Wireless Interfacing Problem.

[uaf5000]

Hey guys.

I have to wirelessly transmit data from my PIC 16F877A to my nearest server. I am not able to find any RF data transceiver which can efficiently do that. Please help me out with this.
Also, if i use Xbee with this, would it be a wise decision? Also, which module of Xbee to use and how can i program it? I mean do i have to directly interface it or do i have to program it first with its Kit or something?


Thanks.

[mackrackit]

This thread may help. I have not used the xbee.

[Ioannis]

Dave:
You have not attached the thread.

uaf5000:
What are the requiremnts?

Distance, speed, packet size etc.

Ioannis

[mackrackit]

DOH!!!!

Thanks Ioannis!!

http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=13159

[Kamikaze47]

I have been very impressed with these modules:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120576219352

Cheap and reliable.

I get a range of about 250m (820ft).

[Macgman2000]

Try Lynx RF modules. I use them extensively for prototyping. Output data 115 Kbps, they are data in = data out with no need for balanced data to the modulator. 900 Mhz with 100's of channels using serial programming or 9 channels using external 3 dip switches. I have flown model airplanes using this set at more than 150 yards with no problem in the data link at 9600 bps with 16F and 18F MCU's.

Nick

[uaf5000]

Ive decided to use Xbee PRO radios. They are cheap and i dont have to program anything, just have to send data to them using UART and they can transmit. Also, they come with an interface board too, therefore it will be easy for me to interface one the radios to the server (PC) and make it a base radio through which all others will be connected, but at one time only one radio can be connected, so its actually a P2P connection. What say guys??

[Ioannis]

They are not that cheap! Also there are many choices of XBees (according to distance, frequency, RF power and antennas).

The modules are 3.3Volts so for a 5 volt controller you need a level translator.

Some configuration is necessry through their (not very well documented) invironment (X-CTU). You need to set up a PAN ID at least, so youdo not interfere wth neighbour networks.

Other than that I find them very good devices.

Ioannis

[mackrackit]

I thought you were wanting an ethernat solution..
For plain wireless go with the Lynx as suggested. Run the MCU at 3.3 and you are good to go.
Find out more here
rentron.com

[uaf5000]

But how will i interface Lynx module with the computer, i mean, how will the computer be receiving the data from the wireless radio. Xbee controller comes with an interface board, although it costs a bit more but it comes with a usb connection or RS232 connection and everything. I just have to plug it in and connect the board with the computer.

[mackrackit]

Connect the Lynx data out to the PC serial port just like you would a PIC.
But I guess the Xbee handles the syncing and stuff internally so it may have an advantage in that respect. Must be something there to make it so much more expensive.