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Bad Elf Flex®
  • Bad Elf Flex®

  • The future of GNSS for GIS, mapping, and survey

The Bad Elf Flex Story

Bad Elf Flex democratizes GNSS and economizes field data collection.

Our customers shared their needs for lower cost GNSS solutions that include full RTK rover workflow. With pricing starting at USD $2,999.99*, Bad Elf Flex delivers, with 30-60cm accuracy all day, every day. But wait, there's more!

Need higher accuracy? No problem! Bad Elf Flex tokens provide a USD $25* per day rate for features that typically cost thousands of dollars – and every Bad Elf Flex unit includes a free starter pack for you. This daily rate includes full access to both an unlocked RTK workflow and the Atlas L-Band correction service. Bad Elf Flex is the first GNSS receiver to have a daily choice with unlimited switching between L-Band and RTK.

The Bad Elf Flex delivers customers a comparative advantage in a total geospatial solution. A single GNSS receiver removes the need for deploying multiple devices in the field. Surveyors and their crews now have a scalable accuracy, survey-grade receiver. GIS managers focus on flexible field choices for work crews with varying skill levels. Businesses obtain operational and financial efficiencies. Bad Elf Flex effectively offers you several products in one package through flexible software and configuration. Some have even said it is Engineered Magic®!

GNSS Corrections for Bad Elf Flex
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Accurate

correct in all details; exact.
  • 1 cm RTK via NTRIP
  • 5 cm to 10 cm via satellite corrections worldwide
  • 30 cm - 60 cm via SBAS
  • 1 m autonomous
  • Post-processing capable
  • Multi-frequency / multi-constellation - BeiDou, Galileo, GPS, and Glonass

Affordable

really, truly, disruptively affordable.
  • Pricing starting at USD $2,999*
  • Extreme option starting at USD $5,999*
  • Bad Elf Flex Tokens available for USD $25* for a 24-hr period

Versatile

able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities..
  • Portable, self-contained - mount on a rover pole or hold in one hand
  • Functional, full-day operation - 11-hr battery life2 with active power management
  • Compatible, app agnostic - works with iOS, Android, and Windows
  • Standalone, ergonomic - integrated keyboard and sunlight readable LCD
  • Rugged, industrial - IP65 rated for water and dust, industrial temperature range

Bluetooth GNSS Receiver & Datalogger

Bad Elf Flex delivers 30-60cm1 accuracy without any additional subscription or cost. Compatible with phones or tablets for use in GIS, mapping, agriculture, and survey data collection.

On-demand data logging includes:

  • Raw-data logging in RINEX format for post-processing
  • NMEA logging in standard NMEA 0183 format
  • Available standalone or through the Bad Elf Flex app

Survey-Grade Rover & Mapping-Grade GNSS
Powered by Bad Elf

Sunlight-readable display with integrated keypad provides for easy field operation.

Customers spoke and we listened. The modern paradigm for field data collection must address the needs of the competitive business. Surveyors and their crews now have a scalable survey-grade receiver. GIS managers can focus on flexible field choices for work crews with varying skill levels.

Financially speaking, Bad Elf Flex solves the following business considerations:

  • Acquisition of GNSS hardware is expensed versus capitalized
  • One set of hardware for field crews requiring minimal training
  • Other services and subscriptions can be expensed to operational budgets or projects

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

App Support

Fully compatible with Android, iOS and Windows location-aware apps3. The Bad Elf Flex meets all requirements under Apple's MFi program, and works great with any location-based app in the App Store. Learn More...

1GPS L1 and SBAS
2Battery life is also dependent on temperature and use of L-Band services
3See specifications for minimum OS versions

Bad Elf Flex Standard

In SBAS-enabled regions, Bad Elf Flex achieves 30 cm - 60 cm accuracy sufficient for sub-meter GIS use. Simply pair the receiver with your tablet or phone and all location-aware apps become sub-meter capable. No additional software or special configuration required.

  • Daily cost - none
  • Multi-constellation - now standard*
  • Training - none

Metro Operation

Operating in metro areas? Bad Elf Flex provides sub-meter capability for GIS use, perfect for your GIS field crews. Do you need to record precise locations for underground or above ground assets? Enable Extreme mode and use precision RTK with the Bad Elf Flex app built-in NTRIP client. With proper usage, your field crews can achieve centimeter accuracy in minutes.

  • Daily cost of one Bad Elf Flex Token (USD $25)
  • Use your preferred CORS or VRS network

Remote Operation

Do you collect data in areas without cellular coverage? Bad Elf Flex is capable of operating anywhere in the world using L-Band satellite-delivered corrections. Using Atlas®1 provides accuracy down to 5 cm RMS in many situations. One can expect typical convergence times of 10 – 40 minutes. Options available for use of Atlas satellite-based corrections include:

  • Daily cost of one Bad Elf Flex Token (USD $25) or,
  • Subscription from 1 month to 1 year for longer-term usage1

Bad Elf Flex Extreme

If you require an RTK survey-grade rover for use more than 30 to 40 days a year, consider the Extreme bundle. Purchase at time of sale or after without any penalty. The Bad Elf Flex Extreme bundle includes the following unlocked services:

  • Daily cost - none
  • Fully unlocked RTK engine
  • Multiple-constellation enabled
  • Multiple-frequency enabled

Bad Elf Flex Tokens

Bad Elf Flex Tokens are stored on your Bad Elf Flex and available for use anytime and anywhere. Just load your Flex with tokens sufficient for the number of days you plan to work remotely. You can purchase Bad Elf Flex Tokens directly through the Bad Elf Flex app on iOS or Android, or online from bad-elf.com. Bad Elf Flex Tokens don't expire and remain on your receiver until you use them.

Each Bad Elf Flex Token is good for a 24-hour period from your first position lock. Ready for maximum flexibility? Bad Elf Flex is the only receiver GNSS receiver to provide daily options for high accuracy. With one Bad Elf Flex Token, you can freely switch between these options:

  • Unlock multi-frequency
  • Use RTK with your local CORS or VRS network for centimeter level results
  • Use L-Band satellite corrections for places you don't have a data connection or SBAS availability
1Atlas® is an L-band correction service operated by Hemisphere GNSS, Inc. and avaialble to Bad Elf Flex through the pruchase of Bad Elf Flex Tokens or subscription. For subscription periods of 1 month or more, please contact sales@bad-elf.com.

Part Number

|
Model
BE-5500GPS

Positioning Engine1

|
GPS
L1CA/L1P/L1C/L2P/L2C/L5
GLONASS
G1/G2/G3, P code (P1/P2)
BeiDou
B1i/B2i/B3i/B10C/B2A/B2B/ACEBOC
Galileo
E1BC/E5a/E5b/E6BC/ALTBOC
QZSS
L1CA/L2C/L5/L1C/LEX
IRNSS
L5

Positioning Performance

|
Horizontal accuracy2 - RTK
8 mm + 1 ppm
Horizontal accuracy2 - SBAS (WAAS)
0.3m
Horizontal accuracy2 - Autonomous
1.2 m
Horizontal accuracy2 - L-Band via Atlas
4 cm
Timing (1PPS) accuracy
20 ns
Cold start time
< 60 s typical (no almanac or RTC)
Warm start time
< 30 s typical (almanac and RTC)
Hot start time
< 10 s (almanac, RTC, and position)
Maximum speed
1,850 kph (999 kts)
Maximum altitude
18,288 m (60,000 ft)
Differential options
SBAS, Autonomous, External RTCM v2.3, RTK v3, L-band (Atlas), and DGPS
Correction I/O protocol
Hemisphere GNSS’ ROX, RTCM v2.3 (DGPS), RTCMv3 (RTK), CMR, CMR+, Atlas

Interfaces

|
USB
USB 2.0 device via Mini-USB receptacle
USB 2.0 host OTG via supplied adapter
Bluetooth
Bluetooth V4.0 (HS) with integrated Class 1.5 PA
Supports 3 simultaneous connections
Wi-Fi
802.11b/g/n

Compatibility

|
Platforms
iOS, Android, Windows
Mobile App
The Bad Elf Flex App requires iOS 9.0+ or Android 9+
Connectivity
Bluetooth SPP, USB Serial

Operating Specifications

|
Operating
–4°F to +131°F (–20°C to +55°C)
Battery Powered
-14°F to +140°F (-10°C to +60°C)
Externally Powered
-22°F to +140°F (-30°C to +60°C)
Charging Temp
41°F to +113°F (+5°C to +45°C)
Storage Temp
–40°F to +167°F (–40°C to +75°C)

Battery Specifications

|
Full RTK
11 hours
L-band Atlas
7 hours

Mechanical Specifications

|
User interface
Transflective LCD
Membrane Buttons
3 multicolor LEDs
Audible tones
Dimensions
10.0” x 2.75” / 254mm x 70mm
Weight
29oz / 854g
Helical Antenna Phase Center
23cm above base of Flex unit without adapter installed
Add 1.5cm with adapter installed

Environmental Specifications

|
Humidity
100% condensing
Waterproof
IP65

Product Specifications

|
USB Port
Mini-USB port for charging and ElfPort™ expansion
Accelerometer
3-axis
Display
400 x 240 pixel transflective LCD screen with backlight
Firmware
Field upgradeable via app or USB

Package Contents

|
Package Contents
BE-GPS-5500 Flex receiver
3ft (90cm) Mini-USB cable for charging
12-24V DC vehicle USB charger
Wall adapter
Accessory case
Rugged waterproof case
5/8" x 11 to 1/4" x 20 adapter
User's Manual (downloadable PDF here)
1Constellations and frequencies are dependent on receiver configuration and subscriptions.
2Accuracy specified in RMS (67%)

Bad Elf Flex Firmware

Firmware updates and instructions for Bad Elf Flex Standard and Extreme click here

Bad Elf Flex Geoid Support

Installable geiod models for Bad Elf Flex Standard and Extreme click here


*Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.
© 2020, Bad Elf, LLC. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Apple, the Apple logo, and the App Store logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Atlas is a trademark of Hemisphere GNSS, Inc.
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