Pololu 1337/1336 Wixel Programmable USB Wireless Module
Pololu 1337/1336 Wixel Programmable USB Wireless Module
Pololu 1337/1336 Wixel Programmable USB Wireless Module
The Pololu Wixel is a programmable wireless module featuring an integrated USB interface and a CC2511F32 microcontroller, enabling developers to create wireless communication systems without external RF expertise. Professional embedded systems engineers, IoT developers, and roboticists use the Wixel for building custom wireless applications including remote sensor networks, wireless robot control, and point-to-point data transmission. This module solves the complexity of implementing reliable wireless communication by providing a pre-engineered platform with built-in USB connectivity and simplified programming through the Wixel IDE based on Processing.
Product Overview
The Pololu 1337/1336 Wixel operates on the principle of direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) technology using the 2.4 GHz ISM band, which is globally unlicensed and ideal for short-range wireless applications. The module integrates a Texas Instruments CC2511F32 microcontroller with an embedded 802.15.4 compatible transceiver, delivering a 250 kbps data rate with a typical range of 50-100 meters in open space. The USB interface allows direct connection to computers for programming and power supply, while the 32 KB of flash memory provides ample space for custom firmware development. The module features 4 KB of RAM for runtime variables and includes multiple GPIO pins for sensor integration and peripheral control.
What distinguishes the Wixel from generic wireless modules is its dual-module capability, allowing two units to communicate wirelessly while maintaining independent USB connections to separate computers or power sources. The built-in bootloader enables over-the-air firmware updates, reducing deployment complexity in field applications. The Wixel IDE provides a beginner-friendly programming environment with pre-built libraries for wireless communication, serial data handling, and GPIO operations, making it accessible to developers while maintaining the flexibility required for advanced applications.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | Programmable Wireless USB Module |
| Brand | Pololu |
| Model Numbers | 1337 and 1336 |
| Origin | Original/Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
| Microcontroller | Texas Instruments CC2511F32 |
| Frequency Band | 2.4 GHz ISM Band |
| Data Rate | 250 kbps |
| Wireless Range | 50-100 meters line-of-sight |
| Flash Memory | 32 KB |
| RAM | 4 KB |
| GPIO Pins | Multiple configurable digital and analog I/O |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V to 5V via USB |
| Current Consumption | Approximately 20-40 mA active, 1 mA sleep mode |
| Programming Environment | Wixel IDE (Processing-based) |
Key Features
- Integrated USB connectivity for direct computer interface and power supply without external power sources
- CC2511F32 microcontroller with 32 KB flash and 4 KB RAM for substantial custom firmware implementation
- 802.15.4 compatible transceiver providing reliable point-to-point and multi-node wireless communication
- Dual-module wireless pairing capability allowing two independent Wixels to communicate while maintaining separate USB connections
- Over-the-air firmware update functionality through bootloader support for field deployment flexibility
- Wixel IDE with Processing-based syntax and pre-built wireless libraries for rapid prototyping
- Multiple GPIO pins supporting digital I/O, PWM, and analog input for sensor and actuator integration
- Low power sleep modes consuming approximately 1 mA for battery-powered applications
Applications and Use Cases
- Wireless sensor networks for environmental monitoring with multiple Wixel nodes collecting temperature, humidity, and pressure data from distributed locations
- Remote robot control systems where a master Wixel transmits motor commands and receives sensor feedback from a slave Wixel mounted on a mobile platform
- Point-to-point wireless data bridges connecting legacy serial devices to modern systems without physical cabling constraints
- IoT prototyping platforms for testing wireless communication protocols and mesh networking topologies before production deployment
- Educational robotics and embedded systems projects where students need hands-on wireless communication experience with manageable complexity
- Wireless gamepad and human-machine interface applications transmitting button states and analog joystick values to computer systems
- Home automation sensor nodes for monitoring door/window status, motion detection, and environmental conditions across multiple rooms
- Industrial equipment monitoring systems transmitting diagnostic data from machinery to centralized data collection points wirelessly
How to Use
Begin by installing the Wixel IDE from Pololu's official website on your computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux. Connect your Wixel module to a USB port on your computer, which will automatically power the device and establish a virtual serial communication port. Launch the Wixel IDE and open the example sketches provided in the application to understand the basic wireless communication framework. The IDE uses Processing-based syntax, making it familiar to Arduino developers, with built-in functions like radioComRxDoneHandler() for receiving wireless packets and radioComTxPacket() for transmitting data.
For two-module wireless communication, ensure both Wixels are programmed with compatible firmware that establishes a wireless link through the radioComInit() function. The first Wixel acts as the transmitter and the second as the receiver, with data passed through the USB serial interface to your host application. Configure GPIO pins for your specific application using pinMode() and digitalWrite() functions, and integrate sensor reading logic within the main loop. Test communication by opening the serial monitor in the IDE to verify packet transmission and reception. For advanced applications, utilize the 32 KB flash memory to store application-specific data and implement custom protocols beyond the standard wireless communication framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum wireless range of the Pololu 1337/1336 Wixel?
The Wixel achieves a typical wireless range of 50-100 meters in open line-of-sight conditions. Range varies significantly based on environmental factors including wall materials, metal objects, and electromagnetic interference. Indoor range typically reduces to 20-30 meters depending on building construction. Testing in your specific environment is recommended before deployment in critical applications.
Can I program the Wixel without prior microcontroller experience?
Yes, the Wixel IDE uses Processing-based syntax which is beginner-friendly and similar to Arduino programming. Pololu provides extensive documentation and example sketches covering wireless communication, GPIO control, and serial communication. However, basic understanding of programming concepts and familiarity with the Processing language will accelerate your development process significantly.
How do I implement over-the-air firmware updates on the Wixel?
The Wixel bootloader supports wireless firmware updates through a master-slave configuration. Program your master Wixel with bootloader firmware that can receive new firmware packets wirelessly and program them into the slave Wixel's flash memory. This requires implementing a custom bootloader protocol and is recommended only for advanced users familiar with microcontroller memory management and wireless packet handling.
What power consumption should I expect in different operating modes?
Active wireless transmission and reception consume approximately 20-40 mA at 3.3V. Sleep mode reduces consumption to approximately 1 mA, enabling battery-powered applications with extended runtime. The actual consumption depends on your application's duty cycle, transmission frequency, and GPIO peripheral usage. Calculate total power requirements by measuring your specific firmware's behavior with a multimeter or power analyzer.
Can multiple Wixels communicate in a mesh network topology?
The standard Wixel firmware supports point-to-point communication between two modules. Implementing mesh networking requires custom firmware development to handle multi-hop routing, packet forwarding, and network topology management. This is an advanced application requiring deep understanding of wireless networking protocols and the CC2511F32 microcontroller architecture.
When will I receive my order?
Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.
What is your return and warranty policy?
We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.
Are bulk discounts available?
Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.
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- Returns: 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only
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