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New in the DIY Drones store: the ultimate Xbee adapter

Posted by Chris Anderson on June 29, 2010 at 6:00pm

I know, it's been messy. One Xbee adapter for the ground, another for the air. Why can't one Xbee adapter do it all? Now it can! Jordi's really outdone himself on this one. The newest addition to the DIY Drones store: the ultimate all-in-one Xbee adpater--just $24.95. From the product description:


"

This is the most advanced and competitive XBee interface board you will find! It's breadboard compatible, has 4 status LED's (one selectable to display ASC or RSSI), built-in 3.3V power regulator, configuration solder jumpers and an unique feature that allows you set the device as Master or Slave FTDI mode with a simple slide of a switch!

In master mode you will be able to attach any USB FTDI cable/board and send/receive data like the rest of the average XBee adapters do (normal use mode), but if you slide the switch to "Slave mode" you will be able to attach the XtreamBee to any FTDI compatible device, like Arduinos, ArduIMU and Ardupilot's. So you only need two XtreamBee's, one master and other slave to create a both-ways wireless FTDI communication (or one XtreamBee set in "Slave Mode", if you already have another third party XBee adapter). You can even tweak the board to "wirelessly" emulate CTS and RTS signals. This board was under development for about 1 and 1/2 years! But finally after many failures I made it work with cheap/passive components. Great isn't it?

For more information please click here.

Features
-Includes 2 x 2mm female receptor headers to correctly place the XBee module.
-Includes 1 x right angle 6 position male pin headers.
-3.3V regulator build-in.
-ON Led, Tx/Rx Led's, ASC and RSSI Led (Jumper selectable).
-Master/Slave selector
-Solder jumper allow you to supply the board directly with 3.3V (Only recommended in Slave Mode).
-Breadboard compatible!
-Screw holes for easy mounting. "

(Xbee module not included)

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Comments

  • Developer
    Jordi Muñoz June 30, 2010 at 3:42pm
    @Doug, Yes wireless programming is achievable... Please read all the information provided on the product listing, It will point you to a detailed instructions of how to hack it.
  • Doug Erickson June 30, 2010 at 2:21pm
    @Chris: Does the statement "You can even tweak the board to "wirelessly" emulate CTS and RTS signals." mean that wireless programming is achievable? What's the tweak?
  • space_nut June 30, 2010 at 9:55am
    This looks awsome! So much more bang for the buck than Adafruit or Lilypad

    Does it break out any digital ports e.g. for doing a transparent digital link. I've wanted to try this for a servo signal..
  • James Turner June 30, 2010 at 7:34am
    Very nice, besides the LED, Does the RSSI come out at any of the pins ? is it 868 pro compatible (I ask because I've never used any master/slave settings)?
  • microuav June 29, 2010 at 11:35pm
    I have a 3V FTDI cable and a Xbee pro. Can I also use it for this combination? Xbee pro ask more power if I`m not mistaken.
  • Ron Jacobs June 29, 2010 at 8:12pm
    Great work Jordi,

    You should use the work "inexpensive" instead of "cheap" though...I think we all you strive for the best quality and price balance not the "cheapest cost" for profit margin.

    Again, great work.
  • Developer
    Jani Hirvinen June 29, 2010 at 6:45pm
    Now that's sweeeet, having even those mounting holes that I have been missing on ladyada's adapters.
  • 3D Robotics
    Chris Anderson June 29, 2010 at 6:29pm
    @Mark: ??? Xbee modules cost $38 each. This board costs $24.95...As we said in the listing, it just an adapter board--the best one on the market. But you still need the Xbee module of your choice to work with it.
  • Developer
    Mark Colwell June 29, 2010 at 6:24pm
    No Xbee included :(....
This reply was deleted.