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

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

A 3 dB VHF mobile type antenna with magnet mount and 17 feet of cable (increases transmit and receive capability by a factor of 2X).  Normal range to a handheld or pager in most conditions is up to 1 miles.  This antenna is approximately 30" in height and weighs just a few pounds with cable and connectors.  Part Number AT101. 
Price - $50.