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How to fix a "dead" XBee

 

While dealing with XBees can be frustrating at times, it doesn't get much worse than trying to connect to an XBee after having edited settings on the radio, or uploading a new firmware version, and realizing that it can no longer be recognized by the software.  After thinking I had just fried one of my new XBees, I went to the internet to search for a solution, but could not find much to help my situation.  After searching and trying many combinations of solutions that were "sure" to work, I arrived at a solution that has worked for me a number of times.  Since I had a great deal of trouble finding a detailed explaination of the steps to take to fix a seemingly dead XBee, I have decided to write this in depth procedure for force restoring the firmware on your XBee.

 

Follow these steps and your XBee will be back up and running in no time:

 

Parts Required:

    X-CTU Software:  

    XBee radio that can't be found by software

    Sparkfun XBee Explorer

    Wire

    Soldering Iron

 

Procedure:

  1. Solder one wire to the reset (RST) connection on the XBee Explorer and another to the ground (GND) connection.

  2. Strip the loose end of both of these wires and attach them together, either by holding them or putting them in the same row on a breadboard.

  3. Connect the XBee explorer to your PC without X-CTU running and without your XBee plugged into the Explorer. 

  4. Start X-CTU and under PC Settings make sure to set the Baud Rate to 9600 (the default) and Flow Control to Hardware.

  5. Go to Modem Configuration (I was using an XBee series 1)

    1. Set Modem to the XBee you are using (mine was XB24).  Select the first function setting and select latest version.

    2. Click on Show Defaults

    3. Leave Always Update Firmware unchecked

  6. Click Write.  A reset window should pop up, this is what you want.

  7. Carefully plug your XBee into the Explorer.

  8. Once the XBee is plugged into the Explorer, disconnect the ends of the two wires you added to the Explorer.

  9. Let the firmware finish writing and you should now have a working XBee radio.

  10. Restart X-CTU and you should now be able to read the XBee (don't forget the Baud Rate is going to be 9600).

 

Tips: You might get errors such as Flash Checksum Error, Failed to enter Command Mode, or Detected Baud Rate Difference. I have gotten them many times, but just try running through these steps again. If done correctly it should fix your XBee.

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