XBee WiFi embedded RF modules provide simple serial to IEEE 802.11 connectivity. By bridging the low-power/low-cost requirements of wireless device networking with the proven infrastructure of 802.11, the XBee WiFi creates new wireless opportunities for energy management, process and factory automation, wireless sensor networks, intelligent asset management and more. Focused on the rigorous requirements of these wireless device networks, the module gives developers IP-to-device and device-to-cloud capability.

XBee modules offer developers tremendous flexibility and are available in surface mount and through-hole form factors. The XBee WiFi shares a common footprint with other XBee modules. This allows different XBee technologies to be drop-in replacements for each other.

As a member of the XBee family, the XBee WiFi combines hardware with software for a complete modular solution. XBee WiFi modules are designed to communicate with access points in existing 802.11 infrastructures. Developers can use AT and API commands for advanced configuration options.

Note: If you are using these outside of the United States, please check with your local laws regarding radio communication.

Features:

• 3.3V @ 309mA
• 72Mbps Max data rate
• Antenna Type: Integrated Wire
• Fully FCC certified
• 4 12-bit ADC input pins
• 10 digital IO pins
• 13 Channels
• AT or API command set

Documents:

• Product Page
• Product Video

This particular RF module includes a user programmable (via python-based scripts), embedded ATmega128RFA1 microcontroller that can be programmed for all kinds of applications including remote sensor monitoring, remote control, or peripheral activation.

Check out the cool project we did with Synapse Wireless modules!

Video part one:

Part two and three.

Do you have an Xbee application but just can’t communicate at the distance you’d like it to? Drop-in this adapter with a Synapse RF module and get farther. And by farther we mean a lot farther, Synapse modules can transmit/receive up to 2.5miles (4kms) or 3miles (4.8Kms) line of sight outdoors. Synapse modules include an 8-bit microcontroller inside which allows them to be used as a stand alone RF link/controller solution. With this adapter you can upgrade your already existing Xbee solution to a quickly programmable/long-range Synapse module which has the potential to diminish the hardware you need.

So you already have a lot of Xbees that you want to use up but can’t interface with Synapse products? You can now do that with this board, just get yourself a couple of 2mm 10-pin female headers and 12-pin Male headers, solder them into the unpopulated adapter PCB and you are on your way.

On this board we have broken out the extra Synapse pins, that weren’t mapped to Xbee pins, to LEDs and header pins for your convenience. And yes we did say EXTRA because Synapse modules have more Input/output pins that Xbee modules.

Parts List:

QTY           Part                               

3                5mm LED (Red, Green, Orange)          
3                220 ohm Resistor                                    
2                12-pin 2.0mm spacing Female Header               
2                10-pin 2.0mm spacing Male header                   
1                6.8uF 35V Electrolytic Cap           
2                3-pin 0.1” spacing Male Header
1                Synapse-Xbee Adapter PCB   

Note: This is a solderable kit that you put together yourself, but don’t worry it’s a simple build and we have step-by-step instructions under our Resources tab.

This product is Open Source Hardware
License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0

This board mates directly with an Arduino Pro or USB board, and equips it with wireless communication capabilities using the popular XBee module. This unit works with all XBee modules including the Series 1 and Series 2, standard and Pro version. This is SparkFun’s own design and is a distant relative to the official XBee Shield from Arduino.

The serial pins (DIN and DOUT) of the XBee are connected through an SPDT switch, which allows you to select a connection to either the UART pins (D0, D1) or any digital pins on the Arduino (D2 and D3 default). Power is taken from the 5V pin of the Arduino and regulated on-board to 3.3VDC before being supplied to the XBee. The shield also takes care of level shifting on the DIN and DOUT pins of the XBee. In the latest revision the diode level shifter is replaced with a more robust MOSFET level shifter.

The board also includes LEDs to indicate power and activity on DIN, DOUT, RSSI, and DIO5 pins of the XBee. The Arduino’s reset button is brought out on the shield, and a 9×11 grid of 0.1″ holes are available for prototyping. The shield does not come with headers installed; we recommend the 6 and 8-pin stackable headers. The XBee module is also not included.

Features:

• Mounts directly onto your Arduino
• DIN and DOUT pins of XBee can be connected to either the UART pins or any digital pin on the Arduino (D2 and D3 default)
• 3.3V power regulation and MOSFET level shifting on-board
• 9×11 grid of 0.1″ spaced prototyping holes
• Reset button brought out to shield
• Power, DIN, DOUT, RSSI and DIO5 indicator LEDs

With the Sparkfun WRL-11697 Bee Explorer dongle you can now plug the unit directly into your USB port. No cables needed! This unit works with all XBee modules including the Series 1 and Series 2.5, standard and Pro version.

Links:

• Configuring XBee Tutorial
• USB FTDI Drivers for Windows, Linux, Mac

Because the XBee modules use tighter 2mm pin spacing, you can’t plug them into regular breadboards. This board breaks out all 20 pins of the XBee to a 0.1″ standard spacing dual row header.

We highly recommend using the female sockets to avoid having to solder the XBee permanently to the breakout board. This is the PCB only. Please order the accompanying 2mm sockets (you’ll need 2!) and 0.1″ headers for plugging it into the breadboard..

So you have an XBee module, XBee Board and a controller. Here’s a simple interface kit to mount them all together.

The XBee Connector Pack provides all the components needed to assemble a working XBee module with the

This is helpful if you want to connect devices directly to your XBee module.

The XBee Connector Pack Includes

• 2 x 10-position sockets (female) for the XBee module itself
• 1 x 14-position matched header and socket pair, 0.1″ spacing
• 1 x 6-position matched header and socket pair, 0.1″ spacing
• 1 x 8-position matched header and socket pair, 0.1″ spacing
• 2 x 6.8uF capacitors
• 1 x 3.3V regulator

The XBee Pro series borrows from the excellent “Series 1” units, but now offers a schwackload of range! These 2.4GHz communication modules also take the the 802.15.4 stack and wrap it with a tasty, easy-to-use serial interface command set.

This particular model is the “XBee-PRO 802.15.4″ (formerly Series 1) part XBP24-ACW-001, and features:

• 63 mW built-in mini wire whip antenna
• 63 mW output (but the chip antenna designation kinda gives that away already, huh?)
• 250kbps communication speed
• 3.3V @ 50mA power consumption
• 1.6kM (1 mile) range (line-of sight, which is pretty darn good!)
• 6 10-bit ADC input pins
• 8 digital I/O pins
• 128-bit encryption
• Uses standard AT or API command sets
• Industrial temperature rating (-40° C to 85° C), so feel free to use it in your hot-tub in Iceland.
• FCC certified for USA, Canada, Australia, & Europe. No worries about men in antenna-laden vans driving up to your house with a “you’ve been naughty” look on their faces.

The XBee series of 2.4GHz communication modules take the the 802.15.4 stack (the core of ZigBee) and lays a very useful serial command set on top of it, making them very popular with a huge user community. If you want to take any sort of serial data and beam it “out there” wirelessly, this is the critter for you! Did you know they  also talk point-to-point or in a multi-network mode? Swarmbots – woo-woo!

This particular model is the “XBee 802.15.4” (formerly Series 1) part XB24-AWI-001, and features:

• 1 mW built-in mini wire whip antenna
• 1 mW output (but the antenna designation kinda gives that away already, huh?)
• 250kbps communication speed
• 3.3V @ 50mA power consumption
• 90 meter (300 ft) range (in ideal circumstances, but really, these do have good range)
• 6 10-bit ADC input pins
• 8 digital I/O pins
• 128-bit encryption
• Uses standard AT or API command sets
• Industrial temperature rating (-40° C to 85° C), so feel free to use it in your hot-tub in Iceland.
• FCC certified for USA, Canada, Australia, & Europe. No worries about men in antenna-laden vans driving up to your house with a “you’ve been naughty” look on their faces.