I’m having a hard time trying to get these to work. The modules are specifically the [XBee-PRO ZB S2B module w/ wire antenna ones. (It falls under the XBee-PRO Extended Range Embedded RF Modules section.) Unfortunately, that’s about as much information one is going to get from Digi. When you click the ‘View details’ link, you get nothing, just how to buy. On the buy page there’s another tidbit of information, “XBee-PRO ZB S2B (ZigBee PRO Feature Set), 63mW, wire antenna 250000 bps”.
Anyway, trying to follow the Building WIreless Sensor Networks book, it first says to Test/Query the modem. This is the result:
Communication with modem..OK
Modem type = XBP24BZ7
Modem firmware version = 2270
Continuing on to configure it, I go into the Modem Configurator and when I first hit Read, it tells me the modem configuration file was not found. I tried the ‘Download new versions…’ button but it tells me there are no new updates. Ok then, I will select it from the drop-down list. And that’s where things no longer match … The book says when I pick my modem, I should also pick the ZIGBEE COORDINATOR AT Function Set, however when I pick my modem from the drop-down list, that Function Set isn’t an option. The only option I get is ZIGBEE END DEVICE API with Version 2970.
If I were to pick the XBP24-ZB option, as the book suggests, then I will get the ZIGBEE COORDINATOR AT option, however the Version is now 2021 (and I don’t have any other choices), but the book says it needs to be 2070 or higher.
So I’m stuck. Has anyone had any success with these modems? I bought three of them for a project and I hate to have to either eat the cost and get different ones, or have to deal with sending them back (if Digi even accepts them once opened.)](Digi XBee and XBee-PRO Zigbee RF Modules | Digi International)
That XBee has the required firmware, its version 2270 that you read with Test/Query. This is the first test to do and its passes. This Version Number means that the firmware is for an AT Router and is the latest (I just checked for new firmware versions). The latest firmware I have for AT Coordinator is 2070. You should be able to download the latest firmware with the “Download new versions…” button and select ‘web’.
Digi Int does have Manuals on the XBee modules on their web site under the “Support” menu. Download the XBee / XBee-PRO ZB (ZigBee) OEM Module docs.
I use the XBee ZB (non PRO) modules for a variety of uses. They do work.
I go into the Modem Configurator and when I first hit Read, it tells me the modem configuration file was not found.
This should read out of the XBee all of the parameters. It shouldn't need a configuration file. Do NOT check the 'Always update firmware' box. Once X-CTU read the XBee it will set the Modem type and Function Set boxes and show a list of parameters.
Digi’s Tech support is reported to be good. So call them if you can’t get the XBees working or if X-CTU isn’t working correctly.
waltr:
That XBee has the required firmware, its version 2270 that you read with Test/Query. This is the first test to do and its passes. This Version Number means that the firmware is for an AT Router and is the latest (I just checked for new firmware versions). The latest firmware I have for AT Coordinator is 2070. You should be able to download the latest firmware with the “Download new versions…” button and select ‘web’.
That always comes back telling me there are no updates.
waltr:
Digi Int does have Manuals on the XBee modules on their web site under the “Support” menu. Download the XBee / XBee-PRO ZB (ZigBee) OEM Module docs.
Thanks, I will go check it out and download.
waltr:
I use the XBee ZB (non PRO) modules for a variety of uses. They do work.
I would presume if they didn’t work, Digi would’ve done something to make them work.
waltr:
I go into the Modem Configurator and when I first hit Read, it tells me the modem configuration file was not found.
This should read out of the XBee all of the parameters. It shouldn't need a configuration file. Do NOT check the 'Always update firmware' box. Once X-CTU read the XBee it will set the Modem type and Function Set boxes and show a list of parameters.
And that is what’s not happening. The update firmware checkbox is unckecked by default and I haven’t touched it. However, it refuses to read anything, it always tells me if can’t find the configuration file and to check the web site for updates, which as I mentioned above, always comes back telling me there are no new updates. So I’m scratching my head here. I can see the lights blinking on the breakoutboard (SFE’s), so I know it’s communicating, but X-CTU keeps giving me that error and the window never populates.
waltr:
Digi’s Tech support is reported to be good. So call them if you can’t get the XBees working or if X-CTU isn’t working correctly.
I also know that the community support here at SFE is excellent. But you’re right, if all else fails, I should contact Digi directly and see what’s up.
stevech:
There’s a way to download to the proper folder all the firmware versions so XCTU can use them. I’ve done it but can’t recall how.
You may have the latest firmware installed.
XCTU will try to read the firmware version # from the XBee.
The Series 1 XBees are far simpler to work with, if you, like most, don’t need ZigBee.
Series 1 aren’t supported in the book, only Series 2. And yes, I do need ZigBee, unfortunately (or maybe fortunately, I haven’t quite decided yet.)
If you can stand proprietary, did you consider Digi's own meshing firmware? Not designed by committee.
If the nodes that must route/forward are immobile, then you can avoid any meshing protocol and just have the attached microprocessor address packets to the pre-defined neighbor(s) MAC address, and that node will forward if it is not the final destination (WAN connected).
Save the .zip in the XCTU folder the use File… instead of Web… to Download new versions.
I just figured out why this wasn't working to begin with. You guys have been pointing me to the [[**XBee / XBee-PRO ZB (ZigBee) OEM Module**](http://www.digi.com/support/productdetl.jsp?pid=3430&osvid=0&s=365&tp=2) page, but I needed to be on the [[**Product: XBee-PRO ZB (Zigbee - S2B Hardware) OEM Module**](http://www.digi.com/support/productdetl.jsp?pid=4549&osvid=0&s=507&tp=2) page. My modules are S2B ones. Reading on the Modem Configuration works as expected now.](http://www.digi.com/support/productdetl.jsp?pid=4549&osvid=0&s=507&tp=2)](http://www.digi.com/support/productdetl.jsp?pid=3430&osvid=0&s=365&tp=2)
Yep yep, just glad I was able to figure it out. Thanks for pointing me to the firmware page though, without it I probably would’ve ended up calling Digi tomorrow to figure out what’s up …
