When I first got started with XBee I had a hard time getting the right information to help me on the projects I was working on. I put my project on hold and spent a few months simply trying to understand XBee specifically using it with arduino. Below is a cheat sheet or quick reference guide that I use now to reference whenever I’m working on a project. It has pretty much all of the information I need to effectively use the XBee in whatever project I’m working on.


Click the image below for the printer friendly version.
Xbee cheat sheet
Download: [PNG Image]  [PDF]

 

If you find any problems with this please leave a comment below and I will update the guide periodically.

Video Tutorial Course: XBee Basics

I have created 5 videos that walk you through everything on the quick reference guide above. This way you can use the guide effectively as well as learn all about XBees. Links to each lesson is below.
Video 1: Overview of XBee and how to configure it
Video 2: XBee with both sides in AT mode (transparent communication)
Video 3: API mode – Digital Input from remote sensor
Video 4: API mode – Analog reading from remote sensor
Video 5: API mode – Digital output to remote sensor

 

  • Seng

    Hmm Sir Can you teach me how to obtain the RSSI data using API mode in I/0 Samping data (AD2/DI02) is it just direct call or need to do some confriguration and connection to Xbee S2 I/O pin??

  • sameer

    hi frend
    what i have to do if i wont to progreem arduino with out usb cable , intead the usb cable i whnt to use two xbee’s model
    thankx

  • Chad Skeeters

    Is there a higher resolution version of this available? Maybe a PDF? It’s tough to read the fine print.

  • Scott

    I am having trouble typing in the code exactly as mentioned in the video. Is there a way to receive the code in text format so I can eliminate typing errors? It appears code in the cheat sheet does not match the code in the video. I know once I get this to work the rest will be easy.

  • Scott

    Finally got code entered properly from the video.

    For those of you whom don’t want to type here is the code:

    int led = 13;

    void setup() {
    pinMode(led, OUTPUT);
    Serial.begin(9600);
    }

    void loop() {
    digitalWrite(led,HIGH);
    setRemoteState(0×5);
    delay(3000);
    digitalWrite(led, LOW);
    setRemoteState(0×4);
    delay(3000);
    }

    void setRemoteState(char value) {
    Serial.write(0x7e);//Start byte
    Serial.write((byte)0×0);//Length
    Serial.write(0×10);//Length High
    Serial.write(0×17);//AT Command Request
    Serial.write((byte)0×0);//Frame ID
    Serial.write((byte)0×0);//Serial Number of Destination
    Serial.write((byte)0×0);
    Serial.write((byte)0×0);
    Serial.write((byte)0×0);
    Serial.write((byte)0×0);
    Serial.write((byte)0×0);
    Serial.write(0xFF);
    Serial.write(0xFF);//End of Serial Number of Destinition

    // 16 bit of recipient or 0xFFFE
    Serial.write(0xFF);
    Serial.write(0xFE);
    Serial.write(0×02);//Apply changes immediately

    //Command name in ASCII charactors
    Serial.write(‘D’);
    Serial.write(’3′);

    //command data in as many bytes after length bytes
    Serial.write(value);

    //checksum is all bytes after length bytes
    long sum = 0×17 + 0xFF+ 0xFF + 0xFF + 0xFE + 0×02 + ‘D’ + ’3′ + value;
    Serial.write( 0xFF – ( sum & 0xFF) ); //calculate the proper checksum
    }

  • Michael

    Hi,I want to create a Mesh network with Xbee radios and ardunio and check signal strength(RSSI) between them .Can you tell me how to do that? and the list of items i would require to do that please.
    Thank You

  • mat

    hallo.. can xbee nad arduino used for wireless monitoring system

  • felipe

    hi, i want to make a distributed sound sistem in a big area i think i can do it with zigbee pro, mabe 600 speakers, you tink its possible? any sugerence?

  • LUIS

    hi, i have watched the videos. I really thankful for that.
    The only problem is how to combine the code of reed switch and the code of temperature sensor together?
    thanks.

  • simon

    hi, i enjoyed very much your lessons.
    i bought 2 xbee pro sere with xbee shield but i could not see it in the x-ctu.
    instead i sow the arduino. i would be happy if you could tell me what is wrong.
    thanks

  • konstantina

    I will use the XBee with PIC24fj64ga102. Could you please advise me how i should start to approach the programming part??

  • Luis Moreira

    Hi, could you help me how i can make a mesh network using Xbee S2.
    Thanks

  • Yomna

    How do I modify the code for Series 1 Xbee and to find the rssi of the packet?

  • Adnan

    Pls help me i have a project of wirelessly controlling a toy car and i m facing alot of difficulties in configuring xbee

  • Joe

    Thanks for the tutorials you don’t imagine how much help you have given me. Im new to XBees an Arduinos. Im interested in connecting an accelerometer(x,y,z) using XBees. Since I saw your Video #4 Im willing to to use D1 for x, D2 for y and D3 for z as analog inputs to the router XBee.
    I want to monitor person movements so the data must me real-time precise. Can you help me with with this? Donations will be included.

  • TunnelsUp

    Joe,
    Instead of setting it so it takes a sample every so many x millisections using the “IR” setting, look one setting below that and you’ll see an “IC” setting. I have not used it but it is specifically for sending the data every time a change is detected. Learn about this setting and play with it to get the real time results you are seeking.