instruction manual - Nielsen

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

G1-G7 BALLISTICS

CALCULATIONS BY

APPLIED BALLISTICS

AVAILABLE WITH

Wireless Data Transfer

NKhome.com 800.784.4221

2

!

CAUTION

Your Kestrel Ballistics Weather Meter is designed to provide accurate measurement of current conditions only. Depending on your location and environment, conditions may change rapidly.

Rapid temperature and humidity changes (i.e., moving your meter from indoors to outdoors) may cause inaccurate readings of temperature and humidity as well as all readings that rely on either of these values. Before relying on a Kestrel Ballistics Weather

Meter readings, use care to either a) force air flow over the sensors by waving or slinging your meter through the air; or b) wait until your unit’s readings have stabilized, indicating it has equilibrated to its new environment.

To maximize the accuracy and reliability of your readings:

• Ensure that your Kestrel Ballistics Weather Meter is in good repair and within factory calibration.

• Take readings frequently and carefully according to the guidelines above.

• Allow your meter’s readings to stabilize after significant changes in temperature or humidity (i.e., changing location from indoors to outdoors).

• Allow a margin of safety for changing conditions and reading errors (2-3% of reading is recommended).

OVERVIEW

Features & Options .............................................. 4

Getting to Know Your Kestrel ............................ 5

Battery Installation .............................................. 6

Compass Calibration and Setup ....................... 7

Barometric Pressure & Altitude Setup ............. 9

BALLISTICS MODE

Basic Navigation and Getting Started ............. 10

Gun Selection ....................................................... 11

Gun Library & Information Screen ................... 12

Target Screen ........................................................ 15

Environment Screen............................................ 16

Range Card Screen .............................................. 17

Ballistics Screen ................................................... 18

Bluetooth Setup ................................................... 19

Quick Keys ............................................................. 20

WEATHER MODE

Setup and Options .............................................. 21

Screen Navigation ............................................... 24

Impeller Replacement ........................................ 25

Using the Bootloader ......................................... 26

Glossary of Terms................................................. 27

Ballistic & Environmental Quick Ref ................. 28

Full Range Card Data Sample ............................ 29

Specifications ....................................................... 30

Choosing & Using Batteries ............................... 32

Warranty ................................................................ 35

*for BLUETOOTH®-enabled models ONLY

NK, manufacturer of Kestrel brand Ballistics Weather Meters is available to answer questions and provide support.

Contact NK by phone: 610.447.1555; fax: 610.447.1577; email: [email protected]; or web: NKhome.com

3

4

FEATURES & OPTIONS

Measurement/ Units of Measure

Wind Direction (

Cardinal Points, Degrees)

Wind Speed | Air Speed ( mph | fpm | Bft | m/s | km/h | kt)

Crosswind Calculation ( mph | fpm | Bft | m/s | km/h | kt)

Headwind | Tailwind ( mph | fpm | Bft | m/s | km/h | kt)

Temperature* (

˚F | ˚C

)

Wind Chill (

˚F | ˚C

)

Relative Humidity (

Gpp | G/kg

)

Heat Stress Index (

˚F | ˚C

)

Dewpoint Temp (

˚F | ˚C

)

Wet Bulb Temp (

˚F | ˚C

)

Barometric Pressure ( inHg | hPA | psi | mb)

Altitude, m | ft

Density Altitude, m | ft

Pressure Trend

Backlit Display

Data Storage Points

BLUETOOTH®

NV Backlight

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Icon Kestrel Sportsman

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

2900

Standard

•

| Optional

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR KESTREL

FRONT

REPLACEABLE

IMPELLER

HUMIDITY

SENSOR

MANUAL

MEMORY

BUTTON

BACKLIGHT

BUTTON

NAVIGATION

BUTTONS

DATA UPLOAD

OPTICAL COUPLER

BACK

POWER / SETUP

BUTTON

SELECT / EXIT

BUTTON

Even when the Kestrel display is off, the unit will still automatically collect and store data at the defined rate (see “Memory

Options” ). To completely power down the unit, you must remove the batteries (and lose time / date and other settings)

* All Kestrel Meters with temperature measurement allow you to measure air, water and snow temperature.

AMBIENT

TEMPERATURE

SENSOR

SERIAL NUMBER

WIDE RANGE

PRESSURE

SENSOR

AAA BATTERIES (2)

(Lithium recommended)

STABILIZING

BATTERY

ORIENTATION SHIM

5

6

BATTERY INSTALLATION

• Insert batteries into bottom of

Kestrel unit as shown on battery door.

• Snap door closed.

Turning ON and OFF

• Press to turn on the meter.

• Hold for 2 seconds to turn off the meter.

You can also select “Off” on the

Main Setup Menu options.

Date & Time

• Press to enter the Main Setup

Menu.

• Use or to highlight Date

& Time.

• Press to enter the Date & Time

Screen.

• Press or to change each value.

KESTREL 4500:

AAA batteries have a magnetic signature strong enough to affect the Kestrel 4500’s compass readings. Please follow this extra step to ensure the batteries stay in proper orientation.

Before closing the door, push the plastic shim

(provided with unit) between batteries and place clear ring on end over positive battery “bump.”

When replacing batteries in the Kestrel 4500, always keep the shim and re-insert with new batteries as described.

COMPASS CALIBRATION AND SETUP

In addition to Wind Speed and Wind Chill, the Kestrel

Sportsman also measures Direction, Headwind/Tailwind and Crosswind.

Digital Compass Calibration

The Kestrel meter's digital compass must be calibrated

to correct for the AAA batteries’ magnetic field. It must be re-calibrated every time the battery door is opened, and it will not display or log any direction values until calibration is complete.

**Impeller should be removed during calibration for best results.

• Remove the impeller by pressing the edges to pop it out

(reinsert after calibration is complete).

To Calibrate:

• In Main Setup Menu, use

“System”, then press .

• Press

or to highlight

to highlight “Compass Cal”, then press .

Follow the prompts on screen:

• Press to start.

• Slowly spin the upright meter around three (3) full times.

• Each rotation should take approximately 10 seconds.

• When calibration is finished, the screen will read

“Cal Complete”.

• Press to exit to Main Menu.

To verify the digital compass’ accuracy, test it against a compass; the Kestrel meter readings should be within

±5° of the reference compass or better. If readings appear incorrect, simply run the calibration routine again.

Unit should be held vertically with the back facing the direction being measured.

Calibration Error Messages

There are three error messages that the meter may display during calibration. Press to exit the error screen and run the calibration again.

• Magnetic Batteries: The magnetic field of the Kestrel’s batteries is interfering with calibration. Try opening the battery door, rotate one or both batteries, and run the calibration again. If error persists, try using a different brand of battery.

• Too Slow: The unit was spun too slowly during calibration.

• Too Fast: The unit was spun too quickly during calibration.

Figure 1

3x

7

8

COMPASS CALIBRATION AND SETUP (CONT.)

Measuring Direction

The Kestrel 4500’s digital compass must be vertical to achieve accurate readings. Keep the unit positioned as close to vertical as possible when using any compassrelated feature. After opening the battery door, you must re-run the calibration routine or readings will not register. For maximum accuracy, the impeller should be spinning while measuring to eliminate its magnetic pull.

True North vs. Magnetic North Readings

The Kestrel 4500's default Direction display mode is

Magnetic North.

To view Direction in True North mode:

• Go to weather mode in the Direction screen, press .

• Use or to choose your mode.

• If you choose True North, use to highlight “Variation”, then use or to input the Variation for your location.

To measure Direction:

• Hold the unit vertically and point the BACK of the unit toward the direction you want to measure.

• The unit will display the cardinal direction and degrees.

The Direction measurement does not record Max and

Average and will display N/A on that mode screen.

Measuring Headwind/Tailwind & Crosswind

The Kestrel 4500 automatically calculates Headwind and

Crosswind with respect to a runway or target direction.

You must first set the “Heading” to view these measurements:

• Press while on the Headwind or Crosswind screen.

• Use or to choose “Auto Set” or “Manual Set”, then press .

In Auto Set: Point the unit down the runway or target,

then press to automatically set the heading.

In Manual Set: Use or to enter the known runway

or target heading, and press to save.

Both screens will always display the Magnetic North heading at the top (even if the Direction screen is set to

True North mode).

• After setting the heading, scroll to the desired parameter and orient the Kestrel so the wind blows directly through the impeller.

This is independent from the dof and wind direction for ballistic solutions. Info for Wind Speed & Direction of fire for ballistic solutions can be found on pg 16.

BAROMETRIC PRESSURE & ALTITUDE SETUP

Setting Barometric Pressure & Altitude

The Kestrel meter measures “station pressure”, which changes in response to both changes in altitude and changes in atmosphere. Barometric pressure is a measurement of the air pressure adjusted to sea level.

Station pressure is displayed if the reference altitude is set to zero. These values do not affect your ballistic solution.

If you want to know your Barometric Pressure and/or

Altitude be sure to adjust your reference measurements for altitude and/or barometric pressure when you change your location or when there have been dramatic changes in weather conditions.

Obtaining Station Pressure

• In the Main Setup Menu, use or

“Weather Mode”, then press .

to highlight

• Use or to scroll to highlight the “BARO” screen

• Press to enter the “REF BARO” screen

• Set the reference altitude to zero for station pressure.

Set it to your current altitude if you want barometric pressure

Baro—Displays current Barometric Pressure

Ref Alt—Use or to set the known Altitude reading to the “Altitude” screen

When “Sync Alt” is turned “On,” the current

“Density Altitude” screen data is calculated from the absolute values of station pressure, relative humidity and temp., and is not affected by the reference values entered in the “Baro” and “Altitude” screens.

Barometric Pressure data is automatically used as a reference for Altitude, and both screens will show accurate readings.

REF ALT

Alt 877

Ref. Baro 30.97

Sync Baro On

adjust exit syncs

REF BARO

Baro

Ref. Alt 877

Sync Alt

adjust exit

Setting Altitude

• In the Main Setup Menu, use or

“Weather Mode”, then press .

to highlight

• Use or to highlight the “Baro” screen

• Press to enter the “REF ALT” screen

• Set the reference altitude to your current altitude.

When “Sync Baro” is turned “On,” the current Altitude data is automatically used as a reference for Barometric

Pressure, and both screens will show accurate readings.

REF BARO

Baro 30.15

Ref. Alt 115

Sync Alt On

adjust exit syncs

REF ALT

Alt

Ref. Baro 30.15

Sync Baro

adjust exit

9

10

BASIC NAVIGATION & GETTING STARTED

THE KESTREL HAS SEVEN NAVIGATION KEYS:

Capture

Up-Arrow

Backlight

Left-Arrow

Power On/

Escape Key

Down-Arrow

Right-Arrow

Center Key

Quick Tips:

• Your Kestrel Sportsman can operate in Weather mode or Ballistics mode. For instructions related to Weather

Mode, see page 23.

• Compass must be calibrated in order for directional features to work in Ballistics mode. Compass calibration can be done from the main menu screen. See page 7.

• Pressing will allow you to exit out of a particular screen.

• When a ballistics parameter is underlined, this indicates that the value cannot be changed manually. This is either because it is a calculated value or determined by the sensors.

• Press and hold for 2 seconds to power down the

Kestrel regardless of current screen.

• Press twice in rapid succession to instantly change between Weather mode and Ballistics mode.

• Any changes in information are automatically saved upon exiting the current screen. There are three exceptions to this rule where an “accept” screen appears upon exiting: the Target Range estimator, the

Target Speed estimator, and the MV.

Getting started with Ballistics Mode

The three main data input groups are gun, target and environment. The aiming solutions for Elevation and

Windage are displayed on the Main Ballistics screen.

1. Gun Information 2. Target

GUN Laru308

TARGET

Active Yes

MV 2550FPS

DC G1

TR

DoF

1000

000º

BC

BW

BD

ZR

BH

0.475

175gr

0.308in

100m

2.75in

Ide

g

Icos

TS

TD

WD

0˚

1.000º

0mph

L-R

12oc

EUNIT

Eclck

Wunit

Wclck

Cal MV mil n/a mil n/a

WS1

WS2

5mph

10mph

A box indicates amount of data shown on display.

Data below box indicates additional information available by pressing .

*Note: Please see p. 28 for abbreviation glossary.

GUN SELECTION

ENVIRONMENT

3. Environment

Temp

SP

RH

No

75˚F

29.48inHg

50%

These three main data groups determine an accurate firing solution.

The first step in getting a firing solution is selecting your gun.

Dalt 1729ft

Onetgt

Gun Selection

The Gun Selection screen allows you to choose a preconfigured gun or build your own. You may create and store up to 16 guns.

A user-created gun is defined as a gun that has been modified for one or more parameter values of the New

Gun or any of the preconfigured guns. A preconfigured gun is any gun loaded onto the Kestrel using the AB Gun

Loader software. No guns are preloaded on the device.

When a New Gun is modified, the name instantly changes to UserGunX (where X is a number suffix to ensure the name is unique). If a preconfigured gun

(whose name ends in a letter) is modified, a number will appear at the end to create a unique name. If a preconfigured gun (whose name ends in a number) is modified, a letter will appear at the end to create a unique name.

• Turn on the unit. From the Main Ballistic screen, press to access the Main

Setup Menu.

exit

• Press

Selection.”

to highlight “Gun

• Press to enter Gun

Selection Screen. Here, you may choose a preconfigured gun or build your own.

To Choose a Preconfigured Gun:

• Press or to scroll through the different guns.

• Press to turn your selected gun “on” or “off.” “On” means the gun is available to be selected in AB mode. “Off” means the gun is not available to be selected. For example, setting multiple guns to “On” allows you to quickly switch gun configurations

Gun select 11

without going back to the Main

Setup Menu.

Laru308

User Gun2

User Gun

300WinMag2

• Pressing on a gun gives you the option to edit or delete this gun.

To Build A Gun:

You can build and name your gun on the gun selection screen.

• Use to highlight New Gun and press .

• This will take you to the gun information screen

Gun select 11

where you may adjust all gun parameters. Press up or down to

MaruGun308

AR15a

300WinMa g

1

New Gun

GUN

MV

BC

BW

New Gun

2900f p s

0.533

190

g

r highlight the gun parameters.

• Use and to adjust each value.

• To name your gun, scroll up to highlight “Gun” and press .

• You will see a cursor appear under the first letter of New

Gun.

• Use the and buttons to scroll through the alphabet and numbers 0-9 and several symbols. Pressing inserts a space between characters.

11

GUN LIBRARY & INFORMATION SCREEN

12

• Once you’re on the desired letter, use to move the cursor to the next space in the gun name.

Continue until the gun name is complete.

• When gun name is complete, press button to save. (Gun will also automatically save upon exiting screen.)

• Press to exit from the current screen.

Gun Library

There is room in the Kestrel for up to 16 guns. While it is possible to copy a preconfigured gun to your Kestrel and modify the parameter, you should use New Gun and input all the parameters to ensure MV and DSF Cal are accurately inputted. You can build a gun library on a computer using the AB Gun Loader software, and download the new gun library to the Kestrel (either via

Bluetooth® connection or the Kestrel wired interface).

Downloading a new gun library will automatically overwrite the previous guns in the Kestrel.

*Note: You should upload any user-created guns to the AB

Gun Loader software that you want to save before downloading new guns. The new guns will overwrite current stored Kestrel guns.

Gun Information Screen

Once you have selected your gun, you’re now ready to enter or modify all relevant parameters pertaining to the set-up of your rifle. These parameters include muzzle velocity, drag curve, ballistic coefficient, bullet weight, bullet diameter, zero range, bore height and sight adjustment (click).

• On the Gun Information screen, use buttons to highlight the gun parameters.

• Use and to adjust the value.

• Press to enter the highlighted parameter’s screen. Here you are also able to adjust the parameter’s value as well as the unit of measure.

(For example, meters per second to feet per second.)

• Press to exit to Main Ballistic screen once all values are correct.

See below for more information on Muzzle Velocity, Drag

Curves and Calibration.

Muzzle Velocity

• Use and to highlight “MV.”

• Press to enter MV screen.


Notes on Muzzle Velocity

• When a bullet is in the transonic range, a small dot will appear to the left of the muzzle velocity value

(figure 1).

• When a bullet is in the subsonic range, a larger dot will appear to the left of the muzzle velocity value

(figure 2).

GUN Laru308 GUN Laru308

MV

BC

BW

•

1360f p s

0.470

175

g

r

MV

BC

BW

•

1103f p s

0.470

175

g

r

Figure 1 Figure 2

• In cases where the bullet is supersonic, there are no dots next to the muzzle velocity value.

GUN LIBRARY & INFORMATION SCREEN

MV-Temp Table

This allows you to enter and maintain a table of muzzle velocities based on temperature. If an entry is input into the table, the muzzle velocity is applied at all temperatures (this means that the value is then locked and cannot be altered by using and on the gun information screen). If two or more entries are input into the table, the Kestrel uses the linear interpolation and the temperature sensor to determine the appropriate muzzle velocity. (Note: this value will only change if the temperature changes and you exit and re-enter the gun information screen; once a muzzle velocity value is entered for a particular temperature, you can not make another muzzle velocity value for the same temperature.)

• To access MV-Temp table, scroll to MV (Muzzle

Velocity) to highlight it and press , then use

to scroll to MV-Temp and press to enter.

Muzzle velocity

• Press while “New entry” is

MV feet p er sec highlighted to enter the Table

Item screen.

• Use or to scroll to

MV-Tem p

2900 f p s

Table item

Tem p

MV

10ºF

2900 f p s

“Temp” and “MV.” Use and to adjust each value.

• To clear a Table Item, scroll down to Clear and

press .

• Press to exit to return to the

Gun Information screen.

Clear

GUN INFORMATION SCREEN (CONT.)

Drag Curves

The Kestrel Sportsman allows you to use G1 or G7 drag curve model.

• To select the appropriate drag curve, scroll to "DC."

• Use and to scroll through options.

• When using G1 or G7 drag curves, you must adjust the

BC by scrolling down and editing to the proper value.

Calibrate Muzzle Velocity

This allows you to calibrate your muzzle velocity based on the actual drop of a round at a range where the bullet is supersonic. With the range and the drop entered, the

Kestrel automatically adjusts muzzle velocity to match.

• To access the muzzle velocity Cal, scroll to Cal MV to highlight it and press .

MV Cal

Range

Drp

-Cal

MV

1398m

1275m

9.35mil

2826fps

The number shown to the top right of the screen is the suggested range at which to calibrate muzzle velocity. This range is calculated from when the bullet is at a speed of Mach 1.2.

• Use and to adjust the range at which you are firing. The Drop will update with the range.

• Use to scroll to “Drp.” Use and to adjust the value to match the observed drop of the bullet at range.

• Use to scroll to “Cal" and press . The Calculated

Calibrated Muzzle Velocity value will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.

• Press to exit to return to the Gun Information

Calibration. Selecting "Yes" will use the Cal MV to update the MV listed in the Gun Information screen.

13

14

TARGET SCREEN

Target screen:

You can customize up to five targets for location, distance, direction, declination and wind.

• From the Main Ballistic screen, use highlight “Tgt” and press

TARGET

screen.

or to

to enter the Target

Yes

998m

• Use and a parameter.

to highlight

• Use and to adjust values for each parameter.

Active

TR

DoF

Ide g

000º

0˚

• Press to enter the highlighted parameter’s screen.

Here you are able to adjust the parameter values as well as the unit of measure. (For example, yards to meters.)

Multiple Targets

• You may create up to five targets (A-E) by highlighting “Target” and pressing or to move on to the next target. After changing targets, the parameters can be changed by repeating the steps outlined above.

Active

• The “Active” status of Target A defaults to “Yes” because the Kestrel must have at least one active target at all times.

• To make a target active, on the Target screen use

or to highlight “Active” and use or to change to “Yes.” To make a target inactive, use

or to change to “No.”

• Setting a target’s “Active” status to “Yes” allows you to view the firing solution for that target on the Main

AB screen.

• If multiple targets are active, you can use or to

scroll between all active targets (and their respective firing solutions) on the Main Ballistic screen.

Elevation

E

W

49.24

1.36/3.03

R

T g t

Wind

000°

3oc

100 m

5m

Target A is current active target.

p h

Windage

HOLD

E

W

16.58

0.68/1.46

R

T g t

Wind

000°

3oc

549 m

5m p h

Target B is current active target.

TARGET SCREEN (CON'T)

Target Range

• Use or to highlight “TR.”


Target Range Estimator

Range

This function estimates the range

TR meters

Estimate

998m of a target based on size, image and calculated range.

• When “TR” is highlighted, press

button to enter Range screen.

• Use to highlight “Estimate” and press to enter Range Estimate screen.

• Use or to highlight a parameter.


• When all parameters are set, press to escape.

• An "Accept" screen will appear, scroll to "Yes" if you

would like to accept values. Use to select the highlighted option.

Wind Direction & Wind Speed

There are two wind speed measurements on the target screen (WS1 and WS2) for minimum and maximum wind speed as well as wind direction (WD). You have the option to manually adjust the wind speed and wind direction values or use the capture feature to automatically get a reading.

Manual mode

• Use or to highlight “WD,” “WS1” or “WS2.”


Capture mode

• In the Target screen, press to enter into either the

“WD,” “WS1” or “WS2” screen.

• Press to enter into capture mode.

• Face the back of the Kestrel meter directly into the wind and press to start and stop the capture mode. Please ensure Kestrel impeller cover is open.

• The data collected in capture mode will automatically adjust the “WD,” “WS1,” and “WS2” values in the Target screen.

*Note: WS1 can never be greater than WS2 value. The

WS2 value will automatically adjust to ensure that this remains true.

Direction of Fire

Direction of Fire (DoF) is an absolute frame of reference to true north. The value is the direction the gun barrel is pointing with respect to the values on a compass.

Direction of Fire can be manually adjusted or obtained using the ”Capture” feature.

Manual mode

• Use or to ensure that “DoF” is highlighted.


Capture mode

• When “DoF” is highlighted, press

DoF screen.

• Use

to enter the

to scroll to “Capture.”

• Press to enter into the capture mode.

• Face the back of the Kestrel directly toward the target and press .

• The data collected in capture mode will automatically adjust the DoF value in the Target screen.

*Note: Compass must be calibrated in order to capture DoF.

See p. 7 for calibration steps.

15

16

TARGET SCREEN (CON'T)

Inclination Angle

Inclination angle is the angle between the target and the horizontal as seen by the shooter. This variable is expressed in the Target screen as “Ideg” or “Icos,” where

Ideg is in degrees, and Icos is the cosine angle. Only

Ideg can be manually adjusted by highlighting it and using the and to change the value. Changing Ideg will automatically change the Icos appropriately.

Target Speed

• Use or to highlight “TS.”


S p eed of motion

TS miles per hour

0m

p

h

Target Speed Estimator

This function estimates the speed of a target based on range, movement, and time.

Estimate

• When “TS” is highlighted, press

button to enter Speed of

Motion screen.

• Use to highlight “Estimate” and press to enter Speed Estimate screen.

• Use or to highlight a parameter.


• When all parameters are set, press to escape.

• An "Accept" screen will appear, scroll to "Yes" if you would like to accept values. Use highlighted option.

to select the

Target Direction

• Use to highlight “TD.”

• Use and to adjust “L-R” (left to right) or “R-L”

(right to left).

ENVIRONMENT SCREEN

ENVIRONMENT SCREEN:

The Environment screen contains all atmospheric parameters, such as temperature, station pressure, and relative humidity. Setting the “Update” parameter to

“Yes” automatically imports the Kestrel’s sensor data into the Environment screen. The “Update” parameter can also be set to “No” when it is highlighted by using

or ; while in this setting the temperature (Temp), station pressure (SP), and relative humidity (RH) can be manually adjusted.

ENVIRONMENT

Lat

Temp

SP

No

42˚ N

75˚ F

29.48inH

g

• Use or parameter.

to highlight a

• Use and to adjust the values for each parameter.

*Note: station pressure (“SP”) is pressure reading that is unadjusted for sea level. Sometimes, this is mistakenly called barometric pressure in ballistics software. Barometric pressure is a pressure reading adjusted for sea level. When shooting, station pressure is required. Station pressure can be measured with the Kestrel by setting the reference altitude to zero on the Barometric Pressure screen in weather mode; although, the ballistics solution will use station pressure regardless of the altitude settings.

RANGE CARD SCREEN

The Range Card screen shows detailed information about the ballistic solution at various ranges that apply to the currently selected target and gun. The screen displays three columns comprised of the Range

RANGE CARD SCREEN

and Elevation (in the left two columns) and one other variable. The other variable that can be displayed is ballistics solutions based on “Wnd1”; “Wnd2”; “Lead”; or further information on bullet flight characteristics such as remaining velocity (“RemV”); remaining energy

(“RemE”); time of flight (“ToF”); and maximum ordinate, or height above the line of sight to the target (“MaxO”).

Please see Page 29 for a sample Range Card.

• Use or to scroll to a particular range.

• Use and to scroll across and view all

available parameters.

RANGE CARD

Rng

300

400

500

Elv

5.50

9.42

14.06

Wnd1

L0.13

L0.19

L0.27

RANGE CARD

Rng

300

400

500

Elv

5.50

9.42

14.06

RemV

1991

1823

1666

Example: "Rng" and "Elv" columns remaining fixed while third column can be changed.

Range Increment

• Use while in the Range Card to enter the

Range Settings screen.

• Use and to adjust the range increment to the desired value. You may adjust the increments to show in 10, 20, 25, 50, or 100 units of measure (yards or meters).

• Press to exit "Range Increment" screen.

Note: The Range Card will display range values up to 4000 yards, or the closest equivalent in meters, depending on the range increment.

Remaining Velocity

• A small dot will appear to the left of the remaining velocity value to indicate the bullet is in the transonic range.

• A larger dot will appear to the left of the remaining velocity value to indicate the bullet is in the subsonic range.

RANGE CARD

Rng

800

900

1000

RemV

.1272

.1177

.1101

RemE

629

538

471

17

BALLISTICS SCREEN

18

BALLISTICS SCREEN

The Ballistics screen displays complete information about the ballistic solution that pertains to the currently selected target and gun. The only parameter whose value can be manually adjusted in this screen is the

“Range” (this can be done by using and to adjust the value).

• Use or to scroll to a particular parameter.

• Use to enter into a parameter screen for further information about it or change unit of measure.

• Use to return to the Ballistics screen.

Note: An R or an L will appear beside each solution to indicate which side of the target you should aim.

AUTOMATED BALLISTICS CALIBRATION

In an ideal world, shooters would go into the field knowing exactly how their chosen combination of gun and ammunition will perform, calculated ballistic solutions would always be correct, and a properly delivered shot would always hit the target. In the real world, ballistic data from manufacturer is often imperfect, and even well delivered shots often miss. The best way to deal with this is to allow ballistic parameters to be adjusted to reflect what is actually observed.

When this is done correctly, overall accuracy can be significantly enhanced. Ballistics calibration is used to calibrate the inputs of the ballistic model to match the actual rifle and round used for shooting. In particular, the most significant parameter is the muzzle velocity of the round (since the Kestrel is measuring environmental

BALLISTICS CALIBRATION

conditions, and the other specifications of the rifle are well known). By firing at a target at a range where the round is supersonic (Mach number greater than 1.2), the muzzle velocity can be determined from the drop of the bullet at that range. This works because the drag of the bullet is well understood and accurately measured in the supersonic region. Muzzle velocity calibration is the most important calibration procedure, and should be performed if a difference in observed and calculated drop is noticed in the supersonic region.

For longer range shots, in the transonic (Mach number between 0.8 and 1.2) and subsonic (Mach number less than 0.8) regions, additional calibration and compensations must be applied which are available on our line of advanced ballistics units. The Kestrel

Sportsman allows for the input of a single BC when using a G1 or G7 curve. Once the appropriate BC

(provided by the bullet manufacturer) has been entered, muzzle velocity calibration should be performed.

BLUETOOTH SETUP

(SPOTTER PACK ONLY)

To transfer your Kestrel’s real-time and logged data wirelessly and automatically to a laptop, PDA or smartphone (Android only at this time), follow these setup steps. If you do not have a Bluetooth unit you will need the PC Interface cable.

Enable the Kestrel’s BLUETOOTH Capability

• Press to enter the Main Menu.

• Use or

.

to highlight “Bluetooth,” then press

• Use or to change from “Off/Disabled” to “On/

Ready.”

Set BLUETOOTH Range

In Bluetooth screen:

• Use or to highlight “Range”.

• Use and to adjust the range to “Low” (3ft) or

“High” (30ft). NK recommends using "High".

Obtain your Kestrel BLUETOOTH PIN and ID

For added security, each Kestrel comes with a unique

PIN and ID number to ensure proper pairing.

In the Bluetooth screen:

• Use to highlight “Info,” then press to view your unique ID and PIN.

Pair Your Kestrel with Your Computer

First, make sure your Kestrel unit’s Bluetooth and your computer's Bluetooth are enabled. Open the Bluetooth management software on your computer to add a

Bluetooth connection and follow the prompts to enter the PIN. A COM Port will be assigned in the communicator software. To understand which COM Port is being used, please check your computer control panel settings.*

BLUETOOTH SETUP(CON'T)

This is a general guideline for pairing your Kestrel with your computer. Individual Bluetooth software programs and navigation may vary, and some computers do not come equipped with Bluetooth capability and will need additional products to communicate via Bluetooth.

* A “Bluetooth Error” screen will appear on the Kestrel if pairing is unsuccessful.

Please see connecting my Kestrel using Bluetooth on www.nkhome.com for further information.

Set Up Kestrel Communicator Software

• Go to: www.nkhome.com/support/kestrel-support/ manuals-and-downloads. Download and install the

Kestrel Communicator Software from this link.

• Once installed, the “Kestrel Communicator” icon will appear on your desktop. Click on the icon and use the “Help” tab to find full instructions for use.

Set Up Applied Ballistics Gun Loader Software

• Go to www.nkhome.com/support/kestrel-support/ manuals-and-downloads to download and install the

Applied Ballistics Gun Profile Loader PC application.

• Profile Loader instructions can be found at www.

nkhome.com/support/kestrel-support/manuals-anddownloads

Set Up Kestrel Companion Software

• On your Android device, search the Google Play store for Kestrel Companion. Install and connect after pairing Kestrel to your device.

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20

QUICK KEYS: DIRECTION OF FIRE & WIND SPEED

QUICK KEYS: DIRECTION OF FIRE & WIND SPEED

The Direction of Fire (DoF) and Wind Speed (WS1 &

WS2) Quick Key feature allows you to quickly and easily change the values of these parameters from the Main

Ballistic screen without entering into the Target screen.

It minimizes the number of button presses and time by instantly capturing these values from one screen- the

Main Ballistic screen.

Direction of Fire Quick Key

• Pressing the button while Tgt is highlighted will enter the DoF setting mode.

• The Tgt heading will change to to indicate the setting mode.

• The direction will be continuously updated on the target line.

• Pressing the button again will capture the current direction as DoF.

Wind Speed Quick Key

• Pressing the button while Wind is highlighted will enter the Wind setting mode.

• The Wind heading will change to to indicate the wind setting mode.

• The moving 5-second average for windage and wind speed will be continuously updated on the wind line.

• The moving 5-second average for wind solution will be continuously updated.

• Pressing the button again will capture the

current wind speed.

• The Wind heading will return to its normal state.

• The Wind line will show the captured relative wind direction and wind speed.

• After capturing wind speed, DoF is not automatically selected. Use Manual DoF first if you need to manually adjust both values.

WEATHER MODE

SETUP & OPTIONS

Main Setup Menu

• When unit is on, press to access the Main Setup Menu which is used to customize preferences.

• Press and to scroll through the options.

• Press to select the highlighted option.

Date and Time Setup

• After battery installation, the meter will automatically enter the Date and Time Setting mode.

• Press and to scroll to each option.

• Press and to adjust each option.

• Press the button to exit to the Main Setup Menu.

System

Contrast, auto shutdown, and calibrations can be reconfigured as needed in the System screen.

• Use

Contrast

or to highlight one of the following

• Press or to increase or decrease the display contrast from 0 (lightest) to 20 (darkest).

Auto Shutdown

• Press or to set the time at which the display will automatically shut off after non-use (choose 15 min, 60 min, or Off to de-activate auto shutdown).

Battery life will be shortened if the Auto Shutdown is turned to “Off.”

Baro Cal

Recalibration of this sensor is not recommended without speaking to an NK technician. See “Barometric Pressure

& Altitude Setup” section on page 9 for calibration instructions.

Humidity Cal

Recalibration of this sensor is not recommended without speaking to an NK technician. Full humidity calibration instructions are provided with the Kestrel RH Calibration

Kits. The unit may also be returned to NK for calibration. Visit www.nkhome.com for more information.

Date & Time

• Press to enter the Main Setup Menu.

• Use or to highlight Date & Time.

• Press to enter the Date & Time Screen.

• Press or to change each value.

Language

Display text can be set to 1 of 5 languages: English, French,

German, Italian, and Spanish.

• Press or to scroll the desired language.

• Press to select the highlighted language.

Restore

This menu contains options for global settings of all units to metric or imperial, and returning the reference values for the Alt and Baro screens to default (0 ft, 29.92 inHg).

To change units:

• Press or to scroll to the desired setting and press or .

To return the reference values for the Baro and Alt screens to default:

• Scroll to Defaults and press or .

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SETUP & OPTIONS (CONT.)

22

Memory Options

• Press or to scroll to one of these options:

Clear Log Go Press or to clear stored data

(will also clear Min/Max/Avg log).

Reset MMA Go Press or to clear Min/Max/Avg data

(Chart data will remain intact).

Auto Store On Press or to turn “On” (data will automatically store at Store Rate) or

“Off” (data will only store when manually captured with the button).

Store Rate* 1hr Press or to increase or decrease frequency at which data is stored (from

2 sec - 12 hr).

Overwrite

Man Store

On Press or to turn “On” (will discard oldest data point to capture new data when log is full) or “Off” (will not capture new data when log is full).

On Press or to turn “On” or “Off”

(Off will disable button).

* When unit is off, data will continue to be stored unless the

2 sec or 5 sec Store Rates have been selected.

Data Storage

will confirm data storage status.

• Data Stored: verifies that data was captured and will appear on chart.

• Full: indicates overwrite is off and data log is full.

• Off: indicates that the Manual Store button has been disabled.

See Main Setup Menu for more information on memory.

Measurements

Use this setup to “hide” unwanted Measurement screens from the normal Measurement navigation.

SETUP & OPTIONS (CONT.)

• Use screen.

or to scroll to the desired Measurement

• Press or to turn screen “On” and “Off”.

The Kestrel Meter will continue to log data for hidden measurements. To view logged data of the hidden measurement, go to Measurement setup, select the

Measurement screen you want to view, and turn it back

“On.”

When the Kestrel is in Chart mode, the upper and lower limits of the graph scale may need to be adjusted to fully view all data points. You can customize these value limits using the Graph Scale setup.

• Press or to scroll to the Measurement you want to adjust, then press .

• In the new screen, use or to highlight “Set High” or “Set Low”.

• Press or to adjust the value limit of your chosen option.

Units

This setup option lets you select units of measure to best suit your application.

• Use or to scroll to each measurement.

• Press or to change the unit of measurement.

User Screens

The Kestrel allows you to set up to 3 customized User

Screens that will display 3 current Measurement values on the same screen. These screens are helpful for quick reference if you need to monitor multiple measurements at once. The User Screen option allows you to customize your user screens.

• Press or to highlight .

User Screen 1, 2 or 3, then press .

• Use or to set your preferred measurement option.

• Press or to highlight the remaining lines, and use or to set those

Measurement options.

Repeat these steps to set up the other User Screens.

When accessed through the Measurement navigation, each User Screen will display current data for the chosen measurements as programmed.

User Screen 2

22.5 °F

48.6 %

1014.6 inHg

Sample User Screen

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24

SCREEN NAVIGATION

Measurement Screens

• Press or to scroll through the Measurement screens.

Measurement Modes

• From your chosen Measurement screen, use or to scroll through the Mode options:

Current: Displays instantaneous reading.

Min/Max/Avg: Displays the Minimum, Maximum, and

Average readings from stored data (Displays --.- if no data has been stored).

Chart: Displays graph of stored data points for each measurement.

Current Min/Max/Avg Chart

TEMP F

76.4

TEMP F

Min 32.4

Avg 67.9

Max 84.0

TEMP F

— for data

To View Chart Data:

• Press while viewing a chart. A cursor will appear on the most recent data point.

• Press or to scroll through saved data:

56.0 F

Feb 27 16:58:14

The data value will be displayed at the top of the screen.

The date and time when each data point was stored will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.

• Press or to review the chart data for other measurements.

MAX/AVG FUNCTIONS -

Wind Speed & Wind Chill

These values are measured independently from stored and charted data to allow the user to start and stop the averaging period in the manner most appropriate for their application. Averaging on all wind-related values will be started and stopped together.

To measure these values:

• Press or to scroll to a wind measurement screen, then use or to select Min/Max/Avg screen.

• Press to begin collecting data.

• Press again to stop data collection and display the

Maximum and Average values.

This routine will work simultaneously for both measurements, regardless of which one is displayed when run. No other Min/Max/Avg or stored data will be affected.

• To clear data, press when the screen says “— clear”.

Other measurements will display min / max / avg data based on the data stored in the log (using either autostored or manually captured data). This data can be cleared by using “Reset MMA” under memory options.

Backlight

• Press to activate backlight for one minute.

• Press again to deactivate the light manually.

IMPELLER REPLACEMENT

Replacing the Kestrel Impeller

Press only the sides of the impeller when removing and inserting to avoid damaging the precision hub bearing.

Figure 1

]

.

[

• Press FIRMLY on the impeller module to remove it.

• Insert the new impeller so the side that has the small triangle (close to the perimeter) faces the front of the

Kestrel when installed.

Figure 1

• Orient one “arm” of the module straight up .

[ Figure 2]. The impeller can be pushed in from either side.

Figure 2

Kestrel

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USING THE BOOTLOADER

When new software updates become available, users can update their Kestrel using the NK Bootloader software. To do so, please follow these instructions;

Note: You will need to have either a Bluetooth capable Kestrel or the PC Interface cradle and cable in order to upgrade your

Kestrel software.

1. Set up your PC to talk to the Kestrel using either

Bluetooth or the PC Interface Cradle.

2. Download the NK Bootloader software from the NK website: www.nkhome.com/support/kestrel-support/ manuals-and-downloads. Extract the zip file to the desktop of the PC.

3. Click on Setup.exe and follow the instructions to install the NK Bootloader software.

4. Once you’ve installed the file, click on the start button.

Locate and start the NK Bootloader software.

5. Click on File in the top left. Find the folder location of where the BIN file was extracted from step 3 and select that file.

6. Make sure your Bluetooth is enabled and Kestrel is turned on and in range of the PC. If you are using the PC

Interface cradle, please have the Kestrel turned on in the cradle and connected to the PC.

7. Select the correct COM port number and click start download. It will take about 5 to 10 minutes to update the Kestrel Software. You should see “REFLASH” on the

Kestrel unit while updating the code.

8. Once the progress bar is complete, the Kestrel software has been updated and is ready for use.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Active gun: When a gun is made active, ballistic solutions for that gun pertaining to all active targets are readily displayed. Ballistic solutions for guns that are inactive are not displayed.

Aiming/Ballistic solution:

This consists of sight corrections for windage, elevation, and in the case of a moving target, lead for a selected active gun and target, along with other calculated values such as bullet velocity and energy. On the main AB screen, only elevation and windage are displayed. On the Range

Card and

Ballistic Info screens, detailed ballistic solution data is available.

Subsonic: The speed at which the bullet is slower than the speed of sound. Bullet velocities in this range will be displayed with a large dot to the left of the value.

Supersonic: The speed at which a bullet is gonig faster than the speed of sound. Bullet velocities in this range will have no dot next to them.

Target:

A target is characterized by its direction, range, inclination angle, and applicable wind; a moving target has a direction and speed of motion. Targets are identified by a single letter: up to five can be created, designated by the letters A through E. It’s important to note that wind is specific to a target – each active target has its own wind specification.

Transonic: The speed at which the bullet slows to the speed of sound. This is also seen as the boundary between supersonic and subsonic. Bullet velocities in this range will be displayed with a small dot to the left of the value.

BALLISTIC & ENVIRONMENTAL QUICK REFERENCE

Target Screen

Active – tells whether this target is currently active

TR – target range

DoF – direction of fire (relative to magnetic north)

Ideg – inclination angle (negative means the target is below the shooter)

Icos – inclination cosine (cosine of the inclination angle)

TS – target speed

TD – target direction of movement

WD – current wind direction (direction from which wind is blowing, relative to DoF)

WS1 – minimum current wind speed

WS2 – maximum current wind speed

Gun Screen

MV – muzzle velocity

DC – drag curve. The amount of drag (air resistance) applied to the bullet across various bullet speeds.

BC – bullet ballistic coefficient

BW – bullet weight

BD – bullet diameter

ZR – zero range

BH – bore height

Click – assigns an angular value to sight clicks

Eunit elevation unit – The units used for elevation adjustments (Eclick). Can be mils, clicks, tmoa (True

Minute of Angle), smoa (Shooter’s Minute of Angle).

Eclick – elevation adjustment necessary for the firing solution in the units specified above.

Wunit – windage unit – The units used for windage adjustments (Wclick). Can be mils, clicks, tmoa (True

Minute of Angle), smoa (Shooter’s Minute of Angle).

Wclick – windage adjustment necessary for the firing solution in the units specified above.

Environment Screen

Update – controls whether values for temperature, barometric pressure, and relative humidity are

27

BALLISTIC & ENVIRONMENTAL QUICK REFERENCE

28

obtained automatically (yes) (from the Kestrel’s weather- meter functions) or are manually set by the user (no)

Temp – temperature

SP – station pressure (actual pressure at the gun’s location)

RH – relative humidity

Dalt – density altitude (calculated from pressure, temperature & humidity)

Spin Drift – controls whether Spin Drift corrections are included in ballistics calculations

Wcap – toggles between applying windage correction to just the current active target (one tgt) or to all targets

Range Card Screen

Elv – the elevation sight correction

Wnd1 – the windage sight correction based on WS1

Wnd2 – the windage sight correction based on WS2

Lead – the lead sight correction (for a moving target)

RemV – the downrange bullet velocity

RemE – the downrange bullet energy

ToF – the bullet’s time of flight

MaxO – maximum ordinate (highest point the bullet reaches in flight)

Ballistics Data Screen

Range – the range for which the ballistic solution is calculated

Elv – elevation correction

Wnd1 – windage correction (based on WS1)

Wnd2 – windage correction (based on WS2)

Lead – lead correction, based on specified target motion

vCor – vertical Coriolis correction

hCor – horizontal Coriolis correction

Drft – bullet drift correction

RemV – remaining velocity

RemE – remaining energy

ToF – time of flight

MaxO – maximum ordinate (highest point the bullet reaches in flight)

Drp – total drop distance

Rtrns – range at which transonic velocity transition begins

Rt 75% – distance at which a bullet is 75% through the transonic range

Rsubs – range at which bullet velocity becomes subsonic

Range Estimation Screen

Target – the size of the target on which estimation is based

Image – the apparent size of the target as it appears in a telescopic sight

Range – the calculated range, based on the target and image sizes

Speed Estimation Screen

Range – the range at which the speed estimation will be done

Mvmt – the apparent movement of the target as it appears in a telescopic sight

Time – the time (in seconds) during which movement was measured

Speed – the calculated speed, based on range, movement and time

Cal MV Screen

Range – the range at which test firing is being done

Drp – the elevation correction calculated for the specified range, updated by user with observed drop

MV – the muzzle velocity used in the current elevation calculation

FULL RANGE CARD DATA SAMPLE

Sample of full Range Card data relative to data seen on display.

200

250

300

350

Rng

50

100

150

400

450

500

550

600

0.16R

0.20R

0.24R

0.28R

Wnd1

0.06R

0.09R

0.12R

0.33R

0.37R

0.42R

0.47R

0.52R

3.52

6.93

10.79

14.98

Elv

2.42

2.62

2.79

19.55

24.37

29.59

35.10

40.98

1.11R

1.13R

1.16R

1.18R

Lead

1.06R

1.07R

1.09R

1.20R

1.23R

1.25R

1.28R

1.31R

0.34R

0.44R

0.53R

0.63R

Wnd2

0.10R

0.17R

0.26R

0.73R

0.83R

0.95R

1.06R

1.18R

2332

2164

2006

1861

RemE

2891

2695

2509

1716

1588

1459

1343

1233

2450

2361

2272

2188

RemV

2727

2633

2541

2101

2021

1937

1859

1781

MaxO

9.82

12.15

13.55

20.60

35.98

48.64

60.16

75.91

101.65

125.21

140.4

155.67

0.249

0.317

0.388

0.461

ToF

0.059

0.120

0.183

0.538

0.617

0.700

0.786

0.876

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30

SPECIFICATIONS

Target

Gun

Environment

Feature

Active Targets

Target Range

Wind Direction

Wind Speed

Direction of Fire

Inclination Angle

Inclination Cosine

Target Speed

Ballistic Coefficient

Bullet Weight

Bullet Diameter

Bullet Length

Zero Range

Bore Height

Rifling Twist

Muzzle Velocity

Twist Direction

Rifling

Station Pressure

Relative Humidity

Density Altitude (computed)

ZR

BH

BC

BW

BD

BL

RT

MV

RTd

Click

DoF

Ideg

Icos

TS

Abbreviation

N/A

TR

WD

WS1 or WS2

Target Direction of Movement

Name Characters

Muzzle Velocity

TD

N/A

MV

SP

RH

Dalt psi

% ft no units grains grams inches mm inches mm yards meters inches cm inches/revolution cm/revolution fps

Left OR Right

/mil

/tmoa

/smoa inHg mb hPa

Units

A through E yards meters o’clock degrees mph m/s km/h fps knots degrees o’clock degrees no units mph m/s km/h fps knots

Left to Right OR Right to Left

0 through 9; A-Z; a-z; -+/.:&* and space fps m/s

300

91

0.100

10

0.6

0.10

2.54

0.10

2.54

25

23

0.10

0.25

1.00

2.54

300

1

1

1

12.00

406.4

406.4

5.89

1

-10732

Minimum Maximum

1

25

23

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

-60

1.000

50

22

80

73

43

5

4000

3658

12

360

50

22

80

73

43

360

12

60

0.500

4500

1372

2.000

1500

97.2

1.00

25.40

3

76.2

1000

914

5.00

12.70

36.00

91.44

4500

10

10

10

32.00

1083.6

1083.6

15.72

100

32767

SPECIFICATIONS

Gun

Feature

Bullet Diameter

Zero Range

Bore Height

Muzzle Velocity

Rifling

Environment Station Pressure

Relative Humidity

Station Pressure

RH

SP

Abbreviation

BD

ZR

BH

MV

Click

SP

Units inches mm yards meters inches cm fps

/mil

/tmoa

/smoa inHg mb hPa psi

% meters inHg mb hPa

Minimum Maximum

0.10

2.54

25

23

0.10

5.89

1

-3271

12.00

406.4

406.4

1

1

0.25

300

1

12.00

406.4

406.4

1.00

25.40

1000

914

5.00

12.70

4500

10

10

10

32.00

1083.6

1083.6

15.72

100

9987

32.00

1083.6

1083.6

31

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CHOOSING & USING BATTERIES FOR YOUR KESTREL

Your Kestrel meter is powered by two AAA size batteries. Here is a guide to selecting the right chemistry/type of battery for your meter:

BATTERY TYPE SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS

Lithium AAA

Recommended by

Kestrel for most applications!

EXAMPLE BRAND

NAMES

Energizer® Ultimate

Lithium

*Energizer owns a patent on Lithium chemistry batteries in the USA.

• Improved cold-weather operational range.

• Best capacity when streaming data via Bluetooth®.

• Relatively high cost. (Note: because the Kestrel is a low power circuit, there is little advantage to the higher priced “Ultimate” batteries.)

• Somewhat less available – need to purchase spares in advance.

Low Self-Discharge

Rechargeable NiMH

Alkaline AAA

Eneloop®

Duracell®

StayCharged®

Tenergy® Centaura®

Energizer® Recharge

PowerPlus®

Duracell® Ultrapower

Duracell® Procell®

Energizer® Max

Rayovac®

(many others)

• Precharged rechargeable batteries which hold their charge for up to one year.

• Lowest capacity option.

• Option to charge multiple sets for use in the field offers cost savings, particularly with Bluetooth® data streaming.

• LESS likely to leak and cause corrosion when left in the Kestrel.

• Lowest cost option.

Most readily available.

• Easy to obtain and use for intensive, short-term operations.

• Restricted cold weather performance – Kestrel circuitry will not operate below 0°F/-18°C.

• Environmental impact of disposal.

• MOST likely to leak and cause corrosion when left in the Kestrel.

Follow below guidelines for storage and removal carefully!

CHOOSING & USING BATTERIES FOR YOUR KESTREL (CONT.)

We ship every Kestrel 4000 Series Meter exclusively with

Made in the USA Energizer® Brand Ultimate Lithium AAA batteries for improved reliability, capacity, cold-weather performance and weight. We strongly recommend that you use only Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries in your Kestrel Meter.

NK no longer installs or recommends installing “regular” alkaline batteries in your Kestrel Meter. Alkaline batteries are prone to leaking potassium hydroxide, particularly as they near full discharge due to the pressure of the hydrogen gas formed internally. Once a leak has occurred, the potassium hydroxide and carbon dioxide from the air form potassium carbonate crystals that grow and follow along the metal electrodes to the circuit board, causing oxidation of the circuit and components. This damage is usually irreversible.

IF YOU CHOOSE TO USE ALKALINE BATTERIES due to cost or availability, you MUST:

• Remove the batteries for long-term storage (more than one month of non-use). If you have your Kestrel set to log data while off, it will slowly drain the batteries, increasing the likelihood of leaking.

• Set your system battery selection to “Alkaline” to obtain accurate capacity readings:

» Press to enter the setup menu.

» to “System”, to enter, to “Battery.”

» to select the correct battery type.

» to exit system setup.

• Use US-made, name-brand batteries wherever possible. Do not mix brands of batteries.

• Do not mix batteries of different ages or usage – replace both batteries at the same time with new batteries that have not reached their expiration date.

• Remove batteries for long-term storage (more than one month of non-use). Even when powered down, the Kestrel continues to log data and slowly discharge the batteries.

• To avoid fully discharging your batteries, try to change your batteries when below 20% capacity.

• Inspect your batteries occasionally (at least every three months) and remove immediately if you notice

ANY moisture or white crystalline material at either end.

And remember, always store your Kestrel meter within the specified temperature limits: -22.0 °F to 140.0 °F |

-30.0 °C to 60.0 °C. Be particularly careful not to leave a Kestrel meter with any type of batteries installed inside a hot car in the summer.

WHAT DO TO IF YOU HAVE A LEAK

If you notice you have a leaking alkaline battery, be careful not to touch it with your bare skin or allow it to come in contact with your eyes as the leaking material is very caustic. Remove and dispose of both batteries. If possible, loosen and vacuum out any white powder. DO

NOT BLOW INTO THE COMPARTMENT TO REMOVE THE

POWDER – it can cause eye or skin damage and will be driven further inside the unit. You may attempt to use a cotton swab moistened with white vinegar to clean the contacts and gently swab out the battery compartment.

Do not exert any force against the contacts inside the battery compartment or you may bend or break them.

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34

Allow the battery compartment to dry completely, install fresh batteries, and test the unit.

For units made prior to 2014, and shipped by NK with alkaline batteries installed, NK will provide full warranty coverage for battery corrosion damage for two years.

For units more than two years old, or for units made after January 1, 2014 and shipped with lithium batteries installed, battery corrosion damage is covered under our Customer Loyalty Trade-In Program, which provides a generous discount toward a replacement

Kestrel meter. Please contact NK Support to arrange a replacement under this program.

5-YEAR LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY

WARRANTY CERTIFICATE

Your Kestrel Pocket Weather Meter is warrantied to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of FIVE YEARS from the date of its first consumer purchase. NK will repair or replace any defective meter or part when notified within the warranty period, and will return the meter via domestic ground shipping or NK’s choice of method of international shipping at no charge. The following are excluded from warranty coverage: damage due to improper use or neglect (including corrosion); damage caused by severe or excessive impact, damage caused by failed or leaking batteries, crushing or mechanical harm; modifications or attempted repairs by someone other than an authorized NK repair agent; impeller failure not caused by a manufacturing defect; normal usage wear; failed batteries; and accuracy issues resolvable by recalibration. If no warranty registration or proof of purchase is provided, the warranty period will be measured from the meter’s date of manufacture.

Except for the warranties set forth herein, NK disclaims all other warranties, expressed, implied or statutory, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Any implied warranties that may be imposed by applicable law are limited to the term of this warranty. In no event shall NK be liable for any incidental, special or consequential damages, including, but not limited to, loss of business, loss of profits, loss of data or use, whether in an action in contract or tort or based on a warranty, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of an NK product, even if NK has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

You agree that repair, and (upon availability) replacement, as applicable, is your sole and exclusive remedy with respect to any breach of the NK Limited Warranty set forth herein.

All product liability and warranty options are governed exclusively by the laws of the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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By

NIELSEN-KELLERMAN

21 Creek Circle, Boothwyn, PA 19061

Phone: (610) 447-1555

Fax: (610) 447-1577

Web: NKhome.com

Email: [email protected]

Kestrel® Weather and Environmental Meters are designed and manufactured in the USA

Please register your Kestrel Meter at NKhome.com

NK#319027_0_15.01.06

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