Flex Mini hero image
Bad Elf Flex® Mini
  • Bad Elf Flex® Mini

  • The future of GNSS for GIS and mapping

The Bad Elf Flex Mini

Flex Mini is a mapping grade GNSS that provides reliable and high-performance GPS reception to any computing device, such as a tablet or a smartphone. The Flex Mini provides geospatial users and other professionals with an unmatched blend of location accuracy, reliability, usability, design, and value.

Since Bad Elf introduced the first iOS compatible GPS accessory more than a decade ago, they have built a reputation around delivering cutting-edge GPS solutions for the aviation, marine, military, geospatial, and survey communities. The new Flex Mini offers exceptional versatility and convenience with its compact and lightweight design. Bad Elf presents the ultimate location companion for a wide range of applications and environments.

Flex Mini Image

Key features of the Flex Mini

Flex Mini On Pole
Sunlight-readable display for easy field operation.

Offered in standard or field upgradeable extreme configuration, Bad Elf's Flex Mini empowers customers to choose economy over accuracy to start, without foreclosing the opportunity to upgrade later.

  • Standard configuration provides reliable 1.5-2 m accuracy in SBAS regions.
  • Extreme configuration enhances the platform to enable RTK capabilities that achieves 1 foot or better measurements.
  • Extreme configuration may be included at time of purchase or later as an over-the-air update.

Flex Mini leverages the latest multi-frequency GNSS technology to provide highly accurate location information even in challenging environments (e.g., urban canyons and tree canopy), with support of multiple satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou) for global coverage.

Looking to learn more about using the Bad Elf Flex for GIS? See our GIS Resources for detailed information and advanced usage.

Bluetooth GNSS Receiver & Datalogger

The Flex Mini seamlessly employs Bluetooth to connect to smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices, allowing users to leverage their existing technology for accurate and real-time positioning. The wireless connection ensures hassle-free setup and a clutter-free experience.

Mapping-Grade GNSS Powered by Bad Elf

The Flex Mini Extreme delivers 1-meter1 SBAS accuracy without any additional subscription or cost. Compatible with phones or tablets for use in GIS, mapping, and asset management.

On-demand data logging includes:

  • Track and point logging
  • Raw-data logging in RINEX format for post-processing (Extreme version only)
  • Available standalone or through the Bad Elf Flex app

App Support

Flex Mini is compatible with all location-aware apps on Android, iOS and Windows2, and our free Bad Elf Flex companion utility app is available from the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. Learn More...

1Battery life is also dependent on temperature and operational mode
2See specifications for minimum OS versions

Flex Mini Standard

Consulting elves

Flex Mini provides 1.5-2.0m SBAS accuracy sufficient for GIS, mapping, and aviation use. Simply pair the receiver with your tablet or phone and all location-aware apps become mapping-grade. No additional software or special configuration required.

Flex Mini Extreme

Surveyor with Elf

If you require higher accuracy, upgrade to the Flex Mini extreme to enable sub-foot RTK capability, 1 meter SBAS accuracy, and tilt detection. Purchase at time of sale or after without any penalty. The Flex Mini Extreme includes the following unlocked services:

  • Daily cost - none
  • Multi-frequency, multi-constellation - standard
  • Training - none
  • Daily cost - none
  • Fully unlocked RTK engine
  • Raw data recording for post-processing
  • Tilt detection
Flex Mini Standard Flex Mini Extreme
Part Number BE-GPS-2500 BE-GPS-3500

Positioning Engine

GPS L1CA, L5 L1CA, L5
GLONASS G1 G1
BeiDou B1i, B2a B1i, B2a
Galileo E1, E5a E1, E5a
QZSS Yes Yes
IRNSS/NavIC TBD TBD
SBAS WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS

Positioning Performance

Horizontal accuracy1 - RTK n/a 25 cm + 1 ppm
Horizontal accuracy1 - SBAS (WAAS) 1.5m 1.0m
Horizontal accuracy1 - Autonomous 2.5 m 2.5 m
Cold start time < 30 s typical (almanac and RTC) < 30 s typical (almanac and RTC)
Warm start time < 30 s typical (almanac and RTC) < 30 s typical (almanac and RTC)
Hot start time < 10 s (almanac, RTC, and position) < 10 s (almanac, RTC, and position)
Maximum speed 1,850 kph (999 kts) 1,850 kph (999 kts)
Maximum altitude 18,288 m (60,000 ft) 18,288 m (60,000 ft)
Differential options SBAS, Autonomous SBAS, Autonomous, RTK v3
Correction I/O protocol n/a RTCMv3 (RTK)

Interfaces

USB USB device via USB-C receptacle
Bluetooth Bluetooth V4.0 (HS) with integrated Class 1.5 PA Supports 3 simultaneous connections

Compatibility

Operating system iOS, Android, Windows
Mobile App The Bad Elf Flex App requires iOS 12.4+ or Android 9+
Connectivity Bluetooth SPP, USB Serial

Operating Specifications

Operating –4°F to +131°F (–20°C to +55°C)

Environmental Specifications

Waterproof IPX7
Humidity 5% to 95% non-condensing

Mechanical Specifications

Dimensions 3.5” x 1.8” x 1.3” / 90mm x 45mm x 32mm
Weight 7 oz / 143 g
Enclosure Polycarbonate
Mounting Bottom mount with 1/4”-20 thread
User Interface Transflective LCD
Membrane Buttons
3 multicolor LEDs
Audible tones

Battery Specifications

Bluetooth connected 24 hours
Logging 24 hours
RTK 24 hours

Product Specifications

USB Port USB-C port for charging and ElfPort™ expansion
Accelerometer 3-axis
Display 128 x 128 pixel transflective LCD screen with backlight
Firmware Field upgradeable via app or USB

Package Contents

Package Contents Bad Elf Flex Mini Receiver
3ft (90cm) USB-C cable
Accessory case
Quick Reference Guide (downloadable PDF here)
1Accuracy specified in CEP

*Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.
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