Frequently Asked Questions

We have seen issues after updating the firmware causes your Kestrel to disconnect frequently. The fix for this seems to be just restarting your mobile device. After restarting the mobile device, try connecting again to 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

Any time you connect to the Kestrel LiNK app on your mobile device, it will automatically check for any firmware updates. If it does not prompt you for a firmware update, then you have the latest version.

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

Please check out our tutorial:

Support Documents for all Kestrels

Kestrel 5000 Series Bluetooth Guidance   (Size: 656.1 KB)

Find answers to common Bluetooth connection issues

Please look at this video for recording a data session

Recording Data Session

Please check out this video on how to setup and use Alerts with the new Kestrel LiNK app

Using Alerts ... Permalink

You can connect the HUD to the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app for iOS or Android and update the firmware that way. When you connect, you will be notified that an update is available. The HUD would need to be turned on and have Bluetooth ON in order for the Ballistics app to find it and connect to it. There is no other functionality for connecting the HUD to the application except for updating firmware

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

Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

How to Update Kestrel 5000 Series Firmware with Windows   (Size: 573.5 KB)

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

Please see this guide:

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 Kestrel 5700, Kestrel 5 series Sportsman, and Kestrel 5700 Elite meters, provides full gun management and access to the Applied Ballistics library of G1/G7 curves (5700) and custom drag models (Elite). For a quick look at all of the Kestrel LiNK Application Features - Click Here.

Please see a workaround found here:

Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

Kestrel LiNK for Windows High Resolution Monitor Scaling Issue   (Size: 266.3 KB)

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

Please see this quick tutorial:

LiNK (Kestrel)

How to send Kestrel LiNK Legacy Alerts as Text Messages   (Size: 184.1 KB)

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

The Kestrel 2700 will power off after 45 minutes of inactivity however this does not apply when connected via Bluetooth to the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app

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).

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.

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.

Please see our guide for this Bluetooth issue:

Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

Kestrel LiNK Bluegiga Dongle Help Guide   (Size: 439.2 KB)

Get help connecting my Kestrel 5 series unit to my computer using a bluetooth dongle.

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

You can now upgrade your Kestrel 5700 to the Elite version using the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics application. Simply connect your Kestrel to the iOS or Android version of the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app. Select Upgrade in the top left corner. Enter you credit card information for the purchase and the upgrade should start after payment is completed. The upgrade will look similar to a firmware update.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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)

Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for Android  

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

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

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

How to Update your Firmware LiNK for Android   (Size: 744.3 KB)

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

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 for OSX   (Size: 10 MB)

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

How to Update Your Kestrel 5 Series Firmware with MAC/OSX   (Size: 821.1 KB)

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

Support Documents for all Kestrels

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

Version 1.53/2.11

Kestrel 5 Series Downloads

Kestrel Firmware Installer for Windows   (Size: 16 MB)

Kestrel Firmware Version 1.49 Update Installer for Windows

Kestrel Firmware Update Files for OSX   (Size: 14 MB)

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

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 for Windows   (Size: 10.7 MB)

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

How to Update Kestrel 5000 Series Firmware with Windows   (Size: 573.5 KB)

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

Support Documents for all Kestrels

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

Version 1.53/2.11

Kestrel 5 Series Downloads

Kestrel Firmware Installer for Windows   (Size: 16 MB)

Kestrel Firmware Version 1.49 Update Installer for Windows

Kestrel Firmware Update Files for OSX   (Size: 14 MB)

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

K5 LiNK for Windows Bluegiga Dongle Help   (Size: 5 MB)

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

If using interface Cradle, please install software driver and directions below.

Kestrel 4 Series Troubleshooting Documents

Kestrel Communicator Software - 4000 Series Only   (Size: 10.8 MB)

Kestrel Communicator Interface Software, v 2.1.1 compatible with ALL Kestrel 4000 series models

Kestrel 4 Series Instruction Manuals

Kestrel Interface Communication Software User Guide USB and Serial   (Size: 31.9 KB)

Kestrel Communicator Software Instructions

Kestrel 4 Series Downloads

PL2303 Windows Driver Download  

Prolific USB to serial driver