My current project requires me to use two Xbees to set up wireless communications. I understand that for the Xbees to be configured, they need to be connected to a computer. Because I have an Arduino Uno (R3), I though I would use it to set up serial communications, as opposed to buying a separate adapter. To do this I connected the Tx Arduino pin to the Dout Xbee pin, and the Rx Arduino pin to the Din Xbee pin. I then connected the 5v from my Arduino to the 5v on my regulated Xbee explorer and the grounds together. The last thing i did was connect the ground on the Arduino to the Arduino reset pin. I then connected the Arduino to the computer, and opened up the X-CTU software. When I go to locate the Xbee, all that appears is the Arduino Uno on COM port 7, and it fails to establish a link with the Xbee, even after navigating through the setup process.
I have the same problem. Also, I bought an adapter and it works very well. But since there are so many tutorials on how to connect an XBee on an Xbee regulated with the arduino, it should work in this case. I made connections from my XBee Explorer Regulated to my ardunino:
GND -> GND
5V -> 5V
OUT -> TX
IN -> RX
Also, I connected the Reset with GND on my Arduino to avoid removing the chip. Now, with these connections made when I run X-CTU I always get an error saying Unable to talk with the XBee. Also, I tried to reset the XBee as suggested in many tutorials, but still doesn't work.