One concern I have about the HUD is its readability. With all the info presented in a uniform table, I wonder if my eye will have trouble finding a particular distance/line when I need to. When I create a DOPE card, sometimes it looks like a map of the stage. Or I may make other marks or symbols so that I can find the info fast for different parts of the stage. Just sayin'.
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Kestrel Ballistic News
- Thread starter Kestrel Ballistics
- Start date
I like the electronic integration personally. It looks a little big in pictures but not too big to be in the way or clunky. Definitely in the top 3 products I’ve seen from shot show that interested me.
I think what we are all wanting some like a rugged Garmin 701 AB without all the BS stuff that Garmin offers. I'm not looking for a GPS unit or a unit that can send a text or email messages to me when I'm shooting.
Things I'm looking for from this HUD unit in the future are
Ruggedness with Rugged buttons like the Garmin has
Battery life with a internal and external backup. With a possibility of a small solar panel like holosun.
Armband wearable thinking that the back of the unit has a slight curve so it can fit you arm better
AB program already in the HUD so it can be a standalone unit and is computer compatible to all systems like Mac, Windows Ect,ect
Bluetooth to the keltrel 5700 and laser rangefinders and the kestrel DROP unit capably. Or just one or all three the items mentioned
Internal compass
The ability to capture the weather data with ballistics data for that day and have the ability to download and print a back up and laminate a DOPE card
So you can have a library of shooting data for the 4 season we all shoot in. Plus all thing break down having a back up is key.
More target stage pages up to 10 pages with 10 targets per for the PRS guys so you don't have to worry about setting it before the next stage.
Possible red or white backlight
What I do like is the screen size of the unit
The larger font size so you don't strain your eye.
That about it that I like about it so far.
Any other ideas you guys can think of feel free to pile on. Since this unit is not out yet let's get OUR input into this unit. Let's make this a customer driven unit we want not what they push on us. This HUD unit has a lot of great possibilities. Just sharing my thoughts on it.
Things I'm looking for from this HUD unit in the future are
Ruggedness with Rugged buttons like the Garmin has
Battery life with a internal and external backup. With a possibility of a small solar panel like holosun.
Armband wearable thinking that the back of the unit has a slight curve so it can fit you arm better
AB program already in the HUD so it can be a standalone unit and is computer compatible to all systems like Mac, Windows Ect,ect
Bluetooth to the keltrel 5700 and laser rangefinders and the kestrel DROP unit capably. Or just one or all three the items mentioned
Internal compass
The ability to capture the weather data with ballistics data for that day and have the ability to download and print a back up and laminate a DOPE card
So you can have a library of shooting data for the 4 season we all shoot in. Plus all thing break down having a back up is key.
More target stage pages up to 10 pages with 10 targets per for the PRS guys so you don't have to worry about setting it before the next stage.
Possible red or white backlight
What I do like is the screen size of the unit
The larger font size so you don't strain your eye.
That about it that I like about it so far.
Any other ideas you guys can think of feel free to pile on. Since this unit is not out yet let's get OUR input into this unit. Let's make this a customer driven unit we want not what they push on us. This HUD unit has a lot of great possibilities. Just sharing my thoughts on it.
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NEW Hornady Kestrel 5700 Ballistic Weather Meter 4 DOF
Today at the NRA Convention the new Hornady Kestrel 5700 Ballistic Weather Meter using the Hornady 4 DOF solver was announced. Please see the new thread for Hornady Kestrel Ballistic Weather Meter for additional information.
Today at the NRA Convention the new Hornady Kestrel 5700 Ballistic Weather Meter using the Hornady 4 DOF solver was announced. Please see the new thread for Hornady Kestrel Ballistic Weather Meter for additional information.
Here is a comparison chart of all the Kestrel Ballistic meters:
https://kestrelinstruments.com/ballistics-shooting
https://kestrelinstruments.com/ballistics-shooting
Kestrel Ballistics Announcement
New Firmware 1.27 & Kestrel Ballistics App Update!
In addition to the latest firmware 1.27 release, we have also made improvements to the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app that will prompt users to perform an update.
How does it work?
LiNK Ballistics app users will get notification that an update is required to continue using the LiNK app
NOTE: Because of the added encryption and improved security features, the update connection may take a little longer than usual.
Who does this affect?
The new Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app will have the firmware update contained in it, so users will not need an internet connection to update firmware for 1.27. In addition to the improvements to the overall stability of the app, there are several other improvements to expect:
*If customers do not want to update firmware at this time, please go to Google Playstore or Apple Store and unclick Automatic Updates for the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics program. Then, users can continue to use the current version of the unit firmware and LiNK Ballistics app without any changes.
New Firmware 1.27 & Kestrel Ballistics App Update!
In addition to the latest firmware 1.27 release, we have also made improvements to the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app that will prompt users to perform an update.
How does it work?
LiNK Ballistics app users will get notification that an update is required to continue using the LiNK app
NOTE: Because of the added encryption and improved security features, the update connection may take a little longer than usual.
Who does this affect?
- Customers with Kestrel 5700 & 5700 Elite with LiNK units
- Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app users (iOs and Android)
The new Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app will have the firmware update contained in it, so users will not need an internet connection to update firmware for 1.27. In addition to the improvements to the overall stability of the app, there are several other improvements to expect:
- No more lost or erased Gun Profiles -- Gun Profile data will remain saved with every firmware update
- Saved Kestrel values -- App will no longer overwrite Kestrel values upon first connection
- Better security -- Privacy PIN issues have been fixed
*If customers do not want to update firmware at this time, please go to Google Playstore or Apple Store and unclick Automatic Updates for the Kestrel LiNK Ballistics program. Then, users can continue to use the current version of the unit firmware and LiNK Ballistics app without any changes.
When is this available for use. Just tried it and got no upgrade notice
FW was no issue - brought up the old link app, it offered 1.27, and I said yes. What I have not seen is the app update . .
So.... I got the Kestrel LINK app (not the Ballistics app) to update my Kestrel from 1.23 to... 1.24. Neither app seems to want to update my Kestrel to 1.27 (it's a 5700 Elite w/ AB). I'm likely just being an idiot, or missing something obvious - but what do I need to do to get 1.27 - or even 1.25 - onto this silly thing?
Also... I'll just point out that it would be super nice if you could just have the app check firmware level and do an update manually with the press of a button, rather than having to rely on it automagically figuring things out? The current arrangement just makes this situation I'm troubleshooting a giant pain in the ass, unfortunately...
Also... I'll just point out that it would be super nice if you could just have the app check firmware level and do an update manually with the press of a button, rather than having to rely on it automagically figuring things out? The current arrangement just makes this situation I'm troubleshooting a giant pain in the ass, unfortunately...
Is your device connected to the Internet? The ballistics app needs to download 1.27 . . . Mine is also a 5700 AB Elite, so unless Kestrel pulled back 1.27, it's definitely out there.
Yessir.
I'm not the only one having this issue - another friend is in the same boat (except he's stuck at 1.23)
If update issues continue, be sure all profiles are on the Kestrel and delete the ballistic app from your phone and download a fresh install of the app. That will delete the update log and start you off fresh.
Did that before posting above - no joy.
Edit to add - deleted the app two more times with a number of connections and disconnections in between, and it's finally updating to 1.27 via the Kestrel LINK Ballistics app. Jeez. Painful.
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The app worked its way slowly through the app store distribution system and seems to have only gone live about an hour ago. Fresh installs should be the new one.
@Kestrel Ballistics
Quick question
Kestrel 5700 elite w/link
Updated to 1.27
Spin drift: off
No Coriolis
No wind in either wind1 or wind2.
With center x custom curve or with manually input BC.
Set zero range to 25yds.
But in the “range card” it shows my elevation as 0.01. Why doesn’t it show 0.00??
Main solution screen, ballistic screen, and target card all show 0.00
Quick question
Kestrel 5700 elite w/link
Updated to 1.27
Spin drift: off
No Coriolis
No wind in either wind1 or wind2.
With center x custom curve or with manually input BC.
Set zero range to 25yds.
But in the “range card” it shows my elevation as 0.01. Why doesn’t it show 0.00??
Main solution screen, ballistic screen, and target card all show 0.00
Well, pretty happy here! For the firsttime I have owned my Kestrel, the app actually sets the lattitude correctly instead of just stuffing in a zero. Not a huge bug, but they fixed it! Thanks Kestrel!
Definitely worked! Downloading as we speak.
I was getting pretty frustrated, and tried to do it via PC and bluetooth. Is it possible for a PC connection without the dongle?
I reloaded the app, with the update. When I try the update it get to loading gun profiles 5% complete and stops. Any ideas?
Sounds like a gun profile issue. Check name of profiles for any special characters. Or parameters to see if something out of whack in the profile itself.
I purchased recently the 5700 elite with Link, updated to v1.27. I am having issues with way too much spin drift. I see there was a thread created in Jan 2019 about this in v1.23.
The thread say it was solved by I just had the problem in v1.27. I created a gun profile for 260Rem (6.5mm with Lapua Scanar 139gr) and 243win (6mm with Lapua Scanar 90gr) . I created them on my iOS phone and downloaded it to the Kestrel. I navigated to the bullet diam and length. Put bullet length calc off and then back on. It changed from 11.10mm to 28.50 with is lot closer to the correct length. Once I have done that the too much spin drift disappear. The problem resurfaced when you download the gun profiles again from the phone to the kestrel. So this problem not 100% resolved.
The thread say it was solved by I just had the problem in v1.27. I created a gun profile for 260Rem (6.5mm with Lapua Scanar 139gr) and 243win (6mm with Lapua Scanar 90gr) . I created them on my iOS phone and downloaded it to the Kestrel. I navigated to the bullet diam and length. Put bullet length calc off and then back on. It changed from 11.10mm to 28.50 with is lot closer to the correct length. Once I have done that the too much spin drift disappear. The problem resurfaced when you download the gun profiles again from the phone to the kestrel. So this problem not 100% resolved.
Yep, I've downloaded all the latest updates for both phone app and 1.27. It wiped all the profiles.
Fortunately I had paper records with all the data, so I escaped with only the pain of re-entering the data; but now the problem is that the phone app crashes EVERY time I enter the profile section: I try to either download from the Kestrel or enter a new profile and *crash*. The phone app simply will not accept any input into the profile section.
Even having re-entered the data into the Kestrel, it's giving me some wonky outputs, too. So for now it's back to calculating everything long hand using my backup charts...
Fortunately I had paper records with all the data, so I escaped with only the pain of re-entering the data; but now the problem is that the phone app crashes EVERY time I enter the profile section: I try to either download from the Kestrel or enter a new profile and *crash*. The phone app simply will not accept any input into the profile section.
Even having re-entered the data into the Kestrel, it's giving me some wonky outputs, too. So for now it's back to calculating everything long hand using my backup charts...
I’ve downloaded firmware 1.27 I have always taken a wind reading then set wind 2 to zero using only Wind 1. With this update you can’t set wind 2 lower than wind 1. I have done this because I was told Areodynamic jump is calculated off wind 2, is this correct?
Always which is why lowlight suggests using wind 2 only
The reason why the wind 1 is high is because the bullet length is too short in the Kestrel. It causes the spindrif calc to be too high and it adds about 2 MOA to wind calls. Go into Bullet Diameter then bullet length set calc off then back on. This resolves the over spindrif calculation for now.
I opened Kestrel Link Ballistics this am to make a change, the only screen option I have is connect to device. Nothing else, uninstalled the app and re-downloaded the app. Now I have lost all my upgrades, back to V 1.99 and no screen options. WTF?
I turn Wind 1 off and just use Wind 2
Too much to go wrong with their SD and CE stuff, so turning it off is better.
if you think about it,
Shooting at actual targets first and lining that information up to your calculator already includes that values, we are adding it twice if we let the computer do it. So take your real world dope, what you shot at actual targets and actual distances and line that up to the computer with SD and CE off, gives you better data.
I don't use Wind 1, I use Wind 2 only
Too much to go wrong with their SD and CE stuff, so turning it off is better.
if you think about it,
Shooting at actual targets first and lining that information up to your calculator already includes that values, we are adding it twice if we let the computer do it. So take your real world dope, what you shot at actual targets and actual distances and line that up to the computer with SD and CE off, gives you better data.
I don't use Wind 1, I use Wind 2 only
The new App connects to the Elite, 5700, Ruger 5700, Hornady Kestrel 5700 and soon the 2700. It needs to connect to your Kestrel first to determine which menu to provide, which is based on your Kestrel model and its features. You can use it with an Elite to get a custom curve, disconnect and then connect to a Hornay Kestrel to set up a 4DOF profile. The app will do it all now, but initially needs to know what it is communicating with.
For some reason, I am not sure it is connecting, not doing anything different. 5700 Elite with Link & AB. I'll retry.
Do you set your wind 2 as the average or high wind?
Not that it matters as it’s user preference. Just curious which value you find more useful.
You likely need to repair it. Open the Bluetooth screen on the Kestrel so that it is discoverable, and try again . . .(I tripped over this myself . . .).
- Tim
Shit, I had uninstalled Kesrel Link, added that back to my phone, 45 min update, then my Link ballistics paired up for another 45 min upgrade. I'm good to go. Off hand, I say my dopes look better than they have in a year, maybe I'll stay current on updates in the future.
Kestrel HUD -Heads up display information
www.thefirearmblog.com
Heads-Up Display for the Kestrel Ballistics Meters
Kestrel Instruments are releasing a Heads-Up Display for their 5 Series of Ballistics Meters. The big question is if this is another gadget that will just leave your long-range shooting with even more confusion or the next 'must-have-thing to hit'?
www.thefirearmblog.com
Kestrel HUD -Heads up display information
Heads-Up Display for the Kestrel Ballistics Meters
Kestrel Instruments are releasing a Heads-Up Display for their 5 Series of Ballistics Meters. The big question is if this is another gadget that will just leave your long-range shooting with even more confusion or the next 'must-have-thing to hit'?
This looks very interesting. Can the Kestrel 5700 connect to a Bushnell CONX rangefinder and the HUD at the same time? Also, can you provide some pictures or details on the remote for the HUD?
Thanks
Yes, the Conx is one of the LRF that connects to the 5700 with Link and the Kestrel will connect to the HUD at the same time. Here is the current list of LRF that will allow this:
kestrelinstruments.com
No details on the remote yet.
Kestrel has partnered with and/or supports 3rd Party Hardware, Software, & Applications
Integrate your Kestrel with 3rd party hardware and software applications to extend the use of your Kestrel Instruments.
kestrelinstruments.com
No details on the remote yet.
And just to be sure- a 5700 Sportsman upgraded to Elite works with all of this, correct?
ETA on remote details?
Is the HUD available for sale now?
ETA on remote details?
Is the HUD available for sale now?
Upgraded Sportsman becomes an Elite, the only difference between the two is the software. No ETA on the remote yet, still focused on getting the 2700 out the door. HUD is available for Pre-Sale: https://kestrelinstruments.com/kestrel-hud-heads-up-display-5-series-ballistics-meters
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