Bad Elf Flex Mini

Bad Elf Flex Mini is a compact Bluetooth GNSS receiver and data logger that gives smartphones and tablets mapping-grade or RTK positions for GIS field data collection. Built-in phone and tablet positioning is often not accurate or reliable enough for asset mapping, and Wi-Fi-only iPads have no GPS receiver at all. The Flex Mini supplies its position to every location-aware app on iOS (Apple MFi, through Core Location), Android and Windows, including ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123.

The receiver tracks multi-frequency signals from GPS (L1/L5), Galileo (E1/E5a), BeiDou (B1i/B2a), GLONASS (G1) and QZSS, with WAAS, EGNOS and MSAS augmentation. The Standard model (BE-GPS-2500) gives 1.5-2 m horizontal accuracy in SBAS regions. The Extreme model (BE-GPS-3500), bought outright or unlocked later over the air, adds an RTK engine that takes RTCM3 corrections for 1-2 cm + 1 ppm horizontal accuracy (CEP) in good conditions, and 1 m with SBAS. The free Bad Elf Flex app includes an NTRIP client that connects to a saved CORS/VRS network or partner correction service as soon as the receiver pairs.

The unit weighs 143 g, is rated IP67, runs about 24 hours on battery, logs tracks and points on its own, and supports three simultaneous Bluetooth connections. Bad Elf also sells it in bundles with PIX4Dcatch for phone-based 3D scanning and with PointMan for utility mapping. Published users include the City of Aspen Utilities Department, St. Johns County Parks, Brownsville Public Utilities Board and the City of Evans.