Bad Elf Flex: Diagnosing GNSS Fix and Performance Issues on the Bad Elf Flex

Bad Elf Flex: Diagnosing GNSS Fix and Performance Issues on the Bad Elf Flex

Introduction

This guide walks you through a simple checklist to evaluate GNSS performance on your Bad Elf Flex. These steps help identify common issues caused by sky visibility, signal quality, configuration, or power. Most accuracy or stability problems can be solved by following the checks below.

If you are having trouble with charging the battery, please view this article: Bad Elf Flex: Charging the Bad Elf Flex->

What You’ll Need

       • Bad Elf Flex
       • Bad Elf Flex App (latest version)
       • Access to the GNSS Status and Satellites pages
       • A test area with open sky view

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Update firmware and the Bad Elf Flex App:
    • Search for the Bad Elf Flex app on the App Store or Google Play.
     • Update the Bad Elf Flex app to the latest app version.
     • Open the Bad Elf Flex App and check if a firmware update is available.
     • Install updates if available.
    • Disable battery optimization features on your phone or tablet that may interrupt Bluetooth, and enable all permissions for the Bad Elf Flex app.
    Notes
    Firmware and app updates include improvements to GNSS performance, Bluetooth stability, and corrections.
  2. GNSS requires a clear sky view. Please evaluate sky visibility and surroundings by verifying:
    • There are not buildings obstructing view of the sky in any direction
     • The southern sky is unobstructed (important for SBAS visibility)
     • There are no overhead branches, awnings, or equipment
    • The Flex has been powered on for a few minutes to settle
    Notes
    If the Flex works well in open sky but poorly in certain places, the cause is likely antenna obstruction or interference.
  3. Confirm the normal fix progression.  Check the GNSS Status page and look for: 
    • Fix type: 3D at first, then SBAS
     • Horizontal accuracy improving toward 30 to 60 centimeters or better in open sky
    Notes
    Reaching SBAS confirms the receiver is tracking satellites and applying differential corrections.
    Alert
    If these values do not look healthy, continue to the satellite checks below.
  4. Review satellite quality in the Satellites page in the Bad Elf Flex App. A strong GNSS environment has:
    • Multiple constellations in use (at least one of: GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou)
     • Most satellites have a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) above 30 dB-Hz
     • Several satellites’ SNR between 35 and 45 dB-Hz
     • An SBAS satellite SNR above 28 dB-Hz
     • Stable bars that do not flicker or drop
    • Satellites spread across the sky rather than grouped to one side
    IdeaTap the bar columns to cycle what is displayed on each bar:
    • Unique satellite IDs
    • Satellite signal strengths (SNR measured in dB-Hz)
    • Disable labels
    High, steady SNR across multiple constellations is the strongest indicator that GNSS conditions are healthy.

  5. If satellite signal strength is weak:
    • Move to an open sky area
     • Step away from trees, buildings, vehicles, fences, and metal structures
     • Keep the Flex upright on a pole
     • Avoid standing close to the antenna
    • Turn Forest Mode off unless you intentionally need it
    Alert
    If satellite strength improves in open sky, the issue is likely environmental rather than device related.

Information to send to Bad Elf support:

 If the steps above do not resolve the issue, please include each of the following:
  1. GNSS Status screenshot
  2. Satellites screenshot
  3. Charging System Information screenshot
  4. Flex Info screenshot (firmware version and serial number)
  5. A photo of the charger’s voltage/current stamp
  6. A picture of your outdoor testing location



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