I am creating a circuit based on the SparkFun Thing Plus - XBee3 Micro (Chip Antenna). I would like to know if these boards come with firmware programmed into them to make them work with programming over USB or if the CP2104 chip allows for that to happen. All the recommendations are to use an explorer board to program but my application needs a micro configuration. Trying to make sure that I will be able to program my own boards. I know the Xbee3s can program OTA but I would prefer an option for a wired connection.
I don’t think I was quite clear in my initial post. I will not be using the sparkfun modules in my board but rather ordering new Xbees from Mouser and using the Sparkfun board as my template since I need a few other things for my system design. If I order and Xbee from Mouser and use the CP2104 can I program these straight away or does Sparkfun put firmware on their chips through some other method?
The XB3 boards I’ve received from Mouser and elsewhere have been flashed with the Digi Zigbee firmware. My usual application calls for ‘the regular 802.15.4’ firmware so I load that right out of the box. Is that what you’re asking?
The Explorer boards are lifesavers for goofing with these neat little boards.
Yes I was wondering what firmware came on the Xbee modules from the distributor. Thank you! Unfortunately I can’t use the explorer boards because I have a space constraint so I chose a micro Xbee version. I think I will use the explorer dongle as a template though and include the FT231X USB-to-Serial converter chip so I don’t need an extra external board. Thanks so much for the help.