Hi, I’m currently using 2 xbee series 2 modules which communicate happily, one from inside the house to the other at the back of the yard - about 25m away. I’ve tried taking the module which is inside the house out to the front yard, but I lose signal. The distance would still only be about 50m.
If anyone has experience with both xbee and xbee pro, could you comment on the likely hood of the pro being able to get signal in this situation. I know it’s not an exact science and that there are a lot of unknowns, but surely someone has already tried going from one side of a house to another with xbee and failed, then upgraded to xbee pro and had a different result!
My reason for asking is that I can go one of two ways, either use another xbee as a router stationed in the house somewhere, or upgrade to use both pro’s and blast through / around it with the higher power module.
I don’t recall what TX power the series 2 Pro’s have, but series 1 is about 60mW and I’ve achieved 1/2 mile line of sight. And series 1 non-line of sight for distances as you mention, passing through 2-3 drywall walls and one exterior stucco wall.
Non-line of sight - describe the foliage and construction materials (stucco, brick, etc.) at each wall and distances and I can predict.
Of course, the very rationale for using Series 2 rather than Series 1 is meshing with ZigBee. And use one to self-form and relay.
Series 1 can use Digi’s proprietary (non-ZigBee) meshing as I recall.
meshing it’s not that complicated, but if you’re using plain serial comunication right now in the xbee’s you’re gonna have to do a lot more config and coding!
What type of anntenas are u using? chip antennas have much lower range than wire antennas (I asked @ Digi)
Finally… Is power consumption important to you? because altough Pro modules have far more range they consume a LOT more power!
Another factor to consider is exactly your application. If in the future you plan on adding more devices buy another one… if not an power is not that important… buy a couple of xbee pro’s… they have an awesome range!