 5000. The Advanced line of Meters will all log date and time stamped environmental data into memory. This historical data can be viewed on the Meter itself or can be downloaded to either a PC or MAC computer using the Kestrel Data Transfer Cable or with the LiNK (Bluetooth) models, data can be wirelessly transferred to a smartphone using the Kestrel LiNK app or the newly released Kestrel app. Once the data is downloaded into the Kestrel app, you can send the date and time stamped data using your phones email with just a click of a button. This data formatted as a CSV file which most spreadsheet programs can easily open. Both the standard and LiNK enabled 5 series meters can use the Kestrel Data Transfer Cable. The cable is specific to Kestrel 5 series meters and can be found in our store.

If at any time you have Kestrel questions, please let us know. You can find our contact information here or use the chat button. We are always happy to answer Kestrel questions!

Kestrel Basic Handheld Meters:

Product:	Kestrel 1000
Price:	$74.00 USD
Measures:	Wind Speed
Colors:	Blue
Class:	Wind Meter

Product:	Kestrel 2000
Price:	$94.00 USD
Colors:	Green
Measures:	Wind Speed, Temperature
Features:	Backlight (blue white)
Class:	Wind Meter

Product:	Kestrel 2500
Price:	$149.00 USD
Colors:	Orange
Measures:	Wind Speed, Temperature, Pressure
Features:	Altitude (pressure based), Barometric Pressure, Pressure Trend, Wind Chill, Backlight (blue white)
Class:	Weather Meter

Product:	Kestrel 2500NV
Price:	$154.00 USD
Measures:	Wind Speed, Temperature, Pressure
Features:	Altitude (pressure based), Barometric Pressure, Pressure Trend, Wind Chill, Night Vision Preserving Backlight
Colors:	Olive Drab (OD Green)
Class:	Weather Meter

Product:	Kestrel 3000 (red), 3000HS (orange)
Price:	$149.00 USD
Measures:	Wind Speed, Temperature, Humidity
Features:	Wind Chill, Heat Stress, Backlight (blue white)
Colors:	Red, Orange (3000HS)
Class:	Weather Meter

Product:	Kestrel 3500
Price:	$194.00 USD
Measures:	Wind Speed, Temperature, Humidity, Pressure
Features:	Wind Chill, Heat Stress, Altitude (pressure based), Pressure Trend, Barometric Pressure, Dew Point, Wet Bulb Temperature (Psychrometric), Backlight (blue white)
Colors:	Yellow
Class:	Weather Meter

Product:	Kestrel 3500NV
Price:	$199.00 USD
Measures:	Wind Speed, Temperature, Humidity, Pressure
Features:	Wind Chill, Heat Stress, Altitude (pressure based), Pressure Trend, Barometric Pressure, Dew Point, Wet Bulb Temperature (Psychrometric), Night Vision Preserving Backlight
Colors:	Olive Drab (OD Green)
Class:	Weather Meter

Product:	Kestrel 3500DT
Price:	$199.00 USD
Measures:	Wind Speed, Temperature, Humidity, Pressure
Features:	Wind Chill, Heat Stress, Altitude (pressure based), Pressure Trend, Barometric Pressure, Dew Point, Wet Bulb Temperature (Psychrometric), Delta T, Backlight (blue white)
Colors:	Yellow
Class:	Weather Meter

Product:	Kestrel 3500FW
Price:	$199.00 USD
Measures:	Wind Speed, Temperature, Humidity, Pressure
Features:	Wind Chill, Heat Stress, Altitude (pressure based), Pressure Trend, Barometric Pressure, Dew Point, Wet Bulb Temperature (Psychrometric), Backlight (blue white), PIG Reference Card
Colors:	Orange
Class:	Fire Weather Meter

Product:	Kestrel 3550FW
Price:	$199.00 USD
Measures:	Wind Speed, Temperature, Humidity, Pressure
Features:	Wind Chill, Heat Stress, Altitude (pressure based), Pressure Trend, Barometric Pressure, Dew Point, Wet Bulb Temperature (Psychrometric), Backlight (blue white), Wind Direction, Bluetooth, PIG Reference Card
Colors:	Orange
Class:	Fire Weather Meter

Product:	Kestrel 3550AG
Price:	$199.00 USD
Measures:	Wind Speed, Temperature, Humidity, Pressure
Features:	Wind Chill, Heat Stress, Altitude (pressure based), Pressure Trend, Barometric Pressure, Dew Point, Wet Bulb Temperature (Psychrometric), Backlight (blue white), Delta T, Wind Direction, Bluetooth
Colors:	Green
Class:	Agriculture Meter

Whether it is a crane operator on the job site or a sail boat captain keeping track of the knots they are making or using the Beaufort scale to determine the strength of the wind, the Kestrel 1000 is your meter. The Kestrel 1000 is also a very handy companion to have when hiking or camping. Knowing your wind speed could help you in your decision making if hiking near drops and ridges. Wind speeds of 45-50 MPH could blow you off of your feet! That could lead to a serious injury on a ridge or a drop off. You will also want an accurate reading. You should consider how and where the meter was made. Having the knowledge that your meter wasn't mass produced in a sweat shop, on a mass scale in some country that doesn't have any legal fears of liability could leave you with a wind meter that will fail when you need it the most and doubting it's accuracy. Did you know that every Kestrel Meter is designed and built in the USA? Every Kestrel is tested for accuracy against NIST certified instruments before leaving the factory. The Impeller itself is wind tunnel tested at high and low speeds. The Kestrel 1000 will give wind readings from 0.3 to 134.2 MPH with a guaranteed accuracy from 1.3 to 89.5 MPH. The 1000 as with all Kestrel Meters is equipped with a user replaceable impeller so in a few years of use, just order another impeller. We have them here in our accessories section for $15.00. If you are considering a wind meter, be sure to keep the Kestrel 1000 at the top of you list. Here is a list of reasons:

Kestrel 1000 Features:

• Simple 3-Button Control
• High Contrast, Sunlight Readable Monochrome LCD Display
• CR2032 Coin Cell Battery (Average Life 300 Hours)
• Data Hold Function
• Drop-Tested to MIL-STD-810G
• Waterproof to IP67 (3'/1M for 30 minutes)
• Kestrel Certificate of Conformity
• Neck Lanyard
• Patented Impeller and Sensor Technology
• Slip-On Protective Cover
• Time of Day
• User-Replaceable Battery
• User-Replaceable Impeller
• Waterproof & Floats
• Designed and built in the USA

If you have any questions about the Kestrel 1000 or any of our instruments, please ask!

Whether it's during an actual fire or assessing the environment for the probability if ignition. Besides visual observations of the surrounding area, wind speed, wind direction, temperature and humidity are important factors in determining fire weather conditions.

The Kestrel 3550FW Fire Weather Meter has you covered. As the newest product release of the popular Kestrel Fire Weather line of Instruments, the 3550FW will measure, wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity and pressure. Kestrel's are known for their durability and accuracy and have become a staple product in many belt weather kits, replacing the Sling Psychrometer.

So now you have a meter that will display data, what do you do with it? It's simple! Rather than write it down in a log, with just a click of a button, transfer the current data instantaneously via Bluetooth to your smartphone using the free Kestrel app. The environmental data stored in the app is timestamped with the GPS location from your smartphone. This data can be shared with your crew using the Kestrel app.

We are very excited to be carrying the Kestrel 3550 series meters as they are the first Basic series Kestrel Weather Meters with Bluetooth connectivity as well as wind direction. As an added bonus, the 3550FW comes with an spare battery. 

ExtremeMeters.com's Kestrel's come with a full 5 year factory warranty. They are waterproof, dropproof, military tough, super accurate and are designed and built in the USA!

V 1.41

Release Date: 07/16/20

Update includes:

• Improved Compass Calibration routine (5500)
• Easter Egg: Snake game added to About Menu 5000, 5100, 5200, 5400, 5500

V 1.39

Release Date: 03/06/20

Update includes:

• Adds Concrete Evaporation Solver (5200)

V 1.36

Release Date: 01/15/20

Update includes:

• Fixes issue with Hornady gun transfers (HORNADY)
• Fixes Bushnell/HUD connection issue. (5700,ELITE,HORNADY)

V 1.37

Release Date: 02/06/20

Update includes:

• Fixes issue with Hornady Zero Angle. (HORNADY)
• Fixes issue with laser rangefinders. (5700,ELITE,HORNADY)

V 1.35

Release Date: 01/09/20

• Adds Accuracy 1st menu option and functionalities (ELITE)
• Adds HUD connectivity and dual connectivity with a LRF (ELITE, 5700, HORNADY)
• Adds Max Point Blank (ELITE)
• Fixes some minor bugs and menus order (ELITE, 5700, HORNADY)

V 1.31

Release Date: 10/07/19

Update includes:

• Update to languages

Meters affected:

• 5000

Update includes:

• Fixes issue with connections to Wilson RAPTAR‐S

• 5700
• 5700 Elite with LiNK

• Download the iOS (iPhone) app here
• Download the Android app here
• See the Kestrel 5500 Here

V 1.27

Release Date: 06/25/19

• Adding Hornady 4DOF Kestrel 5700 model
• Fixes issue with solution when toggling between o'clock and degrees
• Firwmare update no longer deletes gun profiles!
• Changes some minimum ballistic values

• Hornady 4DOF

V 1.28

Release Date: 06/26/19

Update includes:

• Fixes issue with BW and BD when transferring 4DOF bullet files

Meters affected:

• Hornady 4DOF

V 1.26 was passed over and never released.

What does the latest Kestrel firmware update 1.25 include?

Release Date: 4/15/2019

Update includes:

• Fixes issue where toggling between wind direction from degrees to o'clock can sometimes cause an incorrect windage hold.

Meters affected:

• Kestrel 5700
• Kestrel 5700 ELITE

Release Date: 8/31/2018

Update includes:

• Add NJ heat stress guidelines.

Meters affected:

• Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker

• Strelok Pro on Google Play
• Strelok Pro on Apple App Store

The Kestrel 5500 with LiNK, Vane Mount and case: Retails for $399 USD.

• Kestrel 5500 with LiNK, Vane Mount and case

The Kestrel D3 Ballistics DROP: Retails for $129 USD

• Kestrel D3 Ballistics DROP in Desert Tan

To get started,

1. Download the Strelok Pro app to your smartphone.
2. Open the Strelok Pro app on your smartphone.
3. Pair your Kestrel with the App by selecting the Impeller symbol with the Bluetooth logo.
   
4. Select "YES" to save (your Kestrel Meter name).
5. You will then see your Kestrel's enviromnentals display on the Strelok PRO screen.
   
6. To calibrate the Kestrel to the app, Click "Calibrate" in the app and follow the instructions.
   

That's it for setting it up! You can now start entering your bullets, scope, gun, and target info. If you have any other questions, let us know!

Check out our Kestrel 5 Series Selection here

Just released! Version 1.20 is the latest firmware release from NK for the 5700 Ballistics Meters. After tweaking 1.17 for some needed improvements 1.20 became the latest revision. If you have trouble updating using your Ballistics APP on your smartphone, you may need to delete the app and reinstall. Note, by deleting the app and reinstalling it, you will lose any settings you have programmed in the app but not the meter.

New firmware release includes new modes, new features and many improvements! It also includes a new email our core allowing for solutions out to 5500 yd. This firmware is an update to the Kestrel 5700 and 5700 Elite Meters. Check out the video below by Doc Beech of Applied Ballistics describing some of the exciting new features!

Check out the video of this storm chaser with his Kestrel 5500. We applaud his ability to stay standing for the most part but obviously do not recommend putting yourself in harms way!

How to take an accurate temperature reading with my Kestrel

For best accuracy when taking temperature measurements you must keep the air moving around the temperature sensor and keep the Kestrel out of prolonged, direct sunlight. If there is a strong breeze, just point the Kestrel into the wind. If there is no wind, swing the Kestrel around in a circle on its lanyard or rapidly wave it back and forth in hand. This ensures that the sensor measures the temperature of the air rather than the temperature of the case. Alternatively, if you have time, allow the Kestrel to rest where you want to measure the air temperature (NOT in your hand or in direct sunlight if there is no wind) until the case temperature equalizes with the air temperature. When equalized, the display will read a constant value. Be aware that this could take a few minutes, particularly if there is no wind.

As every firefighter knows, weather conditions are one of the most critical variables in fighting a fire. Wind speed and direction, temperature, and humidity are all measured frequently, tracked in detail, and entered into fire behavior models to inform decisions about deploying personnel, materials, and suppression tactics such as digging a fireline.

The Kestrel line now includes a full range of meters and loggers, including models with built-in Probability of Ignition (PIG) and Fine Dead Fuel Moisture (FDFM) readings. Wireless data transfer to smart phones and tablets using Kestrel LiNK™ makes communicating real-time conditions easier than ever. Heat stress prediction models help keep personnel safe from heat injury during training and operations.

Kestrel Fire Weather Meters are ready to take measurements instantly, with no setup or lookup tables required. PRO meters have the FDFM and PIG tables built right in, and log temperature, humidity and pressure even while off.

“As a United States Aerial Delivered Firefighter, I require the best gear available to accomplish our missions. The Kestrel Fire Weather Pro weather meter provides me with the highest technology made to date. I count on precise measurements on a fire or any other emergency incident. Kestrel is my choice for professionals,” explains Jason A. Ramos, a veteran firefighter and author of the memoir, Smokejumper.

Here are the major differences:

• LiNK wireless connectivity (Bluetooth Smart / BTLE)
  Robust, easy connectivity to both iOS and Android mobile devices as well as Windows and Mac computers. (Computers require optional Kestrel USB Dongle.)
• Kestrel LiNK for mobile
  Get real-time, right now, with remote data viewing on phones and tablets up to 100’ away. Kestrel LiNK also provides easy data export, threshold alerts and simple firmware updates. At this time there are apps for iOS (iPhone, iPAD) and Android smart phones & tablets
• USB Data Transfer Cable
  No longer needed is the cradle as the optical IR cable plugs directly into any 5 series meter. The Kestrel USB Data Transfer Cable is waterproof, lightweight and low profile. It packs away much easier than the older style 4 series USB data transfer cable.
• Intuitive user-interface
  Easy to use, icon-based interface with widely spaced keys makes the Kestrel easy to use in multiple languages.
• Corrosion-resistant battery compartment
  Batteries can be lethal to any electronic device. We have all been there. The battery compartment of the Kestrel 5 series meters has been isolated to reduce damage as a result of a leaky battery.
• Scratch resistant / breakage resistant window
  Rigid & Scratch resistant, the new polycarbonate lens with scratch-coating will help reduce damage to the display. We also offer a Kestrel Screen Protector in our store for added security.
• Dual color backlight
  Popular customer request! In the past, many of our customers wanted the Olive Drab or Desert Tan color but with a standard backlight. For nighttime operations, the NV or night vision preserving backlight is indispensable but it may be a little more difficult to see during bright daylight hours. For this reason, the user can easily switch between standard white backlight or NV backlight on any 5 series meter!
• Larger, higher contrast screen
  Another popular customer request from our customers! "I can read everything fine but can you make it a little bigger and make the characters stand out a little more?" The new Kestrel 5 series display is larger and has a higher resolution which makes fitting more on one screen attainable. Charting, graphing and text are easier to read which will keep eyestrain to a minimum even during bright daylight hours.
• More secure battery door
  Rather than on the bottom of the unit, the new Kestrel 5 series battery door is located on the back of the unit. It is much larger, uses a larger o-ring and is easily opened without tools. Also you will notice that the lanyard no longer attaches to the battery door hinge
• Battery
  Yet more popular customer requests! "I lost the shim to my Kestrel 4500". "AAA Batteries are harder to find in the field than AA." Since the (2) AAA batteries used with the Kestrel 4500 have been replaced by a single AA battery in the Kestrel 5500, the ever unpopular battery shim has been done away with. The Kestrel 5 series meters now work with an easily accessible single AA battery which requires no shim. "When it comes time to replace the included Energizer Ultimate Lithium battery, we strongly recommend lithium. Lithium batteries have a longer shelf life, last longer and are much less likely to leak.
• Colors
  The Kestrel colors have changed to go along with current needs. You will notice that the 5500 now comes in three colors. The NV designation has been removed since each 5 series meter now includes an easily switchable white / NV backlight.

If you have any questions, please let us know!

To read more about the differences between the 4000 series and the 5000 series Meters, click here.

Boothwyn, PA — The Kestrel DROP D1 Wireless Temperature Data Logger has been named as a recipient of the 2015 Backpacker magazine Editors’ Choice Award. The prestigious Editors’ Choice Awards are given annually to products in recognition of their outstanding innovation in design, materials and performance.

“BACKPACKER gear reviews set the benchmark by which all others are measured,” Backpacker Editor-In-Chief Dennis Lewon said. “That’s because no other magazine or website conducts field-testing as rigorously or impartially as the crew led by Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter. Our core testers each have years of backcountry experience and expertise in multiple pursuits, from climbing to paddling to skiing. Under Kristin’s leadership, they put new products through punishing real-world abuse in the toughest terrain and worst weather. She also oversees a transparent process that has earned an unrivaled level of trust from readers, retailers and manufacturers. The result? Best-in-class reviews that lead consumers to best-in-class gear.” 

The Kestrel DROP D1 is part of the Kestrel DROP Data Logger family of small, rugged, waterproof and accurate environmental sensor/logger/transmitters:

• Kestrel DROP® D1 Wireless Temperature Data Logger – Temperature
• Kestrel DROP® D2 Wireless Humidity Data Logger – Temperature, humidity, heat index and dew point temperature
• Kestrel DROP® D3 Wireless Temperature, Humidity and Pressure Data Logger – Temperature, humidity, heat index, dew point temperature, station pressure, density altitude, pressure trend.

Kestrel DROPs connect wirelessly via Bluetooth^® Smart to the free Kestrel Connect app to display real-time measurements up to 100’ away and automatically sync stored data for charting, sharing to social media, saving and emailing.

Because Kestrel DROPs are extremely small, rugged and waterproof, they are easy to carry along on any expedition to monitor and record conditions in almost any environment. DROP loggers meet military and international standards for water, dust and shock resistance (IP-67-30 minute submersion at 1m and MIL-STD-810G drop tested) and are equipped with a sturdy D-ring for hanging wherever needed.

Kestrel is proud to be named as a Backpacker Editors’ Choice Award recipient. Since their inception, the Backpacker Editors’ Choice Awards have come to be regarded as the most sought-after award for outdoor equipment and apparel found in the industry. All winners must excel under extensive field-testing conducted by Backpacker’s team of editors, who take hundreds of products into the backcountry to put them to the test. This rigorous process ensures that the performance of the winners is truly worthy of distinction and meets the guiding principle behind the program: gear that is of real value to the readers of Backpacker magazine, who are active, long-term outdoor enthusiasts.

"Kestrel’s handheld weather meters have been trusted pocket meteorologists for outdoor enthusiasts for almost two decades," said Alix James, CEO of Nielsen-Kellerman.  "With the introduction of the DROP line, Kestrel sought to expand the environments that could be measured and the reach and usability of the data. Whether for gear testing or their own expeditions, the Backpacker editors have confirmed that accurate environmental data provides useful, even addicting, knowledge."

the more than 6,500 international athletes competing under the hot mid-summer sun. Recognizing the importance of on-site conditions monitoring for athletes, the event organizers deployed five Kestrel Heat Stress Trackers mounted on tripods to track wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and help prevent exertional heat stress injuries with actionable data. This year’s Games featured competitions in aquatics, gymnastics, track and field, basketball, soccer and many other summer sports.

According to Thad Hummel Woodward M.D., assistant medical director of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, “Heat has been a significant factor in the 2015 games and the Kestrel meters allow us to monitor the environmental conditions and keep our athletes safe. Under the recommendations of the Korey Stringer Institute, the physicians of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games are using the Kestrel wet bulb globe temperature meter to ensure a safe event for the 6,500 competitors coming from around the world.”

The Kestrel 4400 helps athletic trainers, military trainers, emergency staff, scientists and event organizers get real-time information to monitor environmental conditions such as heat index, relative humidity, temperature and most importantly WBGT. WBGT is an aggregate environmental measurement that combines ambient temperature, humidity, sunlight, radiant heat and wind into a single number that can be referenced to published guidelines to increase safety and preparedness for hot weather activities.This year’s Games featured competitions in aquatics, gymnastics, track and field, basketball, soccer and many other summer sports.

General Definitions

Barometer
An instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure, used especially in weather forecasting.

Pressure Altimeter <-- Kestrel
An instrument for determining elevation based on changes in air pressure.

GPS Altimeter
An instrument that determines your local altitude based on a GPS chip in the unit and satellites triangulating your location. Unaffected by pressure changes. Please note: Kestrels do not contain a GPS chip.

Station Pressure
The pressure measured at a station, without any adjustment. A “station” can be any location (eg. house, the top of a mountain, or on the shore).

Barometric Pressure
The station pressure adjusted to mean sea level. When measuring pressure at sea level, station pressure and barometric pressure are  equal. 

Density Altitude
The altitude at which you would find the local air density, assuming standard atmospheric conditions (ISA). In other words, it is the air density expressed as an altitude above sea level.

Barometric Pressure vs. Station Pressure

Density Altitude Visually

^{Please note: Density Altitude will always read correctly on your Kestrel independent of your location or any reference values.}

Kestrel Related Definitions

Ref Baro
Found in the Altitude sub-menu (center button on Alt screen). Stands for reference barometric pressure. This value needs to be set to your current, local barometric pressure in order for the altitude to read correctly. If the atmospheric pressure changes, altitude will change even if unit did not change locations. PLEASE NOTE: This value does not affect the density altitude (all models) or ballistic solution screen (ballistic models only).

Ref Alt
Found in the Barometric Pressure sub-menu (center button on Baro screen).  Stands for reference altitude.   This value needs to be set to your current, local altitude in order for the barometric pressure  to read correctly. As long as you do not change altitudes, the barometric pressure will remain correct. If you would like to know your station pressure, you would set the reference altitude to zero (0). In this case, you would not have to adjust this reference value when changing altitudes. PLEASE NOTE:  This value does not affect the density altitude (all models) or ballistic solution screen (ballistic models only).

Sync Baro
Found in the Altitude sub-menu (center button on Alt screen).  

• If set to ON:  When you adjust the REF BARO, the Kestrel will automatically update the REF ALT with the updated barometric value.
• If set to OFF:  When you adjust the REF BARO, the Kestrel will not change the REF ALT value.

Sync Alt
Found in the Barometric Pressure sub-menu (center button on Baro screen).  

• If set to ON:  When you adjust the REF ALT, the Kestrel will automatically update the REF BARO with the updated altitude value.
• If set to OFF:  When you adjust the REF BARO, the Kestrel will not change the REF ALT value.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you turn Sync Alt ON, the Kestrel will automatically turn Sync Baro to ON and vice-versa. If you turn Sync Alt OFF, the Kestrel will automatically turn Sync Baro to OFF and vice-versa.

Altitude Screen
Shows you current altitude based off of the pressure sensor and reference barometric pressure. If the altitude is not reading correctly you most likely need to update the reference barometric pressure to the local, current barometric pressure. 

Baro Screen
Shows you the current pressure adjusted for sea level based on the reference altitude. If the reference altitude is zero, then the Kestrel is displaying station pressure.

Density Altitude Screen
Shows you the current density altitude for your current location. Density Altitude is not related to the Altitude screen nor the REF ALT or REF BARO in any way.

Pressure Screen
The 4250 is the only Kestrel with a dedicated station pressure screen. This measurement is displaying the station pressure at all times (there is no REF ALT input). The Pressure screen will equal the Baro screen when the REF ALT on the Baro sub-menu is equal to zero (0).

Typical Applications where Pressure and Altitude are Used

Ballistics/Shooting
Understanding how to properly set up your pressure and altitude for ballistic solutions depends on the Kestrel  model and ballistic software application being used.  Some applications ask for station pressure, while others will ask for barometric pressure and altitude to reverse calculate the station pressure.   While yet other ballistic programs will only want the density altitude as the primary input.  So setting up your Kestrel will depend exclusively on the inputs needed with the software you are using.

Please refer to the table below as to how to set your reference altitude and reference barometric pressure settings.

Inputs Required by CALC denotes the measurements your ballistic calculator applications are looking for.

Here are some hints as to what your ballistics calculator needs:

• Program is asking for just Density Altitude: Use DENS ALT row.
• Program is asking for Pressure but not Altitude: Use Station row.
• Program is asking for Pressure AND Altitude: Use Baro/ALT row.

*Sync function is available in Kestrel 4000 series only. 
* (any) denotes that this value does not matter. 

^{Note: If you are using Kestrel Sportsman, Applied Ballistics, or Horus models, the ballistics calculator will use the appropriate environmental conditions no matter what.  No reference adjustments are necessary.}

A common request is to want to know the station pressure and your current altitude. Again this is not necessary but in this case:

• Use 0 as the REF ALT VALUE
• Use your current weather barometric pressure REF BARO VALUE
• Set SYNC ALT/BARO to OFF

Please See How To Adjust REF ALT and REF BARO for instructions on how to enter these values on the Kestrel.

Auto Racing
Cars with aspirated engines are tuned based on the current conditions on the track. Conditions on the track can vastly differ between local airport conditions or even conditions in your trailer.  In general terms, less air molecules will mean lower engine performance, but mechanics can tune the carburetors to give the mixture more air.

There is another use with "bracket racing," or "ET" racing.  In this type of drag racing you can actually take any kind of car and put it in brackets based on your preliminary runs down the strip. Then, you are actually racing your predicted time to go down the strip. A perfect time means you really know your car and conditions and have perfect reflexes on the starting lights.  Just like shooter's build databases of "dope" for bullets, bracket racers build tables of their car's performance at different DA's.  "ET" predictors can be found on different drag racing apps and assist with these predictions. 

Weather
Barometric pressure is a primary factor when predicting weather as explained above. Understanding where the low and high pressure fronts are occurring across the globe is one of the biggest factors in forecasting weather.

To set up the barometric pressure to read correctly for your area, you will need to research your current altitude. Some ways to find out your current altitude is with:

• Web Searches
• Google Maps
• GPS (ie.a cell phone)

Once you have found your current altitude, you would then just need to enter this as your REF ALT on the barometric pressure screen. 

• If you do not change locations, your barometric pressure will always read correctly.
• If you change locations, you would need to update the REF ALT value with the altitude of the new location. 

SYNC/ALT/BARO is suggested to be ON in this case but it is not necessary. If you care to know your current altitude, then leave it ON and the Kestrel will automatically populate the REF BARO when adjusting the REF ALT.

Altitude will only read correctly while the barometric pressure remains constant.

**Please See How To Adjust REF ALT and REF BARO for instructions on how to enter these values on the Kestrel.

Hiking
Altitude is typically desired when hiking. For instance, suppose you are going to hike up a mountain and want to track how high up the mountain you are going. In this case you will need to know your current barometric pressure. Generally your barometric pressure will not change very drastically within a few hours and that should give you time to make the hike and track your altitude.

So at the start of your hike you will need to research your current barometric pressure. You can find this value from a local weather station.

Once you have found your current barometric pressure, you would then just need to enter this as your REF BARO on the Altitude screen.

• As you progress up or down the mountain, your altitude value will adjust appropriately.
• If a weather system rapidly approaches during your climb, this may affect the altitude accuracy.
• If you run into a elevation marker on your hike, you can enter this  value as the REF ALT on the Baro screen, turn SYNC BARO to ON and this will  adjust your REF BARO if any changes in barometric pressure have occurred.

SYNC/ALT/BARO is suggested to be ON in this case, but it is not necessary. If you care to know your current barometric pressure, then leave it ON and the Kestrel will automatically populate the REF ALT when adjusting the REF BARO.

**Please See How To Adjust REF ALT and REF BARO for instructions on how to enter these values on the Kestrel.

How to Adjust REF ALT and REF BARO

How to Adjust REF ALT on a 4000 Series

1. Turn ON the Kestrel

2. Scroll with the up or down buttons until you get to the Baro measurement screen 

• Please Note: If you are on the Min/Max/Avg or Graph screens, you will need to navigate right or left until you get to the Real time measurement screen

3. Press the Center Button to enter the Baro sub-menu.

4. Press the  down button to highlight REF ALT. Use  the left and right buttons adjust this value to the appropriate value.

5. If you need to change the SYNC BARO value, press the down button and right or left button to adjust this field. 
 

How to Adjust REF BARO on a 4000 Series 

1. Turn ON the Kestrel.

2. Scroll with the up or down buttons until you get to the Altitude measurement screen.

• Please note:  that if you are on the Min/Max/Avg or Graph screens, you will need to navigate right or left until you get to the Real time measurement screen.

3. Press the Center Button to enter the Altitude sub-menu.

4. Press the Down Buttom to highlight REF BARO.

5. If you need to change the SYNC ALT value, press the down button and right or left button to adjust this field.

YouTube - Setting up Pressure and Altitude on a 4000 series Kestrel

How to Adjust REF ALT on a 2500 or 3500

1. Turn on the Kestrel

2. Scroll with the left or right buttons until you get to the Baro measurement screen.

3. Press the right and left buttons simultaneously to enter the REF ALT menu. You should see REF appear on the screen.

• If you went to a different measurement screen, you did not hit the buttons at the same time. Navigate back and try again.

4. With REF shown on screen, use the left or right button to adjust this value to the desired value.

5. Press the right and left buttons simultaneously to exit and save this new REF ALT value.
 

How to Adjust REF BARO on a 2500 or 3500

1. Turn ON the Kestrel

2. Scroll with the left or right buttons until you get to the Alt measurement screen.

3. Press the right and left buttons simultaneously to enter the REF BARO menu. You should see REF appear on the screen.

• If If you went to a different measurement screen, you did not hit the buttons at the same time.  Navigate back and try again.

4. With REF shown on screen, use the left or right button to adjust this value to the desired value.

5. Press the right and left buttons simultaneously to exit and save this new REF BARO value.

YouTube - Setting up Pressure and Altitude on a 4000 series Kestrel