To enable the direct xbee communication, you need firmware version 10A1 or later (I used 10A5) for Xbee Series 1 802.15.4, or for Xbee Seriese 2, ZNET 2.5 CORDINATOR API or ZNET 2.5 ROUTER/END DEVICE API firmware. If your Xbee does not have these firmware by default, you can update the firmware by using X-CTU software (only PC) from digi.
In this post, I am explaining how I did the firmware update, including how I restored my bricked Xbee Series 1 802.15.4 and Series 2. (I can not guarantee that it works for every case, but at least it worked for me)
Step 1: Connect the Xbee to your computer(PC).
You can use Xbee USB dongle or make your own Xbee-USB connection using arduino USB board.
For detail, please see Xbee dongle post.
Step 2: Open X-CTU
X-CTU is a software from digi (the company which produces Xbee) that let you update the firmware. You can download it from here (http://www.digi.com/support/productdetl.jsp?pid=3352&osvid=57&tp=4&s=316)
When X-CTU is installed, open the software and go to “PC settings” tab.
Choose the USB port that Xbee is connected.
Set the baudrate to the Baudrate of the Xbee (default 9600), Flow Control = NONE, Data Bits = 8, Parity = NONE, StopBits=1.
Click “Test / Query” to see if software can recognize your Xbee.
If you have a bricked Xbee series 2, then you can set it as following.
Baudrate of the Xbee (default 9600), Flow Control = HARDWARE, Data Bits = 8, Parity = NONE, StopBits=1.
Step 3: Go to “Modem Configuration” tab.
Click “Read” to get your Xbee setting to X-CTU. (if your Xbee is not bricked)
It is good to get the newest version by clicking “Download new versions” and choose from the web (make sure you are connected to network)
For Series 1 802.15.4:
Choose “modem= XB24”, “XBEE 802.15.4” “10A5” (the latest one did not work for mine)
Choose “Always update firmware” under “Read” button.
For Bricked Series 2:
Choose “modem= XB24-B”, “ZNET 2.5 CORDINATOR AT ” “1047” or “modem= XB24-B”, “ZNET 2.5 ROUTER/END DEVICE AT” “1247”
Choose “Always update firmware” under “Read” button.
For Series 2:
Choose “modem= XB24-B”, “ZNET 2.5 CORDINATOR API ” “1147” or “modem= XB24-B”, “ZNET 2.5 ROUTER/END DEVICE API ” “1347”
Choose “Always update firmware” under “Read” button.
Step 4: Click “Write”
Then you should see blue progress bar on the bottom.
Step 5: X-CTR will ask to reset the Xbee.
Press reset push switch that you made between reset (pin5) and GND.
Then the message box should disappear.
Then you should see “firmware update completed” message on the bottom.
When reset message window does not disappear after pressing the push switch, (it happened to me when it was trying to write AT command after programming sequence), you can click “cancel”.
Step 6: Quite X-CTU, restart it and see if you can connect to Xbee from X-CTU
Go to “Modem Configuration” tab, set baudrate to the Baudrate of the Xbee (default 9600), Flow Control = NONE, Data Bits = 8, Parity = NONE, StopBits=1.
If you have made Series 2 Xbee to API firmware, make sure to check “Enable API” in Host Setup tab
Click “Test / Query” to see if software can recognize your Xbee.
If you had the bricked Series 2, now you can go back to step 5 and update it to API firmware.
Now you should be able to setup pin configuration, PAN ID and all the setting needed for Direct Xbee communication using X-CTU or simple serial port communication software using AT command.
Can you please explain step by step how to configure Xbee in API mode ?
It is not really “step by step”, but you can check “Xbee Direct” post( http://www.kobakant.at/DIY/?p=214) for API setup. I did not post “step by step” since how you connect Xbee via terminal differs per person. You can use processing sketch by Rob Faludi, max/msp patch that I posted at “Xbee Direct” post, or other terminal communication program. To enter the AT command mode, send ” “. Your Xbee should return “OK” when connected. Once you are connected, you can set up AT command as you like by just typing in. (i.e. setting up ID as 1234, type “ATID 1234 (return)” and Xbee will answer “OK”. Before disconnecting, type “ATWR” so that your change is saved. To check if your change is there, type “ATID” and it should return “1234” (the change you’ve made). The whole AT commands are listed on the Xbee manual, which you can download from Digi site.
Thank you so much for this article. By using this tutorial I repaired my 3 ‘bricked’ XBee Series 2 modules.
!! Happy to hear that!! I was also very happy when it repaired mine.
I use a XBee Series 2 Modul. Few days ago I tried to upgrade the firmware. But during the progress a failure occured and the XBee Modul stopped the upgrade. Now I can’t communicate with the module. I tried to fix my problem with this tutorial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxOqQZD-oaM&feature=PlayList&p=375218B66A32088E&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=1 but it still not works.
I hope you has an idea what I can do.
greetings
Georg on June 21st, 2010
u should check “sparkfun” forums for that…
For serie 1 is it the same?
[…] Instructions for updating the XBee firmware set. http://www.kobakant.at/DIY/?p=163 […]
can we update ZB firmware instead of ZNet ?
other thanks, you made configuration simple
keep blogging
I’ve a big question in this.
I’ve been working with Xbee for a short period of time with no problems ’til i got no response from the module when i used the ” “. The correct answer for the module would be “OK”, but just nothing happens.
I’ve read a lot of this, but i had no succeded in find any solution for this matter.
Could you please tell me what to do, or what i shouldnt be doing?.
I’ll appreciate it.
Thanks!
It didnt capture the “PlusPlusPlus” symbol.
sorry and thanks
Thanks alot! Saved my bricked Series 2!
I just got my Series 1 XBee unbricked by holding down the reset button then starting the Write. I then go a pop-up window and pressed the rest button again. Firmware updated fine. Prior to this I was getting ‘lost comms with modem’ with every version I tried downloading.
I had ‘Always Update Firmware’ checked and used Ver 10A5.
After unbricking I updated to latest 10ED no problem.
I bought two xbee S1 with one usb booard, X-CTU software does recognise both xbees but am unable to get either coordinator nor router under function set.
I have well downloaded the firmware several times and the first time i did so, it took me atleast one hour to do so.
Even after that i still cant find either coordinator not router.
can you please help me out?
thanks
Thank you very much, i thought i have to buy another module :))
I am using xbee series 2 in my project. I couldn’t interface it with Arm kit, LPC2148. It is required in my project for serial communication. I have a doubt that is it required to configure xbee through LPC2148’s programe or is it possible to configure xbee through X-CTU and just send data throough programe???
And I also want the connections required for interfacing xbee and LPC2148? Can I connect it directly or should it connect through DB9???
I am using xbee serie 1. I have the kit with the XBIB-U.
I have a problem with modem configuration , when i want to click on “read”
i have a message which says “a sharing violation occurred while accesing
C:\PROGRAM FILES(X86)\DIGI\XCTU\update\xcite10C_02.mxi. “…
and i need help for avancing my project.
For my reading purposes, I at all times used to get the video lectures from YouTube, for the reason that it is trouble-free to fan-out from there.
I am using zigBee series1. The problem when i switch to api mode (AP=1) the receiver does not receive data anymore( transmitter(AP=1) receiver(AP=1)?. help please
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks
for providing these details.
Hmm it seems like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess
I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any helpful hints for rookie blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate
it.
Hi,my Xbee is not detected after trying for 100 times in PC configuration of x-CTU plz help.
i have a problem with xbee pro s1. i just received my xbee from the supplier last week. before this the xbee is corrupted, so after i get back the xbee , the version is upgraded to 10ED. the old version was 10EC. the latest XCTU software for xbee that i am using is 10EC. do you know where is the best website should i refer to. thanks.
Thanks a lot.. It saved my bricked Xbee.. thumbs up!