American quality at prices below the imports!   

Confused as to which base
station is right for YOU?


Hardly a day goes by that someone doesn't ask us for a price on a Base Station.  Actually, the term "base station" is somewhat confusing.  We think the term that more correctly identifies a radio that operates without batteries is Stationary Radio Unit or SRU. The problem is that that the meaning is completely different depending on the users needs. To properly answer the question requires asking a few questions such as how far it needs to talk and to what?  For example, an on-site users needs can generally be met by a low cost, highly efficient base station known as The Patriot. By definition, on-site generally means on specified premises such as a church, hospital, manufacturing plant, or school.  However, in many cases, the Patriot SRU is suitable for use by public safety users, particularly when a repeater is used or when special features such as Auto Answerback (the ability to automatically respond to an emergency page to verify receipt of the message).

The Patriot SRU, available in both VHF and UHF, provides verification to a dispatch operator that a message to a first responder has been received (at least at the station, if not by an individual user).  This validation of message delivery is an essential component of 9-1-1 operating protocol as well as I.S.O. requirements for fire departments.  Code Blue medical teams using voice pagers can also benefit from this capability.  Knowing that a page message has been delivered is very important to many of our users.

A Patriot SRU is capable of sending a single 2-tone code to activate a group of tone alert voice pagers such as the Motorola Minitor IV or US Alert NOVA as well as radios with 2-tone alert capability such as the Midland ProLine, Motorola CP150/200, PR400, HT750.1250/1550 and EX500/600, the Relm RP, TEKK XT series as well as the Ritron SST and SLX series.  

The Patriot SRU is also capable of decoding a 2-tone alert signal (which is used as a part of the Auto Answerback feature). The page decode feature makes the Patriot ideally suited for use as a fixed station monitor at fire stations, schools, or other locations where the use of a selective alert receiver would be beneficial.  VHF models of the Patriot SRU can be programmed for severe weather alerts issued by the National Weather service.

Compatibility with other radio systems is a common requirement.  The Patriot SRU can be programmed on up to ten channels of the users choice in the 150 -162 MHz range for the VHF model or between 450 and 470 MHz in the UHF range.  Both CTCSS and DCS privacy tone systems are programmable options as well as priority scan.

Unbelievably, the Patriot SRU measures just 1.4" x 3.8" x 5.6" (about the size of a desk calculator) and it can be used on a desk or wall mounted.  No external microphone is required.  The Patriot has a built in intercom type push to talk bar.  No external speaker or power supply is required.  Everything is in a single self contained package.  Now, are you ready for the price?  It's just $299 including programming.  Add $16 for shipping plus tax if you are in Alabama and non-exempt.  That's it!   

You can purchase the Patriot Stationary Radio Unit (SRU) on line by clicking on the applicable Buy-Me buttons below.  You can use your American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA.  Purchase orders also acceptable from approved accounts.

All 2-way radios used for business and governmental use must be licensed excluding Family Radio Service (FRS) radios - period, no exceptions, ever, for anybody except one.  The MURS (Multi Use Radio Service) is available for anyone to use - business, personal or public safety.  Five frequencies are available in the VHF 150 - 154 MHz band for fixed station, mobile, handheld or paging use.  General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies are NOT approved for commercial or governmental use. The so called color dot frequencies DO require an FCC license for use.  All licensed base stations (Stationary Radio Units) must transmit their assigned station call letters in voice or Morse code at least once every hour.  Substantial fines can result from improper operation.  Falcon Direct can assist you in obtaining an FCC license.  An optional accessory is available for Patriot fixed station equipment  that will provide automatic station identification for licensed systems.  Call us at 1.800.489.2611 for additional information.

The operating range of any base station is determined by five factors - Antenna height, antenna gain, transmission line receiver sensitivity, and transmitter power.  Contrary to what you might expect, power is the LEAST important factor.  The order of importance is as listed below with antenna height being the most important.  Answering that all important question of How far will it talk? is not easily answered, but we sum it up by providing a few examples.

If your base station will be communicating through a repeater station (click here for more information on repeater stations), the range will be equal to or slightly better than a 4 to 5 watt handheld radio using a standard 7" flex antenna.  Although the Patriot VHF base station is rated at 2 watts (3 watts for UHF), the antenna used provides approximately double the efficiency of a rubber duck.

If the Patriot is used as a stand alone base station, the range with the standard antenna provided will be about equal or slightly better than two 4 to 5 watt handheld radios talking to each other.  Range to a pager or mobile would be similar to the range of a handheld radio operating under the same conditions.

If you need more range, you can add an external antenna since the Patriot uses a standard quick disconnect BNC connector.  We offer several base station antenna models to meet a variety of needs as listed below.  You can click on the applicable Buy-Me button to purchase on line.

User information.  Products sold by USA Radio are warranted to be technically compliant with the manufacturers specifications.  No other warranty relative to use of the equipment or related service, when applicable, is expressed or implied.  USA Radio makes no claim for suitability or fitness of users purpose or application.  USA Radio is not responsible for claims arising from the use of equipment or services provided by or through USA Radio in which there are losses attributed to the use or application of equipment and/or related services.  User agrees to these terms as a condition of purchase

The above calculations assume an antenna mounting height of 15 feet at the antenna base.  Greater range is possible by installing the antenna at an area of high elevation over average terrain and/or erecting a tower (this can get expensive).  If you would like a quote on a tower, just give us a call at 1.800.489.2611.

Copyright 2007 - USA Radios of Alabama Inc.
This page was last updated on 10/27/2007

 
     American quality at prices below the imports!  
36 - 20th Avenue NW - Birmingham, AL 35215
Phone Toll Free - 1.800.489.2611