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New Kestrel® HUD and Kestrel® Ballistics 2700
- Thread starter DocUSMCRetired
- Start date
It will be based off the recoil, so yes mounting on your wrist would take away that ability.
We haven't tested this out yet. It's still in development but it's a good idea as something to review.
Look to the middle of the year, still too early to date it.
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.
Me likey.
Time to start saving for this one.
Add another to the portrait mode option to either rifle mount or armband.
I don't have the 5700 w/ bluetooth so $1100 end cost for the ones that upgrade with the HUD. Hope they offer a package deal.
Time to start saving for this one.
Add another to the portrait mode option to either rifle mount or armband.
I don't have the 5700 w/ bluetooth so $1100 end cost for the ones that upgrade with the HUD. Hope they offer a package deal.
The next step will be a digital riflescope with standard glass and the HUD built in. Next will be an all digital scope akin to the ATN or Sightmark. Something that has battery life, recoil rated, and hopefully a fixed power basic option in the event of electronic failure.
There will be two cables available, one connects the HUD to the 3 button remote and the second is a Y cable that connects HUD and remote to a few higher end LRF (Raptar, etc) that accept cable connections for activation. Full details a little later.
@Kestrel Ballistics
The RAPTAR is specifically what I am confused about as I am on the fence on buying one as I wanted to use it specifically for this setup. I'm confused on how they all go together/can go together:
- What version RAPTAR (the one with just the range finder, or the one with range finder and AB on it) will work with the HUD setup? Additionally, on the press release for the HUD I saw something about it connecting via the 'link' (I am assuming this is Bluetooth) to some of the range finders (RAPTAR S with the range finder and AB on it, but not the RAPTAR version with just the range finder as it doesn't have Bluetooth).
So is there a wireless way as well as a wired way to connect them? And will this then allow you to use either RAPTAR version because of the wired option? And does it all need to run through the HUD then; as I don't think there's a data cable to run anything from the Kestrel unless the 5700 does have one.
Trying to figure out how this all works because of me sitting on possibly purchasing a RAPTAR.
This is all still being worked out. The HUD will not connect directly to a rangefinder through Bluetooth. The rangefinder can be connected to a Kestrel via Bluetooth and the Kestrel can also be able to connect to HUD via Bluetooth simultaneously (future firmware update). This makes having a rangefinder with Applied Ballistics on it redundant and not necessary. If you do not have a Bluetooth version of a rangefinder, we will have a separate cable that would connect the HUD to the rangefinder to pull in the data.
OK I think I'm following you. I get that you're also still working things out so you may not 100% know the details of it all.
If I'm looking at this right:
RAPTAR with AB ballistics can connect to the Kestrel via bluetooth link which in turn connects to the HUD. Is this via bluetooth also, or via cable?
RAPTAR without AB ballistics can connect to the HUD via cable. The HUD is then also connected to the Kestrel via a cable AND bluetooth, or just a cable?
Thanks for the info so far.
Pre-ordered on on the kestrel site. Didn’t ask for payment type. I’m assuming we’ll be contacted with a payment link when ready to ship?
Also, still looking at a July release?
Thanks
Also, still looking at a July release?
Thanks
Not sure which product you are asking about, right now it looks like the Hornady Kestrel will ship in two weeks, the 2700 later in the summer and the HUD around the 3rd quarter. All subject to software testing, so no firm dates until all the testers are smiling.
I have also pre-ordered the 2700. The site is still saying shipping in July but your reply seems that July isn't a solid possibility. Can you give any insights on July or when it might ship? I'm getting it for an advanced sniper course this fall and want it in time to figure it out before the school. If its after July, I may look at other models to ensure I have time to learn it.
Kestrel: Question about the 2700. Never have owned one of your products. Was considering the new Hornady version but while cheaper, still some coin. I only have two guns I would use it with. Wouldn't be shooting past 800 yards. Am using "Shooter" app on my iPone now. What would I be missing if I purchased the 2700 unit versus your new Hornady loaded unit?
The 2700 would be ideal for your current needs. It would become less ideal if you increase your distance past 1000y or add rifles. Additional bonus is all the environmental data you will get by using the Kestrel.
@Kestrel Ballistics
Could I have absolute confirmation on which gun mounted LRF's will integrate. Sounds like all of these are compatible, correct?
-Raptar ES
-Raptar S/ES
-Raptar S
Is there a necessary date of manufacture, V1 or V2, etc.?
Also are there other options for gun mounted LRF? Like connectivity to the SiCo Radius? Or possible new options you are working with--in the works ....gun mounted option from Sig, etc.??? (Any hint is always appreciated). I understand Kestrel 5700-Bluetooth LRF's as an option, but specifically want to know more for gun mounted solutions if available.
HUD mounting--Spuhr mount an option??
Could I have absolute confirmation on which gun mounted LRF's will integrate. Sounds like all of these are compatible, correct?
-Raptar ES
-Raptar S/ES
-Raptar S
Is there a necessary date of manufacture, V1 or V2, etc.?
Also are there other options for gun mounted LRF? Like connectivity to the SiCo Radius? Or possible new options you are working with--in the works ....gun mounted option from Sig, etc.??? (Any hint is always appreciated). I understand Kestrel 5700-Bluetooth LRF's as an option, but specifically want to know more for gun mounted solutions if available.
HUD mounting--Spuhr mount an option??
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Regarding the Wilcox LRFs, you should confirm with them what units they will be adding the Kestrel interface to, we don't have that information yet.
The SiCo Radius does not pair with a Kestrel or the HUD.
No Spuhr mount currently. Just the Picatinny option. We would be happy to work with any other manufacturer for a Spuhr mount/M-Loc etc. but none of that is in the works yet.
The SiCo Radius does not pair with a Kestrel or the HUD.
No Spuhr mount currently. Just the Picatinny option. We would be happy to work with any other manufacturer for a Spuhr mount/M-Loc etc. but none of that is in the works yet.
I received one of the pre-release 2700 units as part of a beta test today at a long-range class. I used it to shoot to about 700yds before switching back over to my 5700 for some longer stuff. The interface is pretty intuitive - I'd say moreso than the 5700 in terms of being more step-by-step oriented - and the solutions it gave me matched up pretty damn well to my tuned 5700 (sans spin drift and coriolis windage adjustment, as expected). If you are shooting to 800yds and don't need the AB External functionality, it seems like a really excellent deal. I am racking my brain in how I'd improve it given its slot in the market, and I can't think of much.
you need to contact the manufacturer, they have the ability to add the connection to their products and will have a better idea on their plans.
@Kestrel Ballistics
I think I'm understanding some of the uses for the HUD unit, is this scenario doable for a future PDog hunt?
Kestrel 5700 elite on a tripod in the rotating wind vane mount feeding me real time wind holds to the HUD along with elevation corrections based on range data being fed from my Link enabled Bushnell Conex rangefinder. I can already do this with the Ios app, but have to set the range manually.
I thought I read or heard in the video that the 5700 can now do dual channel coms with the HUD and a LINK enabled device?
Thanks!
I think I'm understanding some of the uses for the HUD unit, is this scenario doable for a future PDog hunt?
Kestrel 5700 elite on a tripod in the rotating wind vane mount feeding me real time wind holds to the HUD along with elevation corrections based on range data being fed from my Link enabled Bushnell Conex rangefinder. I can already do this with the Ios app, but have to set the range manually.
I thought I read or heard in the video that the 5700 can now do dual channel coms with the HUD and a LINK enabled device?
Thanks!
Okay, now you have piqued my interest. Do expect to have this upon release or is it on the future product roadmap?
Also is this possibly a future feature for the Kestrel Ballistic app?
For PRS purposes with the HUD, is there a method for displaying only the targets you want for a particular stage?
An example would be only wanting to see solutions for targets C, F, and K from the target card. Is it possible to view those three solutions only or to be able to button scroll through them without having to press multiple times to scroll past unwanted solutions?
Also, there are usually more than 10 targets at a match. Why can’t we have more slots on the target card?
An example would be only wanting to see solutions for targets C, F, and K from the target card. Is it possible to view those three solutions only or to be able to button scroll through them without having to press multiple times to scroll past unwanted solutions?
Also, there are usually more than 10 targets at a match. Why can’t we have more slots on the target card?
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The Hud is still changing while in development so nothing is set in stone yet. There will be a feature that only targets with a range greater than zero will show in the Hud so you can make things work by using a clear button and adding the next stage distances so limited targets will display. Haven't heard from anyone needing more than 10 targets so that has not been discussed. That would require app, Kestrel and Hud programming and would need some time to develop.
Perhaps a “Stage Card” could be developed where targets for the stage card could be selected from the range card and exported to the stage card. This way you’d only export the targets you want and not have to clear the range card of targets that will have to be re-entered for another stage. The stage card is cleared after each stage and new targets are just selected from the target card and exported. If it takes longer to set up the HUD for a stage than it does to just write on a card or some tape, I don’t see it being hugely useful for matches.
It would also help if a “stage card” displayed 3 or 4 targets and solutions without have to scroll the display. Time is money.
It would also help if a “stage card” displayed 3 or 4 targets and solutions without have to scroll the display. Time is money.
You’re never gonna be faster with electronics than writing things down.
Especially if you’re verifying ranges (which is almost a necessity).
I’m looking at it more like an e-dope card that works with your Kestrel instead of a smartphone.
Target ranges would all be verified, pre-match if possible, and entered correctly on the target card. In the east we typically are able to range and locate targets before the match. We are shooting in lanes cut in the forest, not wide open spaces with multiple firing lines or directions of fire.
Perhaps just writing it down off your Kestrel is still the best/quickest/simplest method.
I think you could do this in real time with a rifle mounted RF. Hard to do pre-stage as you’d need to point the rifle.
I’d like to know how the new HUD would be an improvement, specifically for PRS matches, over the DRS e-dope card paired with data from a Kestrel 5700 elite and AB link.
I really love the idea of seamless integration with the HUD, the Kestrel 5700, and a Sig rangefinder. However, I just don’t see how it’s any better than getting target dope values from the Kestrel and transferring it to a paper or e-dope card.
If it is possible to simply laser the targets in order of engagement and instantly populate a target list on the HUD display that would be the nuts.
I really love the idea of seamless integration with the HUD, the Kestrel 5700, and a Sig rangefinder. However, I just don’t see how it’s any better than getting target dope values from the Kestrel and transferring it to a paper or e-dope card.
If it is possible to simply laser the targets in order of engagement and instantly populate a target list on the HUD display that would be the nuts.
That is exactly what the Kestrel HUD will do. There will be an firmware update where you can Bluetooth connect the Kestrel to both the HUD and the Rangefinder and simply lase the targets and have them populate on the HUD screen.
Will this work with the Bushnell Nitro 1800 as well (IE: Any AB-enabled LRF) or only specific models?
If this will work with the Bushy, consider me sold.
It will only work with Bluetooth models that work with the Kestrel. Here is a current list: https://kestrelinstruments.com/kestrel-3rd-party-software-and-applications
I believe the Bushnell Nitro 1800 *should* work but we haven't tested it yet.
Link connections will be directly with the Kestrel 5700/ Elite, links to all LRF that link to the Kestrel can be found in the Kestrel links section of this forum for AB Kestrels and in the Hornady Kestrel thread.
Yep, the Nitro works nicely with the Kestrel (I've already done it). If we're wanting to skip the LRF entirely, you can update the EDope straight from the Kestrel itself, too, right? If so, I assume it's via the range card function?
