Xbee to computer serial

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Learn more. Asked 7 years, 2 months ago. Active 7 years, 2 months ago. Viewed 2k times. UserK UserK 2 2 gold badges 14 14 silver badges 39 39 bronze badges. Share your Arduino code. If the communication remains one-way when you swap XBee modules, the problem is in the hosts either hardware or software.

Ok, I've updated the question. Are you sure pinRx is correct? If you connect a serial cable to pins 2 and 4 of the Arduino, can you send data over it? Note that setting DH and DL to 0 is a shortcut for indicating the coordinator, not for broadcast mode.

Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. Stand alone Board Powered by a 9v bat. The DIN LED blinks on the standalone board when running, but the board connected to the computer never prints anything via the usb-serial monitor, nor does the DOUT led on the XBee of the receiver connected to computer. Would be very grateful for any guidance on this Maybe a pointer to some documentation i have missed? O r you can configure them by serial commands sent from the arduino boards. When operating in this mode, the modules act as a serial line replacement - all UART data received through the DI pin is queued up for RF transmission.

When RF data is received, the data is sent out the DO pin. So i thought that the default factory settings would allow 2 XBees to comunicate without further configuration. You still to change some settings. They are set up in Transparent mode but they are not set to communicate with each other. Click 'Read' Change the 'Version' drop down to the latest version If my memory serves me correctly, the function set for one of them should be router and one should be end device doesn't matter which for simple point to point Then change the PAN ID to a value - doesn't matter what it is as long as the values are the same for both modules.

There are a few other values you can change power settings etc but if you need them in the future you will learn what they all do. Basically, if you don't know what it does, don't fiddle :D. Then clip the leads off. The next component we'll place is the large electrolytic capacitor. This capacitor helps keep the 3. Electrolytic capacitors are polarized, just like LEDs. The ceramic capacitor is non-polar, so place it 'either way' The 3. This chip converts the 2V-5V signal from the bottom strip of pins to 3.

If you're planning to use the two lines of parallel breakout pins instead of the lines at the bottom of the PCB, you may want to skip the buffer. However, most people will want it in place The buffer chip must be placed in the right way for it to work.

Look for a U-shaped cutout notch in one end of the chip. This notch should match the U-shaped notch in the silkscreen. See the picture to make sure its in right. Flip over the PCB and solder in every pin of the buffer carefully. The pins will not have to be clipped once they are soldered in. Next are the two pin 2mm headers. These header sockets hold the XBee radio module securely so that it can be easily replaced or reused.

Put the sockets in the two strips of holes. If you have a spare XBee module, you can insert the module into the sockets to keep the spacing right. Then 'tack' the corners of the header with a small bit of solder, just to keep them in place.

Once they are tacked in place, remove the XBee module Then go back and solder in each pin of the socket header. You can now replace the XBee module! The module is pretty much complete at this point. You can continue to customize the bottom header strip or go check out the user manual!

You can continue by adding straight header to the breakout strip at the bottom if you'd like. Or you can solder the header flat against the back of the adapter, so that it sticks out along the edge Another option is to use right-angle header not included and solder it in as shown or on the reverse side.

Now what? Here is a list of topics on how to use the XBee in your project 1. Which module to use? Connecting, configuring and upgrading an XBee 4. Setting up point-to-point communication, the simplest wireless link 5.

Reference Which XBee radio module is right for you? Introduction There are about half a dozen different XBee modems. Its a good idea to at least review the differences between them so that you can make sure that you have the right power, range and network compatibility for your project For the examples on the site, I use the XBee Notes: legacy, not suggested Convertable to If you just want to wirelessly send data from one place to another chances are you'll be most happy with the low cost XBee For some of the families, the module is available in both a low-power and Pro version.

The Pro version often has an extra amplifier for longer range. However this means that the power required to run the modules is also a lot higher! The adapter can be outfitted with either kind of module but research and testing is often necessary to determine which one is suitable for your needs Antennas There are three different antenna-options available for the XBee radios: 1.

Chip 2. Wire 3. UFL 4. The UFL and RP-SMA options are just connectors, they require an antenna tuned to the correct frequency and with the proper connector in order to function! Unless you are doing something that requires a special antenna for directed or high power transmission, the chip or wire antenna options will be just fine. Introduction This section will introduce and explain each of the breakout pins on the XBee adapter. And also show some ways to wire the board up for use with a computer or microcontroller Pinout This image shows the pinout for the XBee adapter 1.

DTR - "Data terminal ready" this is a flow control pin used to tell the XBee that the microcontroller or computer host is ready to communicate 3. RST - this pin can be used to reset the XBee.

By default it is pulled high by the 10K resistor under the module. To reset, pull this pin low. Ground - common ground for power and signal 5. CTS - "Clear to Send" this is a flow control pin that can be used to determine if there is data in the XBee input buffer ready to be read 6.

Provide up to 6V that will be linearly converted into 3. RX - This is the XBee's serial recieve pin. Serial data is sent on this pin into the XBee to be transmitted wirelessly 8. TX - This it the XBee's serial transmit pin. Serial data is sent on this pin out of the XBee, after it has been transmitted wirelessly from another module 9. RTS - "Ready to Send" this is a flow control pin that can be used to tell the XBee to signal that the computer or microcontroller needs a break from reading serial data.

The XBees must also be connected to a computer to perform firmware updates and its often easier to configure the modules changing the baud rate, configuring network IDs, etc this way as well. By far the easiest way to connect to a computer is to use an FTDI cable - use either 3. Thus configuring or upgrading or connecting is really trivial. Simply plug the cable into the end of the module so that the black wire lines up with GND.

There is a white outline showing where the cable connects. Another method of connecting is using a USB or serial breakout board. Each breakout board is going to be a little different so check the documentation. Finally, it is possible to use a de-chipped Arduino to connect an XBee to a computer. First, gently pry the microcontroller from its socket using a small flat screwdriver or similar. Try to make sure the pins don't get bent. Put it in a safe place. Preferably in an anti-static bag.

Do the same for Ground. Same with RX. If you are planning to try and upgrade the modem - which is pretty common, connect the RTS line to the right hand solder dot to as shown. That's the best connection you can get to the RTS line.

If you're not upgrading, then you can skip this wire. Overview The most basic way to communicate using the XBee modems is point to point. That means one modem communicating with another modem. If you just want a wireless link - between two microcontrollers, computers, Arduinos, etc.

Setting the network ID For this simple network, we want two modems to talk only to each other. That means that if you're in a school, lab or workshop other people's XBee's can interact with yours causing some major confusion A good way to avoid this is to set the network ID otherwise known as the PAN - Personal Area Nework - ID to a unique value.

If you're using a different microcontroller or communicating between two microcontrollers, its going to be pretty similar Start by first setting up the PAN ID and baud rate for the two modems. For this example I will assume that they are set up for the default baud rate of Conncet one module to your microcontroller.

This allows me to use the default hardware USB serial port without conflicting. Open up a terminal to the computer's XBee and start typing into it - whatever you want.