This example explains how to send sensor input (analog) wirelessly to computer via xbee (Series 1 802.15.4) without using microcontrollers.
Step 1:
You need to set up the AT command for both receiver and sender.
You can use X-CTU or some kind of terminal software, Rob Faludi’s Xbee Terminal Max. I am using a small Max Patch made by Ingo Randolf. You can download this max patch from here>>
Screen shot of serialterminal_Xbee patch
| AT command | Receiver | Sender | comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATID | 1234 | 1234 | PAN ID. it should be the same |
| ATMY | 0 | 2 | address. should be different |
| ATDL | 0 | 0 | 0 is the broadcast mode |
| ATD0 | - | 2 | pin0 config: analog in mode. |
| ATIR | - | 14 | sample rate. 20 millisecond. |
| ATIT | - | 2 | sample before transmit 2 |
AT command setup example
Step 2:
Connect the sensor to Xbee as following, and power the Xbee and sensor.
Breadboard setup
If you are supplying power bigger than 3.3V such as 9V battery or three AA batteries, you need to use 3.3v voltage regulator to supply 3.3V. You can also check the SEWABLE 3.3V REGULATOR post.
For testing, I am using arduino Dicimila’s 3.3v power supply. Easy way to get 3.3V.
Step 3:
There are wonderful XBee API Library for Processing from Rob Faludi and Dan Shiftman
I am using their example processing sketch to see if I am getting sensor input via Xbee directly.
Here, you can see I am receiving address of the sender and analog value (the first one)
Tip:
It helps to use ATRE (firmware reset) before starting a new project. Sometimes the AT command setup you put in the last project conflicts with the project you are working on and resulting to make you shout “…why does it NOT work??”
would you know of a like API that is in C or VB.net ?
thanks
Could you update the link to the Max Patch by Ingo Randolf?
sorry for my late reaction.
The file is there, but I am having problem accessing my server…
hopefully will be solved very very soon…
If you need it in urgent, let me know, I can send it to you as an attachment.
hi there, thanks for this helpful document.
I also need that max file too! wud u send it to me? cause the broken link..
my mail is dontmarryme@gmail.com
also, do you mean i can use only one xbee to work with my computer?
i am using a Macbook pro, I have downloaded the xbee terminal max but it doesn’t work.
Hi, I need some help from you urgently. I have a diffuse sensor and two xbee. How do i collect sensor data, and the xbee will collect it and communicate wirelessly to another xbee which is connected to the pc.
Thank you.
Hi, i need to connect an led to a router xbee and need to switch on and off the led through the coordinator.
the circuit should be simple, that is to directly connect the led through pin 20 and switch it on and off through the coordinator attached to the pc.
i believe that i just have to supply the xbee by a 3.3V supply and solder an led on pin 20 and ground.
is there and command i can use to send the data through visual basic to control the led?
thanks,
Belal
I am trying to use xbee direct feature in series 2 to establish a communication between a remote sensor and a pc i.e i am trying to do the same with xbee series 2. I have configured the xbee successfully and the xctu terminals are showing full communications when both are attached through usb. However when i am trying to get the analog input from the sensor wirelessly to pc, i cant get the data. Can you please tell me what am i doing wrong? Thanx in advnc.