Bad Elf Flex® Mini Standard GNSS Receiver (GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BEIDOU), Small, Orange

I’ve been a Bad Elf “fan” for over 20 years, and I’m pleased to say they have a winner with this unit. The horizontal and vertical accuracy, and position stability, of the multi-constellation (EU, US, Russia, China) “Flex mini” far surpasses that of any cell phone’s GPS “chip.”When using my Garmin Pilot app, the Flex’s lateral accuracy is +/- 2 feet, and the vertical accuracy is +/- 0 feet. The phone itself (an iPhone 15PM) reports lateral as +/- 13 feet, and vertical as +/- 10 feet — with considerable positional drifting; i.e., the phone doesn’t “lock on” like the stand-alone Flex mini. I’m sure this capability is the result of the Flex mini acquiring and averaging multiple satellite constellations — and its Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS).I did have one reservation with the available app, which as of now, does not allow adjustments to the data logging rate — which is necessary when collecting data on fast moving vehicles like aircraft. A promised update from tech support should remedy this data logging and user interface issue.The unit is built solid, and I’m impressed with the Bluetooth connectivity. After initial setup and powering on of the Flex, the installed phone app automatically starts — a nice touch. Battery life has proven itself to be “all day.”At first I balked at the price — which was far more than my previous BE-2300 “Pro +”. But I think it’s the perfect addition to a pilot’s flight bag, or any trail blazers’ go-kit.=======UPDATEThis comment may be a major purchase concern for some users. Bad Elf product support informed me that “The Flex Mini is currently only capable of transferring logs via Bluetooth.” This means the supplied USB cable is ONLY used for charging the Flex Mini, and NOT data transfer. In this era of ubiquitous Bluetooth, this ordinarily would not be a problem, but as of this writing, the Flex Mini will not transfer files to my iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, I can successfully transfer files (via Bluetooth) to my iPad M4.I’m sure the Bluetooth connectivity issue will be resolved shortly with firmware and app updates, but as of this writing, I think potential buyers should have this “heads-up.”========UPDATE TO THE UPDATEThe folks at Bad Elf have (finally!) updated the firmware (and the app), and Bluetooth file transfers now appear to be functioning properly. I’ve tested the device in the rear (window seating) area of B-738s at FL370, as well as various Pipers down low, and so far, so good. I continue to suggest users place the device away from heated windshields and avionics bays for best reception.

Not very accurate so far. Better accuracy with Garmin GLO.

The unit's rtk function will not work without paying 1000 dollars to have it activated

I really like this BadElf Flex Mini Standard GPS unit. Note: with this device, you actually can reach out to BadElf and get it upgraded to submeter accuracy (a wonderful feature), but I personally have not. With the app, the device outputs to multiple formats that are easy to use. A note: one reviewer mentioned not being able to adjust the logging interval. I most often use this in a helicopter (MD-500) for the track log and think 1 sec is excellent. Most Garmins say they'll do two seconds, but in my experience, it'll waiver from that (sometimes 3 s or more) probably because of a delay in acquiring satellites. Tried it out and this device steadily logs at 1 sec, along with providing horizontal and vertical measures of accuracy, speed, elevation, etc. Wish I'd have had this a while ago.

I bought this to replace my older Bad Elf GPS Pro +. This cost $150 more than the Pro +, so I assumed it would at least have the same features. The clearest improvement is the GPS accuracy. It takes longer to get a solid fix but, when it does, it is more accurate than the older GPS Pro. The missing features (variable logging rate, log filtering, battery meter, showing lat/lon on device) are being slowly added back through firmware updates.The battery life is great; the screen is easy to read, and it connects really well with my marine navigation apps. It also has an incredible amount of memory. I was able to log GPS at 1 Hz for 4 straight days and never got an error message. The old GPS Pro could hold about 24 hours of data at 1 Hz if I remember correctly.I had an issue with my original Flex Mini being completely bricked after owning it for a couple months. I contacted Bad Elf and they immediately sent out a replacement device. They even included a box to return the defective unit.

It's a bit pricy, but It is simple to use, and there are no more dropped GPS points on my iPad. I use this on my sailboat to log/track my trips. It works great with Garmin Navionics, Savvy Navvy, SailTies, and others. I have noted that it will occasionally lose its Bluetooth connection, and you simply reconnect in Bluetooth settings.. A bit annoying but easy to correct. I believe this to be an iOS problem. It doesn't happen frequently, but it does happen. In the end, GPS tracking is MUCH more accurate, especially at slower speeds. Highly recommend!

Bluetooth shows connected, but it’s not actually connected. Takes a very long time to acquire satellites. Battery indicator is inaccurate.Disappointed.