Frequently Asked Questions

KestrelMet Cellular Weather Station Operating modes:

When the power switch is flipped ON, the station will transmit once every 5 minutes for a period of 30 minutes and then revert to normal operation mode, transmitting every 15 minutes. During that time, the multicolor LED on the PV power panel will indicate the connection status:

• Blinking blue within 1 minute of powering on: Bluetooth initializing
• Flashing magenta (every 10 seconds): Attempting to connect to a cellular network
• Flashing green (every 10 seconds): Cellular network connected, Standard Operation
• Flashing blue (every 10 seconds): Cellular network connected, Power Saver Mode
• Flashing red (every 10 seconds): Cellular network connected, Logging Mode
• Flashing red (every 20 seconds): Hibernation Mode

The KestrelMet 6000 station is shipped with a fully charged battery and the station is designed to maintain Normal Operation in subfreezing weather. If solar charging is insufficient due to extended snow cover or installation in a shaded location, the station will change operating modes to conserve power as detailed in the table below:

IMPORTANT: If the station enters hibernation mode due to a depleted battery, the station must be left turned “on” and placed in direct sunlight to recharge. If the station is in hibernation mode for an extended period of time, the red LED will stop blinking. When the battery is charged sufficiently (typically 1-3 days), the station will switch back to Logging mode, then Normal Operation mode as charging allows. You will receive an email notification when the station returns to Normal Operation mode.

This video demonstrates the installation procedure:

A clogged rain bucket on your KestrelMet 6000 Cellular Weather Station can prevent accurate rainfall readings. Follow the steps in this video to easily unclog the rain bucket and keep your unit working properly.

Transmission up to 1000 feet line of sight. Obstructions will affect the transmission range.

Recommendations for KestrelMet Wi-Fi Installation:

• The station should be mounted in a location with strong Wi-Fi signal strength.
• The KestrelMet 6000 Wi-Fi weather station can ONLY connect to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
• You can use third-party tools such as a Wi-Fi analyzer app to plan an optimal location for your station. After your station is registered, you can use the signal indicators on AmbientWeather.net/Devices for live Wi-Fi signal readings.
• Avoid obstructions like buildings, trees, and structures in between your router and the KestrelMet Wi-Fi installation site.

1. The KestrelMet Wi-Fi weather station will not connect to a guest account.
2. The KestrelMet Wi-Fi connects to the 2.4 GHz band on your router. Make sure the 2.4 GHz band is operating and connected to the Internet.
3. If you own a Mesh Network or multiple repeaters, power off all of the secondary nodes and leave the primary node (connected to the Internet) on.
4. Reboot the router.
5. Use the Hidden SSID feature to enter your SSID (whether it is hidden or not). Be careful, the SSID and password are both case-sensitive.

The KestrelMet 6000 cellular weather station can ONLY connect to a cellular network (typically Verizon or AT&T according to your station’s SIM card for US customers), and cannot connect to a Wi-Fi network. You can use provider coverage maps, FCC maps (https://fcc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6c1b2e73d9d749cdb7bc88a0d1bdd25b), or third-party tools such as the Open Signal app or RootMetrics app to plan an optimal location for your station. After your station is registered, you can use the signal indicators on the device's screen for live cellular signal readings.