Frequently Asked Questions

The bore height used for all 2700 profiles is 2.00 inches. This should be close enough to give a valid solution for the majority of scopes out there

You will first need to create an account if you do not already have one. After you create an account, sign in. Click on your account name at the top of the page and select My Account. On the left of the screen, you will see Product Registration, select this option. Enter your purchase date, serial number and product name into the fields and then select Save.

Typically this will happen if the Kestrel is placed near a magnet or magnetic source. Things such as the MagnetoSpeed Riflekuhl or other chamber chillers, electronic hearing protection, or maybe even magnetic buttons on your pocket. Any magnet can affect the compass calibration. Also storing the Kestrel in a metallic enclosure such as a gun safe can have an affect on the compass calibration.

Please see this guide here:

How is Bullet Length Calculated?   (Size: 1.1 MB)

A quick diagram of how to measure bullet length

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.

The Kestrel 2700 can only hold 1 gun profile at a time. You can store as many profiles in the Kestrel LiNK Ballistic app as you want however.

The Kestrel 2700 only supports 1 target at a time.

No, the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app is needed to create a profile and load it on the Kestrel 2700.

If the Kestrel reads “CAL CPS”, then you will need to calibrate the compass prior to using. To do so, press the center button when CAL CPS is on the screen. Spin and the number 30 will appear on the screen. Hold the Kestrel vertical and rest the bottom of the Kestrel on a table or your hand and rotate the Kestrel in place until the number reaches 0. You can spin the Kestrel in either direction but it is recommended not to spin too fast or you can get a bad calibration.

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.

The Kestrel 2700 uses Applied Ballistics Lite as the ballistic solver.

We have replacement battery doors we can send you. Please see this link: Replacement Doors

The Kestrel 2700 has an 875 yards max range.

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.

1. After calibrating the compass, use the left or right arrow buttons to set the range. Holding the button will make the range increase quicker.
2. Press the center button to enter environmental capture. Swing or wave the Kestrel to get airflow over the sensor. Once the temperature stabilizes press the center button again.
3. Next is the direction of fire screen. Point the back of the Kestrel towards your target and press the center button to do a capture.
4. Wind direction and speed follows. Point the back of the Kestrel directly into the prevailing wind. Make sure you capture at least 10 seconds of wind in this direction and when satisfied press the center button to end capture.
5. If inclination was set in the app, enter your inclination angle using the directional arrows.

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 see this guidance on changing units for the Kestrel 2700

How do I change the units on my Kestrel 2700?   (Size: 94.9 KB)

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

Please see this issue for Kestrel 2700 units that aren't turning on

Why won't my Kestrel 2700 power on?   (Size: 395.7 KB)

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

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

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

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/.

Read our guide to Getting Started with Long Range Shooting

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 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