Re: Problems with Kestrel 4500NV w/Bluetooth
I've had a model 4500NV+Horus atrag + bluetooth for about a week. So far I haven't shot with it, I'm just learning how to use it and getting everything set up. Mine displays Iss: 4.61 on the screen when it's turned on. So far everything has worked as specified. The bluetooth interface problems were all with my computers and learning how to use it.
So far I've found two pieces of Kestrel and/or Horus specific software which work with the unit. No computer is needed to run the Horus Atrag internal software, but this program makes loading gun data much easier:
http://www.horusvision.com/download/HKInstaller.zip This program is needed to communicate by bluetooth between the computer and the Kestrel in the weather mode.
http://www.nkhome.com/software/Kestrel_Communicator_V1.9.0.exe This software also allows download and plotting of data in the weather mode.
The software link on the Horus Vision site is to version V1.7. The newer 1.9 has a few more features. Either works.
I'm using a Kensington K33902US bluetooth USB chip as is recommended by Kestrel. I found it new on ebay for $16 w/shipping.
So far I've gotten both pieces of software to talk to work completely with a Dell PP09S running XP w SP3 though it had some issues. I tried the Kensington software supplied with the USB plug in but I didn't get it to work. I rolled that back and plugged the Kensington chip into the computer and let the computer find software off the the net. That worked with the software drivers Microsoft downloaded.
Initally the database which has bullet data in the HKGunLoader program did not work. That turned out to be that i did not have any database program set up on the computer. I'm not sure what it actually needs but when I loaded Microsoft Access the database worked. I expect that Excel would work too but I don't know.
I also loaded the software on a 64bit Vista Toshiba Satellite laptop. That went smoother than the XP. Again, the bluetooth default software worked better than the disk provided by Kesnsington. I also tried the built-in bluetooth on my wifes HP Windows 7 laptop and it communicated ok, but I didn't load either of the above software packges.
I have not had the Kestrel crash or lock up. Maybe I haven't used it enough.
Kestrel good features:
An all in one weather station with wind velocity and direction and magnetic north corrected compass,measured and calculated air density and a integrated ballistic calculator which passes data without re-entering data manually.
I'll be using it with a Horus Falcon H37 scope which is nicely matched though it can be used with
Mil or MOA scopes with linear reticles or target knobs.
Kestrel bad features.
I can't read the screen without a magnifier (66 year old eyes) I'm using a 2.5x magnifier which flips up/down on my glasses.
The instruction sheet (and PDF) could be better. I had some initial trouble with the calibration of the compass and the concept of how the target direction, wind direction, and compass settings relate. It's not difficult just different from any compass I've used before.
Disappointments:
It's not something claimed by Horus or Kestrel, but the
the computer software ONLY transfers gun settings from and to
the Kestrel. It does not allow the control or operation or display of the Kestrel screen or buttons in the Horus atrag mode remotely from the PC. At least not that I've found or seen claimed. I was hoping I could put the Kestrel with it's wind vane on a tall tripod and operate it from the shooting location. The bluetooth has enough range. That's something which would be really nice as a future software upgrade. As it is one has to hold the kestrel AND INTO TO THE WIND off the ground far enough to get a workable reading. That's not at all convenient if you're shooting prone, but I don't know of any portable and available system which is better.
The weather program does allow recording data on a tripod/wind vane, downloading it and displaying it in linear graphic or tabular form. It can be controlled to the extent of triggering when to take the readings and download them. It will even do that at settable intervals and unattended with a built in timer.
I'll watch this thread on sniperhide. Maybe I can answer some questions. I'm not an expert but I think I understand the atrag software fairly well now. (I read the manual) and I've been using earlier Horus software and the grid reticle for a while.
I obtained my 4500NVHBTAN for $699 from
http://myworld.ebay.com/weatherrepublicllc/?_trksid=p4340.l2559 They're an authorized Kestrel distributor with a 100% ebay rating. They shipped quickly with no hassles.
