# USB explorer 3.3V power pin

**URL:** <https://forums.digi.com/t/usb-explorer-3-3v-power-pin/15656>\
**Category:** XBee & XBee Gateway\
**Tags:** power, 3v, usb-explorer, 3, xbee\
**Created:** [October 26, 2015, 5:05pm UTC](https://forums.digi.com/t/usb-explorer-3-3v-power-pin/15656 "2015-10-26T17:05:58Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![jekain314](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3ab097/32.png) [@jekain314](https://forums.digi.com/u/jekain314)\
**Post date:** [October 26, 2015, 5:05pm UTC](https://forums.digi.com/t/usb-explorer-3-3v-power-pin/15656/1 "2015-10-26T17:05:58Z")

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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).

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**Author:** ![mvut](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forums.digi.com/mvut/32/31_2.png) [@mvut](https://forums.digi.com/u/mvut)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2015, 10:24am UTC](https://forums.digi.com/t/usb-explorer-3-3v-power-pin/15656/2 "2015-10-27T10:24:57Z")

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As the board you are referring to is manufactured by Spark Fun Electronics, I would strongly recommend asking Spark Fun this question.