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Kestrel Companion (AB + Nvisti) - Free! (New Features July/2015)

Kestrel Companion App:

KCInstruc.jpg

Link to the App in the Store:
Kestrel Companion App

Link to the Software Home Page:
nVisti, LLC – Kestrel Companion

kc.png


This is the Kestrel Companion App. This is an app designed for use with the Applied Ballistic Kestrel Devices. What it does, is it looks at the current weapon profile you have loaded on the Kestrel AB Model. You have four ways you can adjust the targets range. I will talk about those later with included photos. After about 1-3 seconds it posts the windage and elevation adjustments for that weapon profile. Something to note here, it gives you real time data for weather as you will see, it also gives you some of the weapon and profile data on screen. It is Bluetooth linked in to the kestrel, it is one screen, and requires you to have a weapons profile on the Kestrel already.

This is great for use with the Weather Vane Mount. The best way to use this software is to take a temp reading then lock it in. To do this swing the kestrel on the cord a couple of times, then take the temp and but put it on constant temp reading. The only thing you should have going constant is wind, which is easily accomplished. Once you have the Kestrel AB up and running, scroll to the wind, and push the camera button one time. This will put the wind in constant capture mode. With the kestrel sitting in the open sun, you can get unwanted radiation and direct heating giving you a bad temp reading. The weather data is shown on the bottom of the Companion App as well as limited profile information such as the muzzle velocity, BC, Rate of Twist, and other things you profiled in. The update from the time you give it the range, until the time it gives you a feedback is 3 seconds or less. Its also best to lock in your target direction before you start active wind reading. You can adjust the range of the targets while the wind is in capture mode without any errors.

Key things to remember. Kestrel Companion uses the profile loaded on the Kestrel. It requires a Bluetooth model with AB software on the kestrel. Any changes made on the Kestrel show up on the app, and vice versa almost instantly. This does require that a weapon and bullet profile already be made. You can create and upload a profile a number of different ways 1. do this by hand in the kestrel. 2. do this on PC and upload it (with Bluetooth version or pc cable). 3. AB Tactical allows you to build your profile, calibrate your own ballistics, and then upload profile to the kestrel. You can then use the Kestrel Companion as a simplified quick shot, or use the AB Tactical. Think of the companion as a mirror of the kestrel screen on your phone. Anything you do on the kestrel instantly goes to the app, and anything you do on the app instantly updates on the kestrel. The only thing you do on the Kestrel Companion is tell it your target range, and everything else updates automatically. It uses the weapon profile you currently have selected on the kestrel. Here are the screen shots.



What you see before you connect:

Screenshot_2015_07_09_08_58_15.png


Enter your range in 1 of 4 ways. On the Kestrel itself, Using the Swipe method, Enter the Number with keypad, Or use +/- buttons for fine tuning.

Screenshot_2015_07_09_09_03_05.png


In the settings you can adjust the swipe increments, or the units used in the app for a number of different parameters.

Screenshot_2015_07_09_08_58_22.png


Requirements:
1)Kestrel 4500 Applied Ballistics BT Model, or Kestrel Sportsman Model (App uses Built In Software form the Kestrel to find solutions)

Kestrel_Companion_V1.jpg


2)Bluetooth

3)Android Device. This will not work on iOS.

4)Weapons Profiles loaded on the Kestrel. The software reads the information off the Kestrel and relays it to your phone. You cannot edit, or use profiles on the phone. All Weapons Data comes from the Kestrel 4500AB BT.


Any other questions please feel free to ask!!!
 
Re: Kestrel Companion (AB + Nvisti) - Free!

This Software now comes FREE with the Kestrel 4500 Applied Ballistics and the Kestrel Sportsman. It requires that you have a Bluetooth version, and this software uses the solver built in to the Kestrels mentioned above. Without those to key points it will not work. However for those who already own one, enjoy!

Note this works best with the Wind Vane Mount (Tripod Not Included).
 
Re: Kestrel Companion (AB + Nvisti) - Free!

While this is not exactly up your alley, I thought I would ask anyway. I know a fellow who got a Sportsman with the Spotter pack for Christmas but needs the money more than the device, so he is selling it.

I don't have an Android smartphone and won't be buying one. Any suggestions on a small Android device that will work with this and can be viewed in direct sunlight?
 
Re: Kestrel Companion (AB + Nvisti) - Free!

DataSmith said:
While this is not exactly up your alley, I thought I would ask anyway. I know a fellow who got a Sportsman with the Spotter pack for Christmas but needs the money more than the device, so he is selling it.

I don't have an Android smartphone and won't be buying one. Any suggestions on a small Android device that will work with this and can be viewed in direct sunlight?

If you can find them, Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 makes a 7 inch version, which is now "out of date" so to speak being an older version. Some stores I have seen them as low as 75$ out the door. I would suggest sticking with some of the more powerful options. As I have tried some cheaper tablets that had battery life of sub 2 hours, or not enough memory to run applications effectively. You can sometimes also find Asus tablets at a good price that are a generation behind from big box retailers. This is just my personal opinion and experience though, and not of Applied Ballistics.
 
Re: Kestrel Companion (AB + Nvisti) - Free!

I just found an ASUS Memo Pad 7" for $79 that should fit the bill. I wanted to go with a 6" Amazon Fire but the app isn't available except as a side load.
 
Re: Kestrel Companion (AB + Nvisti) - Free!

Enjoy! I would pick up a solar powered backup battery, just in case. Might never need it, but mine has come in handy, more than once.
 
Re: Kestrel Companion (AB + Nvisti) - Free!

Next silly question... As far as I can see right now, the Profile Loader is a PC program. It's not a part of the Companion app and there isn't an Android version. Is that correct?
 
Re: Kestrel Companion (AB + Nvisti) - Free!

DataSmith said:
Next silly question... As far as I can see right now, the Profile Loader is a PC program. It's not a part of the Companion app and there isn't an Android version. Is that correct?

Correct. The only way to upload a profile via a mobile device is with AB Tactical.
 
Re: Kestrel Companion (AB + Nvisti) - Free!

DocUSMCRetired said:
Correct. The only way to upload a profile via a mobile device is with AB Tactical.

Which is a restricted sales program which is different than the regular AB app and mainly uses custom curves which won't work with the Sportsman.

So, there would not seem to be any advantage to getting a copy of the android AB app?
 
Re: Kestrel Companion (AB + Nvisti) - Free!

DataSmith said:
DocUSMCRetired said:
Correct. The only way to upload a profile via a mobile device is with AB Tactical.

Which is a restricted sales program which is different than the regular AB app and mainly uses custom curves which won't work with the Sportsman.

So, there would not seem to be any advantage to getting a copy of the android AB app?

Comes with the Custom Curves, but you may also select a G1 or G7 if you so wish.
 
Re: Kestrel Companion (AB + Nvisti) - Free!

DocUSMCRetired said:
DataSmith said:
DocUSMCRetired said:
Correct. The only way to upload a profile via a mobile device is with AB Tactical.

Which is a restricted sales program which is different than the regular AB app and mainly uses custom curves which won't work with the Sportsman.

So, there would not seem to be any advantage to getting a copy of the android AB app?

Comes with the Custom Curves, but you may also select a G1 or G7 if you so wish.

To clarify... The "regular" Applied Ballistics Android app can't be used to upload a profile to either Kestrel. Correct?
 
Re: Kestrel Companion (AB + Nvisti) - Free!

DataSmith said:
DocUSMCRetired said:
DataSmith said:
DocUSMCRetired said:
Correct. The only way to upload a profile via a mobile device is with AB Tactical.

Which is a restricted sales program which is different than the regular AB app and mainly uses custom curves which won't work with the Sportsman.

So, there would not seem to be any advantage to getting a copy of the android AB app?

Correct.
Comes with the Custom Curves, but you may also select a G1 or G7 if you so wish.

To clarify... The "regular" Applied Ballistics Android app can't be used to upload a profile to either Kestrel. Correct?

Correct
 
Re: Kestrel Companion (AB + Nvisti) - Free!

I may just be doing something stupid so I need to ask...

The Kestrel Sportsman with Spotter pack has a Bluetooth interface. My laptop can connect with it just fine. The AB Profile Loader software seems to be able to connect to it.

But the Loader doesn't seem to be able to get a profile from the Kestrel or send one to it. It just has a line in the status bar that says, "Could not determine state of device..."

Am I to infer from this that the Profile Loader does not work with the Sportsman?
 
Re: Kestrel Companion (AB + Nvisti) - Free!

DataSmith said:
I may just be doing something stupid so I need to ask...

The Kestrel Sportsman with Spotter pack has a Bluetooth interface. My laptop can connect with it just fine. The AB Profile Loader software seems to be able to connect to it.

But the Loader doesn't seem to be able to get a profile from the Kestrel or send one to it. It just has a line in the status bar that says, "Could not determine state of device..."

Am I to infer from this that the Profile Loader does not work with the Sportsman?

Version of windows? Have you double checked your com port?
 

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