KestrelMet 6000 Food Plot Weather Station
The KestrelMet 6000 Food Plot Weather Station is the ideal solution for planning the optimum location for food plots, monitoring conditions during the growing season, and getting hyper-local wind data during hunting season. This rugged, highly accurate food plot weather station comes with a metal tripod mount and includes sensors for measuring solar irradiance, soil moisture, and soil temperature.
KestrelMet 6000 Food Plot Weather Station Overview
The KestrelMet 6000 Food Plot Weather Station is built on a commercial-grade platform and includes a fan-aspirated temperature and RH sensor.
The soil sensor array measures soil moisture and temperature conditions at three depths, providing reliable profile data that corresponds to the entire root zone, allowing the grower to optimize irrigation strategies.
Solar irradiance sensors provide precise crop and environmental information to ensure the most effective integrated pest management program.
GROW AND MAINTAIN A THRIVING FOOD PLOT
We believe in simple, comprehensive weather monitoring solutions that are affordable, easy to deploy, and require minimal decision-making. The KestrelMet 6000 is the most cost-effective and easy-to-use professional-grade weather station available.
The KestrelMet 6000 is a rugged, cost-effective one-time investment that will help you grow and maintain a thriving food plot for years of successful hunting. Choosing the cellular data transmission option enables you to deploy the station in remote areas and view that data from the KestrelMet cloud within minutes. With the online dashboard and app, you can conveniently access your food plot weather data on a mobile device — whenever you want and wherever you are.
Measurements
- Temperature
- Relative Humidity
- Wind Speed
- Wind Direction
- Dewpoint
- Barometric Pressure
- Rainfall
- Solar Irradiance
- Soil Temperature and Moisture Sensors
Features
- Full suite of meteorological measurements
- Add-on sensors for solar irradiance and soil sensor array - soil moisture and soil temperature (3 different depths)
- All-in-one design for 20-minute setup
- Optional Integrated Cellular modem with cloud-connected data plan for less than $5/month
- Intelligent Power Management ensures reliable reporting even in short day and cloudy conditions
- High-power photovoltaic panel
- Standard 24-hr aspirated fan
- Highly visible LED status lights
- Telescoping wind sensor mast
ALL-IN-ONE DESIGN WITH PLUG-AND-PLAY SENSORS
The KestrelMet 6000 is an all-in-one station with a one-click ordering experience. Equipped with a high-power photovoltaic panel, backup battery, and intelligent power management, the KestrelMet requires no external power source.
Solar Irradiance:
The solar irradiance sensor helps optimize plant growth and crop placement strategy.
Soil Moisture and Temperature Sensor:
KestrelMet has taken the gold standard for soil moisture measurement and added temperature sensors that maximize the accuracy of the Watermark soil moisture readings. The included soil sensor array consists of 3 probes, each on a 15’ cable. Each probe measures soil water tension using a Watermark sensor and soil temperature less than an inch above the Watermark sensor. Probes are typically buried at 3 different depths corresponding to the root zone of the target vegetation. The soil temperature probes are also used to help you plan the best date to seed the food plot.
The solar irradiance sensor provides accurate measurements of sunlight intensity which is critical in matching the food plot crop to the target location. Depending on your plot’s location and access to resources, it can be impractical to irrigate regularly– the KestrelMet weather station provides the actual onsite conditions of your plot so you irrigate only when necessary and with the least amount of water required.
Soil Sensor Array Probe Depth
DATA INTEGRATION
The KestrelMet 6000 is an all-in-one, self-powered weather station that integrates easily into data-driven technology using a cloud-based API.
Our API offers integration, personalization, and automation advantages.
- Share and embed our API weather data into your own platform for a personalized solution that fully leverages your existing technology investments.
- Save time and money with seamless integration and information delivery from our API to your platform via the cloud.
- API data feeds from our high-performance weather station into selected programs so you can visualize field-level and crop-specific insights at a glance for the most informed, real-time decision-making.
SIMPLE SETUP
We believe that ordering your station should be just as easy as maintaining and installing. The simple design and wireless technology allow for quick deployment and over-the-air upgrades.
Step 2
Set Up Your Weather Station
Quickly assemble and easily install your KestrelMet 6000.
Step 3
View and Manage Your KestrelMet Weather Data
Access your weather data from anywhere on a laptop or mobile.
Low-Cost Cellular Plan
The KestrelMet Cellular Weather Station comes with a cloud-connected data plan from Verizon or AT&T for under $5/month, with the first year of data completely FREE. With a long service life of reliable operation, the powerfully capable KestrelMet 6000 Food Plot Weather Station emerges as the clear winner for value and performance when compared to other leading farm weather stations.
KestrelMet Weather Station Manuals
KestrelMet 6000 Cellular Weather Station Instruction Manual
(Size: 4.7 MB)
KestrelMet 6000 Cellular Weather Station Soil Sensor Array
(Size: 1.1 MB)
KestrelMet® 6000 Cellular Specifications
(Size: 1.7 MB)
Product Questions
Text or Email alerts can be sent when a specific parameter is out of range.
If the value exceeds (greater than or less than) the alert amount, a text or email is sent.
Once the value falls within the normal range, the alert is reset, and an alarm can be sent again once outside the range again. This prevents repeated alerts for the same parameter.
The Notification Time Window is the minimum time after an alert can be repeated for the same condition. This is useful for parameters like wind speed, that change often and rapidly.
Here is an example scenario with the Notification Time Window set to 10 minutes.
If Wind Speed is greater than 20, send an alert.
- Time: 2:00 pm. Wind Speed is 24. Alert is sent.
- Time: 2:03 pm. Wind Speed is 12. Alert is reset.
- Time: 2:05 pm. Wind Speed is 26. Alert is not set because 5 minutes ago, the alert was already sent.
- Time: 2:12 pm. Wind Speed is 24. Alert is sent.
More than one alert can be set for the same parameter. Here is an example
Wind Speed > 20 mph
Wind Speed > 30 mph
Wind Speed > 40 mph
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WeatherUnderground.com (or <href="wunderground.com"> Wunderground.com) is a free, public weather data hosting service, and has accumulated the largest number of reporting weather stations in the world.</href="wunderground.com">
Weather Underground is owned by IBM, where the data is used for prediction services.
Share and compare your data with neighbors, friends and family.
Wunderground.com Features:
- The most popular personal weather station (PWS) hosting service in the world
- Free ‘cloud based’ service
- Real-time Streaming Updates (rapid fire)
- Weather Station Google Mapping
- Unlimited Historical data archiving (daily, monthly, yearly and custom)
- WeatherCam integration with time lapse video and daily archiving (weathercams sold separately)
- To create a free account, visit: www.wunderground.com
- Once you have created an account, select My Profile | My Weather Stations, or link below: https://www.wunderground.com/personal-weather-station/mypws
- Tap the Add a New PWS button and proceed through the wizard.
- Once completed, you will receive a Station ID and Station Key:
- Enter this Station ID and Station Key into AmbientWeather.net.
Note: If you entered this station ID and key into the console, do not enter it in KestrelMet.net. You do not want redundant data reporting to Wunderground.com. To learn more about WeatherUnderground.com and other apps, please visit: Here
WeatherCam images can be uploaded, viewed, and shared on AmbientWeather.net. This feature is currently available on the website version.
From the devices panel, select Add WeatherCam
Next, choose the format for your camera (FTP or URL):
- FTP: Most network cameras include FTP upload.
- URL: If you are hosting on another website, provide a URL.
FTP: option:
The website automatically generates the servername, username, and password. Enter these credentials into your camera’s ftp network settings.
– Some cameras like Foscam may require you to enter the server header ftp://ftp.kestrelmet.net, rather than ftp.kestrelmet.net.
– Select passive mode (PASV), if available.
– The maximum upload interval is one minute. Program an upload interval of 60 seconds or greater.
Enter the static URL associated with your camera hosting software. An example for the Nest Camera is referenced below.
Once the camera image has successfully uploaded to the server, the image will appear next to the WeatherCam credentials.
To make your WeatherCam public, select the checkbox “Allow others to view your weather cam“. It will take up to 48 hours for approval. Only images that point outside and show a portion of the sky will be approved.
Once your WeatherCam is public, it will be displayed on the WeatherCam map:
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.
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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:
| Operating Mode | Standard | Power Saver | Logging | Hibernation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KestrelMet.net Battery Level | Battery Charged | Low battery | Critically Low Battery | Critically Low Battery |
| Aspirated Sensor Measurement Frequency | 1 min | 2 min | 5 min | None |
| Fan Aspiration | Active 24 Hours | Active 24 Hours | Active 24 Hours | Off |
| Cellular DataTransmission Frequency | 15 min | 15 min | 24 hr | None |
| Blinking LED | Green | Blue | Red | Red |
| LED Frequency | 10 sec | 10 sec | 10 sec | 20 sec |
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.
... PermalinkYou should choose the mobile carrier that has the best coverage for your area. It does not matter which carrier you personally use as you can see the data without having an AT&T or Verizon account.
... PermalinkThe Cellular version uses cellular data. The Wi-Fi version transmits via Wi-Fi up to 1000 ft line of sight.
... PermalinkThe cost is $50 per year to continue the coverage which is the lowest plan on the market today.
... PermalinkSun coverage is important to keep the unit powered. So choosing a place with adequate sunlight will help keep it powered in low sun / cloudy conditions. The other consideration is in a unsheltered area and higher up to help catch the current wind conditions, bearing in mind that you may have to clean the rain gauge occasionally. Lastly, if you mount it next to something that radiates heat (i.e., a black fence), this could slightly raise the temperature readings. If you are using a tripod mount, you may want to secure it to the ground or weigh it down in higher wind areas.
... PermalinkYes. You can add as many devices as you want to your account and toggle between them.
... PermalinkAfter entering your location into your account, a Google map lookup is done based on that location and uses the altitude of your location to calculate the barometric pressure.
... PermalinkA 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.
... PermalinkKestrelMet Soil Sensor Array Web References
Available Water Conversion Tables for Soil Moisture Monitors
Irrigation Scheduling Strategies When Using Soil Water Data
How to use Watermark sensors for irrigation
Moisture Sensor Agricultural Irrigation Design Manual
Soil water tension irrigation criteria for various crops
Watermark Granular Matrix Sensor to Measure Soil Matric Potential for Irrigation Management
KestrelMet Soil Sensor Array Video References
KestrelMet Soil Sensor Array Installation
KestrelMet Soil Sensor Array Installation from Nielsen Kellerman on Vimeo.
U of Nebraska Watermark probe installation:
MMM consultants Watermark probe installation:
U of Nebraska irrigation scheduling basics:
U of Georgia irrigation scheduling:
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.
Please see this video on installing the KestrelMet 6000 WiFi station:
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