Kestrel 4500 Bluetooth to use with a PDA worth it?

[user]

I'm considering a new Kestrel-the 4500 with bluetooth to use with an ipaq PDA and LB3.

Does anyone out there run that system and how does it work? Is the 4500 wind direction feature useful and does the Bluetooth work well and update quickly? Is it worth the extra dollars?

Also, I'm considering FFS also, will the Bluetooth from the 4500 work with that?

Thanks

 

[CoryT]

Re: Kestrel 4500 Bluetooth to use with a PDA worth it?

The BT does work with FFS. I would not actually bother. The wind direction is of course only the wind at the unit, which is rarely the wind downrange. The rest of the parameters don't change fast enough to be worth the loos of battery life. I've got one, just as part of the testing process, but I never actually use it.

 

[skinney_7]

Re: Kestrel 4500 Bluetooth to use with a PDA worth it?

i have a BT 4500NV i'm using with Delta V, and it works great IMHO, open the gps, vector, and kestrel ports and let the data flow.

 

[user]

Re: Kestrel 4500 Bluetooth to use with a PDA worth it?

Thanks Cory, I appreciate the info. Good Point's that I did not know.

Anyone else actually use it and find value, worth the costs form the 4500 and Bluetooth as opposed to say a 4000, without?

Thanks!

 

[zipollini]

Re: Kestrel 4500 Bluetooth to use with a PDA worth it?

Might want to take a look at this -

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2697913&page=1

 

[one shot ST]

Re: Kestrel 4500 Bluetooth to use with a PDA worth it?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skinney</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i have a BT 4500NV i'm using with Delta V, and it works great IMHO, open the gps, vector, and kestrel ports and let the data flow. </div></div>

+ 1

 

[Homers Brother]

Re: Kestrel 4500 Bluetooth to use with a PDA worth it?

I'm using exactly the same setup you describe (4500NV, LB, Ipaq 110)

Does it work? Yes. It updates relatively quickly. It can be a bit temperamental getting it set up correctly on the Ipaq (port selection, etc.)

Because the Ipaq's battery tends not to last very long running wireless or BT, I generally don't leave it powered up once I have initial environmentals unless I notice a change in direction or speed, or changing WX conditions, relying instead on my data book. I'm not an expert though, always learning.

I considered FFS/DV as well, but the price exceeded my already stretched budget. I do like LB3, though. Data is usually very close if not spot-on, and it's useful as well on the laptop at the reloading bench.

I used this setup over prairie dog towns this summer. Most shooting has been with .223 and .22-250 and rarely beyond 500 yards. Not afraid to call it overkill for that application. Have since been working with it to 800 with a .308. It makes a lot more sense in that role.