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Communicating with ZigBee OEM RF Modules

Hello, I am using ZigBee RF Modules found here to transfer data from remote sensors. I need to be able to analyze and process this data with LabVIEW. How can I do this?

Here is the data sheet.

Thank you.
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Message 1 of 15
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It looks like the only issue is the UART's output levels. I didn't look too deeply into the specs, but it appears from the sentence early in the document "or through a level translator to any serial device (For example: Through a Max-Stream proprietary RS-232 or USB interface board" that the output isn't at RS232 levels. First solution is getting one of those boards, then just using the VISA serial calls in LabVIEW to talk to it. Otherwise, in order of complexity, a digital I/O board, read/write the appropriate digital levels, parse them, etc., or for the really cool, National Instruments FPGA card, programmed to act as the interface (using a sledge hammer to kill a flea, at least cost and complexity wise). As to reading and writing to it, well I didn't get into what its communications protocols are, but the biggy is just connecting to its "serial port".


Putnam
Certified LabVIEW Developer

Senior Test Engineer North Shore Technology, Inc.
Currently using LV 2012-LabVIEW 2018, RT8.5


LabVIEW Champion



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Message 2 of 15
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LV_Pro, thanks a lot for your help!

I forgot to mention that I already have both RS-232 and USB interface boards. So, what you are saying is that I won't need to get a level shifter like a MAX232?

So far, my setup is sensor to microcontroller to RF Module assembly (module and RS-232 board). This last module assembly transmits data to the other RF module assembly (module and USB board). The USB board assembly will be connected to laptop by USB cable. Now, all I need to do is use the VISA serial calls un LabVIEW to communicate with it?

Thank you once again.
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Message 3 of 15
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I'm not clear about your setup. It appeared, looking at the documentation, that there were RS232 and USB boards. The problem with using the USB interface is that there isn't a standard protocol through usb. USB itself defines the interface, but what is ultimately sent over the interface is up to the one designing the unit. If the USB adapter is an RS232 <-> USB that is a different story. Those look like a serial port when hooked up, showing up in National Instruments Measurement and Automation Explorere (MAX) or in Windows "Device Manager" as a COM port when you plug them in. If that is the case then the VISA serial port stuff should work fine. One thing to be aware of is that plugging the USB based serial adapters into different USB "jacks" can result in different COM port numbers. Also, USB hubs sometime give unexpected results.
Putnam
Certified LabVIEW Developer

Senior Test Engineer North Shore Technology, Inc.
Currently using LV 2012-LabVIEW 2018, RT8.5


LabVIEW Champion



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Message 4 of 15
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Now, I'm a bit confused. You say "If the USB adapter is a RS232 <-> USB that is a different story. Those look like a serial port when hooked up..."

Do you mean it physically looks like a serial port (and not a USB port), or that in NI MAX it shows up as a COM port?

Thanks again!
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Message 5 of 15
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It appears that the RF module can be connected to either a USB adapter or one that converts its signal levels to RS232. If the RS232 one is used it can be connected to a COM port on your computer and you can use the VISA serial vi's to talk to it. If it is the USB module, then it may be more complicated. What I was refering to was a RS232 to USB adapter, which allows RS232 devices to be plugged into laptops that don't have serial ports, which is most of them being sold at this point. Actually talking to a USB device is generally a lot more complicated than talking to one that is a simple serial port.


Putnam
Certified LabVIEW Developer

Senior Test Engineer North Shore Technology, Inc.
Currently using LV 2012-LabVIEW 2018, RT8.5


LabVIEW Champion



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Message 6 of 15
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I see. Looks like I'm going to have to get a RS232 to USB adapter.

Thanks!
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Message 7 of 15
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Something like this would be fine?


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Message 8 of 15
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Sorry for not getting back to you quicker!  That is very similar to the ones I use. I will caution anyone reading, the USB to RS232 adapters aren't all alike, and they don't act "exactly" like the built in serial ports on the machines that come with them. There can be some subtle timing issues, as well as the port number changes depending on which usb port it is plugged into. The timing issues really only apply when trying to use the ports at their highest baud rates, or when you are doing stuff that is a little exotic. I will also mention that USB/RS232 adapters are available a many computer stores and even the big office supply places (OfficeMax and Staples here in the US had them) if you are in a hurry and money isn't an object.




Putnam
Certified LabVIEW Developer

Senior Test Engineer North Shore Technology, Inc.
Currently using LV 2012-LabVIEW 2018, RT8.5


LabVIEW Champion



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Message 9 of 15
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Hey bravo,
   I am using the same modules for a PDA project that i am working on.  But before I decided to use a PDA i was using my laptop and the USB interface board provided by maxstream.  I downloaded the drivers from maxstream and they do act like a com port and you can use the visa provided by labview. 
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