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Connecting OnStation to a Bad Elf Receiver on Android

This article walks through how to connect OnStation to a Bad Elf GNSS receiver on an Android device. Android devices may require a few extra steps to ensure the external GNSS location is used instead of the phone’s internal GPS. 

Some Android devices will connect seamlessly without these steps—but if you experience connection or location issues, follow the instructions below.

What You’ll Need (Android)

  • ✅ An up‑to‑date Android device
  • ✅ Bad Elf Flex app installed
    • GNSS‑capable
    • Latest firmware installed
  • ✅ A Bad Elf receiver (e.g., Mini, Mini Extreme, Flex)
  • ✅ Bluetooth enabled

Android Setup Instructions

1. Pair the Bad Elf via Bluetooth

  1. Open Android Settings
  2. Go to Bluetooth
  3. Pair and connect to your Bad Elf receiver

At this point, the device should show as connected via Bluetooth.

2. Enable Developer Options & Mock Location

Android requires this step to allow location data from an external GNSS device.

  1. Open Settings
  2. Navigate to: 
    About Phone → Device Identifiers
  3. Tap Build Number (7 x's)
  4. Developer Mode is enabled
  5. Go back to main Settings
  6. Select Mock Location App
  7. Choose Bad Elf Flex App

✅ Your Android device is now allowed to use location data from the Bad Elf receiver.

3. Configure the Bad Elf Flex App

  1. Open the Bad Elf Flex app
  2. Select your paired Bad Elf device
    • Example: Mini Extreme
  3. Choose the connection type
    • Typically: Bluetooth SPP
  4. Tap Connect

Once connected:

  • You should see live location readings in the Bad Elf app
  • The Android device should now reflect those same readings
  • OnStation will use the external GNSS location

Optional Troubleshooting Settings

These are not required, but helpful if you’re still seeing location discrepancies.

Adjust Location Accuracy Settings

If available, set:

  • Location Mode → Device Only / GPS Only

If that option isn’t present, turn OFF:

  • Wi‑Fi scanning
  • Bluetooth scanning
  • Google Location Accuracy
  • Improve Location Accuracy

This prevents Android from blending internal GPS + Wi‑Fi data with Bad Elf data.

How to Test the Connection

You can quickly verify the Bad Elf is providing location by:

  • Turning the Bad Elf off and on and watching location change
  • Leaving Bluetooth on, but putting the phone in Airplane Mode
  • Checking if location continues updating in:
    • Google Maps
    • OnStation

If location still updates, the external GNSS feed is working.

Common Reasons Bad Elf Won’t Connect on Android

1. Google Location Accuracy Is Still Enabled

  • Android may blend internal GPS and Wi‑Fi data
  • Disable location accuracy features if issues persist

2. Bluetooth Is Connected, but GNSS Data Isn’t Outputting

  • Pairing does not automatically mean location data is being shared
  • Verify the Bad Elf Flex app is selected as the Mock Location App
  • Confirm live location readings inside the Bad Elf app

3. Bad Elf Is Still Connected to Another Device

  • Bad Elf devices connect to one device at a time
  • Disconnect from:
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Laptop
  • Then reconnect to Android

4. Battery Optimization Is Stopping the GNSS Connection

This is a very common Android issue.

Fix:

Settings → Apps → Bad Elf Flex App → Battery
Set to “Unrestricted” or “Don’t Optimize”