# Bad Elf Flex Mini

The Bad Elf Flex Mini is a compact, pocket-sized multi-frequency GNSS receiver that delivers centimeter-level accuracy with RTK corrections. It shares the same core GNSS engine as the full-size Bad Elf Flex but in a significantly smaller and lighter form factor, making it ideal for GIS data collection, utility mapping, and fieldwork where portability matters. The Flex Mini connects to your phone via Bluetooth and is managed through the **Bad Elf GPS** app.

## Requirements

* **Bad Elf Flex Mini** GNSS receiver, fully charged
* **Bad Elf GPS app** (iOS) or **Bad Elf GNSS app** (Android)
* **Internet connection** on your phone (cellular data recommended)
* **RTKdata.com account** with active RTK credentials
* **Clear sky visibility** for satellite tracking
* **Optional:** Pole mount adapter or clip for attaching the Mini to a range pole or backpack

{% hint style="info" %}
Don't have an RTKdata.com account yet? 👉 [Start 30-day Free Trial](https://rtkdata.com/try-rtk-corrections-free-for-30-days/) or [View Pricing](https://rtkdata.com/pricing/)
{% endhint %}

## Flex Mini vs. Flex — Comparison

| Feature                | Bad Elf Flex                    | Bad Elf Flex Mini               |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| **Size**               | Full-size, pole-mountable       | Pocket-sized, clip-on           |
| **Built-in antenna**   | Large survey-grade              | Compact integrated antenna      |
| **Battery life**       | 8–10 hours                      | 6–8 hours                       |
| **Accuracy (RTK Fix)** | 1–3 cm                          | 1–4 cm                          |
| **Weight**             | \~340 g                         | \~150 g                         |
| **Best for**           | Survey, stakeout, boundary work | GIS, asset mapping, quick shots |
| **Convergence speed**  | Faster (larger antenna)         | Slightly slower                 |
| **Price**              | Higher                          | Lower                           |

The setup process is nearly identical to the Flex. The main difference is physical handling and slightly different convergence characteristics due to the smaller antenna.

## Step-by-step setup

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Power on and pair at OS level

1. Press and hold the power button on the Flex Mini until the LED activates.
2. On your phone, go to **Settings → Bluetooth** and pair with **Bad Elf Flex Mini \[serial number]**.
3. Wait for the OS to confirm the pairing before proceeding.
4. Open the **Bad Elf GPS** app. The Flex Mini should connect automatically.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Like the full-size Flex, the Mini requires OS-level Bluetooth pairing before the app will detect it.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Open NTRIP configuration

1. Tap your **connected Flex Mini** in the app.
2. Tap the **Settings** (gear icon).
3. Navigate to **Corrections** or **RTK Corrections**.
4. Tap **NTRIP** to configure the correction source.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Enter RTKdata.com NTRIP settings

Fill in the fields. Select the tab for your region:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="North America" %}

* **Host (domain):** `rtk.rtkdata.com`
* **Host (IP fallback):** `13.56.117.10`
* **Port:** `2101`
* **Username / Password:** From *RTK Credentials* in the internal dashboard (not website login)
* **Mountpoint (ALL CAPS):** `AUTO` (recommended) — or `AUTO_WGS84`, `AUTO_ITRF2020`, `AUTO_ITRF2014`
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Europe" %}

* **Host (domain):** `eu.rtkdata.com`
* **Host (IP fallback):** `3.73.41.96`
* **Port:** `2101`
* **Username / Password:** From *RTK Credentials* in the internal dashboard (not website login)
* **Mountpoint (ALL CAPS):** `AUTO` (recommended) — or `AUTO_WGS84`, `AUTO_ITRF2020`, `AUTO_ITRF2014`
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Australia" %}

* **Host (domain):** `aus.rtkdata.com`
* **Host (IP fallback):** `54.206.56.130`
* **Port:** `2101`
* **Username / Password:** From *RTK Credentials* in the internal dashboard (not website login)
* **Mountpoint (ALL CAPS):** `AUTO` (recommended) — or `AUTO_WGS84`, `AUTO_ITRF2020`, `AUTO_ITRF2014`
  {% endtab %}
  {% endtabs %}

Also configure:

* **Send GGA:** **Enabled**

Tap **Save** or **Done**.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Only these four mountpoints are valid. Always use **ALL CAPS**.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Connect and verify

1. Toggle the NTRIP connection **On**.
2. The app will show correction stream status. Look for "Receiving corrections" or a data rate indicator.
3. Monitor the solution: **Autonomous** → **Float** → **RTK Fix**.
   {% endstep %}
   {% endstepper %}

## What to expect

* **LED indicators:** Solid green = tracking satellites. Blinking blue = Bluetooth active. Check the app for detailed solution status.
* **Convergence time:** The Flex Mini's smaller antenna means convergence may take slightly longer than the full Flex. Expect 30–90 seconds to Float and 60–180 seconds to Fix.
* **Accuracy at Fix:** 1–4 cm horizontal, 3–6 cm vertical. The compact antenna trades a small amount of precision for portability.
* **Battery life:** 6–8 hours with Bluetooth and NTRIP active.

## Vertical reference (heights)

{% hint style="info" %}
Heights from RTKdata.com are **ellipsoidal**, not orthometric (mean sea level). Apply a geoid model in your GIS software if orthometric elevations are required.
{% endhint %}

## Troubleshooting

| Problem                          | Cause                            | Fix                                                                                                                     |
| -------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Flex Mini not appearing in app   | Bluetooth pairing incomplete     | Pair in phone Bluetooth settings first, then open the Bad Elf app.                                                      |
| "Authentication failed"          | Wrong credentials                | Use credentials from your RTKdata.com RTK dashboard. The username starts with `rtk`.                                    |
| Stuck on Float for extended time | Compact antenna needs better sky | The Mini is more sensitive to obstructions than the full Flex. Find a location with unobstructed sky in all directions. |
| NTRIP disconnects frequently     | Weak cellular signal             | The Mini itself does not connect to the internet — your phone does. Move to better cell coverage or switch networks.    |
| Mountpoint error                 | Incorrect formatting             | Type `AUTO` in all caps. Do not use lowercase.                                                                          |
| Inconsistent heights             | Multipath from body/equipment    | Hold the Mini above your head or mount on a short pole to separate it from reflective surfaces.                         |

## Tips and tricks

* **Clip it high.** If you attach the Flex Mini to a backpack or vest, position it on the highest point (shoulder strap) for the best sky visibility.
* **Update firmware before fieldwork.** Connect the Mini and check for updates in the Bad Elf app.
* **The Mini works great for quick GIS shots** where you need sub-5 cm accuracy without deploying a full survey pole setup.
* **For critical survey work, prefer the full-size Flex.** The larger antenna provides more robust Fix stability and faster re-acquisition after obstructions.
* **Pair with GIS apps directly.** After the Bad Elf app establishes the NTRIP connection, apps like ArcGIS Field Maps, Mergin Maps, and QField can read the corrected position from the Flex Mini via Bluetooth.
* **Carry a small power bank** if your fieldwork sessions exceed 6 hours. The Mini can charge while in use via its USB-C port.