Configure the XBee modules for a range test

For XBee modules to communicate with each other, you configure them so they are in the same network. You also set the local device to API mode to obtain all possible data of the remote XBee module.

1. Add two XBee modules to XCTU. See Step 3: Add the XBee modules to XCTU.

   

2. Select the first XBee module and click the Load default firmware settings button .
3. Configure the following parameters:

   ID: D161
   NI: XBEE_A
   AP: API enabled [1]

4. Click the Write radio settings button .
5. Select the other XBee module and click .
6. Configure the following parameters:

   ID: D161
   NI: XBEE_B
   AP: API disabled [0]

7. Click the Write radio settings button .

   After you write the radio settings for each XBee module, their names appear in the Radio Modules area. The Port indicates XBEE_A is in API mode.

   

8. Disconnect XBEE_B from your computer and remove it from XCTU by clicking the Remove the list of remote modules button .
9. Connect XBEE_B to a power supply (or laptop or portable battery) and move it away from XBEE_A to the desired location for your range test.

   The following table provides the approximate indoor and outdoor ranges.

   XBee module	Indoor range (approximate)	Outdoor range (approximate)
   XBee DigiMesh 2.4	100 ft (30 m)	300 ft (90 m)
   XBee S2C DigiMesh 2.4	100 ft (30 m)	300 ft (90 m)
   XBee-PRO DigiMesh 2.4	300 ft (90 m)	1 mile (1.6 km)