ZigBee

Hello, I didn't know in which forum to post this so I went to the general.

I'm very interested in wireless comunication, I've read a little and found out about ZigBee. I really liked it, I see a lot of potential in it.

The thing is I don't know where to start, I have saved up some money ($270 dollars) and I want to buy something to start testing.
I'm thinking about 2 areas, communications that go up to 1 mile in distance, and shorter distances, like 20-30 meters.

I was wondering which kit or products would help to get me started. I don't have any RF experience whatsoever. I want to use Pics+PicBasic Pro+ZigBee

If anyone could point me to some ZigBee product would be great. Thanks!

Maxstream modules are pretty nice
http://www.maxstream.net/

Panasonic do some as well, i just never messed with, maybe someone here?
http://www.panasonic.com/industrial/...es/mod_rfm.htm

further reference
http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=7617&

You might also look at...
http://www.industrial-embedded.com/news/db/?5284

And also I would recommend the book of F. Eady hands on Zigbee. Look at:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hands-ZigBee...7889618&sr=1-1

It explains the topic very well. I am reading this book and can say, the writing of Mr. Eady is top.

Also the XbeePro is a module that offers great range (up to 1.5Km)

Ioannis

Thanks guys, you have been really helpful. I ordered my first 2 Xbee's. They are series 1 so they don't use Zigbee. After these I'll move to Xbee series 2.

Hey, u can get the readily available modules from TI , as u said that u are looking for the 20 kbps of data rate then u can visit the TI website ti.com and find out the modules that are available . One that i had seen in a TIDC - 2007 was the temperature monitoring using zigbee module (software used was simplicity).

all the best

I recommend you cool shop where you can find everything you need at an affordable pricehttp://www.a2s.pl/en/wireless-commun...1277_1686.html

the options offered by Zigbee are endless- so you have to be more specific with your needs. what are you planning to do with the Zigbee?

I recommend you perytons 802.15.4 Zigbee analyzer. I have used this analyzer. This is really great. Perytons provides you free trial of 30 days so that you can test it yourself.