# Can ufl xbee module work without connected antenna? **URL:** \ **Category:** Uncategorized\ **Created:** [28 May 2021 03:13 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/can-ufl-xbee-module-work-without-connected-antenna/10285 "2021-05-28T03:13:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SO123](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@SO123](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/SO123)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2021 03:13 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/can-ufl-xbee-module-work-without-connected-antenna/10285/1 "2021-05-28T03:13:11Z")
I bought two ufl xbee modules from you and was able to connect both to a PC via USB links. I was able to write /setup their communication protocol variables. However, when I tried to setup transparent or AT mode. Neither xbee was able to find each other regardless of the setup options that can be found online. I then was trying to see if the lack of a UFL antenna explains and tried to repeat the above by putting the modules as close as possible but to no avail. Does the lack of a connected UFL present xbees finding each other wirelessly ? ---
**Author:** ![Liam120347](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/liam120347/32/5003_2.png) [@Liam120347](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Liam120347)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2021 07:43 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/can-ufl-xbee-module-work-without-connected-antenna/10285/2 "2021-05-28T07:43:31Z")
Hi SO, I would imagine so, do you have a link or part number there so we can take a look for you? Without an attached antenna sometimes you can even damage the board! Liam. ---
**Author:** ![SO123](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@SO123](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/SO123)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2021 08:20 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/can-ufl-xbee-module-work-without-connected-antenna/10285/3 "2021-05-28T08:20:26Z")
Thanks Liam. the devices - ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/6/649adb25c9b5adb1a582632233a7263379bef165.png) cannot find any device. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/9/9bb6d927c5a72b4a7315e6d6d2de8a00c603c2db.png) 1st device - ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/7/71f0c0a349d1a92fa8bd060048b123e917644f38.png) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/0/08e97a3950e2ec78c25bc8d5fa8393c7f2de74a3.png) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/6/68873482ffe20d4cf0171be8af1cebe08ee664f9.png) More pic to follow. Hope to get some insights! ---
**Author:** ![SO123](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@SO123](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/SO123)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2021 08:20 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/can-ufl-xbee-module-work-without-connected-antenna/10285/4 "2021-05-28T08:20:59Z")
![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/b/bcdbd1b750a65638beafe8bc3a51243842e4e848.png) 2nd device - ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/4/4fc06c264d59e9bda0530fe63df8a49febd688b2.png) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/c/cd6389c1ca8ddb123ffeefc93a381d1674ff5872.png) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/5/59b1f7f10536ec2eb756e9fb25e1ead6777a994b.png) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/d/d13eb3989577ffd7e7632ba90c57cbd76438d20b.png) ---
**Author:** ![SO123](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@SO123](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/SO123)\ **Post date:** [28 May 2021 08:23 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/can-ufl-xbee-module-work-without-connected-antenna/10285/5 "2021-05-28T08:23:03Z")
the setup ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/6/630b928c91c0b08b9d9dd10173c9b9cb0b88216c.jpeg) ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/2/2a7fd43192352f7dd25b27d9ba1d0b5d33ff747c.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![James](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/james/32/4400_2.png) [@James](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/James)\ **Post date:** [1 June 2021 01:09 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/can-ufl-xbee-module-work-without-connected-antenna/10285/7 "2021-06-01T01:09:53Z")
Hi SO, I’d strongly advise against using the modules without an antenna. As @Liam120347 mentioned, it can cause damage to the units, There are a few options depending on what sort of form factor you were looking for: > **[RP-SMA to uFL/u.FL/IPX/IPEX RF Adapter Cable](https://core-electronics.com.au/rp-sma-to-ufl-u-fl-ipx-ipex-rf-adapter-cable.html)** > > This RF adapter cable is super handy for anyone doing RF work. Often times, small electronics save space by having a pick-and-placeable u.FL connector (also called .. read more > **[PCB Antenna - U.FL (2.4GHz)](https://core-electronics.com.au/pcb-antenna-u-fl-2-4ghz.html)** > > This small form-factor antenna offers a 2.4GHz frequency range. These antennas offer adhesive backing that simplifies mounting within the device for a FPC or PCB. .. read more > **[2.4GHz U.FL Antenna - Panel Mount](https://core-electronics.com.au/2-4ghz-u-fl-antenna-panel-mount.html)** > > Duck antennas offer great range in a rugged option for wireless technologies. This 2.4GHz Antenna adds the ability to be directly panel-mounted. It plugs in through .. read more > **[2.4GHz Dipole Swivel Antenna with RP-SMA - 5dBi](https://core-electronics.com.au/2-4ghz-dipole-swivel-antenna-with-rp-sma-5dbi.html)** > > This 8 There’s tons more in the Core Electronics range, just make sure you stick to the 2.4GHz that these modules operate at. Keen to see you getting it working 🙂 -James ---
**Author:** ![Robert93820](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@Robert93820](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Robert93820)\ **Post date:** [1 June 2021 02:12 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/can-ufl-xbee-module-work-without-connected-antenna/10285/8 "2021-06-01T02:12:45Z")
Re using with no antenna > [@James](#): > > it can cause damage to the units Lots of damage. Like destroying the transmitter. Cheers Bob ---
**Author:** ![SO123](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@SO123](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/SO123)\ **Post date:** [1 June 2021 03:34 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/can-ufl-xbee-module-work-without-connected-antenna/10285/9 "2021-06-01T03:34:42Z")
Thanks for the advice. The issue appears to the missing antennas, and now they talks to each other. ---
**Author:** ![Liam](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/liam/32/3562_2.png) [@Liam](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Liam)\ **Post date:** [1 June 2021 04:55 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/can-ufl-xbee-module-work-without-connected-antenna/10285/10 "2021-06-01T04:55:22Z")
Hey SO, Welcome to the forum! Glad to hear you got it up and running! Excellent note for future makers regarding the use of antennas Bob and Liam! Liam.