Left unchanged the usual power output of a Baofeng 888s is between one and two watts, though it can vary from radio to radio. I am suspicious however that it makes little difference whether you choose either the high or low power setting, the end result seems very similar to me. That said this two watts can be quite useful particularly if fed into an external antenna, but some node builders utilise a low power modification to make their nodes more of a short-range hotspot.

Although a little fiddly the low power mod is simple, just remove the final stage transistor which I have ringed in red in the top photo and replace it with a suitable capacitor as shown in the photo above, this results in around a 100 mw power output.

The advantages of this type of modification will include lower power consumption, less heat generated in the node if it is left connected for long periods of time, and less chance of RF breakthrough. 

Alternatively, some node builders just remove the inductor which is the copper coloured coil situated immediately on the right of the final stage transistor but leave the transistor itself intact. This will result in even lower power output and is a very much easier modification. This probably the best way to go for a first time builder who wants a ” hot spot ” type node.

To remove the final stage transistor just apply some heat to the legs for 30 seconds or so or so and it will just float off, but try and avoid damage to the surrounding components. Running some solder on to the legs first may help, finally clean up the pads and attach the capacitor. 

Some node builders do not use a capacitor but bridge the outer two pads where the transistor sat with a small piece of wire, this seems to work as well.

Another slant on the Baofeng 888s low power mod from the BRIAN project: LINK