XBEE for theatre

Using Arduino Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

Hi all,

I'm trying to build a system that allows me to put an Arduino on an actor and have them push a button, or something show dependent, and have that play a sound que.

I have:
1 - Adruino Uno R3
1 - Arduino Leonardo
2 - XBEE series 2 wireless sheilds http://www.robotshop.com/productinfo.aspx?pc=RB-Ard-05&lang=en-US

My plan is to have the Uno send pin data to the Leonardo, the Leonardo would then read that pin data and emulate a keyboard to play the sound que on a computer.

At the moment I'm just trying to get them to talk to each other (just get "hello" to appear in the serial monitor) and I'm having a lot of trouble.

My Router is set to 2.5 ZNET Router/End Device AT version 1247

the code on the Uno is

int incoming = 0;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  Serial.println("Hello");
  delay(5000);
}

The Coordinator is set to ZNET 2.5 Coordinator AT version 1047

The Leonardo's code is

int incomingByte = 0;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  if (Serial.available() > 0) {
    Serial.write(Serial.read());
  }
}

Both modems are XB24-B's

When I watch the Leonardo's serial communication window nothing shows up, how do I fix this?

Thank you for your help.

2

What is the part number on the bottom of the XBees?

Should be something like XB24-Z7WIT-004

3

Can I ask why you bought mesh network models to do point to point work, instead of point to point models (Series 1)?

4

XB24-BCIT-004

PaulS:
Can I ask why you bought mesh network models to do point to point work, instead of point to point models (Series 1)?

Because it was sold as a shield and chip package. An additional goal of the project is to keep the hardware as simple as possible so that future students can easily use it after I graduate.

Please don't say I have to buy series 1, the budget I have for the project is already close to exhaustion.

5

Update

Using the settings in the image I can get text to transfer in the terminal tab ok. However, when trying to get the Arduinos to send serial data the router sends it out fine but the coordinator will only randomly receive the data and it displays random patterns of numbers in the serial monitor.

938×609 134 KB

6

Could your problem be that the xbees and the serial communication window are trying to use the same pins to communicate. Rather than trying to print "Hello" maybe you could send a signal to blink the LED.

7

You do not need Series 1 modules, see my blog post on the topic here.

Having said that, I cannot find that part number on Digi's web site, although I can buy one from Mouser! I am using the XBee ZB (f.k.a. S2) modules here. Current firmware is version 2xA7.

Where did you get that module?

8

Note in the first pulldown on the left, I am using "XB24-ZB" as opposed to "XB24-B".

008.png
008.png456×587 13.2 KB

9

I bought it from robotshop.com
Here's the link to it
http://www.robotshop.com/productinfo.aspx?pc=RB-Ard-05&lang=en-US

10

anubis105th:

[quote author=Jack Christensen link=topic=128372.msg969209#msg969209 date=1351081779]
Where did you get that module?

I bought it from robotshop.com
Here's the link to it
http://www.robotshop.com/productinfo.aspx?pc=RB-Ard-05&lang=en-US
[/quote]

I'm thinking maybe it's an old part. What does it say on the top? Digi International or Maxstream? Still could be OK. I might try the 2xA7 firmware, but that's probably not the problem if things are working on the terminal tab.

11

The top says Digi International

12