How to configure my xbee s2c modules for communicating with arduinos + sensors?
X-CTU

I recommend X-CTU as it is the official Digi programming software, allows Over-the-Air programming, console access, and more. X-CTU has nothing to do with Arduino. Here is the USB adapter board I use https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UBFM03Y

Make sure if using it on linux, you add yourself to the dialout group. Example: sudo usermod -a -G dialout chris

Make sure Arduino IDE or other programs which use COM ports are closed when working with XCTU. Radio discovery can be finnicky, but it works when it works.

XCTU's download links on Digi's website are sometimes broken. Find the filename from the download page, then manually browse their ftp server for the correct version of XCTU.

If you can't get XCTU to communicate with your XBee, the rule of thumb is keep trying. It doesn't always work the first or second time. Try the different connection methods as well, from discovery to manually entering XBee serial/USB configuration. Double check the wiring as documented by your dev board.

X-CTU will only find your XBee when you have the correct baud rate entered. Your X-Bee may be in a different baud rate than you expect. When making a connection to your XBee, Use XCTU to automatically scan through all the different baud rates.

You may need to power cycle your XBee right before connecting to it, either by shorting two pins or pressing a reset button. To determine if this is necessary, check the documentation of your XBee development board.

Power

The XBee is very sensitive when it comes to power. It needs as close to 3.3V as possible. If you are attempting to remotely program the XBee using X-CTU, and the read process seems slow, it may be that the XBee is crashing when it tries to pull power. Check voltages and try again.