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There are two transmit power settings for the GMRS channels. FRS only channels are set to low power and cannot be changed as to comply with FCC Part 95 regulation. Setting transmit power to low helps to conserve battery life while operating on DC power. The range is comparable to the standard bubble pack two-way walkie-talkie. It does not have extraordinary range, however, it is comparable for a unit with attached antenna. I was able to easy communicate in town between this unit and a mobile, neither operating on more than 1 watt, over 12 city blocks with hills and trees being common where I live. There are two transmit power settings for the GMRS channels. FRS only channels are set to low power and cannot be changed as to comply with FCC Part 95 regulation. Setting transmit power to low helps to conserve battery life while operating on DC power. The range is comparable to the standard bubble pack two-way walkie-talkie. It does not have extraordinary range, however, it is comparable for a unit with attached antenna. I was able to easily communicate in town between this unit and a mobile, neither operating on more than 1 watt, over 12 city blocks with hills and trees being common where I live. The mobile was 500mw and the XT511 set to low transmit power. There is no manual squelch for the transceiver. Sometimes weak signals from your party can be missed because the hard coded squelch cuts the transmission out. It does have, however, a "monitor" button that will deactivate squelch. While in this mode you will hear static and weak transmissions. So basically, this unit can operate squelch on, or off.There is no manual squelch for the transceiver. Sometimes weak signals from your party can be missed because the hard coded squelch cuts the transmission out. It does have, however, a "monitor" button that will deactivate squelch. While in this mode you will hear static and weak transmissions. So basically, this unit can operate squelch on, or off. It would definitely be better if the squelch level was adjustable.HAND MIC because it is a speaker mic. This is normal operation.''" I didn't like the fact that when attached, all speaker audio ceased coming from the base unit and only emitted from the handheld speaker/microphone. I would prefer it was more like a traditional transceiver whereas the handheld button mic was a mic only and sound continued to emanate from the base unit. By cutting the speaker plug from the connector the hand attachment becomes a mic only. However, this is a modification that would void your warranty. HAND MIC because it is a speaker mic. This is normal operation.''" I didn't like the fact that when attached, all speaker audio ceased coming from the base unit and only emitted from the handheld mic. I would prefer it was more like a traditional transceiver whereas the handheld button mic was a mic only and sound continued to emanate from the base unit. By cutting the speaker plug from the connector the hand attachment becomes a mic only. However, this is a modification that would void your warranty. The unit could use more rechargeable storage. It will operate from dusk to dawn on battery power if not used to make a lot of transmissions. I will not go 24 hours while monitoring GMRS channels. Bring along extra batteries on your camping trip or be prepared to use the crank feature a lot.# Ability to listen to broadcast radio while monitoring one of the 22 FRS/GMRS channels. It should cut in when a transmission is received.# Ability to listen to broadcast radio while monitoring one of the 22 FRS/GMRS channels. It should override broadcast radio and cut in when a transmission is received.# Ability to adjust the squelch level on the transceiver.# Ability to adjust the squelch level on the transceiver. # Ability to switch sound from mic back to base unit while mic is attached# Ability to switch sound from mic back to base unit while mic is attached. In all fairness, the hand microphone is designed more like a police radio rather than a [[CB Radio]] microphone. However, I find this awkward for a "base station" style unit. The design would be more logical on a smaller mobile unit like the police walkie talkies. Again, a simple toggle switch would resolve this shortcoming and give the owner the option of using the attachable mic as a mic only.Overall I liked the size of the unit and the attached carry handle is a benefit. The unit rests well in an upright position so that it doesn't fall over easily on an non-level surface such as an outdoor picnick table. And finally, the unit retained a charge throughout the day on battery power while monitoring and scanning FRS/GMRS channels with some light transmitter use. Until something better comes along in this very budget friendly price range with those missing features mentioned prior, I will recommend this unit.Overall I liked the size of the unit and the sturdy attached carry handle is a good design. The unit rests well in an upright position so that it doesn't fall over easily on non-level surfaces such as an outdoor picnic table. Some of the limitations are reasonable for a unit in this price range. After all, for the price there really is no competing product on the market as of this writing. Yet, some of the missing options could be implemented without adding much if anything to the price, and would be well worth it. I would like to see an updated model Base Camp radio released by Midland that will dual monitor AM/FM broadcast and a selected GMRS channel with adjustable squelch control. That alone would make this a 5 star product!