Mod-zigbee (pic18f26k20) and xbee s1

[roncush87]

I am trying to form a network using Mod-zigbee and xbee s1 nodes. I am aware that i need to set network parameters in order to get the two devices to communicate. I have acquired the MPLAB IDE to communicate with the Pic18 chip but im unsure as to the way forward. please advise.

Thanks

[LubOlimex]

Hello there,

Did you stumble upon the ZigBee examples from the software section here: https://www.olimex.com/Products/Modules/RF/MOD-ZIGBEE/?

Regards,
Lub/OLIMEX

[roncush87]

thanks for the link. I have another question, do i need special hardware to program my mod-zigbee uext or should the 328 dev board suffice. I have installed the Mplab IDE but all the hardware i have are the 328, micro usb and mod-zigbee uext

[LubOlimex]

Hey,

Yes, if you want to change the software of MOD-ZIGBEE or MOD-ZIGBEE-UEXT or MOD-ZIGBEE-PIR you will need a compatible PIC18 programmer with 0.05'' step connector.  For instance PIC-KIT3 programmer/debugger https://www.olimex.com/Products/PIC/Programmers/PIC-KIT3/ and PIC-ICSP adapter https://www.olimex.com/Products/PIC/Programmers/PIC-ICSP/.

Best regards,
Lub/OLIMEX

[roncush87]

thanks much.

can i read the status of the pre-programmed module, IE, obtain channel number, pan id and other parameters associated with the device.

[LubOlimex]

Hell roncush87,

The README.txt in the following archive gives quite a good explanation of the prebuilt software: https://www.olimex.com/Products/Modules/RF/MOD-ZIGBEE/resources/DemoSoft_MOD-ZIGBEE_v.1.00_11.05.2011.zip

Regards,
Lub/OLIMEX

[roncush87]

Okay so i tried everything in the read-me using a xbee pro series 1 radio with the mod-zigbee uext board powered via the olimex-328 board. the mod-zigbee was set to external power source, which to me would mean it was fully powered via the olimex board, right?

seeing i wasn't able to read the firmware from the mod-zigbee, but i was able to read and program the series 1 radio, i set the pan id to the standard 0x1234 and programmed the s1 as a coordinator. Powered the mod-zb nothing happened. i then reprogrammed the s1 board as an end device and powered the mod-zb, again nothing happened, that is, the mod zigbee didn't discover the series 1 board in either instant and vice verse.

could you shed some light on possible reasons for this occourence? is it that there are other important parameters that would affect communication? or could it be that i need to battery power my mod-zb module?   

[rjp]

As far as I can tell, the MOD-ZIGBEE doesn't ship with a Zigbee stack running on the PIC - it's running Microchip's MiWi stack instead. That might explain why there's no discovery going on.

If you write the other demo software (https://www.olimex.com/Products/Modules/RF/MOD-ZIGBEE/resources/MOD-ZIGBEE_PowerPoint.zip) to the PIC, that's got the proper Zigbee stack and should mesh with your coordinator (nb. I haven't tried this yet but I will be doing in the next couple of days...)

[roncush87]

okay so have you tried it?  I do not have an external programmer, is there anyway i can program via uext?

[LubOlimex]

Hey roncush87,

You can send a couple of commands via the UEXT to control the firmware the ZIGBEE is shipped with, but that's about it. You can't upload new firmware without an external tool. Any debugger/programmer that supports  PIC18F26K20 should do the job. If you are buying such a tool you should also pay attention about two things:

1) Does it have small ICSP connector (0.05' step) so it can connect directly to the board (or you need an adapter also)
2) Is it supported in the latest MPLAB version

We manufacture a PICkit3 replica that can do the job and works with latest Microchip MPLAB X IDE. Note that it requires an adapter for the small connector which is sold separately. Links to both products I'm speaking about:

1) PIC-kit3 : https://www.olimex.com/Products/PIC/Programmers/PIC-KIT3/
2) PIC-ICSP : https://www.olimex.com/Products/PIC/Programmers/PIC-ICSP/

Please also check the list of distributors. Most of the time purchasing from a local retailer lowers the price (no transport fees, discounts, etc.): https://www.olimex.com/Distributors/

Best regards,
Lub/OLIMEX

[roncush87]

what are the commands i can send? I am using the olimex 328 shield.