Environment
 
    Weather Meter Kestrel - 5500
NK0855YEL-

Weather Meter Kestrel - 5500

  • 14 total meteorological parameters measured
  • Optional LiNK Wireless Communication
  • Backlit graphic display also readable in the brightest sunlight

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The world’s most complete weather meter AND the world’s most portable weather station.

Lightweight, handheld, multi-function weather meter and data logger with large sunlight-readable graphing display and tripod vane mount option. 

  • Measures wind speed, temperature, humidity, pressure and direction.
  • 14 total meteorological parameters measured, calculated and displayed real-time and stored in memory, including advanced meteorological measurements such as dew point temperature, wet bulb temperature and density altitude.
  • Large, hi-res, hi-contrast, graphic display is perfectly readable in the brightest sunlight and is backlit for nighttime use.
  • Optional LiNK connectivity powered by Bluetooth Smart® provides wireless communication to mobile devices and computers.
  • Rugged (drop tested to MIL-STD-810G standards),waterproof (sealed to IP67 standards) and floats.
  • Protective pouch, neck lanyard and Lithium AA battery included.
  • 5-year warranty.
  • Used in meteorology, hiking, camping, expeditions, agriculture, research, aviation, sailing, long-range shooting, military operations and more.

The next generation of weather monitoring is the here with the Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter. 

This Kestrel meter does it all. The Kestrel 5500 provides the same trusted accuracy, reliability, and usability as the original Kestrel 4500. Measure every environmental condition plus wind direction, crosswind and headwind/tailwind. Use it golfing, sailing, flying, spraying, shooting and more. Drop-proof, dust-proof, waterproof and able to withstand extreme environments without damage, your Kestrel weather meter travels with you anywhere you dare to go. A range of carry pouch options makes it even easier to take your Kestrel meter with you.

The new Kestrel 5 Series platform adds many new features and options. If you’re familiar with the Kestrel 4500, the first thing you’ll notice is the larger, higher-resolution and contrast display and improved font readability. The Kestrel 5 series also includes a built-in dual color backlight, extra-strong polycarbonate lens and AA battery operation, along with optional LiNK iOS and Android wireless connectivity and app support. Like all Kestrel meters, the Kestrel 5500 is drop-proof, dust-proof, waterproof and able to withstand harsh environments without damage – so it can so it can work or play as hard as you do, wherever you go. A range of carry pouch options makes it even easier to take your Kestrel meter with you.

In addition to measuring the current environmental conditions, the Kestrel 5500 tracks and logs over 10,000 sets of time-stamped data. Your data log can be transferred to a mobile device wirelessly with the LiNK wireless communication option and Kestrel LiNK app, or to a PC/MAC with either the accessory Kestrel LiNK Dongle or waterproof USB Data Transfer Cable (available separately).

The true versatility of the Kestrel 5500 becomes apparent with the addition of the Kestrel Vane Mount.  This precision-engineered accessory securely mounts the Kestrel 5500 to any tripod or other ¼-20 fitted bracket. Once mounted, the Kestrel 5500 becomes a full-featured weather station – with a large wind vane and precision pivot keeping the Kestrel oriented into the wind for continuous measurement and logging of wind speed, wind direction, and all other key weather parameters. The Kestrel LiNK app also displays the Kestrel’s real-time readings on a vivid, customizable dashboard – providing a remote display that functions up to 200’ away (line of sight). The ENTIRE Kestrel 5500 + Vane Mount kit weighs just 10.5 ounces / 295 grams, and packs into the included padded belt carry pouch that is just 2.5 x 3 x 8.5 inches / 6.5 x 7.5 x 22 cm. Providing hundreds of hours of accurate measurements, the Kestrel 5500 is truly the world’s most compact weather station. The Rotating Vane Mount is included with the 5500 with LiNK, or available for purchase separately. It works with any Kestrel 5 Series meter.

Kestrels have been put to the test in some of the harshest conditions on the planet. U.S. Special Forces, combat weather teams, wildland firefighters, smoke jumpers, Mt. Everest expeditions and auto pit crews are just a few who rely on a Kestrel to provide them with the crucial environmental data they need. Watch any on-screen meteorologist during a hurricane, and you’re sure to spot a Kestrel in action. Be your own meteorologist, anywhere in the world, with a Kestrel 5500.

Uses

  • Athletics
  • Aviation
  • Hazardous Materials Response
  • Hiking / Mountaineering
  • Meteorology
  • Military Weather & Environmental Monitoring
  • Outdoor Sports
  • Sailing & Boating
  • Storm Chasing
  • Weather Monitoring

Features

  • Backlight - Switchable White/Red
  • Battery Life Indicator
  • Data Log Graph View
  • Data Logging - Adjustable Interval
  • Date & TimeDigital Compass
  • Drop-Tested to MIL-STD-810G
  • Floats
  • High Contrast, Sunlight Readable Monochrome LCD Display
  • Integrated Flip Open Impeller Cover
  • Intuitive Tactile Up/Down/Enter Keypad
  • Multilingual Menus (English, French, Spanish, German)
  • Minimum/Maximum/Average Reading
  • Pressure Sensor
  • Relative Humidity Sensor
  • Temperature Sensor (Patented External Isolated)
  • Waterproof to IP67 (3'/1M for 30 minutes)

* Applies to LiNK models only

Includes

  • Battery - 1 x AA
  • Certificate Of Conformity (Spec Sheet)
  • Instructions
  • Lanyard
  • Protective
  • Drawstring
  • Pouch

 

Cat. NoDescription
NK0855YELKestrel 5500 Weather Meter (yellow)
NK0855OLVKestrel 5500 Weather Meter (olive)
NK0855TANKestrel 5500 Weather Meter (tan)
NK0855LVYELKestrel 5500 Weather Meter with LiNK + Vane Mount (yellow)
NK0855LVOLVKestrel 5500 Weather Meter with LiNK + Vane Mount (olive)
NK0855LVTANKestrel 5500 Weather Meter with LiNK + Vane Mount (tan)
NK0792Compact Collapsible Tripod 24 to 48”
NK0793Tripod Clamp - holds any Kestrel Meter on 1/4-20 Tripod Mount
NK0782Rotating Vane Mount & Carry Case for Kestrel 5000 Series
SENSORSACCURACYRESOLUTIONSPECIFICATION RANGENOTES
Wind Speed | Air SpeedLarger of 3% of reading, least significant digit or 20 ft/min Speed0.1 m/s 
1 ft/min 
0.1 km/h 
0.1 mph 
0.1 knots 
1 B* 
0.1 F/S*
0.6 to 40.0 m/s 
118 to 7,874 ft/min 
2.2 to 144.0 km/h 
1.3 to 89.5 mph 
1.2 to 77.8 knots 
0 to 12 B* 
2-131.2*
1 inch|25 mm diameter impeller with precision axle and low-friction Zytel® bearings. Startup speed stated as lower limit, readings may be taken down to 0.4 m/s |79 ft min|1.5 km/h |.9 mph |.8 kt after impeller startup. Off-axis accuracy -1% @ 5º off axis; -2% @ 10º; -3% @ 15º. Calibration drift < 1% after 100 hours use at 16 MPH|7 m/s. Replacement impeller (NK PN-0801) field installs without tools (US Patent 5,783,753). Wind speed calibration and testing should be done with triangle on impeller located at the top front face of the Kestrel. Measuring wind speeds above 60 m/s / 134.2 mph can damage the impeller
Ambient Temperature0.9 °F 
0.5 °C
0.1 °F 
0.1 °C
-20.0 to 158.0 °F 
-29.0 to 70.0 °C
Airflow of 2.2 mph|1 m/s or greater provides fastest response and reduction of insolation effect. For greatest accuracy, avoid direct sunlight on the temperature sensor and prolonged sunlight exposure to the unit in low airflow conditions. Calibration drift is negligible for the life of the product. For further details, see Display & Battery Operational Temperature Limits.
Relative Humidity2%RH0.1 %RH10 to 90% 25°C noncondensingTo achieve stated accuracy, unit must be permitted to equilibrate to external temperature when exposed to large, rapid temperature changes and be kept out of direct sunlight. Calibration drift is typically less than ±0.25% per year.
Pressure1.5 hPa|mbar 
0.044 inHg 
0.022 PSI
0.1 hPa|mbar 
0.01 inHg 
0.01 PSI
25°C/77°F 
700-1100 hPa|mbar 
20.67-32.48 inHg 
10.15-15.95 PSI
Monolithic silicon piezo-resistive pressure sensor with second-order temperature correction. Between 1100–1600 mbar, unit will operate with reduced accuracy. Sensor may not operate above 1600 mbar and can be damaged above 6,000 mbar or below 10 mbar. Calibration drift is negligible for the life of the product.
Compass1° 
1/16th Cardinal Scale
0 to 360°2-axis solid-state magneto-resistive sensor mounted perpendicular to unit plane. Accuracy of sensor dependent upon unit’s vertical position. Self-calibration routine eliminates magnetic error from batteries or unit and must be run after every full power- down (battery removal or change). Readout indicates direction to which the back of the unit is pointed when held in a vertical orientation. Declination/variation adjustable for True North readout.
MEASUREMENTACCURACY (+/-)RESOLUTIONSENSORS EMPLOYED
Air Density0.0002 lb/ft3 
0.0033 kg/m
0.001 lbs/ft3 
0.001 kg/m3
Temperature, Relative Humidity Pressure
Air Flow6.71%1 cfm 
1 m3/hr 
1 m3/m 
0.1m3/s 
1 L/s
Air Speed, User Input (Duct Shape & Size)
Altitudetypical: 23.6 ft/7.2 m 
from 750 to 1100 mBar 
max: 48.2 ft/14.7 m 
from 300 to 750 mBar
1 ft 1 mPressure, User Input (Reference Pressure)
Barometric Pressure0.07 inHg 
2.4 hPa|mbar 
0.03 PSI
0.01 inHg 
0.1 hPa|mbar 
0.01 PSI 
Pressure, User Input (Reference Altitude)
Crosswind & Headwind/Tailwind7.1%1 mph 
1 ft/min 
0.1 km/h 
0.1 m/s 
0.1 knots
Wind Speed, Compass
Delta T3.2 °F 
1.8 °C
0.1 °F 0.1 °CTemperature, Relative Humidity Pressure
Density Altitude226 ft 
69 m
1 ft 1 mTemperature, Relative Humidity Pressure
Dew Point3.4 °F 
1.9 °C 
15- 
95% RH. Refer to Range for Temperature Sensor
0.1 °F 
0.1 °C
Temperature, Relative Humidity
Evaporation Rate0.01 lb/ft2/hr 
0.06 kg/m2/hr
0.01 b/ft2/hr 
0.01 kg/m2/hr
Wind Speed, Temperature Relative Humidity Pressure, User Input (Concrete Temperature)
Heat Index7.1°F 
4.0°C
0.1 °F 
0.1 °C
Temperature, Relative Humidity
Moisture Content | Humidity Ratio (“Grains”)4.9gpp 
.7g/kg
0.1 gpp 
0.01 g/kg
Temperature, Relative Humidity Pressure
Probability of Ignition (PIG)PIG Accuracy dependent on proximity of inputs to reference table steps.10%Temperature, Relative Humidity
THI (NRC)1.5 °F 
0.8 °C
0.1 °F 
0.1 °C
Temperature, Relative Humidity
THI (Yousef)2.3 °F 
1.3 °C
0.1 °F 
0.1 °C
Temperature, Relative Humidity
Relative Air Density.0.3%0.1%Temperature, Relative Humidity Pressure
Wet Bulb Temperature - Psychrometric3.2 °F 
1.8 °C
0.1 °F 
0.1 °C
Temperature, Relative Humidity Pressure
Wet Bulb Temperature - Naturally Aspirated (NWB TEMP)1.4 °F 
0.8 °C
0.1 °F 
0.1 °C
Wind Speed, Temperature Globe Temperature, Relative Humidity, Pressure
Wind Chill1.6 °F 
0.9 °C
0.1 °F 
0.1 °C
Wind Speed, Temperature
Display & BacklightMultifunction, multidigit monochrome dot-matrix display. Choice of white or red LED backlight.
Response Time & Display UpdateDisplay updates every 1 second. After exposure to large environmental changes, all sensors require an equilibration period to reach stated accuracy. Measurements employing RH may require longer periods particularly after prolonged exposure to very high or very low humidity. WBGT requires about 8 minutes to reach 95% accuracy and about 15 minutes to reach 99% accuracy after exposure to large environmental changes.
Data Storage & Graphical display Min/Max/Avg HistoryLogged history stored and displayed for every measured value. Manual and auto data storage. Min/Max/Avg history may be reset independently. Auto-store interval settable from 2 seconds to 12 hours*, overwrite on or off. Logs even when display off except for 2 and 5 second intervals. Kestrel 5 series units hold over 10,000 data points.
data Upload & Bluetooth Data Connect OptionWireless range up to 100ft. Connection requires optional USB data transfer cable or Kestrel Link Dongle or Kestrel LiNK app. Employs Kestrel Link protocol for data transmission with Link supported devices. (Kestrel LiNK for iOS/Android, Kestrel Link for PC/MAC).
Clock/CalendarReal-time hours:minutes:seconds clock, calendar, automatic leap-year adjustment.
Auto ShutdownUser-selectable – Off, 15-60 minutes with no key presses.
LanguagesEnglish, French, German, Spanish.
CertificationsCE certified, RoHS, FCC, IC tested and WEEE compliant. Individually tested to NIST-traceable standards.
OriginDesigned and manufactured in the USA from US and imported components. Complies with Regional Value Content and Tariff Code Transformation requirements for NAFTA Preference Criterion B.
Battery LifeAA Lithium included. Up to 400 hours of use, reduced by backlight, alert light and buzzer, or Bluetooth radio transmission use.
Shock ResistanceMIL-STD-810g, Transit Shock, Method 516.5 Procedure IV; unit only; impact may damage replaceable impeller.
SealingWaterproof (IP67 and NEMA-6)
Display & Battery Operational Temperature Limits14° F to 131° F | -10 °C to 55 °C Measurements may be taken beyond the limits of the operational temperature range of the display and batteries by maintaining the unit within the operational range and then exposing it to the more extreme environment for the minimum time necessary to take reading.
Storage Temperature-22.0 °F to 140.0 °F | -30.0 °C to 60.0 °C.
Size & Weight5.0 x 1.9 x 1.1 in | 12.7 x 4.5 x 2.8 cm, 4.3 oz | 121 g. (Lithium battery included)