Kestrel Instruments Support & FAQs

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.