Ready to upgrade your Flex to the NOV-2022 release? Just follow these steps:
  1. Upgrade the Bad Elf Flex app on your phone/tablet to version 1.2.1 or newer
  2. Download the latest firmware version from the table below, and upgrade your Flex using the USB drive.


The Bad Elf Flex firmware can be updated using a USB drive connected to the Bad Elf Flex using the supplied USB-OTG adapter.


Installation Steps

  1. Download the latest public firmware version (see table below) to your PC or Mac.
  2. Copy the file to any FAT-formatted USB drive, and cleanly unmount/eject the USB drive from your computer.
  3. Turn your Bad Elf Flex unit ON by holding the power button for 3-4 seconds, and wait until you see the main LCD screen (~30 seconds).
  4. Plug the USB drive into the supplied USB-OTG adapter cable.
  5. Plug the USB-OTG cable into the Mini-USB port on the back of your Bad Elf Flex.
  6. The left LED should light up purple, indicating the OTG cable was detected.
  7. The LCD screen will display a message indicating the USB Drive was detected.
  8. Within a few seconds, the Flex will start the update process.  You will usually see the all the LEDs turn purple during the update, and the screen will display a "Shutting down..." or "Updating firmware..." message.  Be patient, this can take 1-5 minutes depending on the state of your Flex.
  9. When finished, you will hear 2 beeps, and the new firmware will automatically start. 
  10. You can check the new firmware version by navigating to Settings > Flex Info.
  11. You can safely disconnect the USB drive and USB-OTG adapter cable from the back of your Bad Elf Flex.


Need orthometric height models for your region?  


Visit our Orthometric Height / GEOIDs page.  These packages can be copied to the USB drive along with the firmware update in step 2 above.


Public Firmware Releases


VersionDateDescription
v1.2.0
(build 1208)

DOWNLOAD		11/3/2022
  • Added support for log transfers via Bluetooth.
  • Added support for future firmware updates over Bluetooth.
  • Added "Ortho Everywhere" features: 
    • Configurable boot-up alerts for pole-height and 3rd party antenna height configuration.
    • Extend ortho height values to all 3rd party apps using NMEA stream via Bluetooth or USB.
    • Optional use of the standard NMEA GGA.STATION_ID field to encode datum and orthometric height metadata.
    • Inclusion of datum and GEOID model metadata in CSV log files and shared with 3rd party app workflows.
  • Added support for world-wide high resolution EGM2008 (1-degree) GEOID model.  Requires additional support files found here.
  • Added configuration for Point One Navigation corrections to be provided in ITRF2014 (new) or NAD83 (default) output datum.
  • Added base/rover alerts for lost communications, base tilt detection, etc.
  • Added setting to auto-start track logging on boot and anytime a new project is created.
  • Added pole height editor via Settings > GNSS screen.
  • Updated UI to display/alert user of license and subscription expirations and monthly/yearly Atlas subscriptions.
  • Improved clearing of FLT/FIXED solution within 6 secs of switching out of RTK mode
  • Fixed numerous bugs related to Bluetooth and NTRIP connectivity, log viewing, etc.


NOTE: This firmware release requires Flex app version 1.2.1 or newer to be installed on your iOS or Android device.


v1.1.1
(build 1168) 		5/25/2022

  • Added Flex setting to enable $PSAT via Bluetooth.
  • Fixed bug causing extra columns to appear in track and point CSV log files.
  • Fixed Bluetooth bug affecting UHF radio connections.

v1.1.0
(build 1166)		5/4/2022

  • Added base/rover support
  • Added UHF radio support via USB and Bluetooth
  • Improved Bluetooth screens (adding/unpairing/disconnecting)
  • Fixed bug causing app to restart on shutdown
  • Optimized UI when running in dark mode
  • Added support to NTRIP client for raw TCP connections

v1.0.28
(build 1134)
10/21/2021
  • Several fixes for BT connectivity issues with iOS devices
  • Fixed bug causing custom project names to be reset to default timestamp
  • Added NMEA streaming to PC or Mac via standard USB cables
  • Added NMEA streaming to Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) head units via FTDI-based USB-RS232 cable
  • Added bridge support for LaserTech laser rangefinders for offset measurements
  • Added magnetic declination support based on current position (overridable) 
  • Added EPSG code suffix to horizontal datum metadata

v1.0.21
(build 1098)		03/30/2021
  • Added support for Point One Navigation RTK corrections service
  • Added GEOID99 support
  • Added CSV logging of NTRIP mount point and datum information
  • Added streaming of notifications to the Bad Elf Flex utility app

v1.0.19
(build 1092)
12/14/2020
  • Bluetooth connectivity and reconnect fixes
  • Supports new GEOID models: AUS/NZ, UK/IR/NIR, Brazil, and Caribbean  
  • Added CSV logging of MEMS accelerometer data
  • RTK baseline field now respects distance units
  • Added support for 2-20Hz track logging (requires additional license activation)
  • Added support for reduced track logging rates (every 2-60 sec)
v1.0.18
(build 1084)
10/12/2020
  • Major improvements to Bluetooth connectivity and reconnect logic.
  • Added support for US and Canadian GEOID orthometric height models.
  • Added support for pole height offset in elevation values shown on LCD, streamed to Flex app, and stored in logs.
  • Point and track logs now include NTRIP connection details, orthometric height fields, pole height, and datum in use (when available).
  • Speed values are in logs are now correctly labelled as km/h (not m/s).
  • Added support for RINEX 2.11 and 1-30 second decimations
  • Added support for raw message streaming to 3rd party apps via SDK
  • Added option for clearing Bluetooth pairings via LCD
  • Added option to delete log projects (all or individually)
v1.0.15
(build 1061)		6/17/2020
  • Fixed bug affecting charging via USB while Flex is OFF.
  • Improved Bluetooth connectivity
v1.0.12
(build 1054)		4/27/20
  • First release shipped with production Flex hardware



Beta (Pre-Release) Firmware Releases

NOTE: beta firmware should only be used by customers in our beta release program, and may require access to our matching iOS or Android beta app for full functionality. 


VersionDateDescription
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NOTE: if you need to downgrade your Flex to an older firmware release, please contact our support team.