Why can't I add my Bad Elf to QField via in the 'Positioning' setting?

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1

Hi All,

I have paired by Bad Elf GPS/GNSS to my iPad, but I can’t add it to QField in the settings. The app states only ‘Internal device’ and when I try to ‘add’ and ‘scan for nearby devices’ it’s not recognised and I can’t add it. This device is NMEA enabled but still doesn’t register if I try. Any advice?

2

@Tim_Cadman , does the device support Bluetooth low energy ? Do you have specs you can share ?

3

Hi,

These are the only specs I could find - do they help? It is a Bad Elf Flex mini standard.

What do you think?

Tim

Interfaces

  • USB: USB device via USB-C receptacle
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth V4.0 (HS) with integrated Class 1.5 PA Supports 3 simultaneous connections

Compatibility

  • Operating system: iOS, Android, Windows
  • Mobile App: The Bad Elf Flex App requires iOS 9.0+ or Android 9+
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth SPP, USB Serial

Operating Specifications

  • Operating: –4°F to +145°F (–20°C to +63°C)
  • Charging: 41F to +113°F (5°C to +45°C)

Environmental Specifications

  • Waterproof: IP67
  • Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

Mechanical Specifications

  • Dimensions: 1.8” x 1.27” x 3.6” / 45.7mm x 32.5mm x 91mm
  • Weight: 5 oz / 143 g
  • Enclosure: Polycarbonate
  • Mounting: Bottom mount with 1/4”-20 thread

Battery Specifications

  • Bluetooth connected/logging: 24 hours

Product Specifications

  • USB Port: USB-C port for charging and ElfPort™ expansion
  • Accelerometer: 3-axis
  • Display: 128 x 128 pixel transflective LCD screen with backlight
  • Firmware: Field upgradeable via app or USB
4

@Tim_Cadman , it doesn’t seem like BLE is supported. On iOS, the operating system doesn’t allow for classic Bluetooth connections, it requires a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection.

5

Dear Mathieu,

Thank you. Is this also the same for Garmin? And does this also apply to QFiled?

Tim

6

@Tim_Cadman , iOS simply won’t permit classic Bluetooth connection to any devices, it’s not vendor-specific. It applies to all apps too.

QField does support classic Bluetooth connection on Android (Windows and Linux OSes as well).

7

Thanks Mathieu,

I really appreciate your help. I am not entirely sure that iOS doesn’t support Bluetooth (respect). Previously using Avenza (before it went s**t), I was able to link my phone and pad to a single Garmin, and get the same coordinates, at around 3 metres on a good day (clear sky, no wind, not under canopy, etc.), 5-10 on a bad. Doing the same using QField offline. I get 6 m on my phone and 5 m on my pad. Any thoughts?

Tim

8

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