Exciting XBees Series 1 - July 23rd, 2011

Product Description

Description: Ready to go wireless? Set your project free, trigger action at a distance and pass sensor data through thin air. Whether you are creating something that moves, spins, flies, walks or forms a network on your sweater this is the class for you.

Veteran wireless teachers including the author of Building Wireless Sensor Networks will lead you through the basics of radio networking and beyond, using the popular point-to-point XBee Series 1 802.15.4 radios. The class begins with an introduction to all the required components, serial terminals, AT commands and the basics of going wireless. The first project will be a Basic Chat session that demonstrates how to configure and connect a pair of XBee radios together. We'll follow that with a simple doorbell project, using the direct connection features of the XBee radio to link electronic components without needing any external microcontroller. Finally we'll create an Arduino-based XBee midway-style horse race using acoustic sensors and XBee radio connections to generate an interactive group competition.

This class is one of a two part series on building wireless sensor networks, if you're interested in learning about creating mesh networks using Series 2 XBee radios, check out the second class in the series: Exciting XBees Series 2

Concepts covered in this class: During this class we will talk about radio protocols, PAN IDs, API mode, I/O features, power management, hexadecimals, network topologies and data, all while having plenty of fun.

Materials Included in this class:

• 
  2 XBee Series 1 radios


• 
  XBee USB Serial adapter


• 
  6 ft. USB Mini-B Cable


• 
  2 Clear, Self-Adhesive Breadboards


• 
  Bag of LEDs


• 
  33mm Push Button


• 
  PC Mount Buzzer


• 
  2 XBee Module Breakout Boards


• 
  Electret Microphone Breakout Board

Prerequisites: Prior experience with basic electronics and physical computing is helpful but adventurous beginners are welcome.

Note: Please install the Arduino software on your computer before the class. Click here for instructions on installing the Arduino software.

Also, please install CoolTerm on your computer before the class. Click here for CoolTerm download. If you are a windows user then you will also need to install X-CTU. Click here for X-CTU download.

Finally you will also need the FTDI chip driver for use with our XBee Explorer. Click here for FTDI chip driver download.

What to bring: Students are asked to provide their own laptop and Arduino board and should bring both along with them. Arduino boards can be purchased separately before the class if needed.

Date: Saturday, July 23rd 2011

Time: 1 pm - 6 pm (Please eat lunch before hand)

Location: SparkFun

Instructors: Rob Faludi, Tim, Ben & Lindsay