Kestrel Instruments Support & FAQs

Kestrel LiNK Legacy Software

Lean how to use your Kestrel LiNK software

What changed with the the latest firmware / software / code update for the Kestrel?

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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Is there guidance for problems and errors with exporting data through an email with Kestrel LiNK Legacy iOS data?

Please see the attached guidance with Exporting Issues with LiNK iOS.

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Is there a way that I can view solutions or measurements remotely?

Please see our guide here:

Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

How to View and Control Kestrel Data Remotely (Size: 336.9 KB)

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

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Why is my Kestrel or DROP not showing up in the Kestrel LiNK Legacy application?

Please see this guide:

Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

Issues connecting Kestrel DROP or Kestrel 5000 Series to Kestrel LiNK Legacy app for Android (Size: 266.8 KB)

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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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 upload gun profiles to my Kestrel?

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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How can I adjust the Kestrel LiNK for Windows program to show on high definition monitors properly?

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

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How can I transfer profiles with a Mac computer?

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

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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 application can I use to upgrade my Kestrel Firmware?

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.

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How can I transfer my gun profiles from my 4500 to my Kestrel 5 Series?

View this document to learn how to transfer gun profiles from 4500 to Kestrel 5 Series

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What are the main differences between the Kestrel 5000 Series and the Kestrel 4000 series models?

See chart below:

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How can I send alerts as texts instead of emails using the Kestrel LiNK Legacy application?

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.

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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 3rd party applications work with my Kestrel ballistics Unit?

Please click here to see our 3rd party applications

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What and how does the Applied Ballistics Profile Loader work?

Please click here to see our article regarding the Applied Ballistics Profile Loader

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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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Where can I find the Kestrel LiNK Legacy instructions?

Kestrel 5 Series Instruction Manuals

App Manual for Kestrel LiNK Legacy (Size: 4.3 MB)

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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Can you explain the Manufacturer's Warranty on my Kestrel Unit?

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

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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: