Arduino -> Xbee -> Xbee -> Shiftbright

I am planning on building a wall clock that consists of 3 separate units containing something like a series of ShiftBrite modules to indicate the time.

To make it appear like magic I want to make the three of them essentially self contained wireless receiving units.

I was planning on using Xbee but when I times them by three along with the Arduinos they get expensive — four arduino/xbee units gets costly.

So I was wondering if the Xbee could interface directly with something like a Shiftbrite. In my head I think I have it figured out as the ShiftBrites just need serial data control

Many thanks,

James

So I was wondering if the Xbee could interface directly with something like a Shiftbrite. In my head I think I have it figured out as the ShiftBrites just need serial data control

Yes, the XBee should be able to communicate directly with the ShoftBrites. As long as the voltages match (the XBee is a 3,3V decice).

Slight change of plan— the RGB pixels I have decided to use are these, a lot cheaper:

http://www.bliptronics.com/item.aspx?ItemID=113

It's not just serial — it's serial plus a clock — it uses the LPD6803 chipset.

I know that the Xbee can have multiple outputs but can they work together in parallel?

It's not just serial — it's serial plus a clock — it uses the LPD6803 chipset.

It's not at all serial. It's SPI. I don't think that the XBees do SPI.

Thanks Paul.

I'm looking at some other wireless modules now — specifically the CS2500 which seems to have two configurable outputs - one being a clock.