Connect iPhone to XBee

Question

I would like to use an iPhone to monitor output from a remote source using an XBee modem (or other low-power wireless device). Ideally, the iPhone can regularly try out XBee for this information, and then use it to display output.

This is similar to how the Nike + iPod works. I think, but I was wondering, is this possible without using edge attachment?

Answer 1

XBee is 2.4 GHz, but it is not WiFi or Bluetooth. There is no API for controlling iPod radio at this low level. If you want to talk to the XBee network, you need to connect through some kind of gateway device, which is located both in the XBee network and in one of the networks connected to the iPhone. It can be either the Internet, LAN, or through a physical connection to the dock connector.

If you like the hardware, you can create a device with an Ethernet jack and an XBee radio station, and then write iPhone software to talk to your gadget, which will send your messages to the XBee network.

Or you could build your node end devices to use WiFi directly, leaving XBee completely out of the equation.

Answer 2

I am working on an application that controls the ZigBee 802.15.4 module; if you have not registered an MFi license, you do not have access to /dev/tty.xx, so if you want, you can try with a jailbroken iPhone and place your applications in the / Applications folder (this way you can access the serial port and note that this is the folder where cydia applications are installed, such as Cydia.app, etc.). In addition, you must have the necessary hardware and protocol specification for your module. I use a USB serial RS232, a modified iphone cable connected to the development board where the ZigBee module is located; communication takes place via the binary UART protocol.

Hope this help and other observations are appreciated for me too.

Answer 3

I know this is a little outdated, but recently I made a project that used arduino with a WiServer screen, which allowed me to present a special network and web page that could be viewed from my iPhone. I use it to control servo controllers using GET requests to a web page.

Check out Async Labs for WiServer files. They are in the process of releasing the arduino + WiShield combination product (Black Widow or yellowjacket, depending on your needs).

Async Labs http://asynclabs.com

Answer 4

Digi now has a WiFi XBee module that can connect directly to where the old XBee is located and can be accessed via TCP or UDP directly from the iPhone app.

Unfortunately, XBee-WiFi only uses WiFi, not XBee and WiFi. But, connect WiFi DIN and DOUT to XBee DOUT and DIN, and you have a direct portable WiFi ↔ XBee hardware bridge without the need for software. Throw a microcontroller in between and you can really make some cool stuff. XBee WiFi is around $ 50.

Answer 5

without resorting to a malicious device. bluetooth on iphone 2.x and 3.x devices is designed exclusively for hands-free calling. I have heard people cheat with other audio devices, but that the degree of connectivity to Bluetooth.

You want to use a data broker, such as pachube.com, to view your sensor data via http. here is an example iphone application: http://apps.pachube.com/iphone/

Answer 6

Use external infrastructure

3.0 devices can check the external SDK 3.0 SDK, it is still under the NDA, so it can not use any code, but it is possible.

The structure of external accessories provides a way to communicate with accessories connected to the iPhone OS based device. Use it to interact with accessories connected through a 30-pin dock connector or via Bluetooth.

Answer 7

There is an official Microchip official development kit , so you can develop some hardware to create one bridge between the iPhone and ZigBee.

There is also one equivalent version for Android.