XBee Shield - User Manual

XBee Shield Hookup Guide a learn.sparkfun.com
tutorial
Available online at: http://sfe.io/t230
Contents
Introduction
Hardware Overview
Example: Communication Test
Example: Remote Control Arduino
Resources and Going Further
Introduction
Heads up! Originally, this tutorial was written to configure an XBee Series 1 to communicate in
transparency mode. However, this can apply to the XBee Series 3 module as long as you configure
the firmware to the legacy 802.15.4 protocol. For more information, check out the Exploring XBees
and XCTU tutorial.
The XBee Shield gives your Arduino a seamless interface to XBee -- one of the most popular
wireless platforms around. With XBee, instead of being tied down by a serial cable -- inches away
from a paired device -- your Arduino can pass data over the air to another device hundreds of feet
away.
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XBee Shield Specifications

General

Interface	UART
Operating Voltage	3.3V
Compatibility	Arduino
Frequency	2.4 GHz
Voltage	3.3V
Microcontroller	None (Shield for use with a microcontroller)
Wireless Protocol	Zigbee
Range	Up to 100m (line of sight)
Antenna	Integrated or external

Summary

XBee Shield Hookup Guide Introduction

Tutorial Scope and Goal

Explains the objective of setting up wireless XBee communication between devices.

Required Materials and Tools

Essential Components List

Lists necessary hardware like XBee Shield, Arduino, and XBees for the project.

Soldering and Setup Tools

Details tools required for shield assembly, such as soldering iron and solder.

Suggested Reading Materials

Recommends related tutorials for XCTU, serial communication, and soldering.

XBee Shield Hardware Overview

Shield Component Identification

Identifies key parts of the XBee Shield, including LEDs, sockets, and switches.

UART;Software Serial Switch Function

Explains the role of the DLINE/UART switch in selecting communication ports.

Status LED Indicators Explained

Details the meaning of each LED on the XBee Shield for status monitoring.

Shield Assembly and XBee Insertion

Provides tips for assembling the shield and orienting the XBee module.

Communication Test Example

XBee Network Configuration Check

Ensures XBees are configured correctly for network communication.

Software Serial Passthrough Implementation

Guides through setting up serial communication using the SoftwareSerial library.

Hardware Serial Passthrough for Specific Arduinos

Details using the hardware UART on ATmega32U4-based Arduinos.

Communication Test Verification

Steps to confirm that the XBee communication test is functioning correctly.

Remote Control Arduino Example

Example Sketch for Pin Control

Provides code to wirelessly control Arduino pins via XBee.

Command Syntax and Usage Guide

Explains the commands for sending data and controlling pins remotely.

Wireless Data Transmission and Reception

Details the process of sending commands and receiving data wirelessly.

Resources and Further Exploration

XBee Technical Documentation and Repositories

Lists useful resources like manuals, schematics, and GitHub repositories.

Related XBee Project Tutorials

Suggests further tutorials for XBee WiFi, robotics, and wireless projects.