Assembling the NKC Electronics XBee Shield V3.0 KIT
A new version of this kit is available as V4
SCHEMATICS (click on images to enlarge)
The NKC Electronics XBee Shield V3.0 KIT is an enhanced version of the original Arduino XBee Shield. It is sold in a DIY kit format and it comes with all the components required to assemble a full XBee Shield that is pin-compatible with all Arduino format compliant boards (Arduino, Freeduino, Seeeduino, etc).
First, unpack the kit
and start with the PCB.
Let’s start with the power portion of the schematic using the following parts:
| IC1 | TLV2217-33 Voltage Regulator (TO-220 package) |
| C1 | 100nF ceramic capacitor |
| C2, C3 | 10uF electrolytic capacitor |
Next continue with the transistor, LEDs and other discrete components:
| R1 | 10K resistor  |
| R2 | 15K resistor  |
| R3, R4 | 1K resistor  |
| R5 | 330ohm resistor  |
| RSSI | 3mm LED |
| ASSOCIATE | 3mm LED blue (transparent) |
| T1 | BC547 transistor |
| reset | tactile switch |
Solder the sockets and pin headers:
Next step: Insert the jumpers:
There are 4 jumpers. J1 and J2 are for upgrading the firmware on the XBee module. Leave open for normal operation (both J1 and J2 open).
Pay special attention to the alignment of the female headers. The 2×3 female socket must be placed with the female portion facing down. This board takes some signals from the ICSP connector, so this socket is mandatory.
And this is the final picture of the XBee Shield V3.0 assembled and ready to use. XBee module is not included in the kit and must be purchased separately.
