Navigating the Bad Elf GPS: A User's Guide

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GPS equipment comes in handy, especially when working in more remote areas where you cannot access much signal. Some professions that can make great use of portable GPS devices are surveyors, pilots in flight at high altitude, sailors and power boaters, and individuals who like to go camping or take long road trips. Bad Elf has several digital solutions and popular tools used by land survey professionals for mapping and navigation, namely the Bad Elf GPS product line.

Bad Elf GPS devices are compact and portable, they are designed to work with your mobile phone or tablet to provide precise location data. Whatever your need for GPS equipment, Bad Elf has three GPS devices designed for your iOS device, but also function with Android and Windows phones as well as tablets.

These devices are easy to set up and use with little to no trouble at all. To see a complete list of apps which are compatible with Bad Elf devices put together by the creators, click here.

The Different Bad Elf GPS Products

Bad Elf has a line of three GPS receiver models that are compatible with common mobile devices and most Apple, Android, and third-party location services. The company produces three different models: Bad Elf GPS Pro, Bad Elf GPS Pro+, and Bad Elf GNSS Surveyor. Each model has its own set of features and capabilities, but they all share a common goal of providing accurate location data to users.

As a Bad Elf authorized dealer, Baseline Equipment offers all three GPS models at their original prices, as well as some other Bad Elf devices and accessories.

Bad Elf GPS Pro

The “Pro” model is the entry level Bad Elf GPS device. It is designed for general mapping and works with most navigation applications. The GPS Pro has a battery life of up to 16 hours when connected to your device, and up to 32 hours when in standalone data logger mode.

This mode lets your GPS Pro record up to 100 hours of location data without being connected to your cellular device. You can set the device to standalone data logger mode with a button press, and can transfer the log to your mobile device when you are finished.

The device is accurate within 2.5 meters when stationary, and usually takes under a minute to lock on your location. The Bad Elf GPS Pro is currently available for $249.99.

Bad Elf GPS Pro+

The GPS Pro+ is the mid-level model and includes all the features of the Bad Elf GPS Pro and more. The GPS Pro+ is just as easy to set up and can get a lock on your location in under 2 seconds! In addition, the GPS Pro+ has a longer battery life of 24 hours, and can last up to 35 hours in standalone data logger mode.

The Bad Elf GPS Pro+ is available now for $349.99.

Bad Elf GNSS Surveyor

The GNSS Surveyor model is the top of the Bad Elf line and is designed specifically for land survey professionals. Its advanced GNSS receiver supports both GPS and GLONASS satellite data, improving the level of reliability and accuracy that you can expect. The GNSS Surveyor is accurate within 1 meter of your location with a hot start time of under one second. The battery life is similar to that of the GPS Pro+.

Along with the increased accuracy, the GNSS Surveyor is just as easy to set up and use as the other two models and can quickly export data. In comparison to other 1-meter GNSS devices on the market, which often cost over $1,000, the Bad Elf GNSS Surveyor is the most affordable one out there, available for only $649.99.

What is the Difference Between GPS and GNSS?

GPS (Global Positioning System) is the satellite-based navigation system we are familiar with in the United States. The FAA states that the United States GPS constellation currently contains 31 different satellites. At least four of these satellites will link to a GPS receiver on the ground to triangulate the location, and will as such provide an accurate location, within a few meters in most cases.

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) on the other hand encompasses all satellite-based navigation systems from around the world. These include GPS, GLONASS (the Russian navigation constellation), BeiDou (China’s navigation system), and others. Since GNSS has access to data from multiple satellite networks, devices that have GNSS receivers are more reliable and accurate than devices that rely solely on GPS.

Another difference is that GPS operates on a single frequency, whereas the various GNSS systems work on multiple frequencies, providing a better resistance to signal interference.

If you are working or traveling in the United States, chances are that a GPS device will more than do the job for you. That said, if you are traveling or working internationally, oftentimes in areas without signal or away from civilization, a GNSS receiver device should be strongly preferred. For more information on the differences between GPS and GNSS, read here.

Using Your Bad Elf GPS Device

Actually using your Bad Elf location device is as easy as can be, just follow these steps:

  1. Turn on your device and make sure that the Bluetooth is on and in pairing mode.
  2. Turn on your Bad Elf receiver, and once it appears in your phone or tablet’s list of nearby Bluetooth devices, select the receiver and follow any prompts to complete pairing.
  3. Once your Bad Elf GPS/GNSS device is paired to your mobile device, you can configure your preferred mapping app to use your Bad Elf device to receive location data instead of your mobile devices’ built in GPS receiver. Almost all navigation apps are compatible with Bad Elf devices, but be sure to review Bad Elf’s full list of compatible applications if you want to confirm.

That is it! Your device is now set up with only three easy steps. Your new Bad Elf device can provide your location using offline maps as well, so that you do not have to worry about application issues once you are out of service.

One of the advantages of using the Bad Elf GPS is that it providesmore accurate location data than the GPS receiver built into most mobile devices. This is because the Bad Elf GPS uses a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that is designed specifically for mapping and surveying applications. It also supports both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems, which provides enhanced accuracy and reliability.

Another advantage of using the Bad Elf GPS is that it is portable and easy to use. These receivers are all smaller than your palm (they can fit in your back pocket), splash-proof, and easy to use with multiple devices. Not only does this make them ideal for use in the field where portability is crucial, it can also connect to up to five devices simultaneously via Bluetooth.

5 Tips for Using Bad Elf GPS Effectively

1. Check Your Satellite Signal Strength

When using Bad Elf receivers, like all GPS devices it is essential to have a clear view of the sky to get a strong satellite signal. You can check the satellite signal strength on your device by navigating to the GPS Status screen in the Bad Elf app. If you are in an area with weak signal or a lot of cover, it may be ideal to wait or move to a location with a clearer view of the sky.

2. Utilize the Data Logging Feature

The Bad Elf GPS devices include a standalone data logging feature that can store up to 200 hours of GPS data depending on the model. This feature can be incredibly useful for remote data collection, allowing you to store GPS data when there is no network or internet connection, without draining your phone or tablet’s battery by staying connected to a navigation app.

Configure your device to log data regularly and download the data when you return to a location with a network or internet connection, or when you have a chance to plug your receiver into your computer via USB.

3. Calibrate Your Device Regularly

To get the most accurate location data possible, make sure your device is calibrated regularly. This can be done within the utility app for Bad Elf devices, simply follow the instructions in the app and you should be finished shortly.

4. Update Your Firmware

Keep your firmware and software up to date. Whatever location-based app you are using on your phone, make sure you regularly update it. Even more importantly, the utility app for Bad Elf is the only way to update your Bad Elf receiver’s firmware in order to fix bugs, improve performance, and see any new features.

5. Use the Bad Elf Utility App

Unlock the hidden potential of your GPS receiver and make the most out of it with Bad Elf's utility app. Get access to an entirely new suite of capabilities beyond those offered by standard location applications. Within the app, you can check your satellite signal strength, calibrate your device, perform any updates, and see other changes from Bad Elf.

Baseline Equipment

For the best GPS and location products available for professionals today, look no further than Baseline Equipment. The incredible product selection and availability of educational resources make Baseline a one-stop-shop for working professionals of all kinds.

Using your new Bad Elf GPS device is as easy as turning it on. Come to Baseline Equipment to learn more about Bad Elf GPS receivers and how to use them.