Frequently Asked Questions

Manuals and Downloads

Manuals and Downloads
Kestrel Instruments manuals and downloads

Kestrel Basic (1000-3500) Instruction Manuals

"Load and Go!" with your Kestrel 2700 and this Quick Start guide.

User guide for the Kestrel 2700 Ballistics Weather Meter

Kestrel Basic Vane Mount Instruction Manual for 123 Series

Relative Humidity Calibration Kit For calibrating the following Kestrel Meters 3000, 3500, 4000 Series and 5000 Series

User Guide for the Kestrel 1000, 2000, 2500, 2500NV, 3000, 3500, 3500NV, 3500DT, and 3500FW


Kestrel Basic (1000-3500) Troubleshooting Documents

This document shows a quick guide on how to change the units for a Kestrel 2700.

If you are having issues with the Kestrel turning on after changing the battery, please see this document.

This document shows why some units may not power on, especially after changing the battery.


Kestrel Basic (1000-3500) Certificates of Comformity

Certificate of Conformity for the Kestrel 1000-3500DT with SNs above 2262687

Product Specifications Certificate of Conformity Kestrel Weather Meters Model Numbers 1000-3500 with Serial #’s lower than 2262687.

EMC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 2500, 2500NV, 3500, 3500NV

EMC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 1000, 2000, 3000


Support Documents for all Kestrels

Replacing the Kestrel Impeller

This program is used to transfer gun profiles to and from a Kestrel ballistics unit and Windows computer. 4500 Ballistic models can use either Bluetooth or the PC Interface cradle but must have fw version 4.93. 5700 models must use the USB Transfer cable to connect. Instructions included in zip file.

Explanation of flow lines on the back of a Kestrel 5000 Series unit.

Version 1.53/2.11

Find answers to common Bluetooth connection issues

Product Safety and Warranty Kestrel 5000 Series

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Instruction Manual for the KestrelMet 6000 WiFi Weather Station

Product specifications for the KestrelMet6000.

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Kestrel 4 Series Instruction Manuals

Instruction Manual Kestrel 4000 Series Weather & Environmental Meters 4000, 4200, 4250, 4300, 4400, 4500 and 4600

Instruction Manual Kestrel Heat Stress Tracker 4400 & 4600

Kestrel Communicator Software Instructions

User Guide for the Ketsrel 4000 Portable Vane Mount


Kestrel 4 Series Instruction Manuals (Ballistics)

Application Instructions Applied Ballistics Profile Loader (Build 074)

Instruction Manual for Kestrel 4500 Shooter's Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics

Instruction Manual for Kestrel 4500 Shooter's Weather Meter with Horus Atrag Ballistics Software

Overview of the setup and use of the Kestrel 4500 Shooter's Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics

Kestrel Companion is a Android app that will communicate with Kestrel 4500 Sportsman and Applied Ballistic Bluetooth units.


Kestrel 4 Series Downloads

Kestrel Horus Help Files - Connecting with Bluetooth and FAQs

Application that allows gun profile transfers for the Kestrel 4500 Horus units.

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

Prolific USB to serial driver

Updating your Kestrel AB Firmware to 4.93 - Bluetooth and Non Bluetooth models

Use this link to upgrade your Kestrel 4500 Bluetooth Firmware 4.93

Updating your Horus Firmware to 4.93 on K4 Unit - Bluetooth and Non-Bluetooth units

Updating your Kestrel Sportsman with AB Firmware to 4.93 - Bluetooth and Non Bluetooth models

Use this link to upgrade your Kestrel 4500 Firmware 4.93 for Non Bluetooth Units


Kestrel 4 Series Troubleshooting Documents

Connecting my 4000 Series Kestrel Using Bluetooth

FAQ Connecting your Kestrel 4XXX Series to a MAC

FAQ How to update the Kestrel 4500 firmware using the NK Bootloader Program

Instructions on changing a Kestrel 4000 series battery door.

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


Kestrel 4 Series Certificates of Comformity

Certificate of Conformity (COC) Kestrel 4400 & 4600

EMC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 4000, 4000NV, 4100, 4200, 4250, 4300

EMC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 4400, 4400BT

EMC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 4500, 4500NV

Kestrel 4000 Series Certificate of Conformity. Does not include 4400 or 4600 model.


Support Documents for all Kestrels

Replacing the Kestrel Impeller

This program is used to transfer gun profiles to and from a Kestrel ballistics unit and Windows computer. 4500 Ballistic models can use either Bluetooth or the PC Interface cradle but must have fw version 4.93. 5700 models must use the USB Transfer cable to connect. Instructions included in zip file.

Explanation of flow lines on the back of a Kestrel 5000 Series unit.

Version 1.53/2.11

Find answers to common Bluetooth connection issues

Product Safety and Warranty Kestrel 5000 Series

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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

Instructions on how to assemble the Kestrel 5000 series vane mount.

PDF Downloadable Tips & Quick Start for the 5200 Kestrel Concrete Pro Jobsite Weather Kit.

Kestrel Vane Mount Instructions

User Guide for the Kestrel 5000, 5100 and 5200

Kestrel 5000AG Livestock Environmental Meter & Kestrel 5400AG Cattle Leat Stress Tracker User Guide

Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker User Guide

Kestrel 5500 Fires Weather Pro & Kestrel 5400 Fire Weather Pro with WBGT User Guide

User Guide for the Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter

User Guide Relative Humidity Calibration Kit For Kestrel 5 Series, 4 Series and Kestrel 3000-3500 Series (DROPs currently cannot be recalibrated)


Kestrel Ballistics 5 Series Instruction Manuals

A 10 step guide to setup your Kestrel to work with your gun.

Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter and Kestrel Elite/5700X Weather Meters with Applied Ballistics User Guide


Kestrel 5 Series Downloads

The attached document in Excel will help with determining average wind direction and the use of a wind rose by using the exported CSV file. This would be pertinent to any of the 5500 models, especially important for spray drift and measurements in the protected zones.

Information about the Kestrel Agricultural Line of weather meters

This document goes through what formulas are used to calculate the various measurements on the Kestrel series meters.

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.

nist-calibration-wind-speed-example

Fine Dead Fuel Moisture and Probability of Ignition Tables

Tips for taking accurate measurements Support tab at www.kestrelinstruments.com


Kestrel 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

Picture showing the places to take measurements for square and rectangular air ducts

Here is guidance on how to submit an order through the website for Tax Exempt customers.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

This document goes over the new Concrete Evaporation Solver which was added to the Kestrel 5200 with firmware version 1.39.

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

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

Here is a graphical guide on locating various micro-climates in a given area to help with Kestrel 5400 placement for monitoring WBGT.


Support Documents for all Kestrels

Replacing the Kestrel Impeller

This program is used to transfer gun profiles to and from a Kestrel ballistics unit and Windows computer. 4500 Ballistic models can use either Bluetooth or the PC Interface cradle but must have fw version 4.93. 5700 models must use the USB Transfer cable to connect. Instructions included in zip file.

Explanation of flow lines on the back of a Kestrel 5000 Series unit.

Version 1.53/2.11

Find answers to common Bluetooth connection issues

Product Safety and Warranty Kestrel 5000 Series

Kestrel 5 Series Certificates of Comformity

Kestrel 5 Series specification chart

Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker specification chart

Example of the paperwork after performing a Kestrel Temperature Factory Calibration (not NIST)

Example of the paperwork received when doing a Kestrel Tune-Up

Shows a sample of the paperwork when doing a NIST Wind calibration on a Kestrel

Shows a sample of the paperwork when doing a NIST Globe Temperature calibration on a Kestrel

Shows a sample of the paperwork when doing a NIST Pressure calibration on a Kestrel

Shows a sample of the paperwork when doing a NIST Humidity calibration on a Kestrel

Shows a sample of the paperwork when doing a NIST Temperature calibration on Kestrel

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DROP Data Logger Instruction Manuals

Getting Started with Kestrel DROP Wirelss Environmental Data Loggers


DROP Data Logger Downloads

Shows the latest firmware changes with the Kestrel DROP product line.

Here is some guidance on how to solve some power issues with the DROP


DROP Data Logger Certificates of Comformity

Kestrel DROP Wireless Environmental Data Logger specification chart

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Kestrel Ballistics 5 Series Instruction Manuals

A 10 step guide to setup your Kestrel to work with your gun.

Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter and Kestrel Elite/5700X Weather Meters with Applied Ballistics User Guide


Kestrel Ballistics 5 Series Downloads

This tutorial will show you how you can now change DOF and have your Wind Direction change. This setting can be found in all 5700s with firmware version 1.41 (or higher).

sources of inaccuracy in long-range shooting

Firmware 1.35 add maximum point blank range for the Kestrel 5700 Elite models, this document explains what exactly this feature does.


Kestrel Ballistics 5 Series Troubleshooting Documents

This document shows how to calibrate using CalMV and CAL DSF a 22 Long Rifle or other guns which do not shoot supersonic region.

How to transfer gun profiles from 4500 series to 5700 series

Here is a tutorial on entering Sight Scale Factor (SSF) also known as a scope correction factor into the Kestrel.


Kestrel 5 Series Certificates of Comformity

Kestrel 5 Series specification chart

Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker specification chart

Example of the paperwork after performing a Kestrel Temperature Factory Calibration (not NIST)

Example of the paperwork received when doing a Kestrel Tune-Up

Shows a sample of the paperwork when doing a NIST Wind calibration on a Kestrel

Shows a sample of the paperwork when doing a NIST Globe Temperature calibration on a Kestrel

Shows a sample of the paperwork when doing a NIST Pressure calibration on a Kestrel

Shows a sample of the paperwork when doing a NIST Humidity calibration on a Kestrel

Shows a sample of the paperwork when doing a NIST Temperature calibration on Kestrel


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Kestrel HUD Heads Up Display Manuals, Downloads, and Troubleshooting Documents

Instructions for setting up and using the Kestrel HUD Heads Up Display for 5700 Ballistics Meters

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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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