The KestrelMet 6000 AG Weather Station makes vineyard and orchard weather monitoring simpler and more affordable. Pre-configured for full compatibility with NEWA’s agricultural production tools, the KestrelMet AG comes equipped with all the standard meteorological sensors along with leaf wetness and solar irradiance monitoring. With hardware and subscriptions that cost less than half of what other leading companies charge, the KestrelMet 6000 delivers the lowest total cost of ownership for a rugged cellular weather station.
The KestrelMet 6000 AG can be customized by adding sensors for monitoring soil moisture, soil temperature, leaf wetness, and solar irradiance.
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.
Leaf wetness and solar irradiance sensors provide precise crop and environmental information to ensure the most effective integrated pest management program.
We believe in simple, comprehensive weather stations that are affordable, easy to deploy, and require minimal decision-making. The KestrelMet 6000 AG is the most cost-effective and easy-to-use professional-grade weather station available, so you can produce more with less.
The KestrelMet 6000 is a full solution from the start with built-in cellular modem and optional sensors available to meet the needs of growers and smart farming initiatives. Equipped with an integrated cellular modem, high-power photovoltaic panel, backup battery, and intelligent power management— the KestrelMet 6000 eliminates the need for external power source, electrical grid and Wi-Fi. Gain access to live, continuous data about your fields. You can now optimize production on a field-by-field basis, without having to worry about complex wiring or power source options.
The KestrelMet 6000 is an all-in-one cellular station with a one-click ordering experience. Equipped with an integrated cellular modem, high-power photovoltaic panel, battery, and intelligent power management the KestrelMet requires no external power source or Wi-Fi connectivity required. You no longer have to rely on regional meteorological measurements to manage your systems, schedules, or software. With site-specific information based on your crop and conditions, you can improve irrigation efficiency to maximize yields and reduce waste and costs. The KestrelMet 6000 AG measures your onsite farm conditions and provides you with the exact data needed to make the right decision at the right time saving you time, resources, and unnecessary expenses.
The leaf wetness sensor determines the amount of time a leaf's surface is wet and dry. Perfect for vineyards and orchards, this sensor is key in managing irrigation and protecting plants from fungal diseases early on.
The solar irradiance sensor helps optimize plant growth and crop placement strategy.
Choose to add on a soil moisture and temperature sensor and access hyper-local soil measurements at three separate depths.
The KestrelMet 6000 is an all-in-one, self-powered cellular weather station that integrates easily into data-driven technology using a cloud-based API.
Our API offers integration, personalization, and automation advantages.
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. The KestrelMet is field-upgradeable over the cellular network ensuring zero downtime and the ability to go from box to field in minutes.
Register at KestrelMet.net
Create an online account and connect your device online.
Set Up Your Weather Station
Quickly assemble and easily install your KestrelMet 6000.
View and Manage Your KestrelMet Weather Data
Access your weather data from anywhere on a laptop or mobile.
The KestrelMet comes with a cloud-connected data plan from Verizon or AT&T for under $50/year, with the first year of data completely FREE. Add in a long service life with continuous reliable operation, and the powerfully capable KestrelMet 6000 AG emerges as the clear winner for value and performance when compared to other leading farm weather stations.
How to change your station's location
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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 WiFi Instruction Manual
(Size: 4.9 MB)
KestrelMet® 6000 Cellular Specifications
(Size: 1.7 MB)
KestrelMet® 6000 Wi-Fi Specifications
(Size: 1.7 MB)
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.
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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... PermalinkWeatherCam 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: 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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You 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.
... PermalinkAvailable 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 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:
Please see this video on installing the KestrelMet 6000 WiFi station:
... PermalinkEvery KestrelMet weather station is checked against a precision NIST-traceable reference pressure sensor in our manufacturing process at the Boothwyn PA plant, and the pressure sensors that we use in the KestrelMet 6000 exhibit minimal drift over the 2-year warranty period. For these reasons, we have not engineered a pressure calibration interface for the KestrelMet 6000.
To compare pressure conditions from one location to another, meteorologists correct pressure to sea-level conditions. Because the air pressure decreases as you rise in altitude, the sea-level corrected pressure (the pressure your location would be at if located at sea-level) is generally higher than your measured pressure.
Thus, your absolute pressure may read 28.62 inHg (969 mb) at an altitude of 1000 feet (305 m), but the relative pressure is 30.00 inHg (1016 mb).
The standard sea-level pressure is 29.92 inHg (1013 mb). This is the average sea-level pressure around the world. Relative pressure measurements greater than 29.92 inHg (1013 mb) are considered high pressure and relative pressure measurements less than 29.92 inHg are considered low pressure.
The pressure measurement displayed on AWN is relative pressure. To determine the relative pressure for your location, AWN locates an official reporting station near you, and sets your weather station relative pressure calculation parameters to match the official reporting station. Note that absolute pressure and relative pressure are both included when station data is downloaded.
Pressure details for CWOP MADIS L3 spatial failures:
Based on experience, MADIS failures come and go and are not necessarily an indicator that there is anything out of calibration, especially when barometric pressure is the measurement in question. For MADIS L3 spatial failures, it is very unlikely that your pressure sensor is the cause. This forum thread provides some useful perspectives on the L3 spatial failure, including one user who tried recalibrating their pressure sensor seasonally in an attempt to make the L3 error go away:
https://groups.io/g/wxqc/topic/chasing_the_calibration_tail/21375996
If you have already confirmed that you are sending the correct altitude to CWOP, then it may be one of the nearby stations that is causing the L3 error. Alternatively, you could try changing the altitude in the CWOP interface which will effectively adjust the relative pressure calculated by CWOP.
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