XBEE only transmits when using a USB Explorer

Question

Hi,

I have a strange problem. I have a number of XBee S1 devices (standard and pro) and a number of explorer and breakout boards for easier connection. My setup was working fine until about a week when I wanted to switch out a standard S1 with a Pro. After connecting to XCTU, my devices will now only transmit when connected to regulated explorer breakout boards (eg. Sparkfun USB Explorer or Regulated breakout board). I thought this may have been an issue with power, but I have a power supply and can confirm that the XBees are being powered properly. Even if I attach 3.3v directly to the XBee pins, nothing is transmitted. But, if I run the power through a regulated breakout board, all is fine. Does anyone know what would cause this issue? Why would it have worked before, and not now? I am on the latest firmware, and have tested with various XBees, power supplies, and breakout boards. All exhibit the same behaviour.

I am officially out of hypotheses. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

which xbee module are you working with and what firmware version?

Comments

I am working with S1 (802.15.4) all running on 10ef firmware version

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Most Arduino code uses API mode and API mode for the Zigbee and Digi Mesh interface. Not transparent mode or the 16 bit addressing function on the XBee 802.15.4 modules.

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Could also be that your power supply is not able to provide the radios with the desired 400mA of current causing the module to go into a starvation mode or simply are not being powered up.

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I am not using an Arduino. I am interfacing with a Raspberry Pi which receives the raw data packets to the Serial Port.

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Definitely not a power issue. I have a dedicated power supply that I have tested it on. I have set it to allow up to 1A, which the XBee never comes close to hitting.

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Have you verified that you are sending the data on the proper Pins? IE the radios Data In line?

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Ya, the pins have been verified and the sensor data is correct when transmitting. This is actually in regards to the same issue as mentioned in another question I have on the forum:

https://www.digi.com/support/forum/66102/transmit-only-works-below-a-certain-ir-sample-rate

For whatever reason, everything works fine when IR is <5000ms. I just can't understand what would cause this. Does the IR somehow impact the power consumption and connectivity for transmission? For example, does a faster IR keep more current flowing which helps the transmission? This still wouldn't explain why it works with USB Explorer at any IR, unless the USB Explorer is using a different pin configuration or circuitry when the XBee is connected? E.g. capacitors, pull-up/pull-down resistors, etc.

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Sounds like you are having issues with power.  Try decreasing the PL command on the XBee.

What is your wake time? is it Greater than 500mS?

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It is set to never sleep - would the wake time still be relevant?

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If neither device is sleeping or a Coordinator, then it should not be taken into account.