BASIC 2pe Mobo and XBee USB Interface?

bkirk

Hello,

Does anyone know if I can interface my BASIC 2pe Mobo (# 28300) with an XBee Module (# 32404) that is attached to the XBee USB Adapter Board (# 32400) using only a USB cable?

I know I will need to get an adapter to convert the USB A end to a second mini-b, so that both ends are mini-b (I can't find a cable that is mini-b on both ends).

I also plan to provide external power to the Mobo through the Daughterboard Socket A using the 3-Pin I/O Daughterboard (# 28301).

I know the Mobo and the XBee should be able to communicate via the mini-b interface, so I guess my question is whether the Mobo will supply the XBee module with power through the mini-b interface. Does anyone know if this will be the case? Or do I need to provide the XBee module with its own power? (or a better suggestion all together!? NOTE: I would prefer to avoid using a breadboard or having to use the DB to SIP expanders because space is limited).

Thanks!

sylvie369

I can't answer for sure, but if I understand what you're asking, I doubt that it'll work. You're talking about connecting an XBee mounted on a USB board through a USB cable to the USB connector on the Mobo, correct? That would be pretty slick, but none of the information I've ever read/used for the Mobo talked about using the USB port for communications (as opposed to for programming the BS2pe). That doesn't mean it can't be done, and you may well know something I don't, but that doesn't seem to be something they (Parallax) expected people would do.

Similarly, I can't find anything about powering other devices through that USB port, despite some pretty extensive information about power available through other parts of the Mobo and associated power supply daughterboard. If it does work with the #32404 XBee, don't assume it will also work with an XBee Pro. Those require quite a bit more current, and it's pretty easy to release the magic smoke if you use an XBee Pro without paying attention to current requirements.

bkirk

Thanks for the reply sylvie369. Sorry if it wasn't clear what I was asking, but you did understand it correctly. They (Parallax) confirmed the issue is that there is no Vin on the USB, so power can not be provided to an XBee attached to a USB adapter board. I ended up using the DB expander and a small breadboard.

sylvie369

Glad you were able to get it working, and get that question answered. You were pretty clear - I just wanted to be sure I was answering what you really asked.