Kestrel Meters Ballistics Official Thread

[Jef291]

I have the Kestrel/Hornady 4 DOF and today I noticed for the first time that when I enter the target yardage in the calculator (1,004 yds), the single target engagement screen in my cell phone app shows Rng 1,098. Conversely, when I enter 1,004 yds in the single target engagement screen the calculator changes to 918 yds. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

1004 yards is 918 meters so I would say one of your devices is set for meters and one for yards

 

[Paul1262]

Thanks, that's exactly what the problem was. The app was showing distances in meters. Really appreciate the reply.

 

[Jolliec]

It’s converting to meters. Check your settings and make sure you have yards set vs. meters.

 

[Paul1262]

It’s converting to meters. Check your settings and make sure you have yards set vs. meters.

Thanks.

 

[Kestrel Ballistics]

check your settings, 1004 yds = 918 meters. App may be set to yds and Kestrel set to metric not imperial

 

[Paul1262]

check your settings, 1004 yds = 918 meters. App may be set to yds and Kestrel set to metric not imperial

Thanks - much appreciated.

 

[6.5SH]

@Kestrel Ballistics are newer 5700 Elite firmware ever going to be made available for the LiNK for Windows app?
It still only offers 1.49 for download.

 

[Edsel]

Kestrel 5700 Elite with Applied Ballistics class with AB Brand Ambassador Chad Heckler



Kestrel 5700 Elite w/ LiNK: Basic Review and How To Set Up



Kestrel Sportsman w/ LiNK & Applied Ballistics: How To Set Up and Operate



Kestrel 5700 Elite w/ LiNK: Setting Up a Target and Wind Capture



Kestrel 5700 Elite Weather Meter w/ LiNK: How To Build Gun Profiles



Kestrel 5700 Elite Weather Meter w/ LiNK: Trajectory Validation (MV)



How to true your Muzzle Velocity



Truing Muzzle Velocity



True Your Data for Long Range Shooting (BC / DSF)



DROP/DRAG SCALE FACTOR (Trans/Subsonic range) | Todd Hodnett from Accuracy 1st



Calibrating DSF on Kestrel Ballistics Meter



Truing Your Ballistic Calculator For Long Range Shooting (MV and BC)



DSF Table vs Cal MV | Todd Hodnett from Accuracy 1st



Accuracy 1st Feature for Kestrel Elite (Part 1) | Colby Hodnett of Accuracy 1st



Accuracy 1st Feature for Kestrel Elite (Part 2) | Colby Hodnett of Accuracy 1st



Accuracy 1st Feature for Kestrel Elite (Part 3) | Colby Hodnett of Accuracy 1st



Accuracy 1st Feature for Kestrel Elite (Part 4) | Colby Hodnett of Accuracy 1st



WHAT is Speed Drop! why/How to use it!



Speed Drop | Colby Hodnett of Accuracy 1st



Speed Drop (UPDATE) | Colby Hodnett of Accuracy 1st

 

[Edsel]

Speed Drop. This is some valuable information for long range shooting.



Truing out your .22 rimfire with the Kestrel AB software



Determining SPEED and LEAD with a Kestrel for moving targets



Using a Kestrel to Estimate Lead



High Angle shooting with Kestrel Ballistics



You're using this completely wrong



Pairing a Kestrel Elite to a Leica Rangemaster 2800.com

 

[Edsel]

Thought I’d share this compilation of video links I used to get acquainted with this toy, all in one place.

There are some redundancies, yes - but they’re more or less clumped together.

 

[Kestrel Ballistics]

@Kestrel Ballistics are newer 5700 Elite firmware ever going to be made available for the LiNK for Windows app?
It still only offers 1.49 for download.

Hi
If you want the latest firmware for Windows you can email [email protected] with your request, Kestrel serial number and hardware number (HW) from the About/Version menu and we can email you the correct file.

As with non Link Kestrels you will need our usb cable to connect the Kestrel to your PC.

 

[6.5SH]

Hi
If you want the latest firmware for Windows you can email [email protected] with your request, Kestrel serial number and hardware number (HW) from the About/Version menu and we can email you the correct file.

As with non Link Kestrels you will need our usb cable to connect the Kestrel to your PC.

Thanks, will do.

I'm guessing this is because of chip differences and the app can't tell which is needed. I have the USB-optical cable and it has been a much more reliable and faster way to backup and update the device than BlueTooth.

Some unsolicited feedback on the Android app is to make the app keep the screen awake while using the app. I've had firmware update failures as well as log sync fails on my Drop D3 because of this. This change would make it more reliable and a better user experience.

 

[tadawson]

I have the Kestrel/Hornady 4 DOF and today I noticed for the first time that when I enter the target yardage in the calculator (1,004 yds), the single target engagement screen in my cell phone app shows Rng 1,098. Conversely, when I enter 1,004 yds in the single target engagement screen the calculator changes to 918 yds. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

1004 meters is 1098 yards, so it sounds like your Kestrel is set to use meters instead of yards.

 

[Tokay444]

1004 yards is 918 meters so I would say one of your devices is set for meters and one for yards

Thanks, that's exactly what the problem was. The app was showing distances in meters. Really appreciate the reply.

It’s converting to meters. Check your settings and make sure you have yards set vs. meters.

check your settings, 1004 yds = 918 meters. App may be set to yds and Kestrel set to metric not imperial

1004 meters is 1098 yards, so it sounds like your Kestrel is set to use meters instead of yards.

I wonder if it’s converting to meters.

 

[mr.quick]

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I have a question on my elite ballistics with link.
My question is why is it that all of my rifle settings say for example my zero is at 200 and the kestrel says 75 zero.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Long Range 338]

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I have a question on my elite ballistics with link.
My question is why is it that all of my rifle settings say for example my zero is at 200 and the kestrel says 75 zero.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

It’s just a user setting, you need to adjust it to your correct zero distance for the ballistics to be correct

 

[mr.quick]

It’s just a user setting, you need to adjust it to your correct zero distance for the ballistics to be correct

I put the 100yds for my zero , then I go to the range card and it still gets me ,as 75 to be my zero

 

[mr.quick]

Here is what I get

 

[Long Range 338]

So, you would have to check multiple inputs to find the error. There are some great tutorials on YouTube and Kestrel even has a channel that walks you through the process.

 

[mr.quick]

So, you would have to check multiple inputs to find the error. There are some great tutorials on YouTube and Kestrel even has a channel that walks you through the process.

Where would I find the kestrel channel

 

[Long Range 338]

Scroll above in this thread and grab one of the videos that are linked.

Kestrel Ballistics

TOUGH, RELIABLE SOLUTIONS.NO MATTER THE JOB. NO MATTER THE ENVIRONMENT. We are continuously dedicated to researching ways to improve the Kestrel line and create new, innovative products to meet the important needs of our customers. The entire Kestrel line is designed and built in the USA – no...

youtube.com

 

[usafa77]

It's 1/2 of a tenth. Could be due to environmentals. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Does everything else line up?

 

[mr.quick]

It's 1/2 of a tenth. Could be due to environmentals. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Does everything else line up?

When you pay almost 800 for the kestrel ,you want it on point . I need it to be exact all the time.

 

[Entropicitis]

When you pay almost 800 for the kestrel ,you want it on point . I need it to be exact all the time.

Good luck with that

 

[Tokay444]

The cost of an item doesn’t absolve you of user error.

 

[mr.quick]

The cost of an item doesn’t absolve you of user error.

Is isn’t user error

 

[Tokay444]

Oh?

 

[Taylorbok]

Is isn’t user error

Sure sounds like it is.

 

[mr.quick]

Sure sounds like it is.

When you don’t turn it on for about 3 months ,then when you do it shows the wrong zero , how in the world is that supposed to be user error

 

[Long Range 338]

When you don’t turn it on for about 3 months ,then when you do it shows the wrong zero , how in the world is that supposed to be user error

Don’t feed the howler monkeys….

 

[Tokay444]

When you don’t turn it on for about 3 months ,then when you do it shows the wrong zero , how in the world is that supposed to be user error

It’s a calculator. Garbage in is garbage out.

 

[mr.quick]

Don’t feed the howler monkeys….

There is another monkey

 

[Taylorbok]

When you don’t turn it on for about 3 months ,then when you do it shows the wrong zero , how in the world is that supposed to be user error

That’s messed up. Maybe try doing an update

 

[Kestrel Ballistics]

Here is what I get

Did you take a new DOF and Wind reading or just change and go to the range card? Range card does not update until new reading.
The holds you seen in the range card are holds based on the gun profile and the current environment, so there will be a hold, even at zero distance, because the projectile will have some environmental impact on it. Usually the zero hold is a number so small you can't dial to it, but it shows the meter is processing. I am not sure if you have zeroed at 100 or 200. 100 is recommended as you may have environmental impact on the projectile at 200 yds and that gets baked in so all you holds assume identical impact. AB recommends 100 yds to be impact free.

 

[Tokay444]

Well well well.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

I put the 100yds for my zero , then I go to the range card and it still gets me ,as 75 to be my zero

Aerodynamic Jump? Set you wind speed to 0.

 

[bobhide]

I am setting up my Kestrel 5700 w/link. I am trying to use the app on my phone as well.

My scope is a nightforce with 1/4 moa clicks. I have tried to use the “click”setting in gun profiles. (Clicks 4 =1 moa) The ballistic solution is displaying with decimals. Shouldn’t it be whole numbers?

Also if I setup the gun profile in the Kestrel and not the phone app for clicks how would the kestrel know my scope is 1/4 moa clicks?

 

[Kestrel Ballistics]

It is recommended you always use the app for gun profiles and use the AB library for bullet data, If you have an Elite select AB Custom instead of G7. Your scope is an MOA scope, use TMOA for scope setting and you will get a result that will match up with the numbers on your scope. 12.50 MOA is a hold of halfway between the 12 and 13 on your turret. If you leave it set for Clicks you will get 50.00 clicks and will need to count the clicks or do the math in your head. You always get 2 decimals as the solution even if you can't dial to it.

 

[bobhide]

Thanks. I appreciate. I have simple needs as my available ranges are 200 & 500 , 5 rifles and a dozen bullets.
Next I will learn the Environment functions and MV calibration.

 

[Kestrel Ballistics]

Be sure to watch the video on Cal MV as that is the way to true the meter to your rifles.

 

[mmcmah]

Hello,

Sorry if this is the wrong thread. I am trying to get my Kestrel 5700 Elite to connect to my Windows 11 PC so that I can manage the firmware and download custom curves to it. My issue is that the cable doesn't seem to be recognized as such by the Windows PC. I hear the connect/disconnect tones and I see the cable showing up as a "USB Input Device" in the Device Manager, but both LINK as well as ABLoader fail to find the unit. ABLoader says that there is no cable found.

When I connect the cable and unit to my Mac, I am able to use the LINK version on the Mac, so both cable and device are communicating as they should and the issue appears to be with Windows. Is there anything I can do to get the communications going correctly through the cable? Is there a device driver that I need to download?

Thank you.

 

[Kestrel Ballistics]

Call support at 800-784-4221 and tell them you have a usb cable connection issue.

 

[mmcmah]

Call support at 800-784-4221 and tell them you have a usb cable connection issue.

Thanks. They were unable to help. I will report back if I'm able to get it to work and what the workaround was. For now, it's working via a virtual Windows 10 machine, but it won't work in the native, host Windows 11 machine.

I may just return the cable, as there may be better gun management solutions through the apps or through my rangefinder.

It all seems rather kludgy the way the ABloader program and the LINK PC program need proprietary connections to manage the Kestrel.

 

[Kestrel Ballistics]

The usb cable is contactless so the Kestrel remains waterproof. A Kestrel with Link built in is the only way to go.

 

[giumau1]

Hey @Kestrel Ballistics
Q1: are you planning an integration with Calypso ultrasonic wind meters through AB sw, or
Q2: are you developing your own US wind measurement technology?
I expect a A1: no, A2: you'll never know from us now, but at least I asked what the world wonders

 

[MLone]

Just bought a 5700 elite. Never used one before. My impeller acts like it hangs up, not all the time but most of the time. I have to blow on it to get it started moving then it will run for a while. Sometimes it kind of waddles back and forth and works fine when the wind hits it. Is there a break in period for these? Im wondering if I give it a little compressed air if it will maybe loosen up? I didnt read this whole forum so pardon me if its already been covered somewhere in here.

Just bought a 5700 Elite. Never used one before. My impeller acts like it hangs up, not all the time but most of the time. I have to blow on it to get is started moving then it will run for a while. Sometimes it kind of waddles back and forth and works fine with the wind hits it. Is there a break in period for these? Im wondering if I give it a little compressed air if if will maybe loosen up? I didnt read this whole forum so pardon me if its already been covered somewhere in here. Thanks

 

[cuirc]

Just bought a 5700 Elite. Never used one before. My impeller acts like it hangs up, not all the time but most of the time. I have to blow on it to get is started moving then it will run for a while. Sometimes it kind of waddles back and forth and works fine with the wind hits it. Is there a break in period for these? Im wondering if I give it a little compressed air if if will maybe loosen up? I didnt read this whole forum so pardon me if its already been covered somewhere in here. Thanks

Mine works great no problem with the impela talk to your dealer of the company

 

[MLone]

Mine works great no problem with the impela talk to your dealer of the company

I contacted them and I could send it back to them, at my expense, or contact the Kestrel people for warranty. That is the trouble buying things on line. A store is easier to deal with. So I saw this thread and I thought I would put it on here and see if the company rep responded. I also sent a message on the Kestrel contact page. And now we wait. Curious, does your impeller kind of go back and forth, until the wind comes, when it is working right? I assume that is when its working right. Mine swings and sometimes sticks, almost like its in a bind but I looked at the blades and nothing is catching on anything. It doesnt say anything about that in the instructions so I really dont know how its supposed to work. If I give it a little puff of air when it sticks it will start spinning. It gets stuck if the wind dies.....sometimes. Im going to give it a couple days to see if I get a response and then try the compressed air to keep it spinning for awhile and see if a little use will make it not stick.

 

[NiteQwill]

I contacted them and I could send it back to them, at my expense, or contact the Kestrel people for warranty. That is the trouble buying things on line. A store is easier to deal with. So I saw this thread and I thought I would put it on here and see if the company rep responded. I also sent a message on the Kestrel contact page. And now we wait. Curious, does your impeller kind of go back and forth, until the wind comes, when it is working right? I assume that is when its working right. Mine swings and sometimes sticks, almost like its in a bind but I looked at the blades and nothing is catching on anything. It doesnt say anything about that in the instructions so I really dont know how its supposed to work. If I give it a little puff of air when it sticks it will start spinning. It gets stuck if the wind dies.....sometimes. Im going to give it a couple days to see if I get a response and then try the compressed air to keep it spinning for awhile and see if a little use will make it not stick.

Can you post a video. It would really help. A lot of us use Kestrels day in and day out, it might help to diagnose the issue. Or what you're describing as normal.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

They sell replacement impellers. I replace mine every so often with wear. https://kestrelinstruments.com/kestrel-impeller or https://kestrelballistics.com/kestrel-impeller