Wire-2-Wire
"All I need to do is replace these wires with a reliable RF link....what can you do for me ?"
We have heard that question several times. You just want a simple plug it in, make it work, with no desire to program or interface with a computer.
Now we have that solution. Connect some wires for setting up an address, put a jumper in place for the transmitter, and connect up your signals. What could be easier than that?
Wire-2-Wire is the first in its kind to utilize the XBee radios to provide the robust long distance link. The embedded firmware is designed specifically so there is no computer interface required. The PORTA signals are used to set up an address for both the transmit and receiver sides of the link. It can support up to 32 independent addresses, and of course if the project requires more, custom firmware can generate additional base addresses or PAN ID's. The data to be transmitted and received is on the PORTB signals.
The interface is identical to the standard PIC-BEE, where it expects a 3.3VDC level, as is provided on the terminal blocks. Other voltages can be accomidated by using a standard voltage divider technique. The typical application might be switches, relays or other contact closures. In order to reduce false signals, these are debounced in the firmware before transmission. The receiver uses the same terminal block connections, where it will drive out a 3.3VDC logic level (high and low, no floating outputs) that can be used for interfacing to lamps, relays or other devices using the correct driver.
Setup
- You will need to provide a 4-12VDC power supply and connect to the terminals on TB1 marked Vin and Gnd.
- For the transmitter module, put a jumper block on J3 marked CFG. Leaving it off allows it to act as a receiver.
- TB1 also is where the address is setup. Connect wires to either the Vdd or GND to the terminals labeled A0 thru A4 on both the transmitter and receiver modules. Both must be wired the same in order for the addresses to match.
- Connect your signals to TB2 B0 thru B7 on the transmitter board. Using the Vdd and GND terminals allow for the proper voltage levels on resistor pull ups and signals being driven to ground.
- Connect your loads to the corresponding terminals on the receiver board, again using the GND and Vdd for references.
- Plug in the XBee radios to both sides, apply power and after the XBee radios have configured your signals will begin transmitting. The LED on the board will indicate that a transmission is occuring, or that a new value is being received.
Thats all there is to it!!!
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