XBee is good; Synapse is just better. More I/O, embedded python, and generally better range at comparable cost! Synapse Wireless provides reliable RF Engines®that support a range of frequencies and bandwidths. These small, low-power, transceiver modules, commonly run in the 915MHz & 2.4GHz spectrums, have a maximum extended range of up to three miles LOS (Line-Of-Sight) and the lowest power consumption in the industry. These RF Engines come pre-loaded with the SNAP® network operating system which allows the nodes to be natively mesh networked. Typical applications include wireless serial port(s), sensor monitoring, actuator control, or an intelligent embedded controller - the possibilities are limitless. Synapse takes 802.15.4 Zigbee/XBee style communication one step further, and makes it smart.

This particular RF module includes a user programmable (via python-based scripts), embedded ATmega128RFA1 microcontroller that can be programmed for all kinds of applications including remote sensor monitoring, mesh networking, and/or peripheral activation.  Other notable features include: very high communication speeds (up to 2Mbps), large transmission range (up to 3 miles LOS at 250Kps with SMA antenna), wide Low voltage TTL operating range (1.8 - 3.6V), 7 Analog-to-Digital Inputs, 6 PWM Outputs, 9 Interrupt capable pins, I2C (TWI), SPI, 2 x UARTs, & amazingly low power capabilities (1.6uA sleep current).

SMA antenna not included but can be purchased here.

Feature List

• RF100 footprint & pinout compatible
• Embedded ATmega128RFA1 on-board
• 2 x UART ports for LVTTL serial control or transparent data
• Able to be configured to wirelessly program Arduino Uno & Mega 2560
• Socket-able (2mm spacing) or solder-able
• SNAP, instant-on, self-healing, mesh network operating system
• 802.15.4 Protocol at 2.4GHz
• Maximum range performance: 3 mile outdoor range (LOS) at 250kbps
• 24 pins, with 20 general purpose I/O, 7 of which can be 10-bit A/D inputs
• 6 pins configurable for PWM, and 9 Interrupt capable pins
• I2C communication (Pins 19, 20)
• SPI communication (Pins 14, 15, 16)
• JTAG communication (Pins 17, 18, 19 , 20)
• 128k flash memory (58.5k available for user applications)
• Embedded Python
• Can be used stand-alone (no additional microcontroller required)
• Low power mode of 1.6uA with internal timer running
• Supply voltage: 2.7V~3.6V
• Transmit Current: 80mA (Typ)
• Receive Current: 20mA
• Sleep Current: 1.6uA
• FCC certified on all 16 channels (2.4GHz)
• Spread spectrum (DSSS) technology resists noisy environments

Links

• Datasheet for RF200PD1
• Synapse Module Comparison Chart
• Wireless control of 3 watt RGB LEDs with Synapse Wireless RF200 Modules

• [Documentation]: Synapse Comparison Chart - Aug 24 2012
• [Documentation]: Getting Started with Synapse Tutorial
• [Data Sheet]: Synapse RF200PD1 Rev 2.0 Datasheet - 2012
• [Data Sheet]: ATMEGA128RFA1 Datasheet