Xbee Sensor Shield V5 with RS485 & BLUEBEE Bluetooth Interface – Compatible with Arduino UNO R3

SKU: FA1044-1
Model

Xbee Sensor Shield V5 (with RS485)
Compatibility

Arduino UNO R3, Mega 2560, Leonardo
Input Voltage

5V DC (Sourced from Arduino board)
Regulated Output

3.3V & 5V Power Rails for Sensors/Bee Modules
Communication Interfaces

SPI/UART (via Bee socket), RS485 (via terminal block)
RS485 Chip

MAX485 or similar transceiver
Sensor/Servo Support

Multiple 3-pin V/G/S headers for analog/digital sensors
Dimensions

Standard Arduino Shield form factor (~68mm x 53mm)
Xbee Sensor Shield V5 with RS485 & BLUEBEE Interface
The Xbee Sensor Shield V5 is a highly versatile, all-in-one expansion board that dramatically expands the connectivity and sensor interfacing capabilities of the Arduino platform, specifically designed to be compatible with the Arduino UNO R3 pin layout.
This shield goes beyond simple wireless communication by integrating two professional-grade communication interfaces onto a single board: a standard XBee/Bluetooth Bee socket for short-range wireless mesh networking or Bluetooth connectivity, and a robust RS485 interface for reliable, long-distance industrial communication.
The V5 shield provides a streamlined hub for connecting a wide array of sensors and actuators via standardized headers while managing all necessary voltage regulation and logic level conversion, making it an indispensable tool for complex IoT, industrial automation, and smart agriculture projects.
Key Features
  • Dual Communication Modes: Integrate both wireless (Zigbee, Bluetooth via Bee socket) and wired industrial (RS485) communication simultaneously or selectively.
  • RS485 Interface: Features a standard terminal block connector and onboard transceiver hardware for robust, differential signal communication over long distances (up to 1200 meters), ideal for industrial control systems.
  • XBee/Bluetooth Bee Socket: Standard 20-pin footprint compatible with all XBee Series 1/2/S2C, Bluetooth Bee, and WiFi Bee modules.
  • Sensor/Servo Headers: Includes numerous standardized 3-pin headers (VCC/GND/Signal) with corresponding 5V/GND power rails for easy, solderless connection of analog and digital sensors and servo motors.
  • Arduino Compatibility: Stacks seamlessly onto the Arduino UNO R3, Mega, Leonardo, etc., drawing power and ground directly from the main board.
  • Voltage Regulation & Level Shifting: Onboard circuitry ensures that 3.3V wireless modules are safely powered from the 5V Arduino power source and handles logic level translation.
  • Selectable Serial Communication: Dip switches allow selection of which Arduino digital pins are used for the XBee interface, preventing conflicts with the main USB serial port.
Technical Parameters (Specifications)
Parameter Value/Description
Model Xbee Sensor Shield V5 (with RS485)
Compatibility Arduino UNO R3, Mega 2560, Leonardo
Input Voltage 5V DC (Sourced from Arduino board)
Regulated Output 3.3V & 5V Power Rails for Sensors/Bee Modules
Communication Interfaces SPI/UART (via Bee socket), RS485 (via terminal block)
RS485 Chip MAX485 or similar transceiver
Sensor/Servo Support Multiple 3-pin V/G/S headers for analog/digital sensors
Dimensions Standard Arduino Shield form factor (~68mm x 53mm)
Usage Instructions
The V5 Sensor Shield allows for highly flexible project design. Dip switches are crucial for configuring communication paths.
Hardware Setup:
  1. Mount the Shield: Stack the V5 Shield onto your Arduino UNO R3 board.
  2. Insert Wireless Module (Optional): If using, insert your XBee or Bluetooth Bee module into the 20-pin socket.
  3. Configure Dip Switches: Set the dip switches to route the Bee module’s RX/TX pins to non-conflicting Arduino pins (e.g., D2/D3) while keeping D0/D1 free for USB programming.
  4. Connect Sensors: Plug analog/digital sensors directly into the dedicated 3-pin headers using standard servo cables.
  5. Connect RS485 Devices: Wire your A/B differential pair to the green terminal block for long-distance communication (ensure proper termination resistance in your network setup).
  6. Power: Power the Arduino board via USB or DC jack.
Software Configuration:
  • For XBee/Bluetooth Bee: Use the SoftwareSerial library in the Arduino IDE to communicate on the selected digital pins (e.g., pins D2 and D3).
  • For RS485: You will use the main hardware serial port (D0/D1) in your code after uploading your sketch. You will need libraries that manage the RS485 transceiver’s data direction pin (DE/RE control).
Q: Does this product include the XBee module or sensors?

No, this is an expansion shield board only. All wireless modules, sensors, and the Arduino board itself are sold separately.

Q: Can I use both the XBee module and the RS485 interface at the exact same time?

Yes, you can. The XBee would typically use software serial pins (e.g., D2/D3), while the RS485 communication would use the hardware serial pins (D0/D1), enabling simultaneous dual-protocol communication within your Arduino sketch.

Q: What is the benefit of RS485 communication?

RS485 is an industrial standard designed for robust data transmission over very long distances (up to 1200m) in noisy environments, which is far beyond the capabilities of standard TTL serial or I2C communication.

Q: I am a business buyer. Is this V5 shield suitable for an industrial proof-of-concept prototype?

Yes, absolutely. The integration of robust RS485 with wireless capability makes this an excellent, ready-to-use prototyping platform for developing connected industrial IoT solutions before committing to a custom PCB design.

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