Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Kestrel's patents on a low cost precision istrument have been expanded with the model 4500.Our troops oveseas have come to rely on the accurate data from the kestrel to indicate signs of dehydration, wind, dew point, condensation, all of which it measures with grace.
I bought my first 2 Kestrel 4000 units and I must caution that with excessive use (battery changing) they eventually broke the battery door on both units.I'm subtracting one star from an otherwise perfect product because Kestrel has chosen not to incorporate a green rechargable option yet and still uses AAA alkaline or lithium cells - HOWEVER -
In the earlier models (4000) if you wanted a graph over time you had to leave the unit turned on CONSTANTLY - batteries were dead in 3 days, which wasn't bad for a 2xAAA alkaline system.With the 4500 you leave the unit turned off and give it a wakeup period (say every 30 minutes) when it takes measurements of every weather reading and stores them in memory then powers off right away.My first 2 aaa batteries have been in the unit since I got it and are at 87% full so no more "always on" usage - a big fix.
The case is hermetically sealed to prevent moisture from entering the electronics.The data output is infrared allowing you to download the long term data sets.
Additionally, the 4500 has a compass and optional mounting bracket so you can track wind direction and crosswind.
Kestrel makes 2 versions of the 4500 - Mine is the bright yellow with a neon blue backlight.For military purposes they make an olive drab green case with a subdued red backlight that does not interfere with night vision equipment.
All data (humidity, dewpoint, heat index and a ton more) are graphed based on the time index you specify in setup.The sealing allows you to use it outside in the moisture without fear of damage.Graphical data is viewable at each point you specify numerically with a cursor later.Days of data can be stored, allowing you to review barometric pressure over time in this manner.
Timekeeping has improved over the 4000 model which is a real help as the 4000 gained or lost 3 minutes a week.So far the 4500 is dead on.
The wind speed meter installed in the unit is removable and replacable for about $20.It is very accurate and uses a magnet that rotates.This speed sensor is common among all of the Kestrel products.
Finally you can choose the units you want data displayed in e.g. mph/kmh, deg C / F.It is small, light, comes in a protective case and has software for documenting weather data on your computer.
I would easily give it 5 stars if they used a li-ion battery / charger but the wakeup mode in the 4500 makes it very stingy on the batteries versus the older model so I'm not too concerned about breaking the battery door.One nitpick - there is no rain sensor in the small package so it is not "complete" but good enough for my use.
Given the wide array of sensors and low price plus PC connectivity and a much better design of software, I would highly recommend this to anyone needing critical weather data in a small package.
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Product Description:
Measurements: Heading (true and magnetic), Wind Direction, Crosswind, Headwind/Tailwind, Altitude, Pressure Trend, Barometric Pressure, Relative Humidity, Heat Stress Index, Dewpoint, Wet Bulb Temperature, Density Altitude, Wind Chill, Air, Snow and Water Temperatures, Current and Average Wind Speeds and Maximum Wind Gust, Customizable 2000 Data Point Storage, Data Upload (with optional interface). . Product ID: 106884, Shipping Exclusion: This item is only available for shipment by UPS to the lower 48 United States. APO, FPO, PO BOX, Hawaii, and Alaska shipments may not be possible for this item. (Please call prior to purchase.), Special Order: This is a Special Order item, will be shipped from the manufacturer, and is not stocked in our warehouse. All Returns/Exchanges are subject to a 20% restocking fee. This item does not qualify for our Price Matching Policy. Order processing time may vary.
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