Base station radios are simply mobile radios which are stationary. They usually sit on a desktop and have a power supply attached within a frame, along with an external antenna. While the radio is not portable, you gain considerable power and range with a base station radio.

The basic components of a Base Station radio are made up of:

• Radio
• Power Supply
• Cabinet to house radio & power supply
• Antenna usually fixed to a high point outside the building (sold separately)
• Microphone & optional external speaker

Base Station radios generally come with transmit power levels of 25 to 100 watts.  Typically the standard power for good operation is between 25 to 50 watts. This power level is adequate for most user communication needs. Power levels above 50 watts are typically used in urban environments where high penetration of structures is needed, or in rural areas where long-range communication is required.

To get the longest range, use an antenna installed outside and mounted as high as possible. But, if range is not an issue, the simplest antenna solution is a mag mount mobile antenna placed on a metal surface such as a file cabinet.