Quick FIO + XBee question

Wireless & IoT
1

Hey everyone, about to start on a new project and am planning to use to the Arduino FIO and Xbee (Series 1 modules) to have a bunch of remote objects communicating with a central computer. I’ve done a bunch of research through the forums here, as well as guides from the Arduino website, Ladyada, et al. and without getting into the gory details of programming/setting up Xbees, sketches to the fio…etc, I wanted to make sure my general conception of the setup is correct before I order parts.

Is the following correct before I place my order?

  1. I need to purchase a Xbee explorer to setup / configure my Xbee’s

  2. The XBee socket on the FIO allows me to plug in a (configured) Xbee module, remotely upload sketches to the Arduino, and then send data from the Arduino/device to other Xbee modules via the plugged in Xbee

  3. I can optionally purchase an FTDI breakout or cable for the Arduino, and upload sketches to the Arduino FIO through USB, although method 2 is the preferred method.

  4. Finally, I need to figure out the best way to have a Xbee connected to my computer as the central Xbee the rest send their data to. I can do this with an Arduino Fio + Xbee + FTDI breakout?

Thanks!

2

I’m so glad I’m not the only one who needs this kind of clarification.

Those steps are the impression I got as well, but if a more experienced user could chime in, I’d appreciate a definite answer as well.

3

@SongEmu - Through a bit more reading / research, and emailing sparkfun, I think I’ve pretty much cleared things up, hopefully this helps you and others…

  1. I need to purchase a Xbee explorer to setup / configure my Xbee’s
Not necessarily true. Xbee's can be configured through the Arduino Fio, and the utility / information can be found at [http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardFioProgramming](http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardFioProgramming) under Using Arduino Fio XbeeConfigTool.
  1. The XBee socket on the FIO allows me to plug in a (configured) Xbee module, remotely upload sketches to the Arduino, and then send data from the Arduino/device to other Xbee modules via the plugged in Xbee
Yep!
  1. I can optionally purchase an FTDI breakout or cable for the Arduino, and upload sketches to the Arduino FIO through USB, although method 2 is the preferred method.
yep!
  1. Finally, I need to figure out the best way to have a Xbee connected to my computer as the central Xbee the rest send their data to. I can do this with an Arduino Fio + Xbee + FTDI breakout?
Kind of... an Arduino FIO & FTDI Breakout (or ftdi usb cable) or another Arduino+Xbee shield can connect the main Xbee to the central computer for communicating with all Xbee's. cating with all Xbee's. Optionally, you can also use the Xbee Explorer USB board to connect the central Xbee to the computer and pull data from the other Xbees

i haven’t done this yet, but this is the information i’ve gathered. hope this helps!

4

Another semi-related question that you might be able to answer:

The Fio can be run on USB power or a battery, and if running on a battery, the battery can be charged via USB through the Fio…?

5

Im not positive if the fio can run off USB-- anyone?

That being said, the fio can definitely charge LiPo batteris via USB…

6

The Fio can indeed run off USB, and with a battery present will properly charge it. The MAX1555 battery charger will limit USB current to 280mA, which should be plenty for most applications. Note that the USB on the Fio only provides power, not communications.

7

Excellent. Thank you.