Bad Elf Flex: Using the Bad Elf Flex with PIX4Dcatch

Bad Elf Flex: Using the Bad Elf Flex with PIX4Dcatch

Mounting and Configuring the Bad Elf Flex with PIX4Dcatch


Overview

Set up the Bad Elf Flex with PIX4Dcatch for high-precision 3D capture right from your iPhone or iPad. Great for GIS, construction, and survey workflows.

Problem

Need centimeter-level 3D data but not sure how to pair, mount, or configure RTK with PIX4Dcatch? This guide walks you through it.

Solution

Pair the Bad Elf Flex with your iPhone/iPad, update firmware, configure offsets in PIX4Dcatch, and set up RTK corrections to start capturing survey-grade data.

Step-by-Step

  1. Power On the Bad Elf Flex
    1. Fully charge the Bad Elf Flex.
    2. Press and hold the power button to turn it on.
  2. Pair with iPhone or iPad
    1. Open Settings > Bluetooth on your iOS device.
    2. Select Bad Elf Flex from the list.
    3. Confirm pairing on both devices.
      1. For more information see: Bad Elf Flex Bluetooth Pairing with iOS
  3. Update Firmware and Apps
    1. Open the App Store and update these apps if available:
      1. Bad Elf Flex App
      2. PIX4Dcatch
    2. Launch the Bad Elf Flex App. The app will walk you through installing any available firmware updates.
  4. Get a Multi-Constellation SBAS Fix
    1. Use an SP CONNECT® mount to stabilize the receiver.
    2. Keep the Flex vertical and away from your body.
    3. Make sure the middle LED is green for SBAS Fix.
      1. Learn more:
        1. Bad Elf: Best Practices for GNSS Data Collection with Bad Elf Receivers
        2. Pix4D: GNSS and PIX4D Best Practices
  5. Mount Your Device

    1. Use the SP CONNECT® case and mount system for secure, repeatable positioning.
  6. Set Camera Offset in PIX4Dcatch

    1. Configure the offset for your iPhone/iPad camera.
    2. Not pre-loaded?
      1. Measure manually using PIX4D’s guide:
        1. Mount and configure a PIX4Dcatch supported RTK device
  7. Set Up RTK via NTRIP

    1. In PIX4Dcatch, enter your NTRIP credentials to get RTK corrections.
      1. For more information about RTK see:
        1. Choosing the Right RTK Network for your Bad Elf Flex
        2. Connect PIX4Dcatch to the Pix4D supported RTK devices (iOS)

Tips for Better Scans

  1. Keep your Flex receiver upright with a clear view of the sky
  2. Avoid scanning the same area twice
  3. Add 1–2 autotags per scan to improve model accuracy
    1. How to import and mark Ground Control Points (GCPs) in PIX4Dcatch

Troubleshooting

Bluetooth won’t connect?

  1. Force close and reopen PIX4Dcatch
  2. Forget and re-pair the Flex in your iOS BlueTooth settings
  3. Powercycle your Bad Elf Flex and reconnect

No RTK fix?

  1. Double-check your NTRIP login and internet connection
  2. Make sure the Flex’s firmware is up to date
  3. Restart PIX4Dcatch

Need More Help?




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