Kestrel Sportsman to 5700 Elite Upgrade Download Only

Make sure Bluetooth^® is turned ON on your phone. On the Kestrel, go to the Main Menu->Bluetooth and turn it ON. Press the center button while Bluetooth is highlighted and check to ensure that Conct is set to PC/Mobile and it shows Available. Next go to the application that you are connecting with on your phone and select the Kestrel as the device you would like to connect with. Please note: if you do not find the Kestrel on your phone’s “standard” Bluetooth connection screen, that does not mean that the Kestrel is not working properly. Please first go to the application and try to connect through the application. The Kestrel should connect.

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.

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.

As can be seen in the pictures below, place your thumb on the bottom of the unit and slide the latch from the “Locked” to the “Unlocked” position. The battery door should pop up enough that you can remove it. If you have trouble opening the battery door, some slight pressure DOWN on the battery door itself with your other thumb may help release the latch.

First slide in the tab at towards the top of the unit, then gently press the bottom part of the battery door down until it snaps into place.  Ensure that the O-ring remains in place on the battery door when closing.

No. Since the Kestrel 5 Series meters utilize only one AA battery, there is no need to use the battery shim to separate two AAA batteries as in the previous version.

Yes. And 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.

No. Currently ONLY the Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics or the Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter can be upgraded to the Kestrel 5700 Elite model.

All of the Kestrel 5000 series units have the Night Vision option in addition to the standard white backlight.  There is a menu selection that allows the customer to toggle between both options.

Wind Speed – NK sells factory calibrated replacement impellers that can easily be installed by the customer. NK recommends replacing the impeller every 2-3 years depending on usage.

Humidity – The Kestrel 5 Series and DROP data loggers employ a highly accurate, calibrated, digital humidity sensor. Based on the sensor manufacturer's specifications and NK testing, drift on this sensor over time is minimal and field recalibration is likely to degrade accuracy rather than improve it. Factory calibration to validate and certify accuracy at a minimum of two RH points is available from NK. Kestrel 5000 series units can also be recalibrated in the field using our kit RH Recalibration Kit . During the five-year warranty period, NK will repair, recalibrate or replace any Kestrel 5 Series or DROP which drifts more than +/-1% RH/year since the date of manufacture.

Temperature – The thermistor in the Kestrel 5 series should not need to be recalibrated. If you think your sensor is incorrect, please contact techsupport@nkhome.com

Pressure – The pressure in the Kestrel 5 series should not need to be recalibrated. If you think your sensor is incorrect, please contact techsupport@nkhome.com

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 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).

For overall setting up profiles and using the Kestrel please see the following document:

Kestrel Ballistics 5 Series Instruction Manuals

How to Get Started with your Kestrel Ballistics Unit   (Size: 184.7 KB)

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

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.

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

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

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.

Please review the list found here:

3rd Party Hardware and Software

We have created quick start guides for connecting to each of these below:

Vortex Fury 5000 AB Instructions

Vortex Fury 5000 AB Video Tutorial:

Kestrel 5 Series 3rd Party Hardware Connection Instructions

How to connect a Bushnell 1800 Nitro to a Kestrel 5700 unit   (Size: 110.2 KB)

This guide will help with connecting a Kestrel 5700 and Bushnell 1800 Nitro rangefinder.

Locked issue with Sig 5K or 10K Laser Rangefinders   (Size: 523.7 KB)

This document shows how you can unlock the connection issue between a Sig 5K or 10K and a Kestrel 5700 weather meter

Using a Bushnell CONX with a Kestrel 5700   (Size: 538.1 KB)

A quick start guide to connecting a Bushnell CONX rangefinder with a Kestrel 5700 Ballistics or Elite.

Using a Leica CRF Rangemaster 3500.com with a Kestrel 5700   (Size: 104.6 KB)

A quick start guide to connecting a Leica CRF Rangemaster 3500 with a Kestrel 5700 Ballistics or Elite.

Using a Leica Rangemaster 2800 with a Kestrel 5700   (Size: 104.8 KB)

A quick start guide to connecting a Leica Rangemaster 2800 laser rangefinder with a Kestrel 5700 Ballistics or Elite.

Using a Sig Sauer 2400BDX or 3000BDX with a Kestrel 5700   (Size: 88 KB)

A quick start guide to connecting a Sig Sauer 2400BDX or 3000BDX with a Kestrel 5700 Ballistics or Elite LiNK unit

Using a Steiner M830r with a Kestrel 5700   (Size: 538.1 KB)

A quick start guide to connecting a Steiner M830r with a Kestrel 5700 Ballistics or Elite LiNK unit

Using a Terrapin X with a Kestrel 5700   (Size: 2.2 MB)

A quick start guide to connecting a Terrapin X with a Kestrel 5700 Ballistics or Elite LiNK unit.

Using a Vectronix PLRF25C with a Kestrel 5700   (Size: 106 KB)

A quick start guide to connecting a Vectronix PLRF25C with a Kestrel 5700 Ballistics or Elite LiNK unit.

Using a Wilcox RAPTAR-S with a Kestrel 5700   (Size: 423.6 KB)

A quick start guide to connecting a RAPTAR-S with a Kestrel 5700 Ballistics or Elite LiNK unit.

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

See chart below:

You should always calibrate your Muzzle Velocity on the Kestrel because it accommodates for any errors. The suggested BCs are not always correct. We have seen a lot of muzzle velocity errors even with well chronographed MVs. Truing bends the algorithm to perfectly match the bullet’s flight path. Instead of hoping the prediction works, truing perfectly matches the flight path. For example, the ballistic solver expects different muzzle velocities depending on if you are using the G1 or G7 BC. However the chronograph is just measuring the actual muzzle velocity coming out of the barrel, independent of an BCs being used. Truing your Muzzle Velocity using CAL MV will always get you the proper MV to enter into the Kestrel so that your solutions are always on target.

There is no need to input the tapered base into the Kestrel.  If you measure scope height at the bell of the scope, the most your error will be is 1 – 2 clicks at 1000 yards. This can be offset by measuring to the center of the windage turret instead of the bell of the scope.  It is more likely that the scope click errors will do more harm than this will. Here is some reading that might help: http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f19/applied-ballistics-faq-167008/.

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 Seres Firmware Update Change Log for FW starting with 1.xx   (Size: 601 KB)

Version 1.58

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 Seres Firmware Update Change Log for FW starting with 1.xx   (Size: 601 KB)

Version 1.58

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 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

Please click here to see our 3rd party applications

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

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

Please check out our Kestrel 5000 Firmware change log to view the differences in the various firmware versions. If the first number of your firmware starts with a 1 please go here Firmware Change Log 1.xx Otherwise if it starts with a 2, please go here: Firmware Change Log 2.xx

You cannot upgrade the 5700 Elite as it doesn't have the processing power to run the analysis. You can upgrade your 5700X to include WEZ for $100. Please connect your unit to the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app and you will see a pop up. Follow the prompts in the app to upgrade it.