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Maintenance & Storage
To avoid scratching the window, store the Kestrel Heat Stress Tracker in the soft pouch
and/or use the Kestrel lens cleaning kit.
Software
To download the Kestrel Communicator software, visit:
www.nkhome.com/kestrel-software.
Calibrations, Certifications & Service
Every NK product is tested and calibrated before it leaves our factory. We warrant that it
will perform within specifications when you receive it. The unit may be returned to NK for
factory calibration, or you can contact NK for field calibration instructions (RH Calibration
Kits are available on our website).
Each Kestrel Meter comes with a Certificate of Conformity, stating the specifications for
that product.
If you are concerned your Kestrel is not performing within specifications upon receipt,
please contact us and we will review your concerns. If necessary, we will test or recalibrate
any unit within 30 days of purchase.
Beyond 30 days, we offer reasonably-priced tests, calibration services, NIST-traceable
calibrations, and full Kestrel Meter tune-ups.
We offer full factory service on every product we manufacture for as long as we make
the product (and as long after as component availability permits). If we cannot repair a
product, we will offer you a replacement under our Loyalty Discount (even for accidental
damage and misuse).
Please contact NK if you feel your product is not working properly. We can often solve
product issues by phone or e-mail, saving you the time and expense of returning the
unit. If we require the product to be returned, you can obtain a Return Authorization to
expedite the handling of your return.
Made in the USA
Your Kestrel Weather & Environmental Meter was
designed, developed and built in the USA by Nielsen-Kellerman Co. of US and
imported components. We are a lean manufacturing enterprise committed to
continuous improvement of our products, processes, people and partners.
We strive to conduct our business in a sustainable manner and minimize harm
to the environment by actively implementing company-wide plans to conserve
energy, reduce waste, and recycle.
MAINTENANCE & SERVICE
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
Batteries
Kestrel Weather & Environmental Meters require 2 AAA batteries. Average battery life is
300 hours based on typical use. Based on specific usage,
Bluetooth®
-enabled meters will
average less battery life.
When using the Kestrel meter in extremely cold weather, it is recommended to use lithium batteries for
optimal performance.
Kestrel Battery Recommendations- Avoiding Corrosion and Damage
Your Kestrel meter will safely operate on high-quality alkaline batteries, lithium batteries
or rechargeable NiMH batteries. Please follow these recommendations to select the
right battery for your use and avoid damage to your Kestrel meter.
· Lithium AAA batteries (such as Energizer® Advanced or Ultimate brands) are virtually
leak proof and provide up to 50% additional capacity in
Bluetooth®
equipped models
as well as improved cold weather performance. They are also 30% lighter than alkaline
batteries and provided extended cold temperature performance for data logging. We
recommend using lithium batteries for most Kestrel applications.
· Rechargeable NiMH batteries are an excellent option for high-drain applications,
such as extended use of the
Bluetooth®
data transmission features. Low self-discharge
NiMH batteries are a particularly good choice as they will hold their charge for months
and still be ready to go when you want to put your Kestrel to use. You can also bring a
supply of pre-charged batteries to the field, and still have the option of recharging them
many times. Recommended options include Sanyo® eneloop® and Rayovac® Platinum
pre-charged rechargeable batteries.
· Alkaline batteries are a cost-effective option when you will be regularly changing or
inspecting the batteries, and can control storage conditions and duration. All alkaline bat-
teries are prone to leaking potassium hydroxide, particularly as they near full discharge. As
batteries discharge, they release a small amount of hydrogen gas, which exerts pressure
inside the battery and may eventually rupture its seals. 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.
Damage caused by leaking alkaline batteries is usually
irreversible, and is NOT covered under the Kestrel warranty.
When choosing to install alkaline
batteries, follow these recommendations carefully to avoid corrosion damage:
• Use US-made, name-brand batteries wherever possible. Do not mix brands of batteries. Do not mix alkaline batteries with
other types (lithium or rechargeable).
• 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.
• Change your batteries when below 20% capacity.
• Inspect your batteries regularly (at least once a month) and remove immediately if you notice ANY moisture or white crystal
line material at either end.
• Always store your Kestrel meter with batteries installed 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 batteries installed inside a hot car in the summer.
• CAUTION: 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. Allow the battery compartment to dry completely and
try installing fresh batteries. If your unit still does not power up, you may contract Kestrel Support to inquire about our
Customer Loyalty Trade-In Program, which provides a significant discount toward a replacement Kestrel meter.
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