, we have commissioned / worked on a bespoke radio for PilotAware, as we couldn't find one to fit the bill....
Last time I heard from Lee the work was to make enhanced version of an off the shelf far east made radio module, as some core elements are being updated it requires complete re-testing to ensure it stays within the legal limits for everything. This sadly takes time, plus there is the actual package of Pi, DVB dongle, WiFi dongle (and GPS?) etc. to also run through a compliancy lab as a running package.
I wound't get too hung up on 'bespoke', the module was based on a chipset that is well known (if not the most current) so it would be possible for someone to make a compatible module should there be supply issues from the far east in the longer term.
If it is truly hand crafted bespoke I'd be worried as that creates a single point of failure for the entire project and quite a scary thought, potential diversity of supply is key to the long term success IMHO ( the ARF was single source). There would be little point in having a public and open P3I protocol only to find to interact you need bespoke hardware, it would be akin to a totally closed system like FLARM. One advantage of a radio from an EU/US supplier would be that they churn out hundreds of thousands of them a year (if not more) even for tweaked versions. This area of the spectrum has a wide selection available, I saw a number in a few hours at a trade show last year.
I suppose Lee or his team have experience dealing with far east design and manufacture processes so know how to get round the issues.
