Has anyone used a Kestrel with an Android App'?
- Thread starter Loyal2no1
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DocB
Well-Known Member
Sorry - I don't understand. Has someone else previously asked this question?
HARPERC
Well-Known Member
No, he is indicating he is curious also, and tagging in to be notified of responses. I'm doing the same thing, and keeping the thread active.
What I think I've learned-I got the Kestrel with Applied Ballistics, but have seen the Horus used with great results.
The Kestrel will link with Android, but not an Iphone, although Iphone is compatible with Applied Ballistics.
I ordered a new Android phone based on the above. I'm unable to confirm this works, but I'm hoping so.
A lot of info on Applied Ballistics Facebook page, they come to this site often, and hopefully see and respond to this thread.
There is also kind of a kit coming soon.
What I think I've learned-I got the Kestrel with Applied Ballistics, but have seen the Horus used with great results.
The Kestrel will link with Android, but not an Iphone, although Iphone is compatible with Applied Ballistics.
I ordered a new Android phone based on the above. I'm unable to confirm this works, but I'm hoping so.
A lot of info on Applied Ballistics Facebook page, they come to this site often, and hopefully see and respond to this thread.
There is also kind of a kit coming soon.
Ha Ha - okay, so that's how it's done! (y)
On that note at a glance without using either systems I'm sort of hesitant to stick solely to a Kestrel (Horus) as it doesn't seem to be as user friendly or as intuitive as a Smartphone/Touchscreen and the startup costs will be (theoretically) lower if you already have an Anroid so you can go the cheaper Kestrel 4500NV. However, having everthing in one unit is a massive bonus but on the flip Smartphones are becoming more and more field-friendly with GPS maps etc. Yeah, tough decision hence the forum thread....
Oh, plus you can use Tinder on an Android phone which you can't do on a Kestrel!!! ;-) *Jokes*
lolI've heard the Shooter App is very effective and the Knight's Armanment and Winchester Pattern (for shotguns) also come highly recommended but as always you really won't know until you try them in the field or someone says otherwise.
Ha Ha - okay, so that's how it's done! (y)
On that note at a glance without using either systems I'm sort of hesitant to stick solely to a Kestrel (Horus) as it doesn't seem to be as user friendly or as intuitive as a Smartphone/Touchscreen and the startup costs will be (theoretically) lower if you already have an Android which allows you to go the cheaper Kestrel 4500NV. However, having everything in one package is a massive bonus but on the flip Smartphones are becoming more and more field-friendly with GPS maps etc. Yeah, tough decision hence the forum thread....
The Shooter App, Knight's Armanment and Winchester Pattern (for shotguns) all come highly recommended but as always you really won't know until you try them out in the field or someone in the know says otherwise.
HARPERC
Well-Known Member
None of it is user friendly to me it's all a stumble. The Bluetooth Kestrel is using now, changes to something different in their newer models. So make sure which one you're getting if you go that route.
Yeah. Interesting point - from what I can gather it seems like we're 1-2 generations away from the technology being user friendly and cohesive. That said I'm still a while off making a purchase and my precision rifle won't be ready until at *least* the middle of next year so I'm in no rush. Nonetheless it's always a good thing to do your homework to get an idea where things are heading.
c_bass16
Well-Known Member
I have been using my Kestrel 4000NV with BlueTooth for about 3 years now with Shooter and I can tell you that the bluetooth feature is not necessary. It's nice on a flat range with no time restrictions, but I've never been in a match or hunting scenario where I didn't have time to consult my Kestrel...and change the condition in the app manually.
I have seen on a few occasions, the Kestrel not sync with the phone for whatever reason. I've ran a few different Android phones and it's happened with all three.
I simply check my conditions before a match starts and input them...or check the conditions before I head out on a stalk and input the conditions.
Either way...I prefer using the smartphone app in conjunction with a Kestrel.
In order for me to switch, the Kestrel with AB or HORUS would need a full size touch screen.
I have seen on a few occasions, the Kestrel not sync with the phone for whatever reason. I've ran a few different Android phones and it's happened with all three.
I simply check my conditions before a match starts and input them...or check the conditions before I head out on a stalk and input the conditions.
Either way...I prefer using the smartphone app in conjunction with a Kestrel.
In order for me to switch, the Kestrel with AB or HORUS would need a full size touch screen.
Great piece of advice - thanks!
I totally forgot how Bluetooth often doesn't sync up with devices (which is a PITA!!!) and it would appear the Kestrels are no different... Your thoughts on the Kestrel Horus mirror mine exactly - it really would need to go touchscreen to be intuitive and user friendly. But if it went that route would it still be bomb proof?... After reading your post I'm back to thinking a simple Kestrel 2500NV with a ballistics App might be all that I need after all. And your idea of preloading the data prior to leaving is very clever so I'm definitely going to steal that when the time comes ;-) lol
Out of curiosity how much time are you saving when you Bluetooth the Kestrel data to your App (when it's working
) via manually inputing it? And do you find the whole process of going manual a hassle?
c_bass16
Well-Known Member
Out of curiosity how much time are you saving when you Bluetooth the Kestrel data to your App (when it's working
Time I'm saving when it does actually connect?
Zero. Because I still double check the Kestrel, and double check the ballistic app to make CERTAIN that the numbers jive. If for some reason they don't sync on start up, my ballistic app automatically loads the last used atmospheric conditions...so I always check to make sure they are the same.
I've never felt the need to keep both the app and the kestrel out, and keep the units synced. Atmospherics don't change that fast.
Going manual is not a hassle at all. Got out the stopwatch to test for you and here is what I found.
It took me 42 seconds to get my Kestrel out of the pouch and turned on, unlock my phone, open Shooter, load all the atmospherics manually and get a firing solution.
I did the same test but after unlocking my phone, i had to turn on BT.
When I got to my atmospherics I selected "Get from Kestrel" and at the 1:20 mark...i get an error saying that it wouldn't connect. And they are both in my hands 5" apart.
I'd say for ME, that manually entering everything is much faster and probably more reliable.
Okay. With what you've just said I'll go manual and keep it basic and reliable. Thanks so much for the informative posts! (y)
On that note can you offer some more advice on whether it's worth purchasing a Kestrel 2500NV, 4000NV or a 4500NV? There's a few extra features on the 4000NV (which you own) and 4500NV but I'm not really sure if it's really worth the extra cost.... If you had your time again what would be your pick of those three Kestrels and why?
c_bass16
Well-Known Member
In MY opinion, the 4000 is the upper level of whats needed for LR shooting unless you go with the AB or HORUS models.
The reason being is that, to my knowledge, the only thing extra the 4500 offers is a compass so you can get the direction of your wind, or use it so you dont get lost in the mountains. But in order to actually utilize it for shooting, you need a mini weather vain that rotates freely in the wind.
Not something 99% of people will ever use.
If you cant judge the wind direction by feeling it...you have other things to worry about.
I like the design of the 4000 over the 2500...but it appears the humidity feature and wet bulb is the only advantage the 4000 has.
Unless you're doing extreme LR shooting, you can just set your ballistic program to 50% humidity and leave it forever.
Yeah. I *might*go out to 400 yards for a hunting shot but realistically I'll shoot within 300 yards whenever possible. I'll maybe push that out to 800 yards on the range for kicks but I honestly can't see myself going past that in this lifetime.
Okay. So the Shooter App and a Kestrel 4000NV it is! Oh, and plenty of practise
Thanks, c_bass16!!!! (y)
