XBee-PRO® 868 Development Kit
Getting Started Guide
90002155_A
3/27/2012
©2012 Digi International Inc.
All rights reserved.
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part of Digi International.
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limited to, the implied warranties of fitness or merchantability for a particular purpose. Digi may make
improvements and/or changes in this manual or in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this manual
at any time.
This document could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the
information herein; these changes may be incorporated in new editions of the publication.
© 2012 Digi International, Inc.
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Table of Contents
Using this Guide............................................................................................................ 4
Conventions used in this Guide .............................................................................. 4
Contact Information................................................................................................. 4
Introduction .................................................................................................................... 5
Goals of the Kit ....................................................................................................... 5
Requirements of the Kit .......................................................................................... 5
......................................................................................5
5. Additional Documentation .................................................................................5
5. System Requirements
Part 1: Set up your XBee-PRO 868 Development Kit .......................................... 6
Identify Kit Components.......................................................................................... 6
Assemble your Development Kit ............................................................................ 7
Part 2: Download and Install X-CTU Software....................................................... 8
Installing USB Drivers ............................................................................................. 8
Installing X-CTU Software ...................................................................................... 8
Part 3: Test Communications Link and Establish a Network............................ 9
Perform a Range Test ............................................................................................ 9
© 2012 Digi International, Inc.
3
Using this Guide
Conventions used in this Guide
This icon indicates a hint, or concept that is learned.
This icon indicates that a goal of the kit has been completed.
This icon indicates a warning of the potential for confusion or danger.
Contact Information
For more information about your Digi products, or for customer service and technical support, contact
Digi International.
To Contact Digi International
Use
Digi International
Mail
World Headquarters
11001 Bren Road East
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Phone
8:00 AM ‐ 5:00 PM (U.S. Mountain Time)
1‐866‐765‐9885 toll‐free USA and Canada
Online Support
http://www.digi.com/support/eservice/login.jsp
Email
support.wizards@digi.com
© 2012 Digi International, Inc.
1‐801‐765‐9885 Worldwide
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing an XBee‐PRO® 868 Development Kit. This kit is designed to make it easy to set
up an XBee network, send data from one XBee to another, and adjust the XBee settings. Before you start
working with the kit, let's cover some basics.
Goals of the Kit
As you go through the steps in this kit, you will:
1. Set up your XBee‐PRO 868 Development Kit.
2. Download and install X‐CTU configuration software.
3. Perform a range test.
4. Establish a network.
5. Configure the radios.
Requirements of the Kit
System Requirements
To install the software mentioned in this guide, you will need a PC running Microsoft Windows
2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7.
Additional Documentation
For more information about the software, API operations, AT command modes, or the form
factor please refer to the XBee‐PRO 868 Product Manual available on the Digi Support website.
For more information on configuring and using the X‐CTU utility, please refer to the X‐CTU
Configuration & Test Utility Software User’s Guide.
© 2012 Digi International, Inc.
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Part 1: Set up your XBee-PRO 868
Development Kit
Identify Kit Components
Carefully unpack and verify the contents of your kit. Your kit should include the following:
XBee Wire
Module (1)
Antenna (1)
XBee Interface Board (2)
USB Cable (2)
© 2012 Digi International, Inc.
XBee RPSMA
Module (1)
Power Supply (1)
Power Supply
Adapters (1)
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XBee‐PRO® 868 Development Kit Getting Started Guide
Assemble your Development Kit
To assemble your Development Kit, perform the following steps:
1. Install the modules on the XBee Interface Boards (XBIB) by lining the pins up with the headers and
pressing the module into place.
2. Attach the dipole antennas to the modules.
3. Connect the first XBIB to your computer using a USB cable. This first device will be designated as
your base radio.
4. Connect the remaining modules and interface boards, and set them aside for now.
You are now ready to run the X‐CTU software and to begin configuring your XBee network.
You have just completed Goal #1 ‐ setting up your
XBee‐PRO 868 Development Kit.
© 2012 Digi International, Inc.
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Part 2: Download and Install X-CTU Software
For proper kit configuration and operation X‐CTU software (version 5.15 or later) must be downloaded
and installed. A copy of X‐CTU software and USB drivers will need to be installed on each computer used
in conjunction with this guide.
Installing USB Drivers
The XBee USB interface board is a "plug‐and‐play" device that should be detected by the PC
automatically. If you are using Windows 7 or Vista, the USB drivers should automatically install and a
notification will appear in the lower right portion of your screen indicating success or failure.
If the USB drivers fail to install, please follow the USB driver installation instructions found here:
http://www.digi.com/support/kbase/kbaseresultdetl.jsp?id=3214.
If you are using Windows 2000 or XP, download and install the driver as per the following directions.
To install the USB driver:
1. Download the driver setup file at:
http://ftp1.digi.com/support/driver/FTDI_Windows_Driver_Setup.exe.
2. Double‐click on the setup file. A window will pop up during installation and automatically close
when the process is complete.
Installing X-CTU Software
1. Download X‐CTU at www.digi.com/xctu.
2. Browse to the folder to which you saved the above install file.
3. Double‐click on the installer file and follow the X‐CTU Setup Wizard.
4. When asked if you would like to check Digi's web site for firmware updates, click Yes.
5. After the firmware updates are complete, click Close. Updates may take a few minutes, please be
patient.
6. Start X‐CTU by double‐clicking on the X‐CTU icon on your desktop, or by selecting Start > Programs
> Digi > X‐CTU.
The X‐CTU software is now ready to be used.
You have just completed Goal #2 ‐ downloading and installing
the X‐CTU configuration software.
© 2012 Digi International, Inc.
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Part 3: Test Communications Link and
Establish a Network
Perform a Range Test
Before running a range test, you will need to establish a connection with the X‐CTU software:
1. Double‐click the X‐CTU shortcut on your desktop.
2. Under the PC Settings tab, select the serial COM port associated with the development boards you
have just attached to your computer.
3. Verify that the baud rate and data settings match the internal settings of the devices:
• Baud Rate: 9600
• Flow Control: NONE
• Data Bits: 8
• Parity: NONE
• Stop Bits: 1
4. On the Modem Configuration tab, click Read.
© 2012 Digi International, Inc.
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XBee‐PRO® 868 Development Kit Getting Started Guide
5. Select the PL parameter and choose the appropriate power level from the drop‐down
menu Please follow these guidelines:
• PL = 1 (25 mW) or lower is required in Italy.
• PL = 3 (200 mW) or lower is required when using the enclosed
USB interface board from Digi, due to current draw limitations of