Bad Elf Flex Mini User manual

User Manual
v1.1 (9/24/2023)

Table of Contents
Table of Contents 1
Introduction 3
What’s in the Box? 3
Product Overview 3
Charging and Charge Management 4
Charging your Bad Elf Flex Mini 4
Operation while charging 4
Temperature limitations 4
Low battery 4
Battery Safety 4
Basics of Operation 5
Powering On and Off 5
Using Your Bad Elf Flex Mini 5
LEDs 5
Power LED (left) 5
GNSS LED (center) 6
Bluetooth LED (right) 6
Buttons 6
Supported Platforms 8
Connecting Phones or Tablets via Bluetooth 9
For iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch 9
For Android phones and tablets 9
For Windows 9
Installing the Bad Elf Flex app 10
Using 3rd party apps 10
Specifications 11
Communications 11
Positioning Engine 11
Positioning Performance 11
Antenna 12
Battery and Power 12
Mechanical 12
Environmental 12
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 1
All Rights Reserved.

Bluetooth RF Characteristics 12
Regulatory Information & RF Disclosures 14
Viewing Regulatory Information 14
Class B Statement – Notice to Users: 14
Human exposure to radio frequency energy 14
Limited Warranty Terms and Conditions 15
Warranty 15
Limitations and Remedies 16
How to Obtain Warranty Service 16
Limitation of Liability 17
Document Version 17
Trademarks & Legal 17
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 2
All Rights Reserved.

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Bad Elf Flex® Mini GNSS receiver. This manual describes the basic
operation of your Bad Elf Flex Mini as well as specifications and warranty information. For the
most recent information, visit bad-elf.com/flex-mini.
What’s in the Box?
The following items are included in the standard Bad Elf Flex Mini configuration:
● Bad Elf Flex Mini
● Carrying case w/ carabiner
● Wrist lanyard
● USB-C charging cable
● Activation card
Product Overview
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 3
All Rights Reserved.

Charging and Charge Management
Charging your Bad Elf Flex Mini
Charge your Bad Elf Flex Mini fully before first use. Any standard USB compatible charging
source can be used to charge your Bad Elf Flex Mini, including a PC or laptop.
● Connect the supplied USB-C charging cable into your Bad Elf Flex Mini.
● Insert the other end of the charging cable into any USB charging source.
● Charge your Bad Elf Flex Mini until the LCD screen indicates the unit is fully charged.
● The Flex Mini uses variable rate charging depending on the internal battery state and
external charging source, but should always be fully charged within 4hrs.
Operation while charging
You can operate your Bad Elf Flex Mini while it is charging. A charge current of 500mA or
greater can sustain unlimited operation regardless of the charge state.
Temperature limitations
To protect the internal battery, charging only occurs within the valid temperature range defined in
the specifications of this manual.
Note: The battery temperature may differ from the ambient air temperature as internal
temperatures vary during usage.
Low battery
The Bad Elf Flex Mini actively monitors the charge level of the internal battery. As the battery’s
charge approaches a low point, the LCD screen will display a warning and may automatically
shut down to avoid over-discharge of the battery. Normal operation will resume when the Flex
Mini is connected to a USB power source.
Battery Safety
Charge and use the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery only in strict accordance with the
instructions. Charging or using the battery in unauthorized equipment can cause an explosion or
fire, and can result in personal injury and/or equipment damage. To prevent injury or damage:
● Do not charge or use the product if it appears to be damaged or leaking.
● Charge the product only with an approved USB power source that can provide at least
500mA of charging current at 5VDC.
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 4
All Rights Reserved.

● Discontinue charging a battery that gives off extreme heat or a burning odor.
● Use the product only for its intended use and according to the instructions found in this
document.
Basics of Operation
Powering On and Off
To turn the Bad Elf Flex Mini on, press and hold the power button for 3 seconds. It will take
approximately 5 seconds to start up and to begin searching for satellites.
To turn the Bad Elf Flex Mini off, press and hold the power button for approximately 3 seconds
until the display turns off.
If the unit is unresponsive, holding the power button for 15 seconds will force a hard reset.
Using Your Bad Elf Flex Mini
We’ve designed the Flex Mini to be as simple and intuitive as possible.
LEDs
The LEDs located directly below the display show the following status information:
Power LED (left)
The power status LED indicates the battery condition, charging source type, and operating
status.
Color
Meaning
Solid Green
Fully charged
Pulsing Green
Charging, battery > 75%
~2.5 sec interval => high current charging source
~5 sec interval => low current charging source
Pulsing Red
Charging, battery < 75%
~2.5 sec interval => high current charging source
~5 sec interval => low current charging source
Fast Red
Indicates charging is needed, or the external power source is not usable.
Fast Yellow
Battery temperature out of range for charging
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 5
All Rights Reserved.

White
Indicate a transfer or firmware update is in progress, and the Flex Mini should
not be disconnected from the USB cable
None
Not charging
GNSS LED (center)
Color
Meaning
Solid Green
GNSS has a satellite lock
Solid Red
GNSS does not have a satellite lock
Bluetooth LED (right)
Color
Meaning
Solid Blue
Bluetooth connection established
None
No Bluetooth connection found
Buttons
The buttons on the left and right side of the Bad Elf Flex Mini allow you to navigate the LCD
screens and menus. Descriptions for each button are provided in the table below.
Button
Function
Power
Hold for 3 seconds to power on or power off the Bad Elf Flex
Mini.
Hold for 15 seconds to force a hard reset if the Flex Mini is
unresponsive.
Escape/Back/Cancel
Used to exit a submenu or feature
Enter button
Used to accept an action or open a submenu within a feature.
Short-cuts from any GNSS-related screen:
● Press twice to capture a Point of Interest (POI).
● Hold for 3 seconds to toggle logging ON or OFF.
Up / Down buttons
Used to navigate the menus, submenus, and selections found
in the one of the Bad Elf Flex Mini features
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 6
All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 7
All Rights Reserved.

Supported Platforms
You can connect a Bad Elf Flex Mini to a phone, tablet, or PC powered by the following
operating systems:
● iOS version 11 or newer (see model list below)
● Android version 4.1x or newer
● Windows version 10.x or newer
● macOS version 10.4 or newer
The Bad Elf Flex Mini is made for:
● iPhone 14 Pro Max
● iPhone 14 Pro
● iPhone 14 Plus
● iPhone 14
● iPhone SE (3rd generation)
● IPhone 13 Pro Max
● iPhone 13 Pro
● iPhone 13
● iPhone 13 mini
● iPhone 12 Pro Max
● iPhone 12 Pro
● iPhone 12
● iPhone 12 mini
● iPhone SE (2nd generation)
● iPhone 11 Pro Max
● iPhone 11 Pro
● iPhone 11
● iPhone XS Max
● iPhone XS
● iPhone XR
● iPhone X
● iPhone 8 Plus
● iPhone 8
● iPhone 7 Plus
● iPhone 7
● iPhone SE
● iPhone 6s Plus
● iPhone 6s
● iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)
● iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
● iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
● iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
● iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
● iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)
● iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)
● iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
● iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
● iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
● iPad Pro 10.5-inch
● iPad Pro 9.7-inch
● iPad Air (5th generation)
● iPad Air (4th generation)
● iPad Air (3rd generation)
● iPad Air 2
● iPad Air
● iPad mini (6th generation)
● iPad mini (5th generation)
● iPad mini 4
● iPad mini 3
● iPad mini 2
● iPad (10th generation)
● iPad (9th generation)
● iPad (8th generation)
● iPad (7th generation)
● iPad (6th generation)
● iPad (5th generation)
● iPod touch (7th generation)
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 8
All Rights Reserved.

Connecting Phones or Tablets via Bluetooth
Follow these steps to connect your phone or tablet to the Bad Elf Flex Mini via Bluetooth.
Start by making sure your Bad Elf Flex Mini is turned on and within range of your phone or
tablet. Follow the instructions below for your phone or tablet’s operating system.
For iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
1. Open the Settings app and navigate to the Bluetooth screen.
2. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
3. If you have not previously paired with this Bad Elf Flex Mini, it will appear in the “Other
Devices” section. Tap Bad Elf Flex Mini in the list to start the pairing process. If
requested, confirm the pairing on your phone or tablet and on the Bad Elf Flex Mini.
4. Once you are paired, the Bad Elf Flex Mini will appear in the My Devices section. If the
status shows as Disconnected, you can tap the Flex Mini name to connect.
5. Once the pairing succeeds, you should see it listed as Connected in the list of devices..
For Android phones and tablets
1. Go to Settings > Wireless & Networks.
2. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
3. Go to Settings > Wireless & Networks > Bluetooth Settings and tap Scan for devices.
4. After a few seconds, the Bad Elf Flex Mini should appear in the list of available Bluetooth
devices.
5. Tap the name in the list to start the pairing process. If requested, confirm the pairing on
your phone or tablet and on the Bad Elf Flex Mini.
6. Once paired, you will see the Bad Elf Flex Mini appear in the list as Connected for a few
seconds then return to Disconnected. This is normal. The Bluetooth connection will be
established whenever an app requests it.
For Windows
1. Select Bluetooth Devices from the icon list in the lower right portion of your desktop.
2. The Bluetooth option may not be displayed. If not, click the up arrow.
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 9
All Rights Reserved.

3. If your Bad Elf Flex Mini is turned on, you should see it appear in the list as something
like Bad Elf Flex Mini #XXXXXX (with its serial number).
4. Select your Bad Elf Flex Mini from the list, and tap the Pair button.
5. Within 5-10 seconds, you should see a prompt from windows showing pairing is
complete. Once this action is completed, the message “Ready to pair” will change to
“Paired”.
At this point you have successfully paired your Bad Elf Flex Mini with your Windows computer.
Next, you will need to determine the COM port assigned by the operating system.
1. Click on the icon to the left of Bad Elf Flex Mini #XXXXXX
2. Click on “More Bluetooth Options”
3. A Bluetooth settings dialog will open
4. Click on the “COM Ports” tab
5. The COM port with your device serial number labeled as “Outgoing” is the COM port you
should use for your application.
Installing the Bad Elf Flex app
From your phone or tablet, visit http://bad-elf.com/flex/app to download the correct Bad Elf Flex
companion app for your operating system. This app is used to check the health of your
hardware, perform firmware upgrades, change settings, and stream correction data to your Bad
Elf Flex Mini.
Using 3rd party apps
Any location-based app on iOS or Android can be used with the Bad Elf Flex Mini. You can visit
http://bad-elf.com/apps for a list of compatible apps that we’ve either tested or have been
recommended by other customers.
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 10
All Rights Reserved.

Specifications
Communications
USB
USB 2.0 device via USB-C receptacle
Bluetooth
Bluetooth V4.0 (HS) with integrated Class 1.5 PA, Supports 3 simultaneous
connections
Positioning Engine
GPS
L1 C/A, L5
GLONASS
L1
Galileo
E1, E5A
BeiDou
B1l, B2a
QZSS
L1
Note: constellations and frequencies are dependent on Flex Mini configuration and subscriptions.
Positioning Performance
Horizontal accuracy
CES (50%)
2DMRS (95%)
RTK
Standard: N/A
TBD
Extreme: 0.25cm
SBAS
Standard: 1-2m
TBD
Extreme: ~1m
Autonomous
2.0-2.5m
TBD
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)
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 11
All Rights Reserved.

Differential options
SBAS, Autonomous, External RTCM3
Correction I/O protocol
RTCMv3 (RTK)
Antenna
Antenna
Internal ceramic L1+L5 patch antenna
Battery and Power
Internal Battery
Non-replaceable 3.7VDC, 1600mAh, Lithium ion
Battery Life
24 hours
External Power
USB-C power input from any USB power source
Mechanical
User interface
Transflective LCD
5 buttons
3 multicolor LEDs
Audible tones
Dimensions
3.5 x 1.8 x 1.3 inches / 90 x 45 x 32 mm
Weight
3.2oz / 90g
Environmental
Temperature
Operating: –20°C to +55°C (–4°F to +131°F)
Storage: –40°C to +75°C (–40°F to +167°F)
Humidity
100% condensing
Waterproof
IPX7
Bluetooth RF Characteristics
Frequency band
2402MHz ~ 2480MHz
Number of channels
79 channels
Modulation
FHSS, GFSK, DPSK, DQPSK
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 12
All Rights Reserved.

Output Power
(Class 1.5)
9 dBm (typical)
Sensitivity @ BER=0.1% for GFSK
(1Mbps)
-86 dBm (typical)
Sensitivity @ BER=0.01% for Ω/4-DQPSK
(2Mbps)
-86 dBm (typical)
Sensitivity @ BER=0.01% for 8DPSK
(3Mbps)
-80 dBm (typical)
Maximum Input Level
GFSK (1Mbps):-20dBm
Ω/4-DQPSK (2Mbps) :-20dBm
8DPSK (3Mbps) :-20dBm
Antenna
Internal antenna
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 13
All Rights Reserved.

Regulatory Information & RF Disclosures
Viewing Regulatory Information
The label for this device is provided electronically. The e-label may provide regulatory
information, such as identification numbers provided by the FCC or regional compliance
markings, as well as applicable product and licensing information
From the main screen (accessible by tapping Esc/Back), navigate to the Settings >
Regulatory screen.
Class B Statement – Notice to Users:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules and Part 90. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular use. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
● Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
● Increase the separation between the equipment and the Bad Elf Flex Mini.
● Consult Bad Elf for help.
Changes and modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer or registrant of this
equipment can void your authority to operate this equipment under Federal Communications
Commission rules.
Human exposure to radio frequency energy
Like any other mobile device, the Bad Elf Flex Mini emits radio frequency energy (RF) during
use. According to the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP),
the critical effect of RF exposure relevant to human health and safety is heating of exposed
tissue.
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 14
All Rights Reserved.

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), “Some health and safety interest
groups have interpreted certain reports to suggest that wireless device use may be linked to
cancer and other illnesses, posing potentially greater risks for children than adults. While these
assertions have gained increased public attention, currently no scientific evidence establishes a
causal link between wireless device use and cancer or other illnesses.”
However, above a certain level (referred to as the threshold) depending on the duration of
exposure, RF exposure and the accompanying temperature rise can provoke serious health
effects, such as heat stroke and tissue damage (burns). To avoid hazards to health deriving
from high RF exposure, limits are set in relation to the threshold known to show adverse effects,
with an additional reduction factor to take care of scientific uncertainties. These limits are
generally expressed in terms of the specific absorption rate (SAR). SAR is a measure of the rate
of absorption of RF energy in the body. Tests for SAR are conducted with the device transmitting
at its highest power level in all tested frequency bands. SAR-limits were first established in 1996
by the FCC in the USA and they were then adopted elsewhere.
You can find additional information about SAR at the following pages:
http://fcc.gov
http://icnirp.org
http://ec.europa.eu
Bad Elf Flex Mini has been tested and certified to not exceed SAR limits in the U.S., Canada,
European Union, or Australia.
Limited Warranty Terms and Conditions
Warranty
Bad Elf products will substantially conform to publicly available specifications for the product
and that the hardware and any storage media components of the product will be substantially
free from defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Within
this period, Bad Elf will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal
use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor.
This warranty does not apply to: (i) cosmetic damage, such as scratches, nicks and dents; (ii)
consumable parts, such as batteries, unless product damage has occurred due to a defect in
materials or workmanship; (iii) damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, water, flood, fire, or
other acts of nature or external causes; (iv) damage caused by service performed by anyone
who is not an authorized service provider of Bad Elf; or (v) damage to a product that has been
modified or altered without the written permission of Bad Elf. In addition, Bad Elf reserves the
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 15
All Rights Reserved.

right to refuse warranty claims against products or services that are obtained and/or used in
contravention of the laws of any country.
Bad Elf makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of third-party applications that
use Bad Elf position data.
Repairs have a 90 day warranty. If the unit sent in is still under its original warranty, then the
new warranty is 90 days or to the end of the original one year warranty, depending upon which
is longer.
Limitations and Remedies
THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU
OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY
LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU
SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL BAD ELF BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE, OR
INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. SOME
STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Bad Elf retains the exclusive right to repair or replace (with a new or newly-overhauled
replacement product) the device or software or offer a full refund of the purchase price at its sole
discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY
BREACH OF WARRANTY.
How to Obtain Warranty Service
To obtain warranty service, contact Bad Elf Product Support for shipping instructions and an
RMA tracking number. Securely pack the device and a copy of the original sales receipt, which
is required as the proof of purchase for warranty repairs. Write the tracking number clearly on
the outside of the package. Send the device to the Bad Elf warranty service station.
Online Auction Purchases: Products purchased through online auctions (that means purchases
not made through bad-elf.com, on eBay from bad-elf-llc, on Amazon from Bad Elf, LLC, or an
approved reseller) are not eligible for warranty coverage. Online auction confirmations are not
accepted for warranty verification. To obtain warranty service, an original or copy of the sales
receipt from the original retailer is required. Bad Elf will not replace missing components from
any package purchased through any online auction.
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 16
All Rights Reserved.

Limitation of Liability
BAD ELF’S ENTIRE LIABILITY UNDER ANY PROVISION HEREIN SHALL BE LIMITED TO
THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE PRODUCT. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT
PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL BAD ELF OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE
WHATSOEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE OR LEGAL THEORY RELATING IN ANYWAY
TO THE PRODUCTS, SOFTWARE AND ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION AND
MATERIALS, (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS
PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF DATA, OR ANY OTHER PECUNIARY
LOSS), REGARDLESS OF WHETHER BAD ELF HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF ANY SUCH LOSS AND REGARDLESS OF THE COURSE OF DEALING WHICH
DEVELOPS OR HAS DEVELOPED BETWEEN YOU AND BAD ELF. BECAUSE SOME
STATES AND JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF
LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, THE ABOVE LIMITATION
MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
PLEASE NOTE: THE ABOVE BAD ELF LIMITED WARRANTY PROVISIONS WILL NOT
APPLY TO PRODUCTS PURCHASED IN THOSE JURISDICTIONS (E.G., MEMBER STATES
OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA) IN WHICH PRODUCT WARRANTIES ARE THE
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LOCAL DEALER FROM WHOM THE PRODUCTS ARE
ACQUIRED. IN SUCH A CASE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR BAD ELF DEALER FOR
APPLICABLE WARRANTY INFORMATION.
Document Version
This document was published on Sep 24, 2023.
All specifications and usage information subject to change without notice at Bad Elf, LLC’s
discretion.
Trademarks & Legal
© 2023, Bad Elf, LLC.
Bad Elf Flex Mini is a registered trademark of Bad Elf, LLC.
Apple, iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPhone, iOS, and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions.
Use of the Made for Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to connect
specifically to the Apple product(s) identified in the badge and has been certified by the
developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 17
All Rights Reserved.

this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
Windows® and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries.
Copyright © 2023. Bad Elf, LLC. 18
All Rights Reserved.