I want to connect an XBee S2C (XB24CZ7PIS-004) to an Arduino Uno without using any shield. I could not find any page on the Internet where someone 100% says that no shield is needed!
After configuring the XBee module I would like to connect it to the Arduino Uno as follows:
@PaulS: I would connect Arduino and XBee using male female wires. I just want to make sure these 2 parts CAN work together without any intermediate shield board. Of course you are right and when I want to go for the long run, I need a breadboard and a breakout board. Here I found a breakout board without any logic, just a simple board:
and here I found a REGULATED XBee board:
@MarkDerbyshire: So, basically you are saying that I'd better use a shield that can supply the appropriate 3.3V AND converts the 5V on Arduino's TX to 3.3V for XBee's DIN. So I must use an XBee shield.
I know that Arduino is also providing a shield for the Arduino Uno, but it is too big for me and it cannot be used with other Arduino models, I suppose.
Well I suppose you need to place the other components unless you want to have these hanging off of female wires so a shield whether you make your own or get a readily available one is probably easier. Here is one I made for a Mega2560
Sorry, but I have to add still a comment to this thread:
I had asked the technicians from Digi (producer of XBee) whether I should use a shield between Arduino and XBee or not and their answer is: "You should be able to use the XBee without the shield so long as you are not exceeding 3.3VDC."
As mentioned I am not very familiar with electronics circuits but I think having a shield ensures that the voltage does not exceed 3.3V. Maybe this can be the case under specific circumstances that I don't know but MarkDerbyshire stated before. Maybe it also depends on whether you configure the XBee module as a router (running permanently) or as an end node (runnung when needed). I will need to dig deeper into it...
A shield is just an board that interfaces with the Arduino. It isn't necessary. You could have a PCB with the regulators, Xbee etc on it but have it in a separate case from the Arduino. A shield is just a handy convenient way to interface with the Arduino. Most Shields are built with a particular device(s) in mind ie the Xbee shield, Motor Shield, GPS shield and will have the components required to make it work and give you sockets to also access the Arduino pins
As mentioned I am not very familiar with electronics circuits but I think having a shield ensures that the voltage does not exceed 3.3V.
Using a shield does NOT ensure that the proper voltage shifting happens. Use the right shield and it does happen. Use the wrong shield, and it doesn't. Choosing the right shield, then, becomes important.
The configuration of the XBee has nothing to do with it being a 3.3V device. The configuration of the XBee has NOTHING to do with the voltage of the Arduino. NOTHING in the configuration of the XBee can do anything about missing voltage shifters.
So, I understand that I need a voltage shifter anyway (due to Arduino's 5V TX pin, etc.) and that means I need a shield that regulates the voltage for the XBee module.
Is there a small shield that you guys could recommend? The Arduino Shield for XBee will not fit to smaller Arduino boards.
My goal is the following:
As soon as I have a positive test with Arduino Uno and the XBee module, I will buy a small version of Arduino and solder the XBee module to it. Then I will put them both in a case box. In this case I cannot use the Arduino Shield for XBee as it will not fit to a smaller Arduino board.
It isn't "necessary" to have a shield to provide voltage to the Xbee. All you need for that is a voltage regulator. Attached is a picture of the Tx side of the Mega project I posted earlier. It's not a shield it is a custom made PCB which contains all I need
1 - Nano
2 - Xbee
2 - 9V regulator to power the Nano
3 - 3.3V regulator to power the Xbee
4 - 4 Channel LLC to interface the Nano to the Xbee
5 - Connections to interface with various sensors
The Xbee doesn't have to be on this board. I could have uses edge connectors to provide an interface to connect the Xbee via a flying lead remote from this PCB
You need to stop thinking that you "need" a "shield" to accomplish what you require. If your Arduino is smaller (like the Nano) there are no Shields available so you will have to create your own PCB or wire it up on a strip board
Thank you guys for your efforts to clarify this question for me!
I was indeed confused due to answers like "You do NOT (absolutely) need a shield." and the need for a voltage shifter.
I think it is safe to say that I'd better do something about Arduino's 5V TX pin.
@MarkDerbyshire: Is there any source of information about the components that are needed for a PCB solution? Could you give me a hint about the ones you sent the picture of?
