Here is how to test Arduino + Xbee with a Mac. To test XBee-connected Arduino, you need a USB Explorer (USB-XBee adaptor), XBee-shield for Arduino, and two XBees.
- Insert the first XBee chip in USB Explorer
- Connect the USB Explorer to Mac A
- Start XBeeConfigTool (from Funnel package)
- Configure the first XBee chip (e.g. Network ID: 1234, MY ID: 1)
- Remove the USB Explorer from the Mac A
- Remove the first XBee chip and insert it in XBee shield
- Insert the second XBee chip in the USB Explorer
- Connect the USB Explorer to the Mac A
- Start XBeeConfigTool
- Configure the second XBee chip (e.g. Network ID: 1234, MY ID: 0)
- Remove the USB Explorer from the Mac A
- Insert the XBee shield on Arduino Uno
- Move two jumpers to USB side
- Connect the Arduino Uno to Mac B
- Start Arduino.app on the Mac B
- Open Example > Communication > PhysicalPixel sketch
- Upload the sketch to the Arduino Uno
- Test the Arduino Uno by opening Serial Monitor and type ‘H’ (to turn LED on) and ‘L’ (to turn LED off)
- Exit Arduino.app
- Remove the Arduino Uno from the Mac B
- Move two jumpers to XBee side
- Power the Arduino Uno (by connecting with USB port of the Mac B)
- Connect the USB Explorer (with the second XBee chip) to the Mac A
- On Terminal.app on Mac A, do echo ‘H’ > /dev/cu.usbserial-A600ezs6 (or similar) to turn LED on remotely and do ‘L’ to turn LED off
I used a couple of Macs (A and B) but you should be okay with a single Mac.