Frequently Asked Questions

Because not all laser rangefinder manufacturers use the Kestrel Ballistics Bluetooth Protocol to talk to a Kestrel, the Hornady Kestrel cannot communicate with some rangefinders which can talk to our existing ballistics meters. Check out this page to find the latest updates on which will connect with a Kestrel 4DOF unit: 3rd Party Devices

If you have a laser rangefinder with Bluetooth LE which you would like to have communicate with one of our Kestrel meters please contact the manufacturer and ask them to implement the Kestrel Ballistics Protocol in their rangefinder.

Please see this video on installing the KestrelMet 6000 WiFi station:

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

You will need to update your Kestrel firmware version to 1.35 (or higher) in order to use the HUD. You can update your Kestrel firmware through the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for Android or iOS apps

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:

Kestrel 5700 with Hornady 4DOF Downloads

How to Connect a Kestrel 5700 with Hornady 4DOF to Kestrel LiNK Ballistics App   (Size: 227.9 KB)

Quick guide on connecting a Kestrel 5700 with Hornady 4DOF to the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics App

The Kestrel 2700 is always advertising its Bluetooth signal so you just need to turn it on. You should NOT pair the 2700 directly to your device’s main Bluetooth screen. First, make sure Bluetooth is turned on on the mobile device. You would then just need to open the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app and go to Connect Device. Your unit with serial should be showing on the screen, press it to start the connection.

No. The Kestrel 2700 only works with the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics application.

No, the Kestrel 2700 can only connect with the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics application and will not connect with any other accessories.

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