Because wireless ZigBee technology is designed for a variety of applications, MaxStream has created a variety of XBee development kits to meet the diverse needs of OEMs and systems integrators.

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The XBee professional developer's kit is MaxStream's premier solution for developers looking to maximize the forthcoming mesh networking capabilities of the ZigBee standard. The kit (starting at $339) includes five OEM RF modules and five enhanced development boards with RS-232 or USB connectivity. The additional pushbuttons and LED indicators on the redesigned development boards mimic the Freescale Semiconductor ZigBee development boards, allowing for greater customization and testing. Wireless communication is made possible via the two XBee-PRO modules and the three XBee modules that are included with the kit.

For those looking to develop strictly with low-cost, point-to-point wireless communications, the XBee-PRO starter kit (starting at $179) and XBee starter kit (starting at $129) make it possible to establish a reliable RF link in minutes. Included are either two XBee-PRO or two XBee modules with integrated wire whip antennas, as well as an RS-232 and USB development board.

All the necessary cables and testing components are included with each of the new development kits and have options for loading 802.15.4, ZigBee or Freescale SMAC software. The three new XBee development kits will replace the current XBee development kit this month.