Kestrel 5500FW Fire Weather Meter Pro
The all-in-one hand-held belt weather kit replacement, including every critical weather measurement, PIG, and FDFM. Measure, log, track trends and expand capabilities with the free Kestrel LiNK App (LiNK model only).
- Measures wind speed (anemometer) and direction, temperature (thermometer), humidity (hygrometer), water vapor content of the atmosphere (psychrometer), plus 10 other meterological paramenter.
- Probability of Ignition (PIG) and Fine Dead Fuel Moisture (FDFM) built-in for readings with no reference tables needed.
- Quick and consistently accurate measurements reduce the risk of human error possible with manual weather kits.
- Kestrel Rotating Vane Mount included with LiNK enabled units to make the world’s most portable weather station.
Kestrel 5500FW Fire Weather Meter Pro Overview
Environmental Measures | |
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Altitude (Barometric) | |
Barometric Pressure | |
Compass Direction | |
Crosswind | |
Density Altitude | |
Dew Point Temperature | |
Fine Dead Fuel Moisture (FDFM) | |
Globe Temperature | |
Headwind/Tailwind | |
Heat Stress Index | |
Naturally Aspirated Wet Bulb Temperature | |
Pressure Trend | |
Probability of Ignition (PIG) | |
Relative Humidity | |
Station Pressure (Absolute Pressure) | |
Temperature | |
Wet Bulb Temperature (Psychrometric) | |
Wind Chill | |
Wind Direction | |
Wind Speed/Air Speed | |
Tips For Taking Accurate Measurements |
The fast and easy tool for taking weather observations, the Kestrel 5500FW Fire Weather Meter Pro provides NIST-traceable accuracy, reliability and usability when it matters most. Measure every environmental condition plus PIG and FDFM and view trends with on-screen data graphing. Drop-proof, dust-proof, waterproof and able to withstand extreme environments without damage, your Kestrel Fire Weather meter can stand up to the abuses of work on a fire line wherever you’re assigned. A variety of carry pouch options makes it even easier to take your Kestrel Fire Weather meter with you. The Kestrel 5500FW Fire Weather Meter Pro offers a large, high-resolution and contrast display and highly readable numerals. The Kestrel 5500FW also includes a built-in dual color backlight, extra-strong polycarbonate lens and single AA battery operation. In addition to measuring the current environmental conditions, the Kestrel 5500F tracks and logs over 10,000 sets of time-stamped data, providing a complete history of conditions on the fire from the moment you arrive. With optional LiNK wireless connectivity, your data log can be transferred to a Kestrel LiNK app (available on Android) for easy export and email to an FBAN or meteorologist. LiNK enabled units come with Kestrel Vane Mount, creating a wireless pop up weather station for accurate readings and tracking trends. Data can be downloaded to a PC with either the accessory Kestrel LiNK Dongle or waterproof USB Data Transfer Cable (Both sold separately).
Engraving Note: Please make sure that everything is spelled correctly, as your engraved product cannot be returned. All sales are final on engraved products. Add 2 business days to all engraving orders.
- Backlight - Switchable White/Red
- Battery Life Indicator
- Data Log Graph View
- Data Logging - Adjustable Interval
- Date & Time
- Digital Compass
- Drop-Tested to MIL-STD-810G
- Integrated Flip Open Impeller Cover
- Intuitive Tactile Up/Down/Enter Keypad
- LiNK Wireless Communication to Mobile Devices (Bluetooth low energy)*
- Multilingual Menus (English, French, Spanish, German)
- Pressure Sensor
- Relative Humidity Sensor
- Temperature Sensor (Patented External Isolated)
- Waterproof to IP67 (3'/1M for 30 minutes)
* Applies to LiNK models only
- Battery - 1 x AA
- Certificate Of Conformity (Spec Sheet)
- Instructions
- Lanyard
- Protective Drawstring Pouch
Kestrel LiNK for iOS & Android
The Kestrel LiNK® App for iOS/Android allows you to Wirelessly connect with iOS and Android devices and remotely view real-time environmental data and receive alerts for changing conditions. Available for your Kestrel 5 Series Meter or DROP Logger, Kestrel LiNK also provides easy transfer of the Kestrel's stored data log, a clear graph of all historical data. Alerts can be customized based on temperature, heat index, wind, or other measurements. LiNK enables easy firmware updates of Kestrel 5 series meters.
Data is transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth® Low Energy within wireless range (100' line of sight- reduced by walls and obstructions). Mobile device and Kestrel must remain within range to trigger alerts.
Learn more about what the Kestrel LiNK app can do for you.
Download from your App Store
An application that can be used to view and analyze your Kestrel data on an iOS or Android device.
Kestrel LiNK for Windows and MAC
Kestrel LiNK for Windows and MAC provides a desktop solution for data retrieval and export as well as firmware updates. Expanded connectivity options allow you to wirelessly connect LiNK enabled Kestrel 5 Series Meters, using the optional LiNK USB Dongle, or make a wired USB connection with non-LiNK Kestrel 5 Meters using the USB Data Transfer Cable.
Kestrel LiNK for Windows (Size: 10.7 MB)
Kestrel LiNK Version 1.04.04 for Windows
Kestrel LiNK for OSX (Size: 10 MB)
Kestrel LiNK Version 1.04.04 for OSX
Kestrel LiNK Devices on Ambient Weather Network
Kestrel LiNK devices, including the Kestrel 5000 series meters and Kestrel DROP data loggers, can now connect to the cloud-based Ambient Weather Network (AWN) platform for extended remote monitoring capabilities.*
You can set up your Kestrel device at any desired location that has an internet connection and then view the onsite conditions from wherever you are -- on the AWN app or AmbientWeather.net. You do not have to be onsite to remain in the know about your weather conditions.
Create a free account at AmbientWeather.net
*The Kestrel LiNK device data transfer to the AWN cloud platform functionality is specific to Android devices, as the integration with AWN and the transmission of data via the LiNK app relies on the Android platform's capabilities. The Android device must be within Bluetooth range and connected to the internet in order to transmit data from the Kestrel device to the AWN cloud platform. This allows for real-time monitoring and data analysis from virtually anywhere.
The specs on this page relate to all Kestrel 5 series meters. Just because a measurement is listed in this chart does not necessarily mean that it is included with all meters. To see a listing of all measurements and features for this meter, please click on the In-Depth tab above.
SENSORS | ||||
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SENSORS | ACCURACY | RESOLUTION | SPECIFICATION RANGE | NOTES |
Wind Speed | Air Speed | Larger of 3% of reading, least significant digit or 20 ft/min Speed |
0.1 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 Temperature |
0.9 °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 Humidity | 2%RH | 0.1 %RH | 10 to 90% 25°C noncondensing | To 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. |
Pressure |
1.5 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. |
Compass | 5° |
1° 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. |
CALCULATED MEASUREMENTS | |||
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MEASUREMENT | ACCURACY (+/-) | RESOLUTION | SENSORS EMPLOYED |
Air Density |
0.0002 lb/ft3 0.0033 kg/m |
0.001 lbs/ft3 0.001 kg/m3 |
Temperature, Relative Humidity Pressure |
Air Flow | 6.71% |
1 cfm 1 m3/hr 1 m3/m 0.1m3/s 1 L/s |
Air Speed, User Input (Duct Shape & Size) |
Altitude |
typical: 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 m | Pressure, User Input (Reference Pressure) |
Barometric Pressure |
0.07 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/Tailwind | 7.1% |
1 mph 1 ft/min 0.1 km/h 0.1 m/s 0.1 knots |
Wind Speed, Compass |
Delta T |
3.2 °F 1.8 °C |
0.1 °F 0.1 °C | Temperature, Relative Humidity Pressure |
Density Altitude |
226 ft 69 m |
1 ft 1 m | Temperature, Relative Humidity Pressure |
Dew Point |
3.4 °F 1.9 °C 15- 95% RH. Refer to Range for Temperature Sensor |
0.1 °F 0.1 °C |
Temperature, Relative Humidity |
Evaporation Rate |
0.01 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 Index |
7.1°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 - Psychrometric |
3.2 °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 Chill |
1.6 °F 0.9 °C |
0.1 °F 0.1 °C |
Wind Speed, Temperature |
ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFO | |
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Display & Backlight | Multifunction, multidigit monochrome dot-matrix display. Choice of white or red LED backlight. |
Response Time & Display Update | Display 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 History | Logged 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 Option | Wireless 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/Calendar | Real-time hours:minutes:seconds clock, calendar, automatic leap-year adjustment. |
Auto Shutdown | User-selectable – Off, 15-60 minutes with no key presses. |
Languages | English, French, German, Spanish. |
Certifications | CE certified, RoHS, FCC, IC tested and WEEE compliant. Individually tested to NIST-traceable standards. |
Origin | Designed 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 Life | AA Lithium included. Up to 400 hours of use, reduced by backlight, alert light and buzzer, or Bluetooth radio transmission use. |
Shock Resistance | MIL-STD-810g, Transit Shock, Method 516.6 Procedure IV; unit only; impact may damage replaceable impeller. |
Sealing | Waterproof (IP67 and NEMA-6) |
Display & Battery Operational Temperature Limits | 14° 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 & Weight | 5.0 x 1.9 x 1.1 in | 12.7 x 4.5 x 2.8 cm, 4.3 oz | 121 g. (Lithium battery included) |
Models & SKUs:
- Kestrel 5500FW Fire Weather Meter PRO(orange): 0855FWORA
- Kestrel 5500 Fire Weather Meter PRO with LiNK + Vane Mount (orange) 0855FWLVORA