Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Mount and configure a PIX4D supported RTK device - Bad Elf Flex Mini

This article presents how to prepare the Bad Elf Flex Mini for connecting to PIX4Dcatch.

To effectively use the Bad Elf Flex Mini, the initial step is to mount the device on the compatible handle and configure the setup.

If you are not using the compatible handle, you must measure the camera offset between the antenna and the mobile device's camera. This offset, whether measured automatically by PIX4Dcatch (using an SP connect case with the supplied handle) or manually, is crucial for accurately computing image locations and ensuring precise measurements for scans or ground control points (GCPs).

IN THIS ARTICLE

Mount the PIX4D-adapted Bad Elf Flex Mini rover to the Device
How to assemble the Bad Elf Flex Mini with the compatible handle. 
How to connect the Bad Elf Flex Mini and PIX4Dcatch
Camera Offset Measurements
How to Manually Measure the Camera Offset
Measure the X and Y axis
Measure the Z axis
Enter the Camera Offset Values

Mounting the Bad Elf Flex Mini RTK rover to the device

The Bad Elf Flex Mini is a GNSS RTK receiver that allows PIX4Dcatch to geolocate the images acquired by your mobile device with centimeter accuracy. The Bad Elf Flex Mini RTK rover can be coupled with mobile phones (iOS) using an SP connect case.

Note: The SP connect case must be obtained separately when purchasing the Bad Elf Flex Mini RTK Rover. They can be purchased directly from SP-Connect and most electronic, bicycle, and motorcycle shops. When mounting for the first time, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for further details.

How to assemble the Bad Elf Flex Mini with the compatible handle. 

To assemble the Bad Elf Flex Mini with the compatible handle:

  1. Put the iOS device into the SP connect case.
  2. Assemble the two components of the handle.
  3. Place the Bad Elf Flex Mini in the cradle and attach the device to the handle using the supplied screw. 
  4. Attach the iOS device in the SP connect case to the other side of the handle. 
  5. Turn on both the Bad Elf Flex Mini  and the iPhone. 

handle bad elf mini                              Bad Elf Flex Mini

 

When working with the compatible handle, the offsets are identified automatically. No further action is required. 

Important: If the Bad Elf Flex Mini is not mounted with an SP connect case, the offset values need to be measured manually, as described below. In PIX4Dcatch, there is an option to overwrite the autodetected values with manually measured values.

How to connect the Bad Elf Flex Mini and PIX4Dcatch

To connect the Bad Elf Flex Mini with PIX4Dcatch:

  1. Turn on both devices.
  2. Open the Bluetooth menu in the iPhone. 
  3. Tap the Bad Elf Flex Mini to pair it with the iPhone.
  4. Confirm the Pairing code.
  5. Tap Pair on the iPhone and Enter on the Bad Elf Flex Mini. 
  6. Once connected, open PIX4Dcatch, and connect through the RTK dialogue. 

 

Camera Offset Measurements

When connecting to the Bad Elf Flex Mini, the dialog RTK Device Settings opens. The Camera Offset section allows the user to manually set the X, Y, and Z values.

The following options are available:

  • Left
  • Right
  • Custom

The Left & Right options are only available when working with the compatible handle. 

select rtk

The option Custom is always available and intended for cases where the compatible handle is not used. This option requires manually measuring the camera offsets and setting them in PIX4Dcatch. The camera offset values are saved for future use, and modifications are only needed if the setup changes.

        

How to Manually Measure the Camera Offset

 

select rtk rover dialog

Mount the device to the Bad Elf Flex Mini using the appropriate SP connect case. 

Place the device in portrait mode with the display facing away from you. Note the orientation of the X, Y, and Z axes and how they relate to the point of origin on the antenna to measure from. The point of origin resides in the middle of the screw mount at the base of the antenna. For devices with multiple camera lenses, it will also be necessary to determine which lens to measure from.

Tip: If the correct camera lens is unknown, start PIX4Dcatch and place an object in front of each lens. The blocked lens is the one to measure from.

Measure the X and Y axes

To measure the X-axis offset, measure on the vertical axis from the middle of the antenna to the point where it intersects the Y-axis. Then measure the distance from the camera lens to the center of the antenna.

 

measure x y axes

Measure the Z axis

Measure the depth from the center of the antenna to the center of the lens for the Z-axis offset.

measure Z axis

 

Enter the camera offset values

With the camera offsets properly measured and recorded, they can be entered in the corresponding Camera Offset Values field of the RTK Device Settings dialog. Depending on the device's geographical region, centimeters or inches will be used as the measurement unit.

       

      camera offset

The camera offset is now properly set in the Camera Offset Values X, Y, Z fields. Continue with the RTK Device Settings dialog to connect to the Bad Elf Flex Mini in PIX4Dcatch.

 

Third-party information disclaimer:

PIX4D provides instructions for third-party platforms and products solely as a helpful guide to unblock your integration. Those companies are independent of PIX4D. We do not maintain, control, or guarantee the performance, accuracy or reliability of these products.

PIX4D may provide third-party links or contact information to help you find additional information about this topic. This contact information may change without notice. PIX4D does not guarantee the accuracy of third-party documentation or contact details.