The name to know in wireless communications!

We are often asked…….

to provide pricing on a base station.  The proper answer does not come easily.  The reason is there are many factors to consider, starting with whether or not the user has a license to operate a base station.

In public safety applications, many users assume if the main county licensee agrees to allow installation of a base station by a particular department that everything is OK.  Generally speaking, this is NOT OK!  While it is true that the primarily licensee may be authorized to allow others to use pagers, handheld, or mobile radios, it is unlikely that that licensee has the authority to authorize fixed station operation.  So, if you require a fixed station, what are your alternatives?

If you desired to operate your base station on the same frequency as others in your area, it will be necessary to obtain an FCC license.  This requires payment of a preparation and coordination fee.  The fee is based on whether you apply for a single frequency (simplex) or repeater (duplex) authorization.  For individual departments, it is most common to apply for a simplex single frequency license to allow compatibility with other users in your area.  The cost will vary depending on whether you are a Business, Fire, EMS, Institutional or Police user.  As a general rule, assume a cost of $500 for a single frequency station or $750 for a repeater.  Assume a delay of several months or more for processing by the Coordinator and the FCC.  In most cases, a third party is recommended to prepare and submit your application to the Coordinator who in turn submits the coordinated application to the FCC.  One of the better ones is Josie Lynch at Professional Licensing Services in Rockville, MD.

There are two options worthy of consideration.  If you operate in the VHF (150-174 MHz band), you can operate WITHOUT A LICENSE under the rules of the Multi User Radio Service (MURS).  Additional information is available on the web by clicking here. There are some limitations relative to antenna height, power output, etc. but MURS would be an excellent choice for rural users.  In effect, you could operate on your private MURS frequency while monitoring the main dispatch channel.  Not a bad alternative! UHF users can apply for a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license if the application is for personal use.  There is a nominal application preparation and FCC licensing fee (no coordination required).  Additional information is available at the aforementioned web site in the GMRS section.  Preparation and submission cost should not exceed $150.   You also have the option of preparing your own application to reduce the cost.  Details are available at www.fcc.gov. .

After addressing the type of operation required (simplex or repeater) and the licensing procedure desired, you are ready to select the equipment best suited for your individual requirements.  Before proceeding, we should point out the function and components of a base station.  

The function of a base station is to essentially provide communications from a fixed location using AC power rather than DC power.  In essence, a typical base station is nothing more than a merging of components based on a standard 12 volt DC mobile. The first component to be added is an AC power supply.  If power greater than 50 watts is deemed necessary, an amplifier (typically on the order of 100 watts) is added.  Sometimes, optional accessories such as desk microphones, paging encoders, phone patches, and lightning protection are added.  The fact is that the heart of the system is based on a standard mobile radio.

There is another option that is used as a base station component.  A duplexer is a device that allows a radio to transmit and receive at the same time (as opposed to the conventional push-to-talk, release-to-listen mode associate with simplex radio communications).  This simultaneous talk and listen capability is known as the duplex mode.  The advantage of a duplex station is that it can repeat calls between mobile or handheld radios that would not be able to communicate directly.  This is a significant benefit for handheld radio users operating over extended areas or by public safety users requiring long range communications between widely separated mobile or handheld radios.

The key to the successful operation of any base station is based on three factors.  First, the station should be at the geographical center of the area of operations.  Second, the antenna should be located as high as possible.  Third, an efficient antenna and low loss transmission cable with the shortest possible length will assure maximum performance.  A low powered station with a proper antenna system can outperform a high powered model.  This is particularly true for repeater stations due to the effect of a high powered transmitter operating in close proximity to the associated receiver.

If you are contemplating upgrading an existing simplex system to repeater operation, there are several factors to be considered.  First, you need to address the requirement for FCC licensing.  We can assist you in this area.  Just send us an email at sales@falconwireless.net or call us at (205) 854-2611.  A repeater requires two frequencies - one for transmitting and the other for receiving.  These two frequencies may be new frequencies or a second frequency added to an existing frequency.  Your existing handheld and mobile radios must be reprogrammed with the repeater frequency pair in order to function with the repeater.

In our MOBILE information package, we note that any mobile radio can be used as a base station by adding an optional AC power supply.  A real base station is designed to operate on AC power with no external devices required.  Ideally, the station should be able to operate either in the simplex (single frequency) or duplex (paired frequencies).  For your consideration, we have provided information on four of our most popular base stations.  Here they are!

Falcon Wireless Base Stations

Manufacturer	Ritron	Ritron	Motorola	Motorola
Feature	D-Series	Liberty	GR1225	RKR1225
System Type	Simplex	Simplex/Duplex	Simplex/Duplex	Simplex/Duplex
Operating Mode	Base station	Base/Repeater	Base/Repeater	Base/Repeater
Operating bands	VHF or UHF	VHF or UHF	VHF or UHF	VHF or UHF
Number of channels	Up to 10	1	Up to 16*	Up to 16*
Priority scan	Yes	No	No	No
NOAA Weather alerting	Yes (VHF Model)	No	No	No
Transmitter power	2 watts	2 watts	Up to 45 watts	Up to 100 watts
Duplexer included	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Microphone	Built in speaker-mic	Not included	Not included	Not included
Antenna	Helical	Not included	Not included	Not included
Antenna connector	BNC	Type N	Type N	Type N
Factory warranty	2 years	2 years	1 year	1 year
Dual mode 12.5/25 kHz	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
CTCSS and DCS	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Time out timer	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
UHF Price	$295	$895	$1,745	$4,495
VHF Price	$295	Not available	$1,745	$4,495
Remote hand mic adds	$19	$49	$49	$49
Desk microphone adds	Not available	Not available	$99	$99
LCD Channel display	Yes	Not required	Yes	Yes
Morse code Station ID	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
2-Tone Paging	Yes (Decode/Encode)	No	No	No
Dimensions	1.4"H X 3.8"W X 5.6"D	2.125" X 8.0" X 5.75"	8"H x 10"W x 14"D	5.25" x 19" x 13.5"
Weight	1 lb.	3.5 lbs.	35 lbs.	40 lbs.

* Note:  The duplexer used on a repeater station is tuned to a specific frequency.  Although the radio is capable of being programmed on up to 16 different channels, it would be necessary to retune the duplexer if any channel were used other than the one of which the duplexer was originally tuned.  As a practical issue, repeater is a single channel device.  Retuning of a duplexer is a relatively complex and expensive process.

Post Sale Service Plans

Customer is responsible for return to Motorola or Ritron as applicable during warranty term with two exceptions.  Defective radio(s) can be dropped off to Falcon Wireless who ships to the applicable manufacturer and returns to customer ($35 charge).  Falcon can also provide a loaner radio (model may be different than customer radio) by adding $40. Next Day Exchange (N.D.E.) provides a replacement radio  (same model type) within 24 hours.  Falcon sends UPS call tag to pick up defective unit and pays for all shipping.  Cost is $29 on the Ritron D-Series radios or $89 for the Liberty Repeater. The cost is $178 annually on the Motorola GR1225 or $450 on the Motorola RXR1225.  After the warranty period, there is a choice of time and materials shop service, flat rate repair, or annual contract plans.  See chart below for applicable charges.  Prices include standard ground shipping via UPS.

* Note:  Flat rate repair service is not available on Motorola Base/Repeaters.  Repair cost on a time and material basis would be calculated at $80 per hour plus parts and shipping.  Add $.80 per mile one way from our shop to your location if on-site service is desired.  Damage caused by lightning, floods, or misuse is not covered under either warranty or Next Day Exchange plans.

Antenna and cable Systems

Base antennas & cable	Item	Description	Price
	Antenex Model FG1523	Antenex model FG1523 fiberglass omni directional VHF base station antenna.150-174 MHz 3db gain  (5 dB UHF) Gold Fiberglass Base Station antennas are collinear designs enclosed in a high density fiberglass, which is covered with a protective ultraviolet inhibiting coating. Mounting bracket set model FM2 included.  Oversize UPS shipping charges will apply.	$209
	Decibel Model DB-224	Decibel Products DB-224 is a 5.25 db exposed dipole base station antenna used for maximum range.  A UHF model is also available at the same price with a 10.0 omni-directional gain.   Mounting bracket for standard 2" pipe included. Oversize shipping charges will apply. Shipping weight approximately 50 lbs.  Shipping by Motor carrier only.	$749
	Cable Kits RG213 Heliax 1/2"	We offer two cable kits.  For lengths of up to 100', we offer low loss RG213 with dual Type N connectors at a cost of $1.50 per foot.  For lengths over 100', we recommend the ultra low loss 1/2" Heliax cable at a cost of $3.00 per foot plus $50 for connectors (Type N normally provided although other connectors can be supplied on request.	RG213 - $1.50 per foot Heliax - $3.00 per foot plus $50 for connectors

Note:  Other accessories may be required for installation.  If the antenna is to be mounted on an existing tower, a side mount bracket may be required.  The Antenex antenna can be installed on a CB/TV type mast since it weighs only 3 lbs and is approximately 6' in height.  The DB-224 is approximately 20' high and weighs approximately 40 lbs.  This antenna is designed for mounting on a commercial grade tower such as the Rohn #25G. If you have any questions, please send us an email at sales@falconwireless.net or call (205) 854-2611.

Base Station Accessories

Base station accessories	Item	Description	Price
	Polyphaser	The Polyphaser provides lightning protection on the transmission cable. Direct lightning strike damage caused by entry through the antenna feed line is greatly reduced by adding this device.	$69
	UPS Surge Protection	Our new Sy-Com surge protector provides protection for both AC outlets and phone lines plus UPS battery back-up for critical application equipment such as PC's telephone switches, or anything else you need protected for sags, spikes, surges, and even lightning!	$99
	Paging Encoder	The P1000 paging encoder can be connected to any of our base station to provide the ability to selectively call up to 999 individual pagers, with or without group call. Custom installation cable for selected radio is included.	$349

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