huntingmotherearth

The Kestrel DROP D3 is a rugged environmental data logging unit. Photo: Kestrel

Many times while hunting, I have wished I knew what the weather conditions were at a specific treestand, but all I have been able to pull up is a generic weather forecast for the area. Now, with help from Kestrel, I can know the current conditions anywhere I place a DROP D3!

The Kestrel DROP is small, only 2.4 x 1.8 x 0.9 inches, and can perform environmental data logging anywhere you wish, wireless. You are able to view your current conditions in real time, with the log update being able to be changed from 2 seconds to as long as 12 hours.With the addition of the Kestrel Connect for iPhones, or I used the Kestrel Link for Android, you can view the conditions right on your phone. The DROP is small, rugged, accurate and waterproof! Hang the DROP by the attached loop to the area you want to monitor. The battery has a life of 6 months or up to 1 year depending on the user settings. With the app you can view, chart, record and monitor your conditions in which ever environment you choose to place it.

The app allows you to view the information your DROP has accumulated in several different views; dashboard, readings, stats and log. The Dashboard shows you the most current temperature, relative humidity, and heat stress. The Readings screen gives you the temperature, relative humidity, heat stress, dew point, station pressure and density altitude. The Stats screen shows you the maximum, minimum and average of the Readings screen. The Log screen puts the Readings screen into the 6 different logs, with the ability to select a date range to log. There is also a Manage screen which allows you to name you individual DROPs so you can quickly identify where the information is coming from. You can also set alerts to let you know when your criteria is met.

I have to tree stands located within 1/4 mile of each other.

On February 25, there was a full degree of temperature difference and 20% relative humidity between my 2 tree stands.
Photo: Diane Hassinger

Generally, I would assume that the conditions would be the same, but with the placement of 2 DROPS, I found out that the creek bottom stand is always between 1 and 4 degrees colder than the Muddycreek stand up the hill from it. Now I am able to anticipate the differences better and be prepared for them. You are limited to the distance your cellular blue-tooth can connect with the Drop 3.

Recently I was on an extended work trip during some of the worst weather Pennsylvania experienced in 2016. For the first time ever, I had water pipes in my home freeze and burst. After the repairs were made, I needed to leave for an additional 3-4 weeks. To ease my mind, I placed the DROP near where the break had occurred, so my daughter could watch the temperature from her nearby home, and have someone respond before there was more damage. I set the alerts on the app to let her know if the temperature dropped below 38 degrees. Luckily she never received an alert, and the pipes didn’t freeze again.

Another use for the DROP 3 that I am going to utilize this summer, is monitoring my root cellar. We need to maintain a lower temperature and a stable humidity to keep my food stores properly. I had tried different thermometers, but they corroded quickly and were a waste of money. With the DROP being waterproof, I should not ever have that problem again.

The MSRP of the Kestrel DROP D3 is $179 and is available in blue, tan and red. You can purchase the DROP D3 at http://www.nkhome.com/ballistics-products/weather-meters/kestrel-drop-d3-pressure-temperature-humidity-logger. I plan to add several of the DROPs to my hunting equipment, so I am never caught unaware by surprise again!

Kestrel is the sole property of its rightful owner and used within this writing solely for the promotion of products herein as requested by the product’s manufacturer.

Endorsement Disclosure: Per the guidelines of the Federal Trade Commission, the products reviewed in these product reviews is an endorsement and the writer may have been compensated by “in-kind” payment to review the product.

This post originally published at http://ladiesincamo.com/licpr/2016/03/07/kestrel-drop-d3-diane-hassinger/