Hi madmattd
I’m wondering if you managed to resolve this issue in the end. I have experienced the same series of problems, and have not yet found a solution.
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to solve the issue by parsing, as the sequential data streaming from the receiving XBee seems to be interfering with the data sent from the transmitting XBee, (the incoming signal is interrupted fairly regularly). I’ve tested the radios in different environments, using both the sparkfun XBee explorer and XBee shield and the symptoms don’t appear to change - which to me suggests that the data might be being generated by the receiving XBee itself.
I’ve attempted to rewire the XBee as suggested (omitting pin 6); however, I used my sparkfun explorer and XBee shields as small-large pin breakout boards, so I assume that the XBee might have been firing up in the same way. I’ll order some 2mm 10pin sockets and try again. Any advice would be appreciated.