XBee troubleshooting

[evilmoleman]

Hey Everyone

I'm trying to test out two XBee S1 modules by connecting one to my Arduino and the other to my PC. The one connected to the Arduino is the transmitter ("XBee 1") and the one connected to the PC is the receiver ("XBee 2") I'm monitoring on XCTU, hooked up using a sparkfun breakout board with USB interface. I set both up with XCTU with the following settings:

XBee 1:
-CH = C
-ID = 3332
-DH = 0
-DL = 2
-MY = 1
-CE = Coordinator
-BD = 9600

XBee 2:
-CH = C
-ID = 3332
-DH = 0
-DL = 1
-MY = 2
-CE = Coordinator
-BD = 9600

Here's my code:

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
SoftwareSerial XBee(2, 3);

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

}

void loop() {

  XBee.write('A');
  delay(2000);
  XBee.write('B');
  delay(2000);
}

I don't have one of the fancy breakout boards that automatically does logic level conversion so when I hooked up XBee 1 to the Arduino initially, I accidentally hooked it up to 5V and I'm hoping I didn't fry it. I now have it hooked up manually with:
VCC = 3.3V
VREF = 3.3V
GND = GND
DOUT = Pin 3 (Through a logic level converter that I have confirmed works)
DIN = Pin 2 (Through a logic level converter that I have confirmed works)

I used these two a year or so ago so I know they worked at one point, but I can't seem to get them working again. Hopefully somebody see's something I'm missing and I didn't fry XBee 1. Let me know if you need any more information.

[mikb55]

Plug "xbee 1" into the Sparkfun adaptor and check that XCTU can still recognise it.

[evilmoleman]

Both XBee's are still recognized in XCTU.

[mikb55]

On "Xbee 1" disconnect the Arduino data lines but keep the 3.3v and ground connected. Connect the "Xbee 1" Rx output to the Tx input and do the XCTU loopback test from "Xbee 2" to "Xbee 1".

[evilmoleman]

Hey mikb55

Tried that and the range test couldn't detect the XBee 1 (Remote XBee). Tried manually entering the 64 bit mac address and running the test and it shows all packets being lost. Switched the XBee's and entered the mac address again and still all packets were lost. Double checked and the remote XBee is still receiving ~3.3 volts on VCC and is connected to ground.

When you say connect Tx to Rx, you mean connect DOUT to DIN correct?

[mikb55]

Yes, DOUT to DIN.
Sounds like you have destroyed the "Xbee 1" transmitter.

As a final test plug the "Xbee 1" into the Sparkfun adaptor and run the XCTU 'energy scan'/spectrum analyser test. If you get nothing then the receiver is also likely damaged.

[evilmoleman]

Hey mikb55

I ran the spectrum analyzer test for both XBees and got similar results, see attached images. These results seem in line with other results I looked at online. The Mac address ending in 46 is XBee 1. Does this still indicate that XBee 1 is fried?

[mikb55]

The results show that the receivers for both Xbees are working. It doesn't tell you anything about the condition of the transmitters.

Before spending money on a replacement Xbee, it might be worth looking at the newer/cheaper wireless alternatives that have appeared in the last couple of years. The Xbee range has always been priced for the professional market and the tools are not beginner friendly.