FlashFly FAQ's

Please read below for Frequently Asked Questions regarding your FlashFly Kit.  Feel free to contact us directly at info@bluewolfinc.com if you require further assistance.  However, please utilize the useful information below to assist you in getting your system up and running!

"Ready To Go" FlashFly Kits

If you purchased a Ready To Go FlashFly kit, the Serial version or the USB version, then your XBee Series-1 modules will be pre-configured. Our BASE and REMOTE modules do serve as general purpose XBee explorer boards.  Please note, that since our system is capable of being a general purpose wireless link for almost anything, it is also capable of programming the BASIC Stamps. Our REMOTE module has comes with additional hardware for this purpose. (We've even read that this works with the BASIC ATOM changing the config files to 115K)

This type of programming is accomplished through the STAMP's main serial port.  Therefore, in your code you will need to use "DEBUG" or DEBUGIN" commands.  If you want to use SEROUT/SERIN commands, then please note you will need to use pin "16" for both of these commands in order to accomplish communications with your BASIC programs.  Here is a link to our BASIC Stamp program for controlling a BOE-BOT wirelessly.  Within the program you'll find comments that show you how commands are interchangable.  Click here for a DEMO PROGRAM for WIRELESS Boe-Bot Control 

FlashFly Kit Without XBEE's

If you purchased either a USB or SERIAL version of our FlashFly system without XBee modules, there are a few things you'll need to do in order to get things up and running. 

• The FlashFly system will only work with SERIES-1 regular and PRO modules.
• Both the BASE and REMOTE module XBee's will need to be configured for proper operation.
• If you do not have Digi's X-CTU software, you can download it here www.digi.com/xctu

Dowload the X-CTU software from www.digi.com/xctu

Browse to the folder to which you saved the above install file

Double-click on the installer file and follow the X-CTU Setup Wizard

When asked if you would like to check Digi's web site for firmware updates, click YES

After the firmware updates are complete, click CLOSE.  Updates may take a few minutes, so please be patient.

• Before we continue, you will also need to download the XBee config files from our site.  They are FREE, and can be found here for the regular Series 1 Modules or here for the XBee PRO Module Versions.
• Save these files to a known place on your computer.  They are in a "zipped" format so you will need to unzip them prior to using them.
• Plug your FlashFly BASE module (with the XBee in it) into your computer.  Then start the X-CTU program.
• You should see the following (Left Image), however the USB Serial Port may be a different number depending on your computer.

• Select the appropriate com Port, then click on the MODEM Configuration TAB (looks like image on the right, above)
• Now click on the "LOAD" button under "PROFILE" and navigate to where you unzipped your config files.  Select the appropriate file either BASE or REMOTE.  Once done, then click "ALWAYS UPDATE FIRMWARE" checkbox.  Then Click "WRITE".  This will now program the XBee module with the file you selected.
• Once it is done, then unplug the BASE module and CLOSE the X-CTU program (very important!).
• Change XBee's out and then program the REMOTE XBee the same way, but make sure to select the appropriate file and mark your XBee modules correctly!

There is a lot of useful  information on the WEB for how to use and configure XBee modules (Search YouTube).  If you need further detailed help, consult the documentation on Digi's website for more advanced configurations.

Need More Help? Check these Tips out!

• Make sure your X-CTU program is NOT up and Running when using the STAMP editor.  The comm port can only be used by one program at a time.
• When using the BASIC Stamp editor, make sure you go to "edit ports" under the "Run Identify" menu and assure that only the port connected to the FlashFly Base module is enabled (select its USB Port).
• Always download the manuals for which products you purchased as they contain important information for each module.
• Watch our YouTube Video on FlashFly as it may help you understand the modules and the programming.
• Ensure the DIP switch settings on the REMOTE module are correct (See the user manual for these).
• If you are using other BASIC Stamp Programs or examples, remember that FlashFly communicates through the main Serial Port of the Stamp.  This is done using the DEBUG and DEBUGIN commands.  If you are using SEROUT/SERIN commands, both of these must reference pin "16" so that the information is routed through the main Serial Port!  (Download our example program here)
• Make sure you have the correct XBee module in the respective board (REMOTE verses BASE)
• Occasionally, on the first programming attempt after the Stamp editor is started, a user may receive a hardware error or [STAMP not found] error (incorrect DIP switch settings can cause this too). If a user does an identify Stamp, make sure a COMM port is not disabled in the Port List!
• Running more than one FlashFly system has been tested and everything works properly. However, the PAN ID on the XBee modules should NOT be the same between the two sets. Refer to the XBee manuals for more information on how to configure Pan ID’s in the X-CTU software from Digi.
• If a remote device has a significant amount of SERIAL OUT data in a tight programming loop (for example, an immediate GOTO statement back to the output line), make sure the BASIC program has a minimum of a 25 msec. delay somewhere in the program loop. This ensures the transmit module can communicate with the RX module. If a user does not have this delay, programming the Remote module may be unsuccessful.

If you are experiencing other issues, please feel free to contact us at info@bluewolfinc.com.  We will continue to add to this page from time-to-time if further tips come out!

We would love to hear from you! Please send us your videos with your device(s) using the FlashFly system.  We may ask you if we can use it on our website!