Agriculture Product Line

User Guide
Kestrel 5000AG Livestock Environmental Meter
K e s t r e l 5 4 0 0 A G C a t t l e H e a t S t r e s s Tr a c k e r
Kestrel 5500AG Agricultural Weather Meter

www.kestrelinstruments.com
 ! CAUTION
Your Kestrel Weather/Environmental 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 tempera-
ture and humidity as well as all readings that rely on either of these values. Before relying on readings from your Kestrel Meter, be sure to
wait until your unit’s readings have stabilized, indicating it has equilibrated to its new environment. Forcing air over the sensors by waving
or slinging your meter through the air can help speed that process.
To maximize the accuracy and reliability of your readings:
• Ensure that your Kestrel 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).

Use care and good judgment when referring to your Kestrel Meter to make any decisions regarding safety,
health or property protection.
! WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury or death to persons or animals, read and
follow these guidelines!
Your Kestrel Weather/Environmental Meter may provide one or more of these measurements relating to estimation of danger of injury to
people or animals from heat or cold: Heat Stress Index, Wind Chill Index, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (“WBGT”), Temperature-Humidity
Index (THI), Heat Load Index (HLI), Accumulated Heat Load Units (AHLU). Note that guidance tables based on these values are based on
typical physiological response. Certain individuals/animals may be more susceptible to harm relating to environmental conditions and
require additional precautions. For example, high producing dairy cows; heavier finished cattle; and individuals/animals that are very
young or elderly, with asthma or respiratory conditions, or who have not become acclimatized to hot conditions are likely to be more prone
to heat injury.
• Biological factors (breed, acclimation, heat sensitivity, diet, health, coat color, etc.) can modify an individual animals response to
given environmental conditions with severe and extreme conditions sometimes resulting in death. The use of a Kestrel Meter does
not replace the need for animal observation and monitoring.
• In the case of human heat illness, remember the rule – “Cool first, transport second.” An inexpensive ice bath can mean the
difference between life and death.

Be prepared: know yourself and those you are responsible for, know what to do in the event of a heat or cold
injury, and know when to seek guidance of medical professionals.
Your Kestrel Weather/Environmental Meter is not a medical device. It is only one source of information and
must be employed with care and good judgment.
2
 CONTENTS

Contact................................................................................... 4 THI Menu................................................................................ 23

Batteries................................................................................. 4 HLI Menu ............................................................................... 24
Measurements And Features............................................. 5 AHLU Menu ........................................................................... 25
Getting To Know Your Kestrel............................................. 7 Impeller Replacement......................................................... 29
Buttons................................................................................... 8 Warranty Certificate............................................................. 31
Kestrel Options Menu.......................................................... 8
Weather Mode Screens........................................................ 9
Kestrel Menu Navigation.................................................... 10
Getting Started..................................................................... 11
Measuring Air Flow.............................................................. 12
Measuring THI, HLI, AHLU, and WBGT ............................. 12
Custom Flag Settings........................................................... 16
Measuring Direction............................................................ 16
Altimeter And Barometer.................................................... 17
Using Min/Avg/Max............................................................. 18
Connecting To Devices Using Link.................................... 18
Creating, Viewing, & Exporting Data Logs....................... 20
Weather Glossary................................................................. 22

3
 CONTACT BATTERIES

This User Guide contains all the information you need We recommend that ONLY Lithium AA batteries
to get started using your Kestrel meter. For additional be used in your Kestrel Weather/Environmental
information, FAQ’s, chat, and e-mail support, visit Meter to provide the widest operating
www.kestrelinstruments.com. temperature range and to avoid damage caused
by leaking lead-acid batteries. If you must use
conventional AA batteries, please do not store
For more information on cattle heat stress your Kestrel Meter with the batteries in place.
visit us at www.cattleheatstress.com. Damage caused by battery corrosion is not
covered under warranty.
For questions about your Kestrel Meter,
contact us at (800) 784-4221 Toll Free WARNING: Lithium is a toxic substance and
ingestion may cause serious injury or death.
North America (610) 447-1555 Keep lithium batteries out of the reach of children
Email: [email protected] and animals. If swallowed, immediately seek
medical help. Have doctor phone 24-hour hotline
Facebook: Fb.com/KestrelMeters
at (202) 625-3333, call collect if necessary. Dispose
Twitter: @KestrelWeather of batteries properly and according to local
regulations. Do not puncture or burn batteries.
If the battery compartment does not close
WARNING: This product and/or its included or
securely, stop using the product and keep it away
branded accessories can expose you to chemicals,
from children and animals.
including lead, lead compounds and phthalate DEHP,
which are known to the State of California to cause
WARNING: Utilizing the alert light and buzzer
cancer and lead and lead compounds, bisphenol A
in your Kestrel Cattle Heat Stress Tracker places
(BPA), and phthalate DnHP, which are known to the
a higher demand on the battery. To ensure the
State of California to cause birth defects or other
alert light and buzzer operate when needed,
reproductive harm. For more information, go to
replace the battery when a third or less of
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
battery life remains, as indicated on start up.

4
 MEASUREMENTS Icon 5000 5000AG 5400 5400AG 5500AG
Environmental Livestock HST Cattle

Wind Direction (Cardinal Points, Degrees) o • •

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

Volume Air Flow (cfm, m3/hr, m3/m, m3/s, L/s) • •

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

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

Temperature (˚F | ˚C) • • • • •

Wind Chill (˚F | ˚C) • • • • •
Relative Humidity (%) • • • • •
Heat Stress Index (˚F | ˚C) • • • • •
Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) • • •
Globe Temperature (˚F | ˚C) • •
Naturally Aspirated Wet Bulb Temp (˚F | ˚C) • •
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) (˚F | ˚C) • •
Heat Load Index (HLI) •

o optional

5
 MEASUREMENTS Icon 5000 5000AG 5400 5400AG 5500AG
Environmental Livestock HST Cattle

Accumulated Heat Load Units (AHLU) •

Dewpoint Temp (˚F | ˚C) • • • • •
Wet Bulb Temp (˚F | ˚C) • • • • •
Station Pressure (inHg | hPA | psi | mb) • • • • •
Barometric Pressure (inHg | hPA | psi | mb) • • • • •
Altitude(m | ft ) • • • • •
Density Altitude (m | ft) • • • • •
Delta T (˚F | ˚C) • •
FEATURES 5000 5000AG 5400 5400AG 5500AG
Environmental Livestock HST Cattle

LiNK Connectivity & Kestrel LiNK Mobile App N/A o o o • o

Backlit Display switchable white or N/A
Night-Vision preserving red
• • • • •

o optional

6
 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR KESTREL

BLACK GLOBE
SENSOR* FRONT BACK
ZONE ALERT
REPLACEABLE IMPELLER COVER
LIGHT*
IMPELLER

TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
SERIAL NUMBER
HUMIDITY SENSOR
PRESSURE
SUNLIGHT SENSOR
READABLE AA BATTERY (1)
DISPLAY (Lithium recommended)
CAPTURE
OPTIONS/EXIT BACKLIGHT BATTERY DOOR
DATA TRANSFER
PORT
SELECT SCROLL/ADJUST

LANYARD
ATTACHMENT
BATTERY DOOR LATCH

POWER

*Only available on 5400 meters

7
 BUTTONS KESTREL OPTIONS MENU

Most system-wide and weather setup options are accessed

Button Name Function
from the main Options menu by pressing the button
POWER Turns Kestrel on and off. from any Weather Measurement Screen.
Press for on, hold for two BLUETOOTH
seconds to turn off. » Bluetooth On/Off
OPTIONS/ Enter the main Options » Conct
EXIT menu or exit a menu. • DATA PORT
• MEMORY OPTIONS
SELECT Access Settings on any
» Mem Used
measurement screen or
» Auto Store
select a menu option to
» Store Rate
enter its submenu or confirm
» Overwrite
a task.
» Clear Log
UP/DOWN Scroll up and down through • GRAPH SCALE
measurement screens or • DISPLAY
menus. Adjust values when » Auto Shutdown
entering text in name » Contrast
menus. » Backlight
LEFT/ Scroll options left and » Alerts
RIGHT right. Adjust values in • SYSTEM
combo menus and setting » Time & Date
submenus. » Compass Cal
» Measurements
CAPTURE In Weather Mode, manually
» Units
capture all environmental
» Lang
values.
» Batt
BACK- Turn backlight on or off. » Factory Restore
LIGHT (Also turns off automatically • ABOUT
after one minute.) » Version
» Legal
Note! Not all features listed available on all units.
8
 WEATHER MODE SCREENS
MORE MEASUREMENTS

Measurement Data Point Scroll Bar

& Icon Units Graph of Stored Data Log Data Point Value

Data Point Time Stamp

Current Measurement Screen Min Ave Max Screen Data Graph Screen Data Points Screen
Press SELECT to enter settings Press SELECT to start, stop Press SELECT to enter Press LEFT/RIGHT to scroll through
menu for that measurement. and clear the Min/Avg/Max the Data Log Detail Screen to data points. Press OPTIONS to exit
tracking. view logged data points. Data Log Details Screen.

MORE MEASUREMENTS

» The UP/DOWN buttons navigate between all weather » The OPTIONS button exits the settings submenu
measurements set to “On” in Options|Measurements. and Data Log Detail Screen.
» The LEFT/RIGHT buttons scroll between the three
display screens for the measurement.

9
 KESTREL MENU NAVIGATION

TYPES OF MENU ITEMS

»Tasks are executed by highlighting the field and pressing Select.

»The presence of a submenu is indicated by a “…” following a field.
» Highlight the field and press Select to enter a submenu.
» Adjust a setting by pressing left or right.
» An arrow indicates there are additional fields off screen.
» Adjust the value of a Combo Field by pressing left or right.
» Enter the Combo Field sub menu by pressing select.
» Navigation buttons indicate available actions on the current screen.
» Locked values are either driven by another value or cannot be edited on
the current screen.
» Locked values may have submenus which are entered by pressing select.
HLI MEASUREMENT SCREEN

HLI

79.2 » HLI Measurement

MLA:Orange » Selected Guideline: Current Zone

Note! While HLI and THI are measured in Fahrenheit and Celisius, the scale of
both values is not comparable to standard temperature readings.
AHLU MEASUREMENT SCREEN

AHLU-86 » HLI Upper Limit Threshold

32 » AHLU Measurement

MLA: Orange » Selected Guideline: Current Zone

10
 GETTING STARTED

1. INSTALL BATTERY. Slide the battery door latch and open Scroll to and select System. Scroll to and
door. Insert the provided AA lithium battery as indicated select Compass Cal. Follow the on-screen
by the label. Replace the battery door, ensuring it “clicks” instructions:
fully into place. » Place the base of the Kestrel on a flat
2. POWER ON KESTREL. Press to power on Kestrel. surface at least 3 feet from any large
3. ENTER OPTIONS MENU. Press to enter the Options metal objects.
Menu. » Start the calibration routine. Rotate
4. SET AUTO STORE RATE. Scroll to and select Memory
3x the Kestrel around its vertical axis 3
Options. Scroll to Auto Store and ensure it is set to ON. times,
Scroll to Store Rate and adjust to desired frequency of keeping the unit as vertical as possible
automatic weather data logging. and taking approximately 10 seconds per full rotation.
5. SET OVERWRITE. Scroll to and select Memory Options. You may need to restart the routine a few times until you
Scroll to Overwrite and set to On to allow the data log to get the timing correct.
wrap once full and to OFF to stop logging when full. Note: When taking compass readings, keep the Kestrel as
6. SET GRAPH SCALE. Scroll to and select Graph Scale. Scroll vertical as possible for maximum accuracy.
to and select the desired measurement type. Adjust the 11. TURN MEASUREMENT SCREENS ON/OFF.
Set High and Set Low values to bound the desired display Scroll to and select System. Scroll to and select
values. Measurements. Set measurement screens to either
7. SET AUTO SHUTDOWN. Scroll to and select Display. Scroll On or Off as desired.
to Auto Shtdwn and choose a time window after which the 12. SET UNITS. Scroll to and select System. Scroll to and
Kestrel will shut down without any button presses. select Units. To change all units select Global, then
8. SET BACKLIGHT COLOR. Scroll to and select Display. set Global to Imperial or Metric, and then scroll to
Scroll to Backlight and set to either White or Red. White is Apply and select Go. To set units individually, scroll
very bright and ideal for any dim light use. Red is reduced to each measurement type in the Units submenu
brightness and a wavelength selected to preserve adapted and set to the desired units. Units can also be set in
night vision for true dark operations. the Settings menu for each measurement.
9. SET DATE AND TIME. Scroll to and select System. Scroll to 13. SET LANGUAGE. Scroll to and select Lang. Adjust
and select Time & Date. Adjust the time and date. to desired language: English, Deutsche, Francais,
10. CALIBRATE THE COMPASS. Espanol.
Kestrel 5400AG and 5500AG Cattle Heat Stress Tracker Only
11
 MEASURING AIR FLOW MEASURING THI, HLI, AHLU, AND WBGT

Kestrel 5000AG and 5500AG Meters Only 1. SELECTING THI AND HLI EQUATIONS.
Kestrel Meters can calculate air flow through a duct by 1. Scroll to the THI Current Measurement Screen and
combining user input information about the size and press select.
shape of the duct with the measured air velocity. In 2. Set THI Model to either NRC or YOUSEF (see Glossary/
addition to reading the instantaneous Air Flow off the THI Menu for definitions).
main measurement screen, a more accurate result may 3. Your Kestrel Cattle Heat Stress Tracker offers the
be obtained by capturing an average air flow on the Min/ blended HLI equation (see Glossary/HLI Menu for
Ave/Max screen while traversing the duct. Capturing definitions).
an average can be particularly helpful when measuring 2. CONFIGURE HLI AND THI SETTINGS
ducts with registers or dimensionally uneven air flow. HLI Available in Kestrel 5400AG Cattle Heat Stress
Tracker Only
» From any current measurement screen, scroll to AIR
1. Scroll to HLI (or THI) Current Measurement Screen and
FLOW and select Settings.
press select.
» Set Shape to match the shape of the duct, either Rect
2. To use the colored HLI/THI zones or categories, scroll
(rectangle) or Circle.
to Zones and set to On. The zones increase from
» Input the dimensions of the duct by setting Length
White to Black in order of severity of risk of heat injury.
and Width for a Rectangle or Diameter for a Circle
3. To access a pre-saved HLI/THI guideline, scroll to
duct and press exit.
Zones. . . and press select, then scroll to Guide. . . and
press select. Follow the menu options to find your
organizations suggested threshold guidelines for
each zone. More detailed information on zones can
be found in the Glossary/THI MENU and HLI MENU.
4. For information on setting custom zone settings see
page 16.
5. Light or buzzer alerts are available in the Kestrel
5400AG Cattle Heat Stress Tracker only. To receive
light or buzzer alerts when HLI or THI is above a zone
threshold, scroll to and select Alerts. . . in the HLI/
THI Settings menu. You may set Light and Buzzer
individually. Selecting a zone for Light or Buzzer
12
 will cause that alert to activate when conditions reach 5). Set Extra H2O to Yes if extra water troughs
the threshold for the selected zone. are installed during heat events (Glossary/AHLU
Warning: In addition to monitoring AHLU/HLI/THI values, Menu/Table 6). Set Heat Rations to Yes if your
please observe cattle for additional signs and symptoms of site implements a feeding strategy for heat stress
heat stress. Additional factors such as age, coat length, coat management (Glossary/AHLU Menu/Table 6).
color, acclimation, health, and nutritional status interact Set Manure Clear to Yes if your site implements
with environmental factors and contribute to severity of
heat stress on individual animals. strategic manure clearing of wet deposition areas
during heat events (Glossary/AHLU Menu/Table 6).
3. CONFIGURE AHLU SETTINGS 3. Scroll to Cattle Profile. . . and press select. Default
Kestrel 5400AG Cattle Heat Stress Tracker Only settings are set to “reference animal” as defined in
Your Kestrel Cattle Heat Stress Tracker offers 3 AHLU the Glossary/AHLU Menu/Table 1. The reference
screens. Each AHLU screen can be configured for animal has an HLI upper limit of 86. Set parameters
different pen and cattle conditions. for your herd conditions if they vary from reference
1. Scroll to AHLU (1,2 or 3) Current Measurement animal. Set Type based on cattle breed (Glossary/
Screen and press select. AHLU Menu/ Table 7). Set Coat based on coat color
2. Scroll to Pen Management. . . and press select. (Glossary/AHLU Menu/Table 8). Set Days based on
Default settings are set to “reference animal” the number of days on feed for cattle (Glossary/AHLU
as defined in the Glossary/AHLU Menu/Table Menu/Table 9). Set Health based on if cattle are
1. The reference animal has an HLI upper limit healthy or sick/recovering/unacclimatised (Glossary/
of 86. Set parameters for your pen conditions AHLU Menu/Table 10).
if they vary from reference animal. Set Manure 4. To use the colored AHLU zones or categories, scroll to
Class based on your site’s manure management Zones and set to On. The zones increase from White
practices (Glossary/AHLU Menu/ Table 2 and to Black in order of severity of risk.
3). Set Shade based on the amount of shade 5. To access a pre-saved guideline, scroll to Zones.
available calculated at midday per Standard . . and press select, then scroll to Guide. . . and
Cattle Unit (Glossary/AHLU Menu/Table 4). Set press select. Follow the menu options to find your
H2O Temp based on the temperature of the organizations suggested threshold guidelines for
water in the troughs (Glossary/AHLU Menu/Table each zone. More detailed information on zones can
be found in the Glossary/AHLU MENU.

13
6. For information on setting custom zone settings see 4. To access one of the pre-saved WBGT guidelines,
page 16. scroll to Zones… and press select, then scroll
7. To receive light or buzzer alerts when AHLU is above to Guide… and press select. Follow the menu
a zone threshold, scroll to and select Alerts. . . in the options to find your organization’s WBGT
AHLU Settings menu. You may set Light and Buzzer guidelines. If additional workload or clothing
individually. Selecting a zone for Light or Buzzer inputs are required, set Workload and Clothing to
will cause that alert to activate when conditions appropriate values for your situation.
reach the threshold for the selected zone. 5. For information on setting custom threshold flag
8. Repeat steps 1 and 7 for all AHLU screens. settings see page16.
Note: The AHLU Current Measurement Screen will display 6. To receive light or buzzer alerts when WBGT
the HLI Upper Limit threshold based on the selected pen is above a zone threshold, scroll to and select
and cattle conditions as part of the icon. If varying pen Alerts… in the WBGT Settings menu. You may set
and cattle conditions were selected, each AHLU Current
Measurement Screen will display a different AHLU icon Light and Buzzer individually. Selecting a zone
value. for Light or Buzzer will cause that alert to activate
4. CONFIGURE WBGT SETTINGS. when conditions reach the threshold for the
Kestrel 5400AG Cattle Heat Stress Tracker Only selected zone.
1. Scroll to the WBGT Current Measurement Screen
Warning: In addition to monitoring WBGT values, please refer
and press select. to your state or organization’s requirements for measuring
2. Set Type to either Indoor or Outdoor, WBGT, heat acclimatization guidelines, work/rest ratios and
depending on your environment. water consumption.
3. To use the colored WBGT zones (also known as
Flag Settings), scroll to Zones… and set to On.
The zones increase from White to Black in order of
severity of risk of heat injury.
Notes: The AHLU upper limit in the Cattle Heat Stress Tracker or animals you are monitoring. Ensure the Kestrel
is 400. Dr. John Gaughan, University of Queensland, provided is oriented into the wind and able to measure the
guidance on using this value. full wind value. A tripod or pole mount and the
To highlight the severity of conditions, if the Red Warning Zone Kestrel Rotating Vane Mount are ideal for ensuring
is reached, the line indicating the current zone will flash. If the
accurate measurements.
Black Warning Zone is reached, the measurement value will
flash inverted.
If an alert is activated, pressing on the AHLU/HLI/THI
Measurement Screen will deactivate the alert until the
next higher threshold is reached or until the AHLU/HLI/THI
measurement dips below the threshold and then raises above
it again.
In the Options Menu under Display, there is an Alerts Test
function which will activate the light and buzzer. When using
the unit in a new situation, test the alerts to familiarize yourself
with their intensity.
HOW TO MEASURE WBGT, AHLU, HLI and THI
ACCURATELY:
» Differences in the reflectivity of ground surfaces such
as grass or asphalt will impact measurements. Be
sure to take measurements in the same solar/radiant
heat environment as the people and animals you are
monitoring.
» When changing environments (moving from an air
conditioned room to outdoors or removing the unit
from your pocket) the unit requires between 8-15
minutes to equilibrate to its surroundings before
taking readings.
» Take measurements at least 3 feet off the ground and
in the same wind or air flow conditions as the people

15
 CUSTOM ZONE AND FLAG SETTINGS MEASURING DIRECTION

If you do not wish to follow one of the WBGT, AHLU, HLI Kestrel 5400AG and 5500AG Meters Only
or THI guidelines pre-loaded into your Kestrel meter, you » The Kestrel’s compass is intended for measuring
may set custom zones and zone thresholds. Your Kestrel wind direction. The Kestrel must be held vertically
allows you to activate and set up to six customized heat with the back of the unit pointed towards the
stress warning zones identified by color names on screen. direction to be determined.
SETTING CUSTOM HEAT STRESS ZONES: » Using the included Kestrel Vane Mount adjusted
1. In the Settings Menu of the WBGT, AHLU, HLI or THI to level will provide the most accurate wind and
Current Measurement Screen, scroll to and select direction measurements.
Zones.
2. Scroll to the colored zones you wish to edit and press
select. Editing any value from a preset guideline in
the Zone Settings Menu will automatically change the
name of the guideline to Custom.
3. In the Zone submenu you can turn zones on or off
by setting Status to ON or OFF as well as change the
lower temperature bound of the zone by adjusting the
Threshold value.
4. The threshold for a zone cannot be greater than the
zone above or less than the zone below it.
5. Zone thresholds cannot be adjusted if the Status is
set to Off.
6. If the Status of a zone is set to OFF and the thresholds
of the zones above and below are set one tenth of a
degree apart (the minimum resolution available) the
Status of the intermediary zone cannot be set to On.
Warning: While the Kestrel LiNK app for mobile devices does have
a threshold alerts feature, it does not currently synch with the zone
thresholds set in the Kestrel 5400 which must be set separately.

16
 ALTIMETER AND BAROMETER

The Kestrel employs a stable, accurate pressure sensor to SETTING REFERENCE VALUES ON BARO
measure station pressure, the unadjusted air pressure in MEASUREMENT SCREEN:
your location. » Scroll to the Baro measurement screen and
» To use your Kestrel to measure barometric pressure select Settings.
(station pressure adjusted for local elevation), you » Adjust either the Altitude or the Barometric
must enter a correct reference value for your altitude. Pressure value to a local, known value obtained
Accurate barometric readings require that no elevation from a mapping reference, GPS, or accurate
changes be made while taking measurements. weather station in the same location.
» To use your Kestrel to measure altitude changes SETTING REFERENCE VALUES ON ALTITUDE
(changes in station pressure associated with changes MEASUREMENT SCREEN:
in elevation), you must enter a correct reference » Scroll to the ALTITUDE measurement screen
value for your starting barometric pressure. Accurate and select Settings.
altitude readings depend on stable, weather related » Adjust either the Altitude or the Barometric
barometric air pressure while measurements are taken. Pressure value to a local, known value obtained
» Synched values between the Altitude and Barometer from a mapping reference, GPS, or accurate
measurement screens allow reference value updates weather station in the same location.
on either screen to automatically update reference
values on the other. Note! You should enter new reference values whenever
you are using the Altimeter or Barometer functions and
Note! You cannot use your Kestrel as a barometer and altimeter your reference value is no longer accurate (Ref Baro
simultaneously. for Alt, Ref Alt for Baro) due to a change in weather or
location.

17
 USING MIN/ AVG/ MAX CONNECTING TO DEVICES USING LINK

Pressing the right scroll button from any Current Your Kestrel can be connected wirelessly to other LiNK-
Measurement Screen will open the Min/Avg/Max Screen. compatible devices. LiNK is powered by Bluetooth Smart®,
The capture process is linked for all measurement screens, also known as Bluetooth® LE, which is available in most iOS
capturing Min/Avg/Max values on one measurement devices released after 2014 and Android devices released
screen will capture Min/Avg/Max values over the same after 2015, as well as in a USB Dongle available from
time period for all measurements. Each new Min/Avg/Max Kestrel that supports connectivity to Windows and Mac OS
capture overwrites the previously captured value from all devices. LiNK-enabled Kestrel units can connect to mobile
measurements. devices running Kestrel LiNK to install firmware updates.
CAPTURING MIN/AVG/MAX VALUES: LiNK-enabled units can be run wirelessly to computers
» Scroll to the Min/Avg/Max Screen of the desired using the Kestrel Dongle.
measurement. This can be done by scrolling right from CONNECTING TO A COMPUTER, MOBILE PHONE OR
the desired Current Measurement Screen or scrolling TABLET:
vertically from another measurement’s Min/Avg/Max » On your phone or tablet, follow the links at
Screen. www.kestrelinstruments.com to locate Kestrel LiNK
» Press Select to Start a new Min/Avg/Max capture. for iOS or Android in the App or Play store and install
» Press Select to Stop the capture time period and view on your mobile device.
Min, Avg, and Max values. OR
» Press Select to Clear the Min/Avg/Max values. » On your computer, follow the links at
www.kestrelinstruments.com and install on your
computer. Insert your Kestrel USB Dongle (available
separately) into an open USB port.
» On the Kestrel, open the Options Menu and select
Bluetooth. Set Bluetooth to On.
» On your Kestrel select Conct from the Bluetooth
Options menu and set to PC/Mobile. In PC/Mobile
mode, the Kestrel’s Status will change to Available,
indicating that it is available for pairing with a
computer or mobile device.

18
 » Ensure the computer or mobile device is searching Note! LiNK range is typically 100 ft/30M line of sight. Shorter
and in range. When Status changes from Available distances should be expected if there are obstacles such as
walls or metal enclosures. Range is also impacted by the
to Connected, the pairing is active and your Kestrel is
signal strength of the other device.
ready to communicate.
CONNECTING TO A NEW LINK-COMPATIBLE DEVICE: CONNECTING TO COMPUTERS USING USB CABLE:
» Follow directions for your LiNK-compatible Device to All Kestrel 5 Series units can connect to a computer via
power it on and put it in pairing mode. the Data Transfer Port using the USB Data Transfer Cable
» On the Kestrel, open the Options Menu and select available separately. Kestrel LiNK software is available
Bluetooth. Set Bluetooth to On. for Windows and Mac for downloading logged weather.
» Set Conct to Device. data and installing firmware updates.
» Scroll to Name and select New, then wait for the list of
available devices in range to populate.
» Select a device from the available list. Once connected,
the settings menu for that device will open, allowing
you to manage the device’s settings.
» Exit to the Bluetooth menu. Status should indicate
Connected, meaning the pairing is active and your
Kestrel is ready to communicate.
CONNECTING TO/ADJUSTING A PREVIOUSLY PAIRED
LINK-COMPATIBLE DEVICE:
» Follow the directions for connecting to a new device
except instead of selecting New in the Name field,
scroll left or right to find the desired device.
» Status will change to Searching. If the device is in
range and in active pairing mode, a connection will
be made and Searching will change to Connected,
indicating that the pairing is active and your Kestrel is
ready to communicate.

19
 CREATING, VIEWING, & EXPORTING DATA LOGS

In addition to taking live measurements, your Kestrel 5 MANUAL DATA LOGGING:

Series weather meter is a powerful data logger. The Kestrel » Individual data points can be added to the log at
will automatically create a time stamped data log of all any time by pressing the Capture button.
measurements at the logging interval you set. Additional log » Manual capture simply adds every measurement
points can also be captured manually. Logged data can be to the data log at the capture time/date.
accessed four ways: VIEWING LOGGED DATA ON THE KESTREL METER:
» Viewed on the Kestrel Meter on the Data Graph Screen and » Scroll to the Graph Data Screen of the desired
Data Log Detail Screens. measurement. This can be done by scrolling right
» Exported to an iOS or Android mobile device using the from the desired Current Measurement Screen or
Kestrel LiNK mobile apps available in the App Store and scrolling vertically from another measurement’s
Google Play Store. Requires a Kestrel LiNK-enabled meter Graph Data Screen.
and a compatible Bluetooth® Smart/LE devices. » A graph of the most recently logged data points
» Exported to a PC or Mac using Kestrel LiNK software and a will be displayed and continue to grow at the
Kestrel USB Dongle (available separately). Requires a Kestrel selected store rate.
LiNK-enabled meter » To view individual data log points, or to view
» Exported to your Windows or Mac computer using Kestrel graph data older than what is shown in the Graph
LiNK software and a Kestrel USB Data Transfer Cable Data Screen, press Select to open the Data Log
(available separately). All 5 Series Kestrel meters can connect Detail Screen. Scrolling left or right will move the
to Kestrel LiNK using a Kestrel USB Data Transfer Cable. bar highlighting individual data points. Log values
TURNING ON AND ADJUSTING AUTOMATIC DATA LOGGING: are shown in the upper left and the time stamp is
» In the main Options menu, scroll to and select Memory shown along the bottom. Press Exit to return to
Options. Scroll to and select Auto Store and set to ON. the Graph Data Screen.
Scroll to Store Rate and adjust to desired frequency of » To change the resolution of the graph, scroll to
automatic weather data logging. and select Graph Scale in the Options menu.
» In the Memory Options sub menu scroll to Overwrite and Scroll to and select the desired measurement
set to On to allow the data log to wrap once full and Off to type. Adjust the Set High and Set Low values to
stop logging when full. bound the desired display values.
» When Auto Store is set to On, the Kestrel unit will
automatically begin logging at the rate set in Store Rate.

20
 EXPORTING DATA LOGS TO A MOBILE DEVICE: this manual along with the Kestrel LiNK program to
» Follow the links at www.kestrelinstruments.com pair the Kestrel and your computer.
to locate Kestrel LiNK in the App or Play store and 2. Connect your Kestrel 5 Series Meter to your
install on your mobile device. computer using a Kestrel USB Data Transfer Cable:
» Follow the directions in the Kestrel LiNK app and » Purchase a Kestrel USB Data Transfer Cable.
in the section of this manual titled Pairing with a » In the main Options menu, scroll to and select Data
Computer, Mobile Phone or Tablet: to connect the Port and set to On.
mobile device to the Kestrel. » Insert the USB Data Transfer Cable into an open USB
» The Kestrel’s new logged data will automatically be port and the Data Transfer Port on the back of the
added to the app’s log whenever the devices are Kestrel unit.
connected.
Once connected
» To export logged data to a .csv file for further
» Follow the directions in the Kestrel LiNK program to
analysis, go to the Stats page of the app or the
confirm the connection.
Manage Data Logs screen on the Manage page.
» In the Kestrel LiNK software, choose a data log from the
» Hit the Export Data button. Choose a method for
Logs window and click on the Export to File button.
exporting the data and follow the in-app prompts
» Choose a file export directory on your computer and
to send.
click on the Ok button.
EXPORTING DATA LOGS TO A COMPUTER:
» Follow the links at www.kestrelinstruments.com
to download Kestrel LiNK to a PC or Mac computer.
Install.
Use one of the following two methods to connect
your Kestrel to your computer.
1. Connect your LiNK-enabled Kestrel Meter to
your computer wirelessly:
» Purchase a Kestrel LiNK Dongle and install in
your computer’s USB port.
» Follow the instructions in the “Pairing with a
Computer, Mobile Phone or Tablet” section of
21
 WEATHER GLOSSARY

DIRECTION – Compass heading in true or magnetic and other livestock. It has been used for over 4 decades to
WIND SPD – Wind Speed is the measurement of manage heat stress in both dairy and beef cattle.
the wind passing through the impeller. For greatest GLOBE TEMP – Globe Temperature is defined as the
accuracy, point the back of the Kestrel directly into temperature measured inside a 6-inch copper globe
the wind. painted black. On the Kestrel HST, the temperature inside
CROSWND – Crosswind uses the internal compass the 1-inch|25 mm globe is converted to the equivalent
and a user selected heading to calculate the crosswind temperature for a standard globe. The closest equivalence
component of the full wind. will be obtained with airflow greater than 2.2 mph|1 m/s.

HEADWND – Headwind uses the internal compass and NWB TEMP – Natural Wet Bulb Temperature is a measure
a user selected heading or target direction to calculate of evaporative cooling in an environment with unforced,
the headwind component of the full wind. naturally occurring air flow.

TEMP – Ambient Temperature is the temperature WBGT – Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is a measure
measured at the thermistor. For best results, ensure of human heat stress resulting from the combination
the thermistor is not exposed to direct sunlight and is of effects due to temperature, humidity, wind speed
exposed to good airflow. (wind chill), and visible and radiant heat. Outdoor
WBGT is calculated from a weighted sum of Natural Wet
CHILL – Wind Chill is a calculated value of the Bulb Temperature, Globe Temperature and dry bulb
perceived temperature based on temperature and Temperature.
wind speed.
HLI - Heat Load Index (HLI) is a measure incorporating
HUMIDITY – Relative Humidity is the amount of black globe temperature (solar radiation), relative
moisture currently held by the air as a percentage of humidity, and wind speed. It was developed as an indicator
the total possible moisture that the air could hold. of the environmental heat load on cattle.
HEAT INDEX – Heat Index is a calculated value of the AHLU - Accumulated Heat Load Units (AHLU) is a measure
perceived temperature based on temperature and of accumulated heat by an animal above its HLI UPPER
relative humidity. LIMIT threshold.
THI - The Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) is an index DEW POINT – Dew Point is the temperature at which water
combining the effects of temperature and relative vapor will begin to condense out of the air.
humidity to assess environmental heat stress on cattle
22
 THI MENU

WET BULB – Wet Bulb is the lowest temperature that Your Kestrel Meter offers 2 accepted THI calculations.
can be reached in the existing environment by cooling The NRC THI equation is defined as:
through evaporation. Wet Bulb is always equal to or THI = (1.8 X Tdb +32) – [(.55 - .0055 X RH) X (1.8 X Tdb-26)]
lower than ambient temperature. (National Research Council, 1971) where Tdb is dry bulb
STATION – Station Pressure (Absolute Pressure) is the temperature in °C and RH is relative humidity expressed as a %.
pressure exerted by the earth’s atmosphere at any This is the equation referenced by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,
given point. Food, and Rural Affairs; Journal of Dairy Science; and the
University of Arizona.
BARO – Barometric Pressure is the local station (or The YOUSEF THI equation is defined as:
absolute) pressure with the pressure differential THI = Tdb + (0.36 × Tdp) + 41.2 (Yousef, 1985) where Tdb is dry
associated with the locations altitude above sea level bulb temperature in °C and Tdp is dew point temperature in °C.
subtracted. An accurate reading depends on an This is the equation referenced by Dairy Australia, University of
accurate initial altitude input and unchanging altitude Missouri, and USDA,
while measuring. Zones - Preprogrammed zones available are:
ALTITUDE – Altitude is the change in vertical distance LWSI (Livestock Weather Safety Index) zone thresholds:
associated with a change in atmospheric pressure. Information provided from https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/54380560/
An accurate reading depends on an accurate initial Publications/Evora2004.pdf (verified Oct 2016)
barometric pressure input and stable barometric
pressure while measuring. Green THI ≤ 74 Red THI 79 - 83
Yellow THI 75 - 78 Black THI ≥ 84
DENS ALT – Density Altitude is the altitude at which

the density of the theoretical standard atmospheric Dairy (Revised Temperature-Humidity Index for Lactating
conditions (ISA) would match the actual local air Dairy Cows) zone thresholds:
density. Information provided from http://dairy.ifas.ufl.edu/rns/2012/6CollierRNS2012a.
DELTA T – Delta T is the spread between the wet bulb pdf (verified Oct 2016)
temperature and the dry bulb temperature and is used Green THI < 68 Red THI 80 - 89
to assess spraying conditions. Yellow THI 68 - 71 Black THI ≥ 90
Orange THI 72 - 79

23
 HLI MENU

Your Cattle Heat Stress Tracker offers the blended HLI

equation which is defined as:HLI = S(BGT) * HLIHI +
DairyAU (Dairy Australia) zone thresholds:
Information provided from http://www.coolcows.com.au/go-on-
(1 – S(BGT)) * HLILO.
alert/thi.htm (verified Oct 2016)
BGT is defined as Black Globe Temp in °C (measured as
Globe Temperature in your Kestrel). RH is defined as relative
Green THI < 72 Red THI 78 - 81 humidity expressed as %. WS is defined as Wind Speed in m/s.
Yellow THI 72 - 74 Black THI ≥ 82 The blending function is defined as:
Orange THI 75 - 77 S(BGT) = 1 / (1 + exp(-(BGT – 25) / 2.25))

Additional features found in Kestrel 5400AG Cattle HLIHI and HLILO are defined as:
Heat Stress Tracker Only if ( BGT is below 25 ) then
Alerts - Light and/or Buzzer alerts can be set to ON HLILO = 1.3 x BGT + 0.28 x RH – WS + 10.66
by selecting appropriate zone. else
HLIHI= 1.55 x BGT + 0.38 x RH – 0.5 x WS + exp (2.4 – WS)
+ 8.62
Where * exp is the exponentiation function and the HLI
value was taken as either HLIHI or HLILO depending on the
BGT value.
Zones - Preprogrammed zones available are:
MLA (Meat & Livestock Australia Ltd) zone thresholds:
Information provided from B.FLT.0344 Meat & Livestock Australia Ltd.,
published December 2008 (verified Oct 2016)
Green HLI ≤ 70 Red HLI 86.1 - 95
Yellow HLI 70.1 - 77 Black HLI > 95
Orange HLI 77.1 - 86

Alerts - Light and/or Buzzer alerts can be set to ON by

selecting appropriate zone.

24
 AHLU MENU

The default AHLU setting uses an HLI Upper Limit Threshold

of 86 based on a reference animal defined as:
Table 1: Reference Animal

Parameter Value
Cattle type Bos taurus
Coat Color Black
Health status Healthy
Days on feed 80-130
Shade provision No shade
Trough water temperature 20-30°C
Manure management class Class 1
Extra water troughs installed No
Heat load ration No
Wet manure removal No
86 is the HLI Upper Limit Threshold and the point when cattle
with the above characteristics may start to accumulate heat.
Users can modify pen and cattle characteristics by varying
parameters within the 3 AHLU screens.
Information provided from: http://chlt.katestone.com.au/help/risk-
analysis-program-rap/

25
 Pen Management - the following pen management
parameters can be adjusted based on site conditions
and will result in the noted HLI Upper Limit Threshold
adjustment.
Table 2: Manure Class
Criteria - Feedlots were previously subject to a 4-tiered Class 1 (Best Class 2 Class 3 & 4
classification scheme (classes 1-4) in Australia. In the future, Mgt Practices)
all new or expanding feedlots are expected to operate at the
equivalent of a Class 1.
Pen Foundation Preparation Compacted Compacted Strip topsoil
base with base with and grade to a
uniform slope uniform slope durable uniform
built in built in surface
Pen Slope 2.5 - 4% away 2.5 - 4% away 2 - 6% away
from feeding from feeding from feeding
area area area
Stocking Density (a measure of stocking intensity expressed in 10 15 20 10 15 20 10 15 20
terms of m2/SCU)
Maximum Manure Removal Interval (weeks) 7 10 14 14 20 26 26
Maximum Manure Pack Depth (mm) 50 100 200
Under Fence Cleaning monthly quarterly at each pen
cleaning
Eliminate Wet Patches weekly monthly at each pen
cleaning
Repair Potholes weekly monthly 6 months

26 Information provided from: http://chlt.katestone.com.au/help/risk-analysis-program-rap/

Table 3: Manure Class HLI Adjustments

Manure Management HLI Adjustment

Class 1 0
Class 2 -4
Class 3 & 4 -8

Table 4: Shade
Shade Provision HLI Adjustment
No Shade 0
Shade (1.5m2/SCU – 2m2/SCU) or +3
(16 ft2/SCU - 21 ft2/SCU)
Shade (2m2/SCU – 3m 2/SCU) or +5
(21ft2/SCU - 32 ft2/SCU)
Shade (3m2/SCU – 5m2/SCU) or +7
(32 ft2/SCU - 54 ft2/SCU)
SCU = A Standard Cattle Unit (SCU) is equivalent to an
animal with a liveweight of 600 kg (1,323 lbs).
Table 5: H2O Temp
Trough Water Temperature HLI Adjustment
Temperature of water in troughs = 15 – 20°C (59-68°F) +1
Temperature of water in troughs = 20 – 30°C (68 - 86°F 0
Temperature of water in troughs = 30 – 35°C (86 - 95°F) -1
Temperature of water in troughs > 35°C (>95°F) -2
Table 6: Extra H2O, Heat Rations, and Manure Clear as
mitigation measures for heat load events Table 9: Days
Mitigation Measure HLI Adjustment Days on Feed HLI Adjustment
Install Extra Water Troughs +1 Days on Feed (0-80) +2
Implement Heat Load Feeding Strategy +2 Days on Feed (80-130) 0
Strategic Clearing of High Manure Depo- +2 Days on Feed (130+) -3
sition Areas
Installing extra water troughs HLI adjustment only takes effect on upper Table 10: Health
limit threshold if no shade is provided when determining the HLI Upper Health Status HLI Adjustment
Limit Threshold
Healthy 0
Cattle Profile - the following cattle profile parameters can be
Sick/Recovering/Unacclimatised -5
adjusted based on herd characteristics and will result in the
noted HLI Upper Limit Threshold adjustment.
Table 7: Type Manual Offset - The Manual Offset function allows users
to adjust their AHLU value in increments of 10. User must
Genotype HLI Adjustment
select Apply for AHLU to include the Manual Offset value.
Bos Taurus Genotypes 0
Bos Indicus Cross (25%) +4 Zones - Preprogrammed zones available are:
Bos Indicus Cross (50%) +7 MLA Meat & Livestock Australia Ltd) zone thresholds:
Bos Indicus Cross (75%) +8 Information provided from B.FLT.0344 Meat & Livestock Australia Ltd.,
published December 2008 (verified Oct 2016)
Bos Indicus Genotypes +10
Wagyu +4
European Genotypes +3 White AHLU = 0 Red AHLU 50.1 - 100
Green AHLU .1 - 10 Black AHLU > 100
Table 8: Coat
Yellow AHLU 10.1 - 25
Coat Color HLI Adjustment
Black Coat Color 0 Orange AHLU 25.1 - 50
Red Coat Color +1 Alerts - Light and/or Buzzer alerts can be set to ON by
White Coat Color +3 selecting appropriate zone.
28
 IMPELLER REPLACEMENT

P
 ress only the sides of the impeller when removing and inserting » Orient one “arm” of the module straight up .
to avoid damaging the precision hub bearing. [Figure 1] . [Figure 2]. The impeller can be pushed in from either
» P ress FIRMLY on the impeller module to remove it. side.
» Insert the new impeller so the side that has the
Figure 2
small triangle (close to the perimeter) faces the
front of the Kestrel when installed.

Figure 1

29
 5-YEAR LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY

WARRANTY CERTIFICATE
Your Kestrel Weather/Environmental 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 and failed batteries.
Measurement accuracy is warranted to be within the specifications on the supplied Certificate of Conformity including
specified drift since date of manufacture. 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 recalibration, 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.

31
 Kestrel® Weather and Environmental Meters are
By designed and manufactured in the USA
NIELSEN-KELLERMAN
21 Creek Circle, Boothwyn, PA 19061
Phone: (610) 447-1555
Fax: (610) 447-1577
Web: Kestrelinstruments.com
Email: [email protected]

Please register your Kestrel Meter at www.kestrelinstruments.com

319046_2_21.04.08