Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I graph the weather data using an exported CSV file?

Please see our graphing guide: {{Block class="MageWorx\Downloads\Block\Links" id="98" title="How to Create Graphs from Exported CSV Files using Excel" template="MageWorx_Downloads::attachment_container.phtml"}}

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How can I save my data before updating my firmware to use the new Kestrel LINK app?

Because using the new Kestrel LiNK app requires a firmware update, any data that is stored on the device will be lost. It is recommended to save all the weather data in Kestrel LiNK Legacy before updating your firmware to use the new app. Here is a video that shows you that process

Transferring Data to Kestrel LiNK legacy before updating firmware

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How do I upload weather data into the new Kestrel LiNK app?

We will be changing this in the future so that data will automatically upload when connected however if you want to manually upload the data, please see this video

Uploading Data

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How can I record a session with the new Kestrel LiNK app?

Please look at this video for recording a data session

Recording Data Session

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Will the Kestrel 7000 log data while off?

Yes, as long as the logging interval is set to 10 seconds or longer. Logging while off is the best way to optimize battery life while collecting data.

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How can I transfer data to my unit if I do not have the LiNK (i.e., Bluetooth) model?

All models of the Kestrel 5000 Series have optical data ports that can be seen through the openings of the battery door. A USB Data Transfer Cable can be purchased separately, which plugs directly into the back of the Kestrel and extends to a USB port in your computer. You will NOT be able to connect a non-LiNK model unit to a mobile device (e.g., any device without a USB port).

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What can I do with LiNK for WINDOWS/iOS/OSX/ANDROID?

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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How many data point do these units store?

The Kestrel 5 Series models can store over 10,000 data sets.

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How do I pair my Kestrel with my computer?

Kestrel 5 series units with LiNK will need to use the Kestrel LiNK Wireless Dongle to connect with a computer. The Kestrel 5 series will not work with any internal Bluetooth modules. To connect, insert the Kestrel LiNK Dongle into an open USB port. On the Kestrel, go to the Main Menu->Bluetooth and turn it ON. Set Conct to "PC / Mobile." Open the application on the computer and select the Kestrel as the device to connect to. There is no more “pairing," "COM port numbers," or "PIN Codes" to worry about for those familiar with the 4000 series.

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How do I graph the weather data using an exported CSV file?

Please see our graphing guide:

LiNK (Kestrel)

How to graph weather data from LiNK CSV files (Size: 667.5 KB)

This tutorial will show you how to create a graph of the data that you exported from your Kestrel 5000 series or Kestrel DROP using one of the Kestrel LiNK applications.

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Does the Kestrel 5 Series connect with an iPhone?

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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What application do I need to view my ballistic solutions remotely?

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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What is LiNK for Windows/iOS/OSX/Android?

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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What does the Refresh button do on the Stats screen?

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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How do I get additional data onto the Kestrel LiNK Legacy application after a download?

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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What is the driver to be used with a PC Interface Cradle?

Kestrel 4 Series Downloads

PL2303 Prolific PC Interface Driver

Windows compatible PC Interface Driver For use with Kestrel 4 to connect and transfer data to a PC

The driver is needed to connect your Kestrel to your computer.

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When I move the DROP to a new location should I rename it?

This is really just personal preference. If the DROP name is related to its location or purpose, then obviously changing the name would be helpful each time.

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Can the same DROP be accessed on multiple phones / devices independently?

Yes. Once you make the settings to the DROP (custom name, logging rate, data refresh rate), those settings stay with the DROP itself. This means that all anyone else would have to do is download the Kestrel LiNK) app from the Google or iTunes App store and connect to the DROP to access.

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How much data can I store on the DROP?

The D1 can store 16330 data points. The D2 can store 8164 data points.And the D3 can store 6220 data points.

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What is the difference between the NK Bootloader, the AB Profile Loader, and the HK Gunloader?

NK Bootloader- This is used exclusively for updating the firmware on the most recent Kestrels. This Bootloader will work with serial numbers 686705 and above. Serial numbers below 686705 cannot be updated.
AB Profile Loader - This is the application used for creating and uploading gun profiles for the Kestrel Shooter's Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics.
- Build 24 - used for firmware version 4.76 or below
- Build 33 - used for firmware versions greater than 4.76
- Build 70(or higher) - used for firmware version 4.93
HK Gunloader - This is the application used for creating and uploading gun profiles for the Kestrel Shooter's Weather Meter with HORUS Atrag.

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How do I troubleshoot connecting my Kestrel 4000 series to my PC via bluetooth classic?

NK has put together a list of resolutions for common issues when connecting the Kestrel with Bluetooth® Classic.

K4

Bluetooth_Checklist (Size: 401.2 KB)

A checklist to help troubleshoot bluetooth classic connection issues.

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Can the DROP be accessed by multiple devices simultaneously?

No. Once a device is connected to a DROP, another device will not be able to connect to the DROP until the first connection has been closed.

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My DROP is not connecting to Kestrel LiNK Legacy on my device, what should I do?

Try the following:

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.
Make sure Bluetooth is ON on your device.
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.
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

Where can I find my barometric pressure for my DROP D3 on the Kestrel LiNK Legacy Application?

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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When setting range, you don't seem to be able to set an end date. Does the DROP just continue logging until you stop it?

Yes.The DROP will always be logging data if the battery is in the unit. There is no way to turn logging off without removing the battery, although you can set the frequency to every 12 hours.

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What is a data point? Does 1 measurement constitute a “data point”?

A data point is a collection of all the measurements at a set point in time. In other words, if you record the temperature, humidity and pressure at 12:00 AM, all these numbers will constitute a single data point. Thinking of a data point as a “data set” may help.

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How long can I record data before I need to connect to upload the data log? I want to collect data for X amount of days, what should I set the data logging rate at?

DROP D1

Data Points: 16330
Logging every 2 seconds - Fills up after 9 hours
Logging every 10 minutes - Fills up after 113 days
Logging every hour - Fills up after 680 days

DROP D2

Data Points: 8164
Logging every 2 seconds - Fills up after 4.5 hours
Logging every 10 minutes - Fills up after 56.7 days
Logging every hour - Fills up after 340 days

DROP D2 AG

Data Points: 7257
Logging every 2 seconds - Fills up after 4 hours
Logging every 10 minutes - Fills up after 50 days
Logging every hour - Fills up after 302 days

DROP D3

Data Points: 6220
Logging every 2 seconds - Fills up after 3.5 hours
Logging every 10 minutes - Fills up after 43 days
Logging every hour - Fills up after 259 days

DROP D3 Fire

Data Points: 6531
Logging every 2 seconds - Fills up after 3.6 hours
Logging every 10 minutes - Fills up after 45 days
Logging every hour - Fills up after 272 days

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What will happen when my data logger becomes full?

This is dependent on a setting for the DROP in the Manage Data Log section. If you go to Manage->Manage Data Log, you will notice a Wrap Log toggle button. If the Wrap Log toggle button is slid to the right (indicates ON), then the oldest logged data will be overwritten when the data logger is full. If the slide is to the left (indicates OFF), then no more data will be collected when the data logger becomes full.

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How can I send Alerts from the Kestrel LiNK Legacy mobile application to multiple people?

Please check out our tutorial:

LiNK (Kestrel)

Setting up Alert Services on Kestrel LiNK Legacy Application for Multiple People (Size: 1 MB)

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

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What features are included with each LiNK applications?

Connection Feature	LiNK for Windows	LiNK for OSX	LiNK for iOS	LiNK for Android	LiNK Ballistics for iOS	LiNK Ballistics for Android
Download stored data log for viewing and saving	X	X	X	X
Export downloaded data to .csv file for sharing or further analysis	X	X	X	X
Set alerts for temperature, heat index, wind, etc			X	X
Post snapshots of current conditions to social media with one click			X	X
Get real-time readings from any Kestrel 5 meter within wireless range			X	X
Build and manage gun bullet profiles					X	X
Wirelessly adjust the target range and view elevation and windage solution					X	X
Get comprehensive Applied Ballistics bullet library					X	X
Build and manage gun/bullet profiles					X	X
Update device firmware	X	X	X	X	X	X
Install purchased firmware upgrades	X	X

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What is Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for iOS?

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)

Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for iOS

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

Kestrel 5000 Firmware Update Change Log (Size: 583 KB)

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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What is Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for Android?

Download Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for Android: