Extremely low range (~2ft) using two S1 xbee modules

Using Arduino Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

Hi, I've two standard XBee 1mW U.FL Connection - Series 1 (802.15.4) and two matching libelium shields.

I also have a SparkFun XBee Explorer USB which I'm using with the XCTU software to read the radio configuration of each XBee in turn.

I haven't been able to do a range test with both XBees using XCTU since I only have the one XBee Explorer and XCTU isn't able to discover an XBee when it's placed on the libelium shield (even with the jumpers in the right position). Although I'm doing a simple range test of my own by using a simple blink program loaded to the arduinos and analysing the serial monitor.

The problem I'm having is that the range indoors and outdoors for the XBees is only reliable within two feet at most. I've tried different configurations and different environments but I've had no success. The module claims it can communicate up to 100 feet indoors or 300 feet outdoors (with line-of-sight) but that hasn't been true for me.

Another data sheet available for the libelium shields may also prove helpful - http://midas.herts.ac.uk/helpsheets/shield_xbee.pdf

Any help would be appreciated, thank you.

1st XBee

  • MAC: 0013A20040A0BC74
  • XB24
  • XBee 802.15.4
  • Firmware Version: 10ec
  • Channel: C
  • PAN ID: 2171
  • Destination Address High: 0
  • Destination Address Low: 0
  • Power Level: Highest [4]
  • CCA Threshold: 2C -dBm
  • BD: 9600[3]
  • AP: API disabled
  • MAC Mode: 802.15.4 + MaxStream Header w/ACKS[0]
  • NB: No parity

2nd XBee

  • MAC: 0013A20040A0BBC2
  • XB24
  • XBee 802.15.4
  • Firmware Version: 10ec
  • Channel: C
  • PAN ID: 2171
  • Destination Address High: 0
  • Destination Address Low: 1
  • Power Level: Highest [4]
  • CCA Threshold: 2C -dBm
  • BD: 9600[3]
  • AP: API disabled
  • MAC Mode: 802.15.4 + MaxStream Header w/ACKS[0]
  • NB: No parity
2

This is from the page you have a link to:

External Antenna Required

Which antenna are you using?

3

Haha, thanks for replying. I actually just realised that this is only xbee module that doesn't include some form of antenna. Well, silly mistake. I have no antenna whatsoever mounted to the module so the lack of range is starting to make sense. Hopefully it's as simple as it sounds. I suppose something similar to this would be ideal? - Interface Cable RP-SMA to U.FL - WRL-00662 - SparkFun Electronics

4

Any antenna that is designed for 2.4GHz and has a u.fl connector (or an adapter to u.fl) is ok. The higher the gain, the farther the range.

5

Thanks for that advice. One final question though, would there be any difference in choosing a Interface Cable SMA to U.FL or Interface Cable RP-SMA to U.FL? Both have u.fl connectors but is there really any difference between the two?

6

It depends on the antenna. One is SMA and the other is RP-SMA (reversed male-female). Get the adapter that fits the antenna you want to use. Otherwise it doesn't matter.

7

Thank you. I understand now. I think I'll choose the SMA since it matches the u.fl connector on the module without needing an adapter (I think I'm right in saying that?)

8

Sorry, I realise I was looking at the adapter rather than the actual antenna. Thanks for your patience, I'm still new to this...