Bad Elf Flex Standard FAQ

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

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

Support FAQs — Bad Elf Flex Standard

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”
InfoSee Android application settings for more information

What are the major differences between the Bad Elf Flex Standard (BE-GPS-5500) and Bad Elf Flex Extreme (BE-GPS-6500)?

Both models share the same hardware platform and user experience, but they differ in correction capabilities and supported GNSS signals. 

  1. The Bad Elf Flex Standard  (BE-GPS-5500) uses L1 and is not RTK capable.
    1. SBAS accuracy is 30-60cm
  2. The Bad Elf Flex Extreme (BE-GPS-6500) supports L1, L2, and L5 signals and can use RTK corrections for significantly higher accuracy when paired with a compatible correction source.
    1. SBAS accuracy is 20-40cm

Does the Bad Elf Flex Standard support RTK?

No. The Bad Elf Flex Standard does not support RTK corrections.


NotesRTK functionality is exclusive to the Bad Elf Flex Extreme.

What does a Bad Elf Token provide for the Bad Elf Flex Standard?

A Bad Elf Token enables access to Extreme mode for one 24-hour period as well as access to Atlas L-Band.


Notes
The Bad Elf Flex Extreme (BE-GPS-6500) still requires a token for access to Atlas L-Band.

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 Standard typically provides 30–60 cm accuracy.

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

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 to use the Bad Elf Flex Standard?

Internet connectivity is not required for SBAS-based positioning.

Internet access is used for:
– Firmware updates delivered through the Bad Elf Flex App
– App updates, map downloads, and cloud-based sync features

Once updated and configured, the Bad Elf Flex Standard can collect GNSS data without an active internet connection.

Still need help?

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



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