Introduction
The Kestrel 3500 Pocket Weather Meter is a robust and portable device designed to provide accurate environmental measurements. It is ideal for a variety of applications including outdoor sports, agriculture, research, and industrial use. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your Kestrel 3500.

Image: The Kestrel 3500 Pocket Weather Meter, a compact yellow device. It features a rotating impeller at the top for wind speed measurement, a clear digital display in the center showing numerical readings, and three control buttons (left arrow, center select, right arrow) positioned below the screen for navigation and settings adjustment. The model number '3500' is visible on the right side of the display.
Setup
Battery Installation
- Locate the battery compartment on the back of the unit.
- Using a coin, twist the battery compartment cover counter-clockwise to open.
- Insert the supplied AAA battery, ensuring the positive (+) end faces the correct direction as indicated inside the compartment.
- Replace the cover and twist clockwise to secure it. Do not overtighten.
Initial Power On
- Press and hold the center button (O) for approximately 2 seconds to power on the device.
- The display will illuminate and show the current measurement mode.
Operating
Navigating Modes
- Use the left (◀) and right (▶) arrow buttons to cycle through the available measurement modes.
- Available modes typically include: Wind Speed (current, average, max gust), Temperature, Relative Humidity, Barometric Pressure, Altitude, and Dew Point.
Taking Measurements
- Wind Speed: Point the back of the unit into the wind, allowing the impeller to rotate freely. The display will show the current wind speed.
- Temperature/Humidity: Ensure the sensors are exposed to the ambient air. Avoid direct sunlight or holding the unit for extended periods, as body heat can affect readings.
- Barometric Pressure/Altitude: For accurate altitude readings, calibrate the unit to a known reference altitude or pressure. Refer to the calibration section in the full manual for detailed steps.
Unit Selection
- To change measurement units (e.g., mph to km/h, °F to °C), navigate to the desired measurement mode.
- Press and hold the center button (O) for 2 seconds. The unit will flash.
- Use the arrow buttons to select the desired unit.
- Press the center button (O) again to confirm your selection.
Maintenance
Cleaning
- Wipe the exterior of the unit with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- For the impeller, gently blow air through it to remove dust or debris. Avoid using compressed air directly on the bearings.
Battery Replacement
- When the low battery indicator appears on the display, replace the AAA battery promptly.
- Follow the battery installation steps outlined in the Setup section.
Storage
- Store the Kestrel 3500 in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- If storing for an extended period, remove the battery to prevent leakage.
Troubleshooting
- Unit does not power on: Check battery installation and ensure the battery is fresh.
- Inaccurate readings: Ensure sensors are clean and unobstructed. Allow the unit to acclimate to the environment for a few minutes before taking readings. For wind speed, ensure the impeller is spinning freely.
- Display is blank or frozen: Remove and reinsert the battery to perform a soft reset. If the issue persists, contact customer support.
Specifications
- Dimensions: Approximately 4.8 x 1.7 x 1.1 inches (122 x 42 x 28 mm)
- Weight: Approximately 2.3 ounces (65 grams) with battery
- Power: 1 x AAA battery (included)
- Operating Temperature: -22 to 122 °F (-30 to 50 °C)
- Water Resistance: IP67 (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
- Measurements: Wind Speed (current, average, max gust), Temperature, Relative Humidity, Barometric Pressure, Altitude, Dew Point, Heat Index, Wind Chill.
Warranty and Support
Kestrel products are designed for durability and accuracy. For specific warranty details and to register your product, please refer to the official Kestrel website or the warranty card included with your purchase. For technical support, troubleshooting assistance beyond this manual, or replacement parts, please contact Kestrel customer service directly.
Note: Specifications and features are subject to change without notice. Always refer to the latest information available from the manufacturer.





