Wiring & diagram Info

Configuring Xbee with X CTU

In my first look to XBee module it was a little bit confusing to me how to configure this module. Though it looks hard first look after a short period googling but soon I felt that it isnt so hard as I thought.Xbee is now introducing as a wireless solution very quickly. Many integrated features,ease of use makes it a popular device. In this post I will show how to configure a XBee module as coordinator or router using X-CTU software(This software is provided by manufacturer to program the XBee as per need).




Suppose we want to configure a XBee module as router.First we need to make connections with PC.Xbee is 20 pin module looks like


We need only 4 pin

Pin No.	Name(s)	Description
1	VCC	3.3 V power supply
2	DOUT	Data Out (TX)
3	DIN	Data In (RX)
10	GND	Ground

As XBee communicates serially hence I use a usb to serial converter module.So I purchase a usb to serial converter module looks like

We need 4 pin from the usb to serial module.

Pin	Name(s)	Description
1	VCC	3.3 V power out
2	Rx	Data recieve
3	Tx	Data transfer
4	GND	Ground

Next give the connections as required

XBee	connect with	Usb to serial module
VCC	<—>	VCC
DOUT	<—>	Rx
DIN	<—>	Tx
GND	<—>	GND

Now you are prepared to connect the XBee with X-CTU software. Connect the module with your PC. It will create a serial port in PC. In my case it was COM12.
Open the X-CTU software.It will show the serial port. Click Test/Query button.



It will show the XBee model and serial number if you connect properly.



Look at the serial number . It is important because you have to give this number in software later, so save it somewhere else. Click OK.
During my first try I made mistake in connection. So it shows



So if you see this message don’t be afraid,check the connection,may be there is a silly mistake somewhere.
Then go to modem configuration(these button stays at the top menu of the software).Click Read Button.Then it will show the parameters of your Xbee module.



Now it is time to configure it as a coordinator or router. Here we configured as router.
Choose the function set as ZIGBEE ROUTER AT.
Choose a PAN ID between 0000 to FFFF. Here I choose 2001.



Next give Destination Address High and Destination Address Low from the serial number. My XBee module serial no. was 0013A20040A9CF4E. So I set Destination Address High as 0013A200.



Then I set Destination Address Low as 40A9CF4E.



Then click the read button. And you are done.