Hi, af4ex,
could you tell me how to configure the XBEE connected to the Davis and the one connected to the PC?
I´m trying to use X-CTU but i don´t know how to configure both XBEEs.
X-CTU: Whenn i push the buttom "Read" X-CTU says that is XB24.ZB and un the function set says: "ZIGBEE ROUTER AT"
Both XBEEs are configured to 19200 baud.
Range test give me always errors (Time out waiting for data)
Thank´s in advance.
Hi LoboLobo,
How are you connecting to the Davis side? Actually the wiring configuration doesn't make much difference, it's all the same logic, so I'll assume you're using the 'SpartanWX' idea, using an RS-232 dongle attached to WeatherLink.
Also will assume you have already configured both XBee's to talk at 19200 baud (since they are set to 9600 baud by default), which means you've figured out the '+++' sequence to put the XBee into terminal mode and then set the baud with 'ATBD 4' followed by 'ATWR' to write the new setting to each XBee (in turn of course). [If not, then follow the link to the Instructables guide back on page 2 of this post]
I'll also assume you were able to load the appropriate drivers, if you've already run the X-CTU utilitity successfully. If not, follow the link on page 2 to the Digi drivers download. (Installing the drivers is a little confusing because they don't tell you exactly which directory has the correct driver. It's FTDI-VCP, because you're just setting up a Virtual Com Port, not a custom USB application etc]
So, I think you're almost ready to go. No need to run the 'range test', which requires you to setup the remote XBee with a 'loopback' (input connected to output) and observe the performance at different ranges (using a laptop etc). Just plug in one of the 19.2K XBee's into the Davis dongle (making sure it has power).
If you want to get an idea of signal strength, you can use the 'ATDB' command to fetch the instantaneous signal strength. So you perform a crude range test by just issuing an ATDB command while moving the sensors apart or closer together. (You'll need to have the Davis side running of course, while you're this test.
BTW, the 'ATDB' and 'ATBD' commands are easily confused. I thought one of my XBee's was bad because it wouldn't return '4' after setting 'ATDB 4'. Then I realized that I had used the wrong command
Easy way to remember 'BD' -> BauD 'DB' ->DeciBel. Drrr.
Then, after plugging the 'readymade' dongle (SparkFun 'USB explorer' or equivalent) into the PC side, and runnning your weather software everything should start working. You'll have to reconfigure the serial port # (COM4 etc). Should be the same one you used for X-CTU (unless you've added some more serial stuff in the meantime).
Your weather station then should start talking to your software 'automagically' and wirelessly! It's really cool, you won't believe how simple it is.