Quick Xbee question (Lilypad Xbee)

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

So I'm new to the Xbee, and I was configuring it using XTCU but I made a mistake when setting the parameters. SO....I tried to reconfigure it and I'm getting "failed" messages. Once it's configured, is that it? never again to be adjusted? Tell me it ain't so.

:confused:

2

Here is my error in XTCU:

Getting modem type.... Ok.
Programming modem.... Lost communication with modem.
Writing parameters....Failed.

3

Sounds like you bricked it. Google XBee brick. There are a number of tutorials, some right, some not so right, explaining how to un-brick them.

4

Best technique I found was to hold reset button down, or ground reset pin, hit the write button, and keep holding down reset button for 10 to 15 seconds then let it go.

Takes a couple of goes but eventually it works, make sure your using the latest firmware.

Best of luck.

5

thanks guys, I'll try to unbrick it after consulting good ol' google.
bummer to wake up to this news! :confused:

I'll post what worked.

6

After many frustrations and way too much time reading about the troubles of unbricking an xbee, this is what worked for me:

Note: I used my USB Explorer breakout board for the Xbee.

  1. Take the Xbee out of the interface board.
  2. Connect the interface board to the computer.
  3. In XCTU go to "Modem Configuration"
  4. Put a check in the "Always update firmware" box
  5. Select proper modem from drop down menu
  6. Select proper function set and firmware version
    from drop down menus.
  7. Click on the "Write" button. After a few seconds of
    trying to read the modem, you will get an Info box
    that says Action Needed. At this point, CAREFULLY
    insert the module into the interface board.

You may have to do it several times before it takes.
I had to do it about 3 times on mine.

There is also this video that was recommended by a developer at DIGI. You'll see it's essentially the same process.