Ren-W Wireless Converter Board Buy
Complete information about the Ren-W is located here: http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com...less_Converter
Ren-W boards are usually available in two styles: the SMA version and a Rev6 version (yes, it took 6 prototypes to get it right). Both are pictured below in the attachments. Both boards have the radio pointing downward which better accommodates the RPSMA version of the XBee radio that has the large antenna jack. The Ren-W SMA board measures 3"H x 2.5"W. The Rev6 board is much more compact, has space for only ONE XBee radio and uses a jumper to switch between TX (transmitting) and RX (receiving) modes. It is also about 27% smaller, measuring 2.75"H x 2"W. It also has its own blinky: the LED responds to the XBee's status pin (pin15) telling you that the XBee is operating properly. The Rev6 board uses slightly fewer parts than the normal Ren-W board, resulting in a savings of about $2.50.
While the physical difference between the two boards is fairly obvious, there are two important operational differences: the Ren-W SMA board has repeater capability (retransmit the received signal to the next radio) and can also be used as an XBee Explorer board while the Rev6 board cannot do either since it has only one RJ45 jack. However, the smaller Rev6 board is a good fit if space is an issue in your controller box or if you know that it will never be used as a repeater board or for reprogramming an XBee radio.
Group buy on XBee radios: Several users have asked about a group buy on the XBee Pro radios that Ren-W uses, since at $32-$34 each they're a rather expensive part. We are unable to amass enough interest to get the price down to a point where such an effort is worthwhile. It would take an order of 288 to get the price down by only $3 per radio. Therefore, there is NO GROUP BUY on XBee radios.
Group buy on the Ren-W BOM The current cost of component parts for ONE Ren-W board is $45.28. In a group buy of 50 units (the group buy max) the price becomes $40.79. However, after adding the costs of shipping, shipping materials and paypal fees, you'll find you've saved nothing and it will likely cost you MORE than if you just ordered the parts yourself. I don't have the spare time nor wish to have the hassle of counting all the parts out and assembling personal orders, so unless another DIYC member runs a group buy on the BOM, please understand that I will not be doing one. Not now, not ever.
How to order: Go to the DIGWDF store at: http://diychristmas.org/store/
The product descriptions in the store also include links to Mouser BOMs wherever appropriate. It is not expected that Ren-W kits including the BOMs will be available at the store because there are so many options for the XBee radios.
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Originally Posted by DavidHenry
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