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Building Wireless Sensor Networks: with ZigBee, XBee, Arduino, and Processing
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Product Details
| Binding: | Kindle Edition |
|---|---|
| EAN: | |
| Label: | O'Reilly Media |
| Feature: | |
| Publisher: | O'Reilly Media |
| Studio: | O'Reilly Media |
Editorial Reviews
Get ready to create distributed sensor systems and intelligent interactive devices using the ZigBee wireless networking protocol and Series 2 XBee radios. By the time you're halfway through this fast-paced, hands-on guide, you'll have built a series of useful projects, including a complete ZigBee wireless network that delivers remotely sensed data.
Radio networking is creating revolutions in volcano monitoring, performance art, clean energy, and consumer electronics. As you follow the examples in each chapter, you'll learn how to tackle inspiring projects of your own. This practical guide is ideal for inventors, hackers, crafters, students, hobbyists, and scientists.
- Investigate an assortment of practical and intriguing project ideas
- Prep your ZigBee toolbox with an extensive shopping list of parts and programs
- Create a simple, working ZigBee network with XBee radios in less than two hours -- for under $100
- Use the Arduino open source electronics prototyping platform to build a series of increasingly complex projects
- Get familiar with XBee's API mode for creating sensor networks
- Build fully scalable sensing and actuation systems with inexpensive components
- Learn about power management, source routing, and other XBee technical nuances
- Make gateways that connect with neighboring networks, including the Internet
Customer Reviews
Robin Pain @ 2011-02-04 Kind to beginners but also useful generally
Faludi is kind to the reader by using simple language in the old school of: tell-them-what-you're-going-to-say, tell-them and then tell-them-what-you-said.
I bought the book because although I am not a beginner to electronics, I am to ZigBee, and I am lazy and want a quick start to what to get and why and which "start-bugs" to avoid. Faludi does a good job here and tries to please everybody by including non-Windows based (Mac and Linux) examples where he can (this market is clearly biased towards Windows).
Evidently you could simply download the free ZigBee spec' and read it - it is not too boring and took me about four days to scan through it, but for the cheap price, I would recommend that even a professional would recover the cost in time saved from this book but evidently he will not be interested in the simplistic treatment of how to connect A to B, just the tips and hints and as a quick broad outline for both the spec and the parts range.
For the beginner this book is excellent with both diagrams and photographs of how to wire up the half dozen-or-so connections between one module and another plus very full descriptions + screen shots of how to drive the (mainly Windows based) software.
The firmware example-code is consistently of the simplest-only-to-do-the-principle (there is no cheating by padding with large amounts of code) and gradually the reader is taken into more and more detail about protocols and networking in a painless manner.
A huge amount of work has gone into this book to make it look simple. It is also up to date (late 2010). I highly recommend it to anyone.
I bought the book because although I am not a beginner to electronics, I am to ZigBee, and I am lazy and want a quick start to what to get and why and which "start-bugs" to avoid. Faludi does a good job here and tries to please everybody by including non-Windows based (Mac and Linux) examples where he can (this market is clearly biased towards Windows).
Evidently you could simply download the free ZigBee spec' and read it - it is not too boring and took me about four days to scan through it, but for the cheap price, I would recommend that even a professional would recover the cost in time saved from this book but evidently he will not be interested in the simplistic treatment of how to connect A to B, just the tips and hints and as a quick broad outline for both the spec and the parts range.
For the beginner this book is excellent with both diagrams and photographs of how to wire up the half dozen-or-so connections between one module and another plus very full descriptions + screen shots of how to drive the (mainly Windows based) software.
The firmware example-code is consistently of the simplest-only-to-do-the-principle (there is no cheating by padding with large amounts of code) and gradually the reader is taken into more and more detail about protocols and networking in a painless manner.
A huge amount of work has gone into this book to make it look simple. It is also up to date (late 2010). I highly recommend it to anyone.
SFTA @ 2011-01-17 Wireless networks made easy
This book is a *must* for anyone working with xBee series 2 radios. After wasting countless hours scouring the internet for info on how to update firmware, and configure/interface with the series 2, I found this book to be a godsend. It is simple to follow and clearly written. The book is broken down into little projects so you can quickly get a network up and running, and then move on to building bigger and more sophisticated networks. Without Faludi's guidance, my xBees would surely be gathering dust on a shelf. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in building wireless projects!
Keith & Sunnie @ 2011-02-14 Great step by step guide...
NYU Professor Robert Faludi, has supplied a very easy to follow book tackling the construction of a XBee wireless network, which is not as simple as it may appear. He provides both a step by step guide and a basic understanding/education of the technology involved.
This book starts with describing initial choices around hardware and software to construct a XBee wireless network, Professor Faludi also does a quick tutorial on radio transmissions theory and wireless networking. Once you have the bits and pieces set out, Professor Faludi walks through a number of projects helping to build up the readers overall knowledge:
1. A Wireless doorbell
2. Romantic Lighting Sensor
3. Simple Sensor Network
4. Simple Sensor with Sleep Project
He then discusses a XBee Internet Gateway (XIG) project ( see his blog), this opens up the borders by allowing the XBee radios to proxy through the ConnectPort X2 and hence be accessable via the Web.
Next project, a project to Tweat to a XBee. Professor Faludi concludes the book with a review of the ZigBee stack, a list of plans for the ZigBee platform. Finally there is a resource guide for Arduino, Python, ZigBee, Digi, etc.
This book really offers a end to end introduction to XBee radio networks and is well worth the time for anyone who is hacking or looking at industrial applications in sensor networks.
This book starts with describing initial choices around hardware and software to construct a XBee wireless network, Professor Faludi also does a quick tutorial on radio transmissions theory and wireless networking. Once you have the bits and pieces set out, Professor Faludi walks through a number of projects helping to build up the readers overall knowledge:
1. A Wireless doorbell
2. Romantic Lighting Sensor
3. Simple Sensor Network
4. Simple Sensor with Sleep Project
He then discusses a XBee Internet Gateway (XIG) project ( see his blog), this opens up the borders by allowing the XBee radios to proxy through the ConnectPort X2 and hence be accessable via the Web.
Next project, a project to Tweat to a XBee. Professor Faludi concludes the book with a review of the ZigBee stack, a list of plans for the ZigBee platform. Finally there is a resource guide for Arduino, Python, ZigBee, Digi, etc.
This book really offers a end to end introduction to XBee radio networks and is well worth the time for anyone who is hacking or looking at industrial applications in sensor networks.
Bkglass @ 2011-01-27 Projects and info is centered on series 2 xbees
I probably would have thought twice about buying this book if I knew it was only concerned with the series two xbees. The series one xbees are far more popular and much easier to use. Since this book is presented as an intro to wireless xbees, why only concentrate on the more complicated series two? The series two seems better suited for bigger more ambitious projects that would not have a need for an intro book. Since series one and series two are incompatible, you should google xbee series one vs series two and decide which series you want to work with. If you plan on working with series one, then don't buy this book because you won't be able to do any of the projects very easily.
Ira Laefsky "Ira Lae @ 2011-02-24 Everything It Promises on Zigbee & General Principles of Wireless Sensors & Actuators
This Book certainly gives extensive and easy to follow tutorials on using Xbee Series 2 Radio Modules with Sensors and Actuators and
in the context of the Arduino Microcontroller development system. Practical tutorials ranging from wireless doorbells to Arduino interconnections with the Internet and the Pachube Sensor Data Collection Network are fully described including gotcha's and debugging, are given as well as easy to follow code and breadboard layouts. But in my opinion the most valuable service of this book is in illustrating the principles of networking sensors and actuators and all of the skills hardware, software and data protocols that are involved in this process. The book serves as a valuable companion to Tom Igoe's book, "Making Things Talk" (also published by O'Reilly).
This book illustrates by carefully documented example oriented around Xbee Series 2 radio and Arduino projects, but more valuably it teaches the principles of sensor networks and ubiquitous computing in a way that will be useful to all DIY's and technologist now and in the future.
--Ira Laefsky, Information Technology Consultant & Researcher
formerly on the Senior Consulting Staff of Arthur D. Little, Inc and Digital Equipment Corporation
in the context of the Arduino Microcontroller development system. Practical tutorials ranging from wireless doorbells to Arduino interconnections with the Internet and the Pachube Sensor Data Collection Network are fully described including gotcha's and debugging, are given as well as easy to follow code and breadboard layouts. But in my opinion the most valuable service of this book is in illustrating the principles of networking sensors and actuators and all of the skills hardware, software and data protocols that are involved in this process. The book serves as a valuable companion to Tom Igoe's book, "Making Things Talk" (also published by O'Reilly).
This book illustrates by carefully documented example oriented around Xbee Series 2 radio and Arduino projects, but more valuably it teaches the principles of sensor networks and ubiquitous computing in a way that will be useful to all DIY's and technologist now and in the future.
--Ira Laefsky, Information Technology Consultant & Researcher
formerly on the Senior Consulting Staff of Arthur D. Little, Inc and Digital Equipment Corporation
Isaac Fischer "xwave @ 2011-02-16 A curious mix of microhardware cookbook and primer.
A curious mix of microhardware cookbook and primer, where tutorials on fundamental radio signals and hexadecimal seem out of place and views on geek culture fit right in.
The text features a comprehensive look at the XBee system (including copious illustrations and pictures) which also touches on the better known Arduino boards. If you are already familiar with circuit wiring, this book may be a refreshing howto guide. If you've never touched a breakout board before, even the in-depth and humor-filled instructions may seem daunting. The books only real failing lies in not teasing up front the many varied projects one can achieve or a sense of what might (or might not) be accomplished on the modest hardware. I liked the depth of content, but the integrated organization might be better served by putting all the theory and sections up front and appending the MAKE-style projects as recipes. An easily overlooked gem!
The text features a comprehensive look at the XBee system (including copious illustrations and pictures) which also touches on the better known Arduino boards. If you are already familiar with circuit wiring, this book may be a refreshing howto guide. If you've never touched a breakout board before, even the in-depth and humor-filled instructions may seem daunting. The books only real failing lies in not teasing up front the many varied projects one can achieve or a sense of what might (or might not) be accomplished on the modest hardware. I liked the depth of content, but the integrated organization might be better served by putting all the theory and sections up front and appending the MAKE-style projects as recipes. An easily overlooked gem!
S. Davidson @ 2011-06-05 Best Overview of a Complex Subject
This is an excellent overview of a difficult subject. I'm pretty new to the Arduino and prior to reading this book had no experience with the XBee. The book gave me enough of a foundation to build a small sensor network for my property (8 wireless nodes controlled by Arduino FIOs); Mr Faludi gives a clear, concise overview of the technologies involved and, perhaps more importantly, the motivations behind selecting different technologies. My remote wireless nodes contain LiPo batteries and I expect to get two to three months between re-charges; this impressive lifetime is due mostly to the implementation of sleep mode, a difficult subject which is very clearly covered in the book.
One point of confusion that I still grasp with is the differentiation between series 1 and series 2 xbees. The book exclusively uses series 2 devices, while several of the more notable Arduino hobby sites (adafruit, etc) very vocally prefer the series 1 devices. To my way of thinking (perhaps influenced by the author's position), having sensors in a mesh network makes the most sense; I have yet to read a valid counter argument.
I would also recommend that if you are seriously considering implementing a solution with multiple XBees to go ahead and purchase a Digi XPort X2 - they are available via the Digi site (though their online store is terrible) as well as Sparkfun. Remote management of XBees (including remote firmware updates!) is a very, very nice feature, and the iDigi integration extends this capability to any location on the internet. Pretty sweet. If you're interested, I blog about most of my hobby exploits here: [...]
One point of confusion that I still grasp with is the differentiation between series 1 and series 2 xbees. The book exclusively uses series 2 devices, while several of the more notable Arduino hobby sites (adafruit, etc) very vocally prefer the series 1 devices. To my way of thinking (perhaps influenced by the author's position), having sensors in a mesh network makes the most sense; I have yet to read a valid counter argument.
I would also recommend that if you are seriously considering implementing a solution with multiple XBees to go ahead and purchase a Digi XPort X2 - they are available via the Digi site (though their online store is terrible) as well as Sparkfun. Remote management of XBees (including remote firmware updates!) is a very, very nice feature, and the iDigi integration extends this capability to any location on the internet. Pretty sweet. If you're interested, I blog about most of my hobby exploits here: [...]
John S. Kjellman @ 2011-03-13 Nice starter book
Unlike other books, this book is intended for a user of ZigBee radios, NOT ZigBee protocol stack developers. This book does exactly what it was written to do, it provides a basis for using ZigBee (series 2) radios with a microcontroller. The book covers basic AT command setup (modem like commands used for the simplest of ZigBee communications) as well as API (direct comuter ZigBee commands) usage.
It does not assume any advanced knowledge of ZigBee or wireless communications. As a matter of fact it presents some inforamtion in an over simplified manner. This, however, is done with a great writting style and not all irritating to more advanced users (that is, you can skim the text for what you need).
I would highly recommand this book to anyone just starting out with ZigBee radios. I would also note that this book does not cover the series 1 radios, which are not series 2 compatible, though the same principals apply.
It does not assume any advanced knowledge of ZigBee or wireless communications. As a matter of fact it presents some inforamtion in an over simplified manner. This, however, is done with a great writting style and not all irritating to more advanced users (that is, you can skim the text for what you need).
I would highly recommand this book to anyone just starting out with ZigBee radios. I would also note that this book does not cover the series 1 radios, which are not series 2 compatible, though the same principals apply.
Jordan Husney @ 2011-01-02 Really the only great way to get started with XBee
This book starts at square one and shows you how to build interesting project after interesting project. In the end you become a true wireless sensor networking expert. I love this book!
Burke @ 2011-08-20 This book is just what I needed...
...to build my own wireless sensor network using Arduino controllers. It's complete and easy to follow. There's lots of information about XBee controllers on the web, but this book brings it all together in a well organized book.
Rino Sardon @ 2011-02-21 Book Review: Building Wireless Sensor Networks By Robert Faludi
Building Wireless Sensor Networks is just what every wireless sensors enthusiast needs. It provides quick and practical guidance for building your very own wireless sensor networks using Zigbee.
I appreciate the well structured presentation of ideas as well as the very practical approach in creating projects while learning very important concepts. It is like a workbook and laboratory manual in one!
I particularly enjoyed how the author wrote the book in a conversational manner while maintaining the excitement for the reader.
Tha Appendix at the end of the book is very helpful in encouraging the reader to explore even further.
[Disclaimer: I got this book for free as part of the Oreilly blogger review program I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]
I appreciate the well structured presentation of ideas as well as the very practical approach in creating projects while learning very important concepts. It is like a workbook and laboratory manual in one!
I particularly enjoyed how the author wrote the book in a conversational manner while maintaining the excitement for the reader.
Tha Appendix at the end of the book is very helpful in encouraging the reader to explore even further.
[Disclaimer: I got this book for free as part of the Oreilly blogger review program I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."]
Ted Hayes "t3db0t" @ 2011-02-08 Excellent tutorial and reference.
This is a comprehensive, easy-to-read as well as detailed guide from an expert on the subject. It's the second best thing to taking a class with Rob!
Auton @ 2011-03-30 ONLY for Series 2 Radios
I was disappointed to learn that this book applies ONLY to the Series 2 radios. Do not buy this book if you already have Series 1 radios. The item description mentions Series 2, but does not make clear that the book won't teach you much of anything about the Series 1 XBee. I had some Series 1 radios that were used for a very simple project int he past and I bought this book hoping to learn how to take full advantage of the capabilities of those radios. I was greeted with a nasty surprise in the first chapter when I learned that the book would not help me in this area. I can always buy some Series 2 Radios, but that wasn't really the point.
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