Get started with a new Kestrel DROP
Determine What You are Testing
Are you concerned about areas of high heat or cold?
- Place a Kestrel DROP D1 in those areas
Is temperature and humidity an issue?
- Use a Kestrel DROP D2 in any areas where tracking humidity is important
Are you concerned about the total environment, including station pressure?
- Use a Kestrel DROP D3
Are the conditions in the area you are testing fairly stable all over?
- You may only need one DROP. If it is more variable (for example, you are testing in an area with lots of machines giving off heat, or an uninsulated area with doors/windows), consider using multiple to track the changes.
App Settings
Units of Measure
- Go into App Preference and select either Imperial or Metric.
Auto Connect
- Use a Kestrel DROP D3
Are you concerned about the total environment, including station pressure?
- Determine whether or not you would like your iOS device to automatically connect to the DROPs whenever you are in range. You will still be able to see the DROP and manually connect if you have this turned off.
- For longer testing, you will most likely want to turn this off to conserve battery life.
Pair and Configure DROP
Connect to your DROPs
- As you walk through the area you are testing, it is easiest to pair with the DROPs one at a time
- Remove the battery door and pull the tab. After the tab has been removed, you should see the DROP available for connection
Rename the DROP (upon set up)
- Name the DROP for the location you are placing it for easy identification
Set logging rate (under "Manage", then "Manage Data Logs")
- For discrete studies, set Wrap OFF. For ongoing, set Wrap ON (if it is on, once the log is full, it will start logging over the oldest data. If it is off, it will stop logging once the log is full)
- Set the logging rate. For a higher resolution, set for a smaller time. (The trade off here is lower batter life and you will be quicker to fill your data log. This works well for shorter experiments)
Clear data log (under "Manage", then "Manage Data Logs")
- If you already had data on this DROP, make sure the log is clear after you place it
Alerts (under "Manage", then "Manage Alerts")
- You are able to select which readings you would like to receive an alert for. You will only receive an alert if you are within BT range. If you have the Device Power Savings turned on, you will only receive an alert if you are in the app.
Data Collection
Get within range
- Line of sight is 100ft, will be shorter through walls and machinery
Dashboard and Readings
- Real time data can be viewed on the editable "Dashboard" and "Readings" screens
Stats and Log
- Once you are within range, the app will start pulling the data log. These are viewable within the "Stats" and "Log" screens
Exporting Data
- On the “Stats” screen there is an "Export Data" button, from there you can email out a csv file
- You can also send a quick snapshot of your real time data from the "Dashboard"", with "Share Dashboard""