Bad Elf Flex Extreme FAQ

Bad Elf Flex Extreme FAQ


SKU: BE-GPS-6500



Product page:

https://bad-elf.com/collections/bad-elf-flex/products/bad-elf-flex-extreme-bundle

Flex Extreme Knowledge Base:

https://badelfllc.zohodesk.com/portal/en/kb/bad-elf-flex

Alert
Firmware updates: We recommend running the latest firmware available through the Bad Elf Flex App.

Support FAQs — Bad Elf Flex Extreme

How do I know if my firmware is up to date?

Firmware updates are delivered through the Bad Elf Flex App. Keeping firmware current ensures compatibility with operating system updates and positioning services.
Info
See the firmware update article here

Help!  Something changed after I updated iOS or Android

Mobile operating system updates can change how Bluetooth devices and external GNSS data are handled. These changes may affect connection stability or how apps receive location data.
Info
Refer to our Cleared to update page for current guidance

Why does my Bad Elf Flex disconnect from my phone or tablet?

Bluetooth connections are managed by the operating system and can be deprioritized during long field sessions. If your Bad Elf Flex disconnects during extended use, try the following:
  1. Toggle Bluetooth off and back on on your phone or tablet
  2. Power cycle the Bad Elf Flex
  3. Reconnect the receiver via Bluetooth

On Android devices, background battery optimization is the most common cause of unexpected disconnections. Disable Android battery restrictions:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Scroll the Bad Elf Flex app
  3. Set battery usage to “Unrestricted”
Info
See Android application settings for more information.

Why won’t my Bad Elf Flex get an RTK fix?

RTK issues are typically related to invalid correction network credentials, NTRIP profile configuration errors, internet connectivity problems, or environmental obstructions.

RTK requires an active internet connection to receive correction data unless a base/rover radio configuration is being used. If correction data is interrupted, the receiver will automatically fall back to SBAS or standalone GNSS. Bluetooth connectivity alone does not provide RTK corrections.

Best practices for initial RTK convergence:
• Start the receiver outdoors with a clear view of the sky, such as standing in an open area with the Flex mounted on a survey pole.
• Ensure a stable internet connection to a real-time network (RTN) that provides compatible correction data before attempting RTK initialization.
Info
See this article for more information about RTK: Choosing the right RTK network

Why is my accuracy worse than expected under open sky?

Accuracy depends on correction mode, satellite geometry, atmospheric conditions, and local interference.

With SBAS, the Flex Extreme typically provides 30–60 cm accuracy.
With RTK corrections and good conditions, the Flex Extreme can achieve sub-centimeter horizontal accuracy.

Temporary reductions in accuracy may occur due to poor satellite geometry, partial sky obstruction, unstable correction data, or during initial convergence.

What does a Bad Elf Token do for my Flex Extreme?

A Bad Elf Token allows access to Atlas L-Band corrections for one 24 hour period.

My Bad Elf Flex is connected via Bluetooth, but my position isn’t showing in Maps or other apps. Why?

You should always start by confirming you are seeing a multi-constellation SBAS fix in the Bad Elf Flex App.

On iOS, third party apps (including Apple Maps) use the iOS CoreLocation framework to obtain position data from our receivers. Steps to confirm this are located here:

On Android, you’ll need to enable mock location support for non-SDK apps to receive position data from Bad Elf receivers. You can find instructions here:

Why does my app show ~5 meters accuracy even though the Bad Elf Flex is more precise?

If an app has not integrated the Bad Elf SDK, it relies on accuracy metadata reported by OS-level location APIs.

On iOS, the reported accuracy has a floor of approximately 5 meters, even when the receiver is providing more precise data. The actual accuracy can be viewed in the Bad Elf Flex App and on the device itself.

On Android, enabling a mock location app or selecting the external GNSS receiver in supported apps ensures the most accurate data is flowing to the app.

Why does the Bad Elf Flex behave differently in ArcGIS Field Maps compared to other apps?

ArcGIS Field Maps has integrated the Bad Elf SDK and handles external GNSS data differently than non-SDK apps. In Field Maps, you must explicitly select the Bad Elf Flex as the location provider to ensure the app is using the external receiver instead of the internal GPS. Differences in behavior or displayed accuracy are typically resolved by confirming this setting.
Info
See the Field Maps setup guide for details.

Why is vertical accuracy worse than horizontal?

GNSS systems naturally produce lower vertical accuracy due to satellite geometry and atmospheric effects. This is expected behavior across GNSS receivers. Vertical accuracy is typically around 1.5 times horizontal accuracy.

Do I need internet connectivity for RTK?

Yes, when using RTK over the internet. RTK corrections require an active internet connection to receive correction data from an RTK provider.

Connectivity can be provided through cellular networks, Wi-Fi, or satellite internet services.

If you are using a base/rover radio configuration, internet connectivity is not required at runtime.

How accurate is the Bad Elf Flex Extreme?

The Flex Extreme supports L1, L2, and L5 signals and is RTK capable.

With SBAS corrections, typical accuracy is 30–60 cm.

With RTK corrections under good conditions, the Flex Extreme can achieve sub-centimeter horizontal accuracy.

Actual accuracy depends on sky visibility, correction quality, and environmental conditions.

Base / Rover Radio Workflows

Can the Flex Extreme be used in a base/rover configuration?

Yes. The Flex Extreme supports base/rover operation when used with the Bad Elf base/rover radio kit.

In a base/rover setup:
• One Flex unit is configured as the base
• A second Flex unit is configured as the rover
• Corrections are transmitted locally over UHF radio

This allows RTK operation without cellular or internet connectivity.

What is the difference between base/rover radio and RTK over the internet?

Both methods provide RTK corrections, but they differ in delivery:

• RTK over the internet receives corrections from a network provider
• Base/rover radio broadcasts corrections locally from a base receiver

Bluetooth connectivity does not provide correction data in either case.

Laser Rangefinder


Can I collect laser offset data with the Bad Elf Flex?

Yes. The Bad Elf Flex supports laser offset data collection when paired with a compatible laser rangefinder. Laser offset workflows can be performed either directly in the Bad Elf Flex App using standalone data collection, or within supported third-party mapping apps that handle laser and GNSS inputs.

In this workflow, the Flex provides GNSS position data, the laser rangefinder provides distance and bearing, and the Flex App or third-party app calculates the final offset position.
Info
For detailed setup instructions, supported lasers, accuracy considerations, and app-specific behavior, see the Laser Offset Data Collection article

Do I need RTK for laser offset workflows?

RTK is not strictly required, but it is strongly recommended.

Higher GNSS accuracy at the rover improves the reliability of offset calculations derived from laser measurements.

Flow Points to Third Party App and Ortho Everywhere

How does the Bad Elf Flex ensure the highest possible accuracy for elevations and Z-values (orthometric heights)?

The Bad Elf Flex utilizes multiple pre-loaded geoids (gravity models) to achieve optimal accuracy and compatibility with survey-grade elevation data, which can be configured based on your location. The Flex achieves high accuracy for orthometric heights in third-party apps like ArcGIS Field Maps through its "Flow points to third party app" feature and "ortho everywhere" settings.

My field data collection application is showing ellipsoidal heights. Why is this happening?


The Flex ensures high accuracy for orthometric heights in third-party applications, such as ArcGIS Field Maps, by utilizing its "Flow points to third party app" feature and "ortho everywhere" settings.

Info
For detailed setup instructions for Orthometric height settings see Bad Elf Flex: Ortho Everywhere - Flow Orthometric Height Elevations in ArcGIS Field Maps

Still need help?

If your issue isn’t resolved above, open a support ticket so we can troubleshoot your specific setup.



    • Related Articles

    • Bad Elf Flex Mini Extreme FAQ

      SKU: BE-GPS-3500 Product page: https://bad-elf.com/collections/bad-elf-flex-mini/products/bad-elf-flex-mini-extreme Flex Mini Knowledge Base: https://badelfllc.zohodesk.com/portal/en/kb/bad-elf-flex-mini Firmware updates: We recommend running the ...

    • Bad Elf Flex Standard FAQ

      SKU: BE-GPS-5500 Product page: https://bad-elf.com/collections/bad-elf-flex/products/bad-elf-flex Bad Elf Flex Knowledge Base: https://badelfllc.zohodesk.com/portal/en/kb/bad-elf-flex Firmware updates: We recommend running the latest firmware ...

    • Bad Elf Flex Mini Standard FAQ

      SKU: BE-GPS-2500 Product page: https://bad-elf.com/collections/bad-elf-flex-mini/products/bad-elf-flex-mini-standard Flex Mini Knowledge Base: https://badelfllc.zohodesk.com/portal/en/kb/bad-elf-flex-mini Firmware updates: We recommend running the ...

    • Bad Elf GPS Pro FAQ

      SKU: BE-GPS-2200 Legacy device: This product is no longer in active development. Compatibility with modern operating systems and applications may be limited, and future OS updates may introduce issues that cannot be resolved through firmware updates ...

    • Bad Elf GNSS Surveyor FAQ

      SKU: BE-GPS-3300 Legacy device: This product is no longer in active development. Compatibility with modern operating systems and applications may be limited, and future OS updates may introduce issues that cannot be resolved through firmware updates ...