Wind Meters (re-visited)

[Reef Runner]

After a previous topic [http://kitelife.com/forum/topic/5458-wind-meter/#entry36657], started by Michael Allen, concerning wind meters (i.e. do I need one, which is best, etc, etc), there were several opinions expressed by various forum members, ranging from, "why, why not, what kind, which one, and just plain, if you love gadgets and just gotta have one, oh, and of course, the plain old - NOT necessary".

I suppose that the two most prominent meters, bringing on the most discussion, were the Windtronics 2, and the Kestrel 1000. At the time, I had never heard of the Windtronics 2, and being a long time owner of a Kestrel 1000, presented a strong case for that meter. Never-the-less, through all of the "friendly chatter", back and forth, the Windtronics 2 still sparked my interest (and I do love gadgets), especially with recommendations coming from several, highly respected forum members.

Some of my last comments, under the previous Wind Meter topic, were as follows:

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Again, I've never had my hands on one of the Windtronic units (maybe I should), and my comments were based purely, on what I read, as I researched the item, on-line. I was simply saying, that IMHO, the Kestrel units (and there are a whole series of them), appear to be very well known, and seem to carry a very good reputation, especially from the non-recreational sector, which usually speaks pretty well, for any kind of scientific instrument. The Kestrel units likewise carry the extended warranty, as well as great customer service, and yes, the units are contained within a pretty sturdy housing, along with a slide-on shield, which I would assume serves to help protect the electronic and mechanical workings within, eliminating the need for a dedicated carry case.

I'm in no way saying that the Windtronics unit is bad, just quoting second hand information, which I suppose I shouldn't have done. After a bit more research, I may even try one, myself (?). Again, I do like the "wind from any direction" feature.

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So again, either way, I didn't mean to be too critical, but from what I saw, and I did a lot of looking, the Kestrel simply seemed to have a better reputation, overall, it has an extended warranty, somewhat better accuracy, and seems to be built a bit more robustly. Again, the one thing I did like about the Windtronic, was the "wind from any direction" feature, but again, I can figure that out for myself. I would really love to be able to compare the two units, side by side. I will definitely be on the lookout for someone with a Windtronic unit, because I always have my Kestrel with me when flying (not that I need it so much, just out of habit).

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NOW - Fast forward about 3 weeks, and after a few PM's with Jeepster (Tom), here are some of my recent comments, concerning my "newest gadget", along with eating a little "crow".......

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Hey Tom,

Got it ! You are right ! This is a very nice wind meter, very easy to operate, and I really do like it. Of course, I just love gadgets, anyway. Neat idea with the threaded hole at the bottom, for mounting on a tripod, too.

Now I'll have to take it out, along with the Kestrel and the Dwyer, and do a little comparison study..........(if we could just get a little breeze here)

Thanks for your help..........nick

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Hi Tom,

Ok, I've done several comparisons of the Windtronics 2, and the Kestrel 1000, all in light winds (<10mph). Side by side, I never observed more than 1/10th mph difference. Probably 95% of the time, they were both reading the exact same, to the 1/10th mph. I do really like the fact, that you can put the Windtronics on a mini-tripod, and let it rip, and in any direction. I also like the easy way you can change modes on the Windtronics, plus the Beaufort Scale, that's always there. I've got to say, that both units appear to be quite accurate, or consistent with each other, anyway.

The only real plus for the Kestrel (IMO), I suppose, is that it fits into the pocket, a bit better (slimmer), and with the built-in, slide on cover, there's less chance of scratching the window, or doing damage to the unit.

All in all, I really like both units, as they both have there +'s and -'s.

For continuous set up, and use, I'd definitely have to pick the Windtronics.

From a ruggedness standpoint, I'd have to pick the Kestrel, although, I haven't really had a chance to take the Windtronics out for a fly day, yet.

In your opinion, do you find the little cage around the spinning cups, to be pretty substantial. I suppose that's the main thing, that concerns me, but of course, there's really nothing at all to protect the propeller on the Kestrel either.

All in all, I really do like the Windtronics, but as I mentioned before, I just love gadgets of all kinds........

Have a good weekend............nick

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Nick,

Glad you like the Windtronics. I tend to take care (extra care probably) of my equipment, so haven't had any problems or concerns with the cage on the unit. Can't say I've ever read a review of it failing. But, it has necessarily thin supports, so that possibility does exist.

You've given a great review of the two units within our e-mails. How about posting a review/comparison of the two units on the forum? All the plus/minus points you've mentioned, etc.

Cheers,

Tom

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So, here it is.........I do like both units. They both have their place (+'s & -'s). Either gadget will serve you well, IF, you've just got to have one. I suppose there's nothing like a little hands-on, before taking a firm stand.

And again, this review is worth exactly what it cost you.............It's simply my opinion

[Joespickles]

The tripod feature seem really cool, I have multiple tripods, sizes, widow mounts, suction cups, Would be handy to set it up and leave it, I only have a fairly inexpensive lacrosse model, Compared to the one my seven yr old made with Dixie cups and straws its ok

[Reef Runner]

The tripod feature seem really cool, I have multiple tripods, sizes, widow mounts, suction cups, Would be handy to set it up and leave it, I only have a fairly inexpensive lacrosse model, Compared to the one my seven yr old made with Dixie cups and straws its ok

Heck, for all we know, the "Dixie cup and straw", is probably all we need...........

But seriously, back to the Windtronics 2, and setting it up and leaving it - - you can do that for approximately 8 days (according to manual), and then it will cut itself off, automatically...... Oh, and the battery is capable of lasting up to 10 years..... really (?) !

[makatakam]

However, it appears that with either of these two meters, if your batteries die you'll have to stop flying and run out to get fresh batteries, or get them out of your bag and install them. While you are doing that I will take over the best part of the field in which you were flying, and not really care much about whether the wind is at 4.7 or 5.1 mph.

I guess I like them both! Thank you.

[Reef Runner]

Hey Mark,

Now that's a lot of variation - from 4.7 to 5.1 mph. That could mean "choppy winds, or gusts" ! Yikes ! Run for your life............

Just kidding, of course......but that's the whole thing here. If you just gotta have gadgets, they are both very cool, and both appear to be very reliable. Are either necessary ? - NO ! But, what can I say ?

[Wayne Dowler]

Save the money - buy more kites!!

[Reef Runner]

Save the money - buy more kites!!

That's no fun...........just gotta have gadgets !

[Wayne Dowler]

Already got my "gadget" - hair on my neck works every time and is always ready to use!! HAHAHA!!!!

Ears make a good back up system!!

[--Pete]

There is always the old "wet-finger" method of gauging wind direction and strength. There's a gadget that most of us have handy.

[makatakam]

Save the money - buy more kites!!

That's no fun...........just gotta have gadgets !

Kites are my favorite gadgets.

[Reef Runner]

There is always the old "wet-finger" method of gauging wind direction and strength. There's a gadget that most of us have handy.

I kinda liked your "Pete's Down-Tronic" wind meter

[Wayne Dowler]

Nice thing is - you never leave home without it!

[Reef Runner]

Nice thing is - you never leave home without it!

Well, maybe not yours, but Pete was using a small piece of "down", attached to a piece of thread, hence the reference to "Pete's Down-Tronics" wind meter

[bbailey49]

I use the Skymate from ITW. Got it as a gift (I asked for it). Does what I want it to do. I use it to calibrate my neck hairs (i always think the wind is higher than it actually is) and as a second check on how things are feeling coming down the lines. I also like to compare the wind I read at the field to what the weather channel app says, so I know if its worth even trying. 5 mph from the SW is closer to 5 at the field than 5 mph from the NE. The swirls of the hills here in East Tennessee affect my local weather monitoring station more or less depending on the direction. I can't help tinkering with different setups depending on the wind. I have a couple of little charts that I've made showing kite, frame, line, wind configurations and how it felt. I can't help it, I'm an engineer.

[Reef Runner]

I used my new Windtronic 2, while I was at the coast last week. I set it up on a tripod, and let it rip for extended periods. Pretty neat to be able to walk by, and see the wind speed, the maximum gust, as well as the days average, all on one screen...........I do believe this thing is a keeper....

[Khal]

I use the cheapest little Skywatch model. Not too accurate, I'm sure. It has one advantage, though. It's so small and light that I've tied it to the kite to get a rough estimate of the winds at altitude.

[Reef Runner]

I use the cheapest little Skywatch model. Not too accurate, I'm sure. It has one advantage, though. It's so small and light that I've tied it to the kite to get a rough estimate of the winds at altitude.

Hmmmm ! That sounds like an interesting new project...........

[Wayne Dowler]

Not sure how to tie a wet finger to kite???

[Reef Runner]

Not sure how to tie a wet finger to kite???

Use a plain old lark's head, just make sure it's cinched up, right behind the knuckle

[Wayne Dowler]

Just not sure how to get an accurate reading??

[John Barresi]

I'd be remiss if I didn't cross-post this for reference.

http://kitelife.com/forum/topic/5576-iphoneandroid-wind-meter-addon/

[bbailey49]

I'm considering it, John.