Unusual xbee proHP issue

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

Hi All,

I am no expert, but I have used xbee modules several times in the past without issue... until now.

I am using an Arduino Pro Mini (328 5v 16MHz) to send serial commands via an xbee pro900 HP, in an xbee Explorer, to an xbee relay control board. The code runs fine, and if I connect the Arduino to my PC via a USB FTDI cable, I can see all the correct commands coming in on the serial monitor, at the correct baud rate. Likewise if I use the serial monitor to manually send commands directly to the xbee Explorer, they go through and are transmitted via the xbee with no problems, and the expected relays switch at the other end.

The problem comes with sending the serial commands to the xbee from the Arduino. The data out LED blinks dimly on the board, but no data is being transmitted. I have double and triple check my connections 5v GND Tx and Rx connections between the two. I have also tried three different Arduino Pro Minis, with the same result.

I was hoping that some of the clever folk on this forum may have some ideas?

Cheers,

Chris

2

Isnt Xbee 3.3V ?

3

Hi DaDo1,

Yes, the xbee modules are 3.3v, though the xbee explorer board I am using to interface the xbee with the arduino, has a 5v regulator on it, as well as a level shifter to step down the 5v logic level.

Cheers,

Chris

4

Problem solved!

I found info of somebody with the same problem on the Sparkfun website. They suggested it was to do with the diode on the xbee explorer board. I soldered in a piece of wire, bypassing the diode, and the data started flowing. :slight_smile: