Hey, I’m relatively new to XBee. I have some modules that I need to get to communicate (maybe I should split this up into two questions).
I finally got each module to return a ‘OK’ when typing ‘+++’ in the X-CTU terminal. However after some time it seems to fall out of command mode? I can see on the RX LED that it keeps sending my typings but I cannot get it to respond to ‘+++’. The only way I’ve managed to get the modules into commandmode is when I use X-CTU and upgrade firmware, after that I can get an ‘OK’ from the terminal, but after some time it won’t. How do I reenter commandmode without updating the modems all the time (cause that seems stupid).
After getting the XBee into command mode (+++OK) it will time out and go back to transparent mode. The guard times are in the XBee document, have you downloaded and read the correct document for the XBee firmware you’re running?
After it goes back to transparent mode there is another guard time that must expire before you can go into command mode again. All this timing can be a bit tricky so this is what I think you are have problems with.
I might have found out by accident. I am very familiar with AT commands, but each device has its own tricky stuff. First of all I may have kept trying “+++” (‘enter’ press). But also it takes about 5 seconds for the OK to appear. Guess I haven’t read the manual properly…sigh!
Yet I still wonder why the ‘OK’ sometimes comes instantly and other times after a 5 second delay what’s up with that?
To enter command mode, the sequence is guard time - “+++” - guard time, so for example you need to wait 2 seconds (not send any data), then send three pluses, and then be silent for 2 more seconds. Only then will you receive an OK and enter command mode.