The USB Explorer from Sparkfun seems to be the preferred way to access the xbee pins on a breadboard.
Can you explain how the device can be powered when the USB is NOT plugged in? There is a 5V pin and a 3.3V pin. I would assume that either can be used – but not both. Also, I notice that when the 3.3V pin is used for power, that the LEDs do not function to show tx, rx, power. Is this correct? Would these lights work if I used the 5V pin for input?
Also, can you state how the remaining pins such as RTS, DTR, etc should be set (float, high, low).