Getting started with XBee

Wireless & IoT
1

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a couple of XBee modules (xb24-z7wit-004) and I’m looking for some help getting started with them.

My main question is how to decide which firmware to load on the module from X-CTU? I’ve only been able to load firmware from the XB24-B “family” on the left side of the modem configuration tab. How can I tell which firmware is compatible with my modules?

Any links to tutorials will be appreciated.

2

that part number

xb24-z7wit-004

I think that is what we call the Series 2 XBee which are intended for use with ZigBee which is for mesh networks (many nodes with relay/hops among nodes).

The Series 1 XBee are non-Zigbee and more popular with hobbyists. These are listed on Digi’s web site under the “point to multipoint” category rather than ZigBee.

Series 2 uses Ember’s chipset; Series 1 uses FreeScale.

Series 1 can use DigiMesh, a (better) alternative than ZigBee, but only if you NEED meshing.

In either case, download the OEM/User’s manual, maybe 50 pages, from Digi’s web site and study it.

Then tell us what you wish to accomplish.

3

My main question is how to decide which firmware to load on the module from X-CTU?

What firmware is currently loaded?

What are you planning to have the XBees do?

Those XBees are Series 2 and should have ZigBee firmware loaded. Series 2 modules can only be loaded with ZigBee or ZNet2.5 firmware only (Series 1 modules can run 802.15.4 and DigiNet firmware). I use these (xb24-z7wit-004 & 2x41 firmware) for a number of different tasks. You do need one unit as a Coordinator to form the network and the remaining units can be either Routers or End devices.

In X-CTU Modem Configuration tab, you should be able to chose XB24-B pr XB24-ZB under “Modem XBEE”, Then chose a 'Function Set" and a “Version”. Which firmware you load depends on what you need the module to do.

Have you downloaded the latest firmware versions?

Did you download and start reading the Digi XBee document on the modules? If not do so as this has the pertinent information on what each firmware version does and all of the connection configurations and setup parameters.

There is also a thread in this forum (Wireless/RF) titled “Better XBee documents”. It contains links to more info that is a good starting point to learn about XBees.

4

Thanks for the reply. I was looking for point to point communication among 2 or more devices for hobby purposes.

The one module returns the following when testing:

Modem type = XB24-B

Modem firmware version = 1247

When reading from the same module I get:

Modem: XBEE XB24-B(in drop down)

Function Set: ZNET 2.5 ROUTER END DEVICE/AT

Version: 1247

The other module I'm running into problems with. X-CTU does not connect to it after I followed this tutorial ([http://blog.kevinhoyt.org/wp-content/xbee-setup.pdf](http://blog.kevinhoyt.org/wp-content/xbee-setup.pdf)) to set it up with ZNET 2.5 COORDINATOR AT. I've tried resetting it and basically everything I could find online regarding this problem.

I’ve started reading the Product Manual (http://ftp1.digi.com/support/documentat … 0976_F.pdf) and the User’s Guide (http://ftp1.digi.com/support/documentat … 0891_E.pdf) are these the documents you are referring to?

5

Yes they are two of the manuals. The 976 is on the XB24-ZB modules and firmware and the 891 is on devices that use XBee modules that have special firmware. There is another Doc that covers the ZNet2.5 firmware.

A module with ZB firmware will not talk to a module with ZNet2.5 firmware. These are two different (but similar) protocols. Also as I stated in my last post, to run ZB firmware one module MUST be a Coordinator to create the network that the other modules join.

I was looking for point to point communication among 2 or more devices for hobby purposes.

XB24-ZB firmware can be used for this purpose but the easier to use modules are the Series 1 modules running 802.15.4 firmware.