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Kestrel 5700 Elite/Sportsman with Applied Ballistics
To purchase please go here: http://www.nkhome.com/kestrel-products/ballistics . To get the Bluetooth option you must select "Yes" under the "Add LiNK Wireless Connectivity" drop down menu.
Keep in mind you can UPGRADE your old Kestrels to the new one, using the Customer Loyalty Program: Customer Trade-In Program | Nielsen-Kellerman
This guide is going to help demonstrate the features of the new Kestrel 5700 with Applied Ballistics. There are two models. The Sportsman and the Elite. Each with its own features, and abilities. The biggest change to note, is this is Android and iPhone compatible! The LiNK version allows you use of the free apps which are available on both Google Play and iTunes!
At first glance you will notice some difference between the Kestrel 5700 units. Units that come packaged with the Bushnell ConX Elite 1 Mile Laser Range Finder will be marked CONX in the upper right corner. The only difference between this and a standard unit, is that it came bundled together with the Range Finder. You will also notice one unit says Applied Ballistics and one unit says Sportsman. This indicates the difference between the Elite unit and the Sportsman unit. Both are equipped with Applied Ballistics Solvers, the differences are outlined below. Units that say LiNK in the lower left corner are Bluetooth equipped.
Bluetooth and Non-Bluetooth – There is a Bluetooth and a Non-Bluetooth version. These Bluetooth units are indicated by the word "LiNK" found in the lower right corner of the device. If you have a LiNK version then you have access to the free Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app, as well as the ability to connect with the Bushnell ConX Elite range finders. I will discuss that more in detail later. Just understand the LiNK version can be used with the free app on Android or iPhone. If you wish to connect to a computer with the Non-LiNK version for updates or profile loading, you must purchase the usb cable. If you have a LiNK version, when you power on, it will have a Bluetooth symbol during boot up. The new K5700 LiNK units are iOS/iPhone , as well as Android compatible.
Physical Updates – The new Kestrel has had some changes. The first change is an updated screen. The screen is now larger and easier to read. The screen also houses a multi-color LED backlight. You can set the backlight to either Red (night vision) or white. This device has a new button layout as well. You now have a separate capture button at the 12 o'clock position. You have a settings button that is separate from the power button. You no longer press the power button once for menu, and twice to power down. The second change is the battery compartment. You no longer have two batteries. It uses a single battery. You also no longer need the spacer/shield in place. We still recommend the use of Energizer Ultimate Lithium, although not required. The battery door is also much more robust now. The third and final change is ergonomics. The unit is slightly larger, slightly beefier, and more ergonomic. The old wind vane mount will not work with the new units. It is too large to fit. The K5700 has a grove in the side that matches up with a grove on the new wind vane mount allowing it to clip in to place. However, the old TYR cases will fit. So if you have one of the TYR cases you do not need to update it.
Backlight – You have the ability to change the color of the backlight. Press the settings button IMG, then scroll down to "Display" and press enter. You can then scroll down to "Backlight" and by pressing the left or right arrow, change it between White and Red.
Upgradability - Unlike Kestrels in the past, the Sportsman can be upgraded to the Elite model via a firmware update, for the cost of the difference between the two models. So if you buy a Kestrel Sportsman model, in the future you can pay to upgrade it to an Elite model. This does require the use of either the LiNK Dongle, or the USB cable which can be purchased at www.nkhome.com. Note: You will not be able to use Kestrel Link on PC or Mac to do the upgrade without the cable or dongle. There is no other way to upgrade from a Sportsman to Elite model. As you can see from these two screen shots, a sportsman has been upgraded to an Elite version:
Firmware Elite vs Sportsman – When you boot the devices up, it gives you an ISS Number which is your firmware number, but it will also say "Elite" or "Sportsman" depending on your version. On the boot screen, Bluetooth versions will also have a Bluetooth symbol.
Differences between Elite and Sportsman – It is important to understand the differences between the K4500 Applied Ballistics model and the K4500 Sportsman model are not same differences found in the K5700 Elite vs Sportsman. Also remember, you can now purchase a firmware upgrade to change the K5700 Sportsman over to a K5700 Elite. The Elite model has the following advantages over the Sportsman: DSF Calibration, AB Custom Drag Models, 5 Targets vs 1 Target, 16 Weapons vs 3 Weapons, Range Card (Sportsman does not have a range card), More detailed Ballistics Screen, and Zero Offset. The Elite model has a detailed ballistics screen, the Sportsman only displays basic information. Also on the Ballistics App, a Sportsman Unit doesn't have not Multi-Target or Custom Drag Curves. Only the Elite Unit has Access to these features. The new sportsman is more accurate than the old sportsman when looking at firing solutions inside the supersonic range of the bullet. The Sportsman does now calculate Coriolis, Aerodynamic Jump, and Spin Drift. Unlike the K4500 Sportsman which does not.
Compass Calibration – Compass Calibration has been simplified in the K5700. If at any time you receive the error "Compass Calibration Required" you can easily rectify this in one of the following ways:
1) Target Screen – 1. Press the Enter Button on "TGT". 2. Scroll down to "DoF" and press enter. 3. Scroll down to "Compass Cal" and press enter.
2) Wind Screen – 1. Press enter on "Wind". 2. Pick any of (WD, WS1, or WS2) and press enter on it. 3. Scroll down to "Compass Cal" and press enter.
Targets – The Elite has 5 Targets, the Sportsman only has 1. From the Target Menu, if you press enter on either of the Wind Speeds, you now have an option for compass calibration from this menu. This compass calibration access also applies to the Wind menu. This allows you to calibrate the compass without having to access the settings menu, allowing for the calibration to be easier to find.
Gun Management – Gun management has now been moved to the Ballistics Screen. It is the last menu option at the bottom. You can hand enter a weapon, however you now have multiple options for uploading weapons. Remember the Elite holds 16 and the Sportsman holds 3 weapons. You can use the app, which will be detailed later, to upload profiles to the Kestrel 5700. You can also use the profile loader from a computer to upload profiles to the Kestrel 5700.
AB Custom Drag Curves – These may only be used on the Elite model.
Muzzle Velocity – Under the weapon profile, you can calibrate your MV by pressing enter on MV. It will then bring up a screen that allows you to calibrate the MV.
Environment – You still have the ability to turn environment "off" to prevent artificial heating of the unit during the summer. If you want to hand run calculations during different weather scenarios, you can turn environment "off" which will allow you to set the Temp, Pressure, and Humidity to any variable you like, and it will output the Density Altitude (DA) associated with those environmental attributes. Spin Drift can also be turned off from here, this applies to both Elite and Sportsman.
Range Card – The Range Card is only available on the Elite model. By pressing the Enter button from the Range Card you can set the increments you want the Range Card to populate.
Ballistics Menu – The Ballistics Menu is very different between the Elite and Sportsman Models. The Sportsman Model has a simplified ballistics menu that does not include: Time of Flight, Max Ordinance (Highest point in trajectory), Drop in Inches, RSub (point at which the bullet goes subsonic), Vertical or Horizontal Coriolis, Spin Drift, or Aerodynamic Jump. It does still calculate some of these, it simply does not display them.
Docking Cable – Unlike the old version which had a docking cradle, you can now buy a docking cable. It is much smaller, and easier to use. It is a one way fitting device. Sold Separately
In this photo you can see on the left the old docking cradle, in the middle the USB Dongle, and on the right the new Docking Cable. These must be purchased and are not included.
LiNK Wireless Dongle – You can now also purchase a USB Dongle that is designed to be compatible with the K5700 LiNK units. Because of the variety of Bluetooth configurations available from computer manufactures, for ease of communication, Kestrel advises that you should purchase a LiNK Wireless dongle, even if your computer already has Bluetooth Smart. If you do not purchase a Bluetooth unit, they cannot be upgraded to Bluetooth in the future. You must purchase it as a Bluetooth unit. With Bluetooth units are marked "LiNK". Sold Separately
Wind Vane Mount – The K4500 Wind Vane Mounts Are Not Compatible. The wind vane mount has been redesigned. The K5000 series has a slot in the side that clips it in to the new wind vane mount. Also there is no long a collapsible bar, it is now a single bar. In the photos below, you have the new wind vane mount on the top, and the old wind vane mount on the bottom. In the photo on the right you can see the difference between how the K5700 docks in to the new wind vane mount.Sold Separately
Tactical Molle Compatible Carrying Case – The K5700 and K4500 will fit in the Tactical Case. Sold Separately
This table highlights the differences in the models:
Kestrel LiNK Ballistics Overview - Free – Requires Kestrel 5700 with LiNK
This is only an overview, and not intended as a user guide, for more detailed instructions please see here: http://abmediaresources.com/kestrellinkballistics.htm
To download this free app for Android please follow this link: Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for Android - Free!
This software is only compatible with K5700 Applied Ballistics LiNK Series. If you own an Elite Model, some features will not appear until you select the device, some features are disabled for Sportsman users.
Main Screen – From the main screen you have quick access to 4 functions. K5700 Sportsman users will only see 3 functions. You will not have access to the Multi Target Engagement. You also have the settings, which can be accessed from any screen by using your phones menu button.
Device Selection and Pairing – From here you pair the software up with your device. This will unlock some features for users of the K5700 Elite Model. If you are unsure about your device, when pairing it will state either Sport or Elite under "Model."
Settings – The app is capable of handling different units of measure, which can be adjusted in the settings. Changing the settings in the app does not affect the settings on the Kestrel, and vice versa. It is important to note the Profile Download settings. This where you choose if profiles that are downloaded overwrite current profiles or not.
Single Target – Single Target Engagement gives you the ability to have a live feed which is updated every 3 seconds. You will see wind direction, and wind speeds at the top of this screen. Inside the clock direction indicator, you will see your elevation adjustment, and your windage adjustments. Note: The target direction needs to be set in the Kestrel itself, and cannot be changed via the app. At the bottom of the firing solution you will have basic Bullet, Gun, and Environmental data. More detailed data can be found on the Kestrel itself. Range adjustment: By swiping your finger up and down anywhere on this screen you can adjust the range to the target. You can also fine tune this range with the +/- buttons at the bottom of the screen. You can use the keypad to hand enter a range by clicking on the range number at the bottom, or you can adjust the range on the Kestrel itself. Note: you can adjust the swipe value changes in the settings. So that swiping changes by different increments. Anywhere from 1 to 25 yards/meters at a time. Your currently selected weapon displays at the top of the screen.
Multi Target: From this function you have the ability to input the range to 8 different targets. Once you are connected to a Kestrel Device, simply input the ranges you need. Then select Compute Holds, it will then one by one calculate your firing solution for each target. All parameters other than range must be updated on the Kestrel Device itself, including weapon selection. These ranges are saved, so if you exit the app, the next time you open it, they will remain input. You can also clear your holds using the Clear Holds button. Once you are ready, just make sure the Bluetooth Symbol is Blue indicating its connected (red indicates it is not connected), and press computer target holds. Your currently selected weapon profile is displayed at the top of the screen. You can flip this screen horizontally, this is especially useful if you have a wrist band holder for your device.
Gun Profile Management: You have the ability to create, store, upload, and download profiles to the Kestrel device. The app comes preloaded with over 500 Custom Drag Curves. The Kestrel 5700 Elite can store up to 16 different gun profiles, and the Sportsman can store 3. You will also notice you have the ability to create Temp Tables, to put in your scope click values, and to change from G1 or G7. Note Custom Drag Curves lock out the ability to change this. Custom Drag Curves are Not Avaliable on a Sportsman Model. If you do not connect a K5700 Elite Model first, you will not have access to Custom Drag Curves in the App. Make sure you connect the K5700 Elite Model First, Sportsman Models will not allow the selection of Custom Drag Curves. You do have the ability to upload and download profiles. The complete instructions on this can be found in the user guide mentioned above.
Live Environment: In order to get live updates on the wind, you need to set the wind in capture mode on the K5700. You cannot use the capture button, if the compass is not calibrated, which is covered in the section above titled Compass Calibration. Environment can also be turned off in certain situations. To do this simply highlight the word "Update" in the Environment Menu, and press the left or right arrow to switch it to "No". With it turned off, it will no longer update automatically. The photos below demonstrate the view when an measurement is in capture mode. It will be followed by an arrow. For wind to feed live, it needs to be in capture mode.
Important Note: As stated before this is not a user guide, but a general overview. For a user guide please reference here: LINK http://abmediaresources.com/kestrellinkballistics.htm
To purchase please go here: http://www.nkhome.com/kestrel-products/ballistics . To get the Bluetooth option you must select "Yes" under the "Add LiNK Wireless Connectivity" drop down menu.
Keep in mind you can UPGRADE your old Kestrels to the new one, using the Customer Loyalty Program: Customer Trade-In Program | Nielsen-Kellerman
This guide is going to help demonstrate the features of the new Kestrel 5700 with Applied Ballistics. There are two models. The Sportsman and the Elite. Each with its own features, and abilities. The biggest change to note, is this is Android and iPhone compatible! The LiNK version allows you use of the free apps which are available on both Google Play and iTunes!
At first glance you will notice some difference between the Kestrel 5700 units. Units that come packaged with the Bushnell ConX Elite 1 Mile Laser Range Finder will be marked CONX in the upper right corner. The only difference between this and a standard unit, is that it came bundled together with the Range Finder. You will also notice one unit says Applied Ballistics and one unit says Sportsman. This indicates the difference between the Elite unit and the Sportsman unit. Both are equipped with Applied Ballistics Solvers, the differences are outlined below. Units that say LiNK in the lower left corner are Bluetooth equipped.
Bluetooth and Non-Bluetooth – There is a Bluetooth and a Non-Bluetooth version. These Bluetooth units are indicated by the word "LiNK" found in the lower right corner of the device. If you have a LiNK version then you have access to the free Kestrel LiNK Ballistics app, as well as the ability to connect with the Bushnell ConX Elite range finders. I will discuss that more in detail later. Just understand the LiNK version can be used with the free app on Android or iPhone. If you wish to connect to a computer with the Non-LiNK version for updates or profile loading, you must purchase the usb cable. If you have a LiNK version, when you power on, it will have a Bluetooth symbol during boot up. The new K5700 LiNK units are iOS/iPhone , as well as Android compatible.
Physical Updates – The new Kestrel has had some changes. The first change is an updated screen. The screen is now larger and easier to read. The screen also houses a multi-color LED backlight. You can set the backlight to either Red (night vision) or white. This device has a new button layout as well. You now have a separate capture button at the 12 o'clock position. You have a settings button that is separate from the power button. You no longer press the power button once for menu, and twice to power down. The second change is the battery compartment. You no longer have two batteries. It uses a single battery. You also no longer need the spacer/shield in place. We still recommend the use of Energizer Ultimate Lithium, although not required. The battery door is also much more robust now. The third and final change is ergonomics. The unit is slightly larger, slightly beefier, and more ergonomic. The old wind vane mount will not work with the new units. It is too large to fit. The K5700 has a grove in the side that matches up with a grove on the new wind vane mount allowing it to clip in to place. However, the old TYR cases will fit. So if you have one of the TYR cases you do not need to update it.
Backlight – You have the ability to change the color of the backlight. Press the settings button IMG, then scroll down to "Display" and press enter. You can then scroll down to "Backlight" and by pressing the left or right arrow, change it between White and Red.
Upgradability - Unlike Kestrels in the past, the Sportsman can be upgraded to the Elite model via a firmware update, for the cost of the difference between the two models. So if you buy a Kestrel Sportsman model, in the future you can pay to upgrade it to an Elite model. This does require the use of either the LiNK Dongle, or the USB cable which can be purchased at www.nkhome.com. Note: You will not be able to use Kestrel Link on PC or Mac to do the upgrade without the cable or dongle. There is no other way to upgrade from a Sportsman to Elite model. As you can see from these two screen shots, a sportsman has been upgraded to an Elite version:
Firmware Elite vs Sportsman – When you boot the devices up, it gives you an ISS Number which is your firmware number, but it will also say "Elite" or "Sportsman" depending on your version. On the boot screen, Bluetooth versions will also have a Bluetooth symbol.
Differences between Elite and Sportsman – It is important to understand the differences between the K4500 Applied Ballistics model and the K4500 Sportsman model are not same differences found in the K5700 Elite vs Sportsman. Also remember, you can now purchase a firmware upgrade to change the K5700 Sportsman over to a K5700 Elite. The Elite model has the following advantages over the Sportsman: DSF Calibration, AB Custom Drag Models, 5 Targets vs 1 Target, 16 Weapons vs 3 Weapons, Range Card (Sportsman does not have a range card), More detailed Ballistics Screen, and Zero Offset. The Elite model has a detailed ballistics screen, the Sportsman only displays basic information. Also on the Ballistics App, a Sportsman Unit doesn't have not Multi-Target or Custom Drag Curves. Only the Elite Unit has Access to these features. The new sportsman is more accurate than the old sportsman when looking at firing solutions inside the supersonic range of the bullet. The Sportsman does now calculate Coriolis, Aerodynamic Jump, and Spin Drift. Unlike the K4500 Sportsman which does not.
Compass Calibration – Compass Calibration has been simplified in the K5700. If at any time you receive the error "Compass Calibration Required" you can easily rectify this in one of the following ways:
1) Target Screen – 1. Press the Enter Button on "TGT". 2. Scroll down to "DoF" and press enter. 3. Scroll down to "Compass Cal" and press enter.
2) Wind Screen – 1. Press enter on "Wind". 2. Pick any of (WD, WS1, or WS2) and press enter on it. 3. Scroll down to "Compass Cal" and press enter.
Targets – The Elite has 5 Targets, the Sportsman only has 1. From the Target Menu, if you press enter on either of the Wind Speeds, you now have an option for compass calibration from this menu. This compass calibration access also applies to the Wind menu. This allows you to calibrate the compass without having to access the settings menu, allowing for the calibration to be easier to find.
Gun Management – Gun management has now been moved to the Ballistics Screen. It is the last menu option at the bottom. You can hand enter a weapon, however you now have multiple options for uploading weapons. Remember the Elite holds 16 and the Sportsman holds 3 weapons. You can use the app, which will be detailed later, to upload profiles to the Kestrel 5700. You can also use the profile loader from a computer to upload profiles to the Kestrel 5700.
AB Custom Drag Curves – These may only be used on the Elite model.
Muzzle Velocity – Under the weapon profile, you can calibrate your MV by pressing enter on MV. It will then bring up a screen that allows you to calibrate the MV.
Environment – You still have the ability to turn environment "off" to prevent artificial heating of the unit during the summer. If you want to hand run calculations during different weather scenarios, you can turn environment "off" which will allow you to set the Temp, Pressure, and Humidity to any variable you like, and it will output the Density Altitude (DA) associated with those environmental attributes. Spin Drift can also be turned off from here, this applies to both Elite and Sportsman.
Range Card – The Range Card is only available on the Elite model. By pressing the Enter button from the Range Card you can set the increments you want the Range Card to populate.
Ballistics Menu – The Ballistics Menu is very different between the Elite and Sportsman Models. The Sportsman Model has a simplified ballistics menu that does not include: Time of Flight, Max Ordinance (Highest point in trajectory), Drop in Inches, RSub (point at which the bullet goes subsonic), Vertical or Horizontal Coriolis, Spin Drift, or Aerodynamic Jump. It does still calculate some of these, it simply does not display them.
Docking Cable – Unlike the old version which had a docking cradle, you can now buy a docking cable. It is much smaller, and easier to use. It is a one way fitting device. Sold Separately
In this photo you can see on the left the old docking cradle, in the middle the USB Dongle, and on the right the new Docking Cable. These must be purchased and are not included.
LiNK Wireless Dongle – You can now also purchase a USB Dongle that is designed to be compatible with the K5700 LiNK units. Because of the variety of Bluetooth configurations available from computer manufactures, for ease of communication, Kestrel advises that you should purchase a LiNK Wireless dongle, even if your computer already has Bluetooth Smart. If you do not purchase a Bluetooth unit, they cannot be upgraded to Bluetooth in the future. You must purchase it as a Bluetooth unit. With Bluetooth units are marked "LiNK". Sold Separately
Wind Vane Mount – The K4500 Wind Vane Mounts Are Not Compatible. The wind vane mount has been redesigned. The K5000 series has a slot in the side that clips it in to the new wind vane mount. Also there is no long a collapsible bar, it is now a single bar. In the photos below, you have the new wind vane mount on the top, and the old wind vane mount on the bottom. In the photo on the right you can see the difference between how the K5700 docks in to the new wind vane mount.Sold Separately
Tactical Molle Compatible Carrying Case – The K5700 and K4500 will fit in the Tactical Case. Sold Separately
This table highlights the differences in the models:
Kestrel LiNK Ballistics Overview - Free – Requires Kestrel 5700 with LiNK
This is only an overview, and not intended as a user guide, for more detailed instructions please see here: http://abmediaresources.com/kestrellinkballistics.htm
To download this free app for Android please follow this link: Kestrel LiNK Ballistics for Android - Free!
This software is only compatible with K5700 Applied Ballistics LiNK Series. If you own an Elite Model, some features will not appear until you select the device, some features are disabled for Sportsman users.
Main Screen – From the main screen you have quick access to 4 functions. K5700 Sportsman users will only see 3 functions. You will not have access to the Multi Target Engagement. You also have the settings, which can be accessed from any screen by using your phones menu button.
Device Selection and Pairing – From here you pair the software up with your device. This will unlock some features for users of the K5700 Elite Model. If you are unsure about your device, when pairing it will state either Sport or Elite under "Model."
Settings – The app is capable of handling different units of measure, which can be adjusted in the settings. Changing the settings in the app does not affect the settings on the Kestrel, and vice versa. It is important to note the Profile Download settings. This where you choose if profiles that are downloaded overwrite current profiles or not.
Single Target – Single Target Engagement gives you the ability to have a live feed which is updated every 3 seconds. You will see wind direction, and wind speeds at the top of this screen. Inside the clock direction indicator, you will see your elevation adjustment, and your windage adjustments. Note: The target direction needs to be set in the Kestrel itself, and cannot be changed via the app. At the bottom of the firing solution you will have basic Bullet, Gun, and Environmental data. More detailed data can be found on the Kestrel itself. Range adjustment: By swiping your finger up and down anywhere on this screen you can adjust the range to the target. You can also fine tune this range with the +/- buttons at the bottom of the screen. You can use the keypad to hand enter a range by clicking on the range number at the bottom, or you can adjust the range on the Kestrel itself. Note: you can adjust the swipe value changes in the settings. So that swiping changes by different increments. Anywhere from 1 to 25 yards/meters at a time. Your currently selected weapon displays at the top of the screen.
Multi Target: From this function you have the ability to input the range to 8 different targets. Once you are connected to a Kestrel Device, simply input the ranges you need. Then select Compute Holds, it will then one by one calculate your firing solution for each target. All parameters other than range must be updated on the Kestrel Device itself, including weapon selection. These ranges are saved, so if you exit the app, the next time you open it, they will remain input. You can also clear your holds using the Clear Holds button. Once you are ready, just make sure the Bluetooth Symbol is Blue indicating its connected (red indicates it is not connected), and press computer target holds. Your currently selected weapon profile is displayed at the top of the screen. You can flip this screen horizontally, this is especially useful if you have a wrist band holder for your device.
Gun Profile Management: You have the ability to create, store, upload, and download profiles to the Kestrel device. The app comes preloaded with over 500 Custom Drag Curves. The Kestrel 5700 Elite can store up to 16 different gun profiles, and the Sportsman can store 3. You will also notice you have the ability to create Temp Tables, to put in your scope click values, and to change from G1 or G7. Note Custom Drag Curves lock out the ability to change this. Custom Drag Curves are Not Avaliable on a Sportsman Model. If you do not connect a K5700 Elite Model first, you will not have access to Custom Drag Curves in the App. Make sure you connect the K5700 Elite Model First, Sportsman Models will not allow the selection of Custom Drag Curves. You do have the ability to upload and download profiles. The complete instructions on this can be found in the user guide mentioned above.
Live Environment: In order to get live updates on the wind, you need to set the wind in capture mode on the K5700. You cannot use the capture button, if the compass is not calibrated, which is covered in the section above titled Compass Calibration. Environment can also be turned off in certain situations. To do this simply highlight the word "Update" in the Environment Menu, and press the left or right arrow to switch it to "No". With it turned off, it will no longer update automatically. The photos below demonstrate the view when an measurement is in capture mode. It will be followed by an arrow. For wind to feed live, it needs to be in capture mode.
Important Note: As stated before this is not a user guide, but a general overview. For a user guide please reference here: LINK http://abmediaresources.com/kestrellinkballistics.htm
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