Question about xBee

MovieMaker

OK, so I would like to have my robot talking to my pc wirelessly.· What would be the cheapest way to do this. I am thinking XBee.· But, I do not know what model will work. I know I probably need a transmitter and reciever. But, how do they hook together to the stamp or propeller or arduino?

Post Edited (MovieMaker) : 5/8/2009 11:31:05 PM GMT

Mike Green

If you use xBee, you need a transceiver at each end (you get a two way channel with xBee). On the PC end, you also need some kind of serial port adapter as well. I made my own using a USB to serial adapter from FTDI that supplies 3.3V for the xBee from the USB port. You want the series 1 devices since they will establish an automatic 1-1 link once they're configured (which you can do from the PC).

You might consider a Bluetooth transceiver instead like Parallax's Easy Bluetooth. With most PCs having a built-in Bluetooth adapter, you only need the one on the robot. To get the range, you do want a Class 1 Bluetooth device. If you're using xBee, get the PRO devices for the range. With the added range does come added power drain though.

MovieMaker

I see, you use the bluetooth on your laptop and only need one adapter on the robot.

Thanks Again, Mike. You are always so much help.

iDave

Yeah, if cost is important, bluetooth is the way to go. I think for 2 xbees you'd spend $80 - $100

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"THE ONLY TRUE WISDOM IS IN KNOWING YOU KNOW NOTHING." - SOCRATES

Tom C

MovieMaker,

If you only need short range (~60 meters) communication, then the low power (2mw) 2.4GHz Xbees will suffice and are around $25.

If you want longer range (~6 miles) then use the 50mw 900MHz Xbees that are ~$45.

I have both and find them very easy to work with. They can be operated at a much higher baud rate than the bluetooth modules of which I have several.

Regards,
TCIII

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If you are going to send·a Robot·to save the world, you·better make sure it likes it the way it is!

MovieMaker

Thanks, tom. Only short range.