FAQs
Does the Kestrel 5 Series connect with mobile devices?
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 Sportsman and Elite Kestrel
meters, provides full gun management and access to the Applied Ballistics library of
G1/G7 curves (Sportsman) and custom drag models (Elite).
How do I set up and use my gun with this device?
For complete step-by-step instructions on setting up profiles and using a Kestrel
Ballistics Meter please see the following document:
https://www.nkhome.com/pdfs/How_to_get_started_using_your_Kestrel.pdf
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.
LiNK Ballistics for iOS or LiNK Ballistics for Android will allow you to use a mobile device to
transfer gun profiles but you need to have the LiNK (i.e., Bluetooth) model. If you are using a
PC, you can use the Applied Ballistic Profile Loader (Version 42 or higher) to manage your gun
profiles.
Note: Please be aware that currently the Applied
Ballistics Profile Loader cannot be used with Bluetooth. Therefore, you will need to purchase
the USB Transfer cable to transfer files with a Windows PC.
How can I transfer profiles with a Mac?
Unfortunately we do not have a ballistics application that runs on a Mac. You will need to find an
Android, iOS or PC to use. Kestrel LiNK for MAC will only allow you to upload the
weather data or update or upgrade your firmware.
What application do I need to view my ballistic solutions remotely?
Both LiNK Ballistics for Android and LiNK Ballistics for iOS will display your ballistic
solutions remotely. Both Kestrel Companion and Kestrel Companion Pro will show your ballistic
solutions remotely as well but are only compatible with the Kestrel 4500 Applied Ballistic
or 4500 Sportsman units.
How can I transfer data to my unit if I do not have the LiNK (i.e., Bluetooth) model?
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).
How can I transfer my gun profiles from my 4500 to my Kestrel 5 Series?
Please go to this link and follow the directions provided:
https://www.nkhome.com/pdfs/How_to_transfer_gun_profiles_from_4500_series_to_5000_series.pdf
What is LiNK for Windows/iOS/Android?
We have separate LiNK applications without "Ballistics" in the title. 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 or upgrade your unit by using
this program. Note: Please be aware that we are working on allowing you to update / upgrade
your firmware with the LiNK Ballistics program above. Until that is available, you will need
to use the basic LiNK program.
What application do I need to update or upgrade my Kestrel firmware?
As previously noted, until we update the LiNK Ballistics applications to include firmware
updates, you will need to install one of the non-ballistic LiNK programs, Kestrel LiNK for iOS
or Kestrel LiNK for Android
What application can I use to upgrade my Kestrel Firmware?
Currently the mobile devices cannot perform firmware upgrades. An upgrade is defined as
going from a 5000 Series Kestrel Sportsman to a Kestrel Elite with Applied Ballistics.
To upgrade your 5000 Series Kestrel Sportsman, you will need to connect to a Windows machine.
Which laser range finders work with my Kestrel 5 series?
Currently only the Bushnell CONX laser rangefinder is compatible with the Kestrel Elite and
Kestrel Sportsman units. However, we will be adding more Laser Range finder compatibility
moving forward. If you would like to request your laser range finder be integrated with
the Kestrel 5000 series, please contact the manufacturer of the laser range finder to let them know.
How do I open the battery door?
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.
How do I close the battery door?
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.
Do I need to use a battery shim with the Kestrel 5 Series units?
No. Since the Kestrel 5 Series utilize only one AA battery, there is no need to use
the battery shim to separate the two AAA batteries in the previous version.
What types of battery should I use with my Kestrel 5 Series unit?
NK strongly recommends continual use of Lithium AA batteries in your Kestrel.
Lithium batteries respond best in extreme temperatures and help prevent against
any corrosion. Customers can also use Alkaline or Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMh) if
they prefer, but we recommend turning "Auto Store" to "OFF" when placing these units
in storage to minimize the drain on the battery. Also, please make sure you set
the System->Battery setting to match the type of batteries that you are using.
Can I upgrade to the Kestrel Elite if I bought the Kestrel Sportsman?
Yes. You can purchase an upgrade from the website and a file will be emailed to you that will allow
you to remotely upgrade your unit. The upgrade needs to be done on a Windows machine, however, so
customers can choose between a Bluetooth dongle and USB cable depending on preferred connection method.
Can I upgrade my non-Ballistics 5000 Series model to a Ballistics model?
No. Currently ONLY the Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics can be upgraded to our Elite model.
Can I trade in my Kestrel 4500 (or different model) to get a new Kestrel 5 Series unit?
Yes. You can always trade-in an older Kestrel, regardless of its condition, by using our Customer Trade-In Program.
Can I get the Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics with LiNK without the Vane Mount?
We intentionally packaged the vane mount with the Kestrel Sportsman Weather Meter with
Applied Ballistics with LiNK because we feel strongly that this is the best solution for long range shooters.
Why isn't there a Night Vision option for the Kestrel 5 Series?
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.
How many data points do these units store?
The Kestrel 5 Series Ballistic models can store over 12,000 data sets.
How often do I need to calibrate the Kestrel 5 Series?
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 – NK uses a different humidity sensor on the 5
series models. The Kestrel 5 Series 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. In the event NK observes a significant number of tested sensors exhibiting drift
greater than +/-1%RH/year, NK will develop a recalibration routine which can be installed
via firmware update. 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.
Pressure – The pressure in the Kestrel 5 series should not need
to be recalibrated.
Why is my Bushnell Laser Range Finder ignoring commands from my Kestrel?
If you are holding down the laser button on the rangefinder, the rangefinder will ignore any
commands from the Kestrel. You will need to release the button on the rangefinder in order for
the two devices to communicate.
How do I pair my Kestrel with my computer?
Kestrel 5 series units with LiNK will need to use an NK-supplied Bluetooth® Dongle to
connect with a computer. The Kestrel 5 series will not work with any internal
Bluetooth® modules. To connect, insert the Bluetooth® 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.
How do I pair my Kestrel with a phone?
Make sure Bluetooth is turned ON on your phone. On the Kestrel, go to the Main Menu->Bluetooth
and turn it ON. Make sure Conct is set to PC/Mobile. 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.
Software Downloads
Kestrel Link for Windows (v1.04.04)
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Simple communication to Windows computers is provided through the
optional LiNK .USB Dongle or USB Data Transfer Cable.
Download your data to view, analyze and archive. Enables firmware update of
Kestrel 5 series meters.
Compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10
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Download:
Kestrel Link for Windows »
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Kestrel Link for OSX/Mac OS (v1.04.04)
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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.
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Download:
Kestrel Link for OSX/Mac OS »
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Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for Android
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Wireless connection. When in range, view real-time measurements, receive on-screen alerts
& download your data. Logged data can be viewed, analyzed, archived & shared via
e-mail, Facebook & Twitter.
Enables firmware update of Kestrel 5 series meters.
NOTE: Range up to 100' line of sight – reduced by walls and obstructions.
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Download:
Android Store »
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Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for iOS
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Wireless connection. When in range, view real-time measurements, receive on-screen alerts and download your data. Logged data can be viewed, analyzed, archived and shared via e-mail, Facebook and Twitter.
Enables firmware update of Kestrel 5 series meters.
NOTE: Range up to 100' line of sight – reduced by walls and obstructions.
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Download:
Apple Store »
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Applied Ballistics Profile Loader
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The Applied Ballistics Profile Loader has been created by our partners at Applied
Ballistics to easily create, transfer, and store bullet/gun profiles. Profiles can
be created on a PC through the application or directly on the Kestrel and
transferred via the software.
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Download:
Applied Ballistics Profile Loader - Version 70
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Models & SKUs
• Kestrel Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics (Black): 0857ABLK
• Kestrel Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics (Olive): 0857AOLV
• Kestrel Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics (Tan): 0857ATAN
• Kestrel Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics and LiNK (Black): 0857ALBLK
• Kestrel Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics and LiNK (Olive): 0857ALOLV
• Kestrel Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics and LiNK (Tan): 0857ALTAN
Includes
• Neck Lanyard
• AA Lithium Battery (Average Life 400 Hours)
• Protective Drawstring Pouch
• Certificate of Conformity (with complete specifications)
• Instruction Manual
• Five Year Warranty