Ok, here's an update I thought you might like to hear about.
I just did some initial testing for a built-in wireless solution. RJ was kind enough to lend a hand and we came up with a way (via special firmware) to use a "stripped-down" Ex/Rx as a wireless transmitter. I feel this is the best wireless solution for this portable device. Very low power consumption, yet plenty of transmit power. In my tests, the wireless connection is rock-solid throughout my entire house (3rd floor to basement, any room to any room). I haven't tested max range in a line-of-sight configuration yet, but given the performance through structures, it should be more than adequate for a test device. We've been in a holding pattern until we got this solution worked out, so we can now move forward and get a couple of prototypes put together. We're probably looking at a few weeks at the earliest before we'll have the prototype PCBs.
Attached is a photo of the Ex/Rx build as needed for the tester. One thing to note on the photo. The ICSP header could just be omitted. RJ pointed out that he successfully programs PICs by just temporarily inserting the pins from the PICKIT long enough to write the firmware. So it could be stripped down even more than is shown here.
By the way, we designed this tester so that the wireless is optional. You'll be able to build a wired-only tester if you want to save costs. You can always add the wireless at a later time. The Ex/Rx will connect to the tester as a daughterboard the same way it's used on the LE. As far as coops go, I don't know if having an "option" throws a wench into that process. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. That will be up to the coop managers.
Cheers,
Dave