Just starting with Arduino. Want to control some projects via xbee. Is the radioshack xbee kit a good set to get or are there better ones you would recommend?
Thanks
It's the same package that sparkfun sells for $5 less.
IS this a good kit to get started in Xbee or should i pick something different?
IS this a good kit to get started in Xbee or should i pick something different?
Yes, it is. The kit does not include shields, though, so it isn't exactly plug-and-play, but it is a good kit, and the price is reasonable, if you don't have to pay shipping, too.
This is a 2.4 GigaHertz transmitter and receiver.
The higher you go in frequency the less distance it will cover
There are modules that operate at 315Megahertz and 433Mhz that inherently will transmit further for less power but you have a lot of mucking about with all of them to get and receive data . You can buy the transmitter and receiver pairs for $21. an example
http://secure.oatleyelectronics.com//product_info.php?products_id=747&osCsid=bf560d45281cc90a377753bdb09bb029 -can be used with code hopper receiver also and can be fed with 3 to 12 Volts
Perhaps the xbee has better supporting documentation for a learner and will be easier to get up and running
Consider the distance potential of the 27Meg HF CB as opposed to the UHF alternatives pushed at you nowadays . You could talk round the world with the 27Mh but can talk only in your own town with the higher frequency now.