Kestrel Instruments Support & FAQs

Kestrel LiNK Legacy Software

Kestrel LiNK Legacy Software
Lean how to use your Kestrel LiNK software

Please check out our Kestrel 5000 Firmware change log to view the differences in the various firmware versions: Firmware Change Log

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Please see our guide here:

Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

This gives a method for viewing and remotely controlling the Kestrel using two mobile devices.

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Please see this guide:

Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

Attached is a guide to help connecting to Kestrel LiNK Legacy app for Android if you device is not showing up on the list of available devices.

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Yes! The Kestrel 5 Series now has both Android and iPhone integration through our Kestrel LiNK iOS and Android Apps. Kestrel LiNK iOS and Android apps allow LiNK enabled Kestrel 5 Series Meters and DROPs to connect wirelessly with mobile devices to view real-time measurements, receive on-screen alerts, download data and perform firmware updates. The Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app, designed specifically for the the Sportsman , the Kestrel 5700 series or meters, and the Kestrel 5700 Elite meters, provides full gun management and access to the Applied Ballistics library of G1/G7 curves (Sportsman and 5700) and custom drag models (5700 Elite).

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Any of the LiNK Ballistics applications will allow you to transfer gun profiles to your Kestrel. So Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for iOS or Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for Android will allow you to use a mobile device to transfer gun profiles but you would need to have the LiNK (i.e., Bluetooth) model. If you are using a Windows computer, you can use the Applied Ballistic Profile Loader (Version 42 or higher).

NOTE : Please be aware that currently the Applied Ballistics Profile Loader cannot be used with Bluetooth for Kestrel 5700 devices; therefore you will need to purchase the USB Transfer cable to transfer files with a Windows PC.

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Please see a workaround found here:

Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

Attached is a workaround to have Kestrel LiNK for Windows scale properly on High Definition monitors

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Unfortunately we do not have a ballistics application that runs on a MAC.

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The free Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app for Android and iOS is the ideal companion to the Kestrel 5700 Ballistics series of Weather Meters. Build and manage your gun/bullet profiles and download them to your Kestrel Ballistics unit before you set out. The app is also the perfect way to display your ballistic solutions remotely via Bluetooth. Another option is purchasing a Kestrel HUD

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We have separate LiNK applications without “Ballistics” in the title. The programs handle uploading the weather data from the Kestrel to a specific device. This weather data can then be exported to MS Excel. You can also update your firmware or upgrade your unit (upgrade through Windows only) with these programs.

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Currently mobile devices cannot perform firmware upgrades. An upgrade is defined as going from a 5 Series Kestrel Sportsman or Kestrel 5700 to a Kestrel 5700 Elite with Applied Ballistics. To upgrade your Kestrel Sportsman or Kestrel 5700, you will need to connect to a Windows or MAC computer. More info can be found on the Kestrel Upgrade packages.

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Please see this quick tutorial:

LiNK (Kestrel)

This is a quick tutorial on how to send text message alerts in Kestrel LiNK instead of emails.

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The Stats page shows the data that is currently stored in the logger on the DROP. Currently you need to disconnect and reconnect to acquire more data, so the Refresh is useful only during an active download. You can hit the Refresh button to populate more Stats as they are in the process of being downloaded to the application.

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You must disconnect and then reconnect the DROP to get any additional logged data uploaded into the program. You can do this by closing and re-opening the program as long as Device Power Saving is turned ON.

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Try the following:

  1. Make sure you have an device that is compatible with Kestrel LiNK. Compatible devices include: iPhones- iOS 6 installed; iPhone 4s or later. iPad: 3rd generation or later. Android 4.3 and higher. Works with most Android devices with Bluetooth Smart®, including Samsung Galaxy, Nexus 4, Motorola Droid and other recent generation phones and tablets.
  2. Make sure Bluetooth is ON on your device.
  3. Make sure the battery tab has been pulled and power is on the DROP. It may be necessary to replace the battery if the light doesn't come on when you press the black button on the front of the DROP.
  4. If the battery tab is pulled out, try taking the battery itself out of the DROP and reinserting. Also, make sure there isn't any metal or obstructing objects between the DROP and your device.

If none of these steps work, contact our technical support team at techsupport@nkhome.com. <... Permalink

There is no barometric pressure reading on the DROP D3. Currently only station pressure is provided. Station pressure is the pressure felt at the current location without adjusting for altitude. Station pressure is used in applications like ballistics and auto racing. Typically barometric pressure is only used for weather related phenomenon. Barometric pressure may be added in a future release.

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Kestrel 5 Series Instruction Manuals

Instructions for the use of the Kestrel LiNK Legacy App - Please note: this app is no longer supported and customers should instead use the new Kestrel LiNK app

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You can find all the information regarding the warranty on your Kestrel by Clicking here

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Please check out our tutorial:

LiNK (Kestrel)

Setting up Alert Services on Kestrel LiNK Legacy Application for Multiple People

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The free Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app is the perfect companion to the Kestrel Sportsman, Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter, Kestrel 5700 Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics, Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter with Hornady 4DOF, or Kestrel 2700 Ballistics Weather Meter. Build and manage your gun/bullet profiles and download them to your Kestrel Ballistics Meter before you set out. At the range or match, secure your Kestrel Ballistics Meter to a tripod using the optional Kestrel Vane Mount and use the LiNK Ballistics app to quickly adjust the target range and direction of fire and view the shooting solution and wind rose without leaving your shooting position. It’s like having a meteorologist and ballistician standing next to you while you shoot.

Download Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for iOS:

LiNK (Kestrel)

The Kestrel Ballistics app for your Apple iOS device.


Quick Look

  • Wirelessly adjust the target range and/or direction of fire on your Kestrel and view the resulting elevation and windage solution without ever leaving your shooting position.
  • Build and transfer custom gun/bullet profiles.
  • Comprehensive Applied Ballistics bullet library provides G1/G7 ballistics coefficients, weight, diameter, and length data for over 500 bullets.
  • Comprehensive Hornady Bullet Files that include the bullet's mass properties, aerodynamic moments, and Doppler Radar determined drag coefficients (Kestrel 5700 4DOF only)
  • With Kestrel Elite Meters, also access and use Applied Ballistics Custom Drag Models, providing exact drag profiles for supersonic, transonic, and subsonic bullet flight for maximum accuracy at extreme long range.
  • Advanced Target Card view allows you to simultaneously view the elevation and windage solution for up to 10 targets defined by direction, range, and angle - giving you the edge at precision rifle matches (available for Kestrel Elite only).
  • Export your customized target card to save or print out.
  • Use your phone's compass to capture a new direction of fire, wind direction, or inclination angle and send it to the Kestrel.

Example Screen Shots


See elevation and windage solutions as well as wind speed and direction without leaving your shooting position. Changing Target Range and/or Direction of Fire in the app automatically updates the solution from the Kestrel remotely.

Input up to 10 separate target ranges to see elevation and windage solutions for each. Perfect for competition multi-target stages.

Create and manage gun and bullet profiles for easy upload to and from your Kestrel. Includes bullet data from the Applied Ballistics G1/G7 bullet library.


Kestrel Firmware:

Support Documents for all Kestrels

Version 1.53/2.11

Device Compatibility:

  • Firmware: iOS versions 10.0 and higher.
  • Hardware: iPhone 4s onward, iPad 3rd generation onward, iPod Touch 5th generation onward.

Kestrel Compatibility:

  • Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5700 Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter with Hornady 4DOF
  • Kestrel 2700 Ballistics Weather Meter
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The free Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app is the perfect companion to the Kestrel Sportsman, Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter, Kestrel 5700 Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics, Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter with Hornady 4DOF, or Kestrel 2700 Ballistics Weather Meter. Build and manage your gun/bullet profiles and download them to your Kestrel Ballistics Meter before you set out. At the range or match, secure your Kestrel Ballistics Meter to a tripod using the optional Kestrel Vane Mount and use the LiNK Ballistics app to quickly adjust the target range and direction of fire and view the shooting solution and wind rose without leaving your shooting position. It’s like having a meteorologist and ballistician standing next to you while you shoot.

Download Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for Android:

LiNK (Kestrel)

Download the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app from the google play store.


Quick Look

  • Wirelessly adjust the target range and/or direction of fire on your Kestrel and view resulting elevation and windage solution without ever leaving your shooting position.
  • Build and transfer custom gun/bullet profiles.
  • Comprehensive Applied Ballistics bullet library provides G1/G7 ballistics coefficients, weight, diameter and length data for over 500 bullets.
  • Comprehensive Hornady Bullet Files that includes the bullet's mass properties, aerodynamic moments and Doppler Radar determined drag coefficients (Kestrel 5700 4DOF only)
  • With Kestrel Elite Meters, also access and use Applied Ballistics Custom Drag Models, providing exact drag profiles for supersonic, transonic, and subsonic bullet flight for maximum accuracy at extreme long range.
  • Advanced Target Card view allows you to simultaneously view the elevation and windage solution for up to 10 targets defined by direction, range and angle - giving you the edge at precision rifle matches (available for Kestrel Elite only).
  • Export your customized target card to save or print out.
  • Use your phone's compass to capture a new direction or fire, wind direction, or inclination angle and send to the Kestrel.

Example Screen Shots


See elevation and windage solutions as well as wind speed and direction without leaving your shooting position. Changing Target Range and/or Direction of Fire in the app automatically updates the solution from the Kestrel remotely.

Input up to 10 separate target ranges to see elevation and windage solutions for each. Perfect for competition multi-target stages.

Create and manage gun and bullet profiles for easy upload to and from your Kestrel. Includes bullet data from the Applied Ballistics G1/G7 bullet library.


Kestrel Firmware:

Support Documents for all Kestrels

Version 1.53/2.11

Device Compatibility:

  • Firmware: Android 5.0 and higher.
  • Hardware: Most Android Devices with Bluetooth Smart®, including Samsung Galaxy, Nexus 4, Motorola Droid and other recent generation phones and tablets.

Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

A simple guide to help you update your Firmware on your Kestrel using LiNK for Android

Kestrel Compatibility:

  • Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5700 Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter with Hornady 4DOF
  • Kestrel 2700 Ballistics Weather Meter
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Transfer data from your Kestrel 5 Series device and archive on your Mac computer. Data logs can be exported as csv files for viewing and analysis in spreadsheets. This software also facilitates updates and upgrades to your device firmware.

Download Kestrel LiNK for MAC:

LiNK (Kestrel)

Kestrel LiNK Version 1.04.04 for OSX.


Quick Look

  • Manage updates and upgrades to device firmware
  • View device information such as device name, model number, firmware version, hardware version and serial number. Rename device.
  • Transfer data from your Kestrel 5 Series device wirelessly with Bluetooth dongle or with a USB cable.
  • Archive data logs.
  • Export data logs in csv format for viewing and analysis in spreadsheets.

Example Screen Shots


Easily connect your Kestrel to the application using bluetooth.

Manage your Kestrel: change its name, download data, and/or update your unit.

Export and analyze your data.


Kestrel Firmware:

Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

Tutorial on how to update your Kestrel 5000 series firmware using LiNK for MAC/OSX

Support Documents for all Kestrels

Version 1.53/2.11

Kestrel 5 Series Downloads

Kestrel Firmware Version 1.49 Update Installer for Windows

Kestrel Firmware Version 1.49 Update Installer for OSX. Please see included directions as this process has changed.

Device Compatibility:

  • Firmware: This program is only compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 or higher.

Kestrel Compatibility:

  • Kestrel 5000 Environmental Meter with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5100 Racing Weather Meter with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5200 Professional Weather Meter with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter with LiNK
  • Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5700 Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics with LiNK
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Transfer data from your Kestrel 5 Series device and archive on your Windows computer. Data logs can be exported as csv files for viewing and analysis in spreadsheets. This software also facilitates updates and upgrades to your device firmware.

Download Kestrel LiNK for Windows:

LiNK (Kestrel)

Kestrel LiNK Version 1.04.07 for Windows


Quick Look

  • Manage updates and upgrades to device firmware
  • View device information such as device name, model number, firmware version, hardware version and serial number. Rename device.
  • Transfer data from your Kestrel 5 Series device wirelessly via the Bluetooth dongle or with a USB cable.
  • Archive data logs.
  • Export data logs in csv format for viewing and analysis in spreadsheets.

Example Screen Shots

Easily connect your Kestrel to the application using bluetooth.

Manage your Kestrel: change its name, download data, and/or update your unit.

Export and analyze your data.


Kestrel Firmware:

Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

Tutorial on how to update your Kestrel 5000 series firmware using LiNK for Windows.

Support Documents for all Kestrels

Version 1.53/2.11

Kestrel 5 Series Downloads

Kestrel Firmware Version 1.49 Update Installer for Windows

Kestrel Firmware Version 1.49 Update Installer for OSX. Please see included directions as this process has changed.

Device Compatibility:

  • Firmware: LiNK is currently compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.

Kestrel Compatibility:

  • Kestrel 5000 Environmental Meter with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5100 Racing Weather Meter with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5200 Professional Weather Meter with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter with LiNK
  • Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter with LiNK
  • Kestrel 5700 Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics with LiNK

Bluetooth Support:

Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

Troubleshooting Bluetooth Dongle Issues with the Kestrel 5000 Series Models and LiNK for Windows.

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These programs handle uploading the weather data from the Kestrel to a specific device. This weather data can then be exported into MS Excel. You can also update your firmware any of these programs. Visit the Kestrel LiNK Software and Apps page to learn more.

LiNK Applications Features

LiNK for Desktop LiNK for Mobile Devices LiNK Ballistics for Mobile Devices
LiNK for Windows LiNK for OSX LiNK for iOS LiNK for Android LiNK Ballistics iOS LiNK Ballistics Android
Download stored data log for viewing and saving
Download stored data log for viewing and saving    
Export downloaded data to .csv file for sharing or further analysis
Export downloaded data to .csv file for sharing or further analysis    
  View and analyze downloaded data using range Min/Max/Average statistics and clear scrolling graphs
View and analyze downloaded data using range Min/Max/Average statistics and clear scrolling graphs        
  Set alerts for temperature, heat index, wind, etc.
Set alerts for temperature, heat index, wind, etc.        
  Post snapshots of current conditions to social media with one click
Post snapshots of current conditions to social media with one click        
  Get realtime readings from any Kestrel 5 meter within wireless range
Get realtime readings from any Kestrel 5 meter within wireless range        
  Build and manage gun bullet profiles
Build and manage gun bullet profiles        
  Wirelessly adjust the target range or direction of fire and view elevation and windage solution
Wirelessly adjust the target range or direction of fire and view elevation and windage solution        
  Get comprehensive Applied Ballistics bullet library
Get comprehensive Applied Ballistics bullet library        
  Build and manage gun/bullet profiles
Build and manage gun/bullet profiles        
  Update device firmware
Update device firmware
  Install purchased firmware upgrades
Install purchased firmware upgrades        

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To UPDATE your firmware on any Kestrel you can use the appropriate link below:

Please see this guide on how to update your Kestrel Firmware using Windows:

Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

Tutorial on how to update your Kestrel 5000 series firmware using LiNK for Windows.

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Please see this guide for updating Kestrel 5000 series units with MAC/OSX:

Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

Tutorial on how to update your Kestrel 5000 series firmware using LiNK for MAC/OSX

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