Wireless communications requires a new approach to implement the algorithms for new standards. The computational demands of these standards are outstripping the ability of traditional signal processors, and standards are changing too quickly for traditional hardware implementation. In this paper we outline how reconfigurable processing can meet the needs for wireless base station design while providing the programmability to allow not just field upgrades as standards evolve, but also to adapt to much more dynamic factors in the environment such as traffic mix and the weather. We outline how a designer works with the Chameleon reconfigurable processor from algorithm design to prototyping on a development module.