XBees are wireless transceivers from Digi that implement the Zigbee protocol. They are simple devices that we can use to set up serial communications between our applications. Using the XBee tutorial you will have your devices talking in no time!
The unit is light weight (2.5 lb), portable, low cost ($10-$20) and can be used to recharge single
cell batteries at from 1-3.5 amps. It can be made from a cordless electric drill in a primitive
environment. The simplest way of how to make a hand crank DC generator using a standard 12,
14.4 or 18 Volt Cordless drill
With no modification hook an alligator
clip jumper to the two charging terminals (on the bottom that the battery plugs into). See picture
below. Note that when a 14.4 Volt drill is laid down pointing to the left then the upper terminal is
most likely to be the plus and the lower terminal the minus for these units.