I just bought both the version 1 and version 2 xbee shield kits from NKC Electronics. I also bought 2 $21 znet xbee modules from digi-key (XB24-BWIT-004-ND).
The xbee modules themselves work fine. I have 2 computers and 2 xbee modules. If I connect each to a serial terminal I can type in one and see the characters echoed in the other. This means the xbee modules are already in data mode and communicating with no configuration necessary. (by default end devices and routers in a zigbee network send their data to the coordinator.)
The problem is that when I load up a simple sketch, such as the double counter, and put the shields in xbee mode, etc. the mcu's serial data doesn't show up in the computer-side's terminal program. I've verified that the sketch is running by blinking an LED, I've verified that I have data on the DIN port of the xbee using an o-scope. Both shields also work fine as USB bridges for the xbee modules too, so I don't think the shields themselves are hosed.
At this point I think the shields aren't compatible with the ZNet version of the xbee modules (vs. the 802.15.4 versions) out of the box. Has anyone else seen this behavior? Are there any solutions? I'm hoping I can just reconfigure the xbee module somehow...
Can't help you with this question yet but I just received my V2 shield today, from NKC and noticed there was no assembly instruction anywhere (I am spoiled by Adafruit's tutorials). I know I should be able to assemble it without any but one would help. Am I missing something ?
Can't help you with this question yet but I just received my V2 shield today, from NKC and noticed there was no assembly instruction anywhere (I am spoiled by Adafruit's tutorials). I know I should be able to assemble it without any but one would help. Am I missing something ?
I am really sorry I still couldn't publish the assembly guide. The PCB has all the components with its corresponding values, so it should be fairly simple to assemble. I will post an assembly guide during this week.
At this point I think the shields aren't compatible with the ZNet version of the xbee modules (vs. the 802.15.4 versions) out of the box.
I'm far from being an expert on XBee, it's been a while since I worked with products from Digi. However, I think I remember that the 802.15.4 and ZNet 2.5 modules are footprint compatible, which mean you should be able to use both the v1 and v2 XBee shield.
I guess you've already looked at it, but anyway; Digi has a pretty good manual for setting up the XBee modules, through X-CTU. I guess you will find it if you do a little search on digi.com.
I have a number of Znet 2.5 series Xbees working in conjugation with both version 1 and 2 NKC shields. If I read correctly you have one unit connected to a MCU and one unit as a gateway connected to the computer. If this is the case the gateway unit has to have the jumper in the USB mode. If you have a problem going from MCU1 -> Xbee1 -> Xbee2 -> MCU2 and back, I have not had a need to test this out however I can promise you both shields are compatible with the 2.5 series Xbee.