Here are some thoughts.

If the XBBO is connected to TX1 and RX1 then does your software output to that port - or is it outputting to TX0 and RX0?

Have you connected Arduino TX to XBBO RX and Arduino RX to XBBO TX?

On my Windows 7 PC COM3 is a 'reserved' port - I normally get another COM number - but yours may be different - you can always try a loop back on the FTDI board (RX to TX) and see if you receive what you type - that test out the FTDI connection.

A good XRF test is to connect the XBBO RX to the XBBO TX to form a loop back. Then anything typed on the PC should come straight back.

Lets us know how you get on.

CisecoDev wrote:


Thank you for this - I had not started the additional pins in the sketch.
I now have one LED on the XBBO flashing regularly, and the other flashing at the same frequency I specified in my sketch, so I can assume that it is transmitting. Woo and indeed Yay. Still nothing coming through on the serial monitor on the Arduino IDE.

CisecoDev wrote:


Yes - triple checked.

CisecoDev wrote:


I am not sure how to make the FTDI board loopback - Should I just remove the XRF from the socket and connect the RX and TX pins with a jumper ?

CisecoDev wrote:


I think the problem now is with the receiving end, ie my laptop. I think I need to do some more research.....

You said:
>>
I am not sure how to make the FTDI board loopback - Should I just remove the XRF from the socket and connect the RX and TX pins with a jumper ?
<<

Yes - exactly that.

not sure if this helps any

openmicros.org/index.php/articles/84-xrf-basics/103-connecting-a-xrf-to-a-pc-using-an-ftdi-interface

light blue to dark blue

CisecoDev wrote:


Thank you - tried the loopback and it worked fine. So no issues there.

I now think one my radio boards, which I purchased from this very boutique not 'alf hour ago, is an ex-radio board.

Module 1 connected to USB/FTDI (and latest XCM from) works fine - can upload and download settings and send/rec at commands. Place this module in the XBBO and the heartbeat and transmit led's fire up.

Module 2 connectd to USB/FTDI as above and XCM cannot detect it. In the XBBO both the heartbeat and transmit led's flicker.

Is no worky ?

Also, just want to say thank you to you all for the excellent support. I've learned alot today - when I get this lot working I'll try and write up my experiences to help other noobs....

Thats great detective work, could as you say indicate a duff module. We'll get you a replacement out.

The pins have to be soldered by hand so are more prone to variation than the PCB which is made by machine. If you have a soldering iron, could you "touch in" pins 1 (power) and pin 10 (ground) by re-melting them to make sure theres a good physical contact.

A constant on/off of the heartbeat work be a good indicator that things have improved.

So sorry about this, our quality control usefuslly(usually) spots any dubious modules before they ever make it out the door, I guess because it flickers it might have been enough to convince our atuomated tester.

Miles wrote:


No need to apologise - you have done tons to help me out, and I've learned lots, so its been a positive experience.

Do you need any details to send the board out or have you used voodoo magic to work out where to send it ?

Edit - Re-melted pins 1 and 10 - no improvement.

I see my spelling isn't improving

I now have a pair of crystal balls 3.11 it was an upgrade for the very unreliable voodoo magic 7.3

well, just in-case the predictions are not clear my order number was....

#969000244

Thanks

Dave

PS Do you want the dodgy one back ?

Yes please, I think it would be useful to try and diagnose it. Could you pop it back, we'll refund you the postage, the returns address is on the label of the original packaging.

Hi - was just about to package the faulty board up, but I have binned the original packaging. So, I don't have a return address. Should I use this one...

CISECO plc
9 University Road,
Leicester
LE1 7RA

Or something else ? Thanks

Just replied to your email addres with RMA details

Got my replacement unit today - working right away. Thanks for the great support.

Just wanted to thank everyone whom has helped me - once I'm less of a noob I'll do my best to contribute....

Great news