Comms and Tracking

Satellite trackers:

Spot Trace
Description: Intended for mounting on a boat, car, caravan etc, no user interaction. Continuous tracking mode that reports positions to a webpage. Uses the Globalstar satellite network in a simplex method. No ability to test if mesage got through. External power hookup or internal AAA batteries.
Price: $99 + $199/year for service
URL: https://www.findmespot.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=38

Spot Gen3
Description: Handheld tracking unit intended for hikers and bikers. Continuous tracking mode available. Uses the Globalstar satellite network in a simplex method. No ability to test if mesage got through. Powered via internal AAA batteries.
Price: $150 + $199/year for service
URL: https://www.findmespot.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=29

Rock Block
Description: Iridium short burst data modem using the Iridium 9603 module. Two way messaging, global coverage, confirmed delivery.
Price: £159 + £10 per month and between £0.11 and £0.04 per 50 characters.
URL: http://www.rock7mobile.com/products-rockblock-9603

Yellow Brick
Description: Integrated GPS and Iridium SBD module. Handheld and externally mounted versions available.
Price: £399 handheld, £469 mounted
URL: https://www.ybtracking.com/products-yb3

Xeos Onyx
Description: Iridium based asset tracker. Remotely reconfigurable transmit intervals.
Price: ?
URL: http://www.xeostech.com/onyx

Smart One tracker
Description: Globalsat based asset tracker. Intended for mounting on the outside of a container.
Price: $135 + $12.50 - $30.00 per month, $0.05 per message except on $30 plan.
URL: https://www.globaltelesat.co.uk/smartone-c-satellite-tracker

Short range radio systems:

These radios are useful for debugging and testing, but don't have sufficient range for Microtransat position reporting.

LoRA (RFM95W)
Description: Long range, low power, low bandwidth radio modems. Up to 50km range. Available on 433/868 MHz in EU and 915 MHz for USA/Canada.
Price: £17
URL: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/1251259/?cm_mmc=en-ds--web--ds:inspiration:technology-hub:internet-of-things:rf-lora-the-50km-radio-module_fp-_-1251259

Moteino (Arduino + RFM95W), $25, https://lowpowerlab.com/shop/product/99

Xbee
Description: 2.4 GHz (or 868 or 915 MHz) Zigbee compatible radio modem. Can operate as virtual serial link. Range up to 1 mile on 2.4 GHz or 6 miles on 868/915 MHz.
Price: £45 per module
URL: https://coolcomponents.co.uk/products/xbee-pro-50mw-module-with-rpsma-series-zb