How to Find Wind Direction with a Kestrel Wind Meter
A Kestrel Wind Meter will record wind speed with its impeller wheel. However, to get the most accurate wind velocity reading, you need to have your Kestrel properly aligned with the wind direction. To find wind direction, first orient the Kestrel so that the impeller runs at minimal speed (or stops), and only then turn the BACK of the Kestrel into the wind direction. Do NOT simply rotate the Kestrel’s back panel looking for the highest wind speed reading — that’s not the correct method for finding wind direction. Rotate the side of the Kestrel into the wind first, aiming for minimal impeller movement. The correct procedure is explained below by the experts at Applied Ballistics.
| How to Find the Wind Direction with a Kestrel Wind Meter
Here is the correct way to determine wind direction with a Kestrel wind meter when you have no environmental aids — no other tools than a Kestrel. (NOTE: To determine wind direction, a mounted Wind Vane is the most effective tool, but you can also look at flags, blowing grass, or even the lanyard on your Kestrel). Step 1: Find the wind’s general direction. Step 2: Rotate the Wind Meter 90 degrees, so that the wind is impacting the side (and not the back) of the wind meter, while still being able to see the impeller. Step 3: Fine-tune the direction until the impeller drastically slows, or comes to a complete stop (a complete stop is preferred). If the impeller won’t come to a complete stop, find the direction which has the lowest impact on the impeller. Step 4: Turn the BACK of the Kestrel towards the direction from which the wind is blowing. Then press the capture button, and record your wind speed. Do NOT simply point the Kestrel’s back into the wind until you get the highest wind speed — that’s not the correct method. |
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Tags: Applied Ballistics, Kestrel, Velocity, Wind Meter
Can you explain to me why pointing it into the wind to get the highest wind speed won’t give you the wind direction? If you turn it parallel to the wind to get a speed of 0 and then turn it 90 degrees to get the reading, wouldn’t that give you maximum force on the impeller and therefor maximum wind speed? Doesn’t this do the same thing as getting the maximum wind speed by facing the wind to get the highest reading? Are you implying that a wind direction that is at some angle to the impeller is giving a higher reading? To me this doesn’t seem to make any sense – it seems that maximum wind speed would be indicated when facing directly into the wind direction, no matter how you get that reading. Help me understand this reasoning – thanks.
Just a follow-up thought on wind direction. If you turn it sideways to get a reading of 0 then you don’t need to turn it 90 degrees – the side is already facing into the wind. You don’t have to turn it 90 degrees to get the wind direction. It still seems to be making the whole process more complicated than it needs to be. Besides, wind hardly ever blows in the exact same direction for any length of time – there is variation in direction so any general direction would probably work. Still confused…
Doesn’t it make more sense to just attach a small string to the Kestrel that will act as a wind flag to tell direction?