Murs Radio

[ar15junkie]

Hi guys,

Does anyone have experience with murs band two way radios? I'm trying to get comms over 1 mile of developed land with plenty of houses and trees and such. Will a murs hand held work for this job?

Can anyone recommend a base station radio and antenna setup for the same job? I'll need an antenna that goes mostly unnoticed on the roof next to the one for my tv.

I understand murs is vhf, capped at 2 watts on 5 channels. Is there anything else I need to know?

Thanks

[indyjoe]

I don't know much, but I believe MURS is a better option than FRS in congested areas, just because of less use. The 5 watt cap is actual power, not radiated power. This allows you to use a good base antenna to extend range, although that won't help mobile to mobile range, just mobile to base. I've been out of the radio game for quite a while.

Looking at HAM bands near the same frequencies will probably be your best bet for getting antenna ideas. I believe MURS are at 151 Mhz. You would probably be fine with a standard HAM 2-meter (144-148 MHz) antenna.

[ar15junkie]

I already have some FRS radios but I'm not even going to try them. The best range I could get with them was about a mile in the open with a clos.

[indyjoe]

Originally Posted by ar15junkie

I already have some FRS radios but I'm not even going to try them. The best range I could get with them was about a mile in the open with a clos.

Generally the lower the frequency, the better the signal deals with "clutter". FRS is around 460 MHz also a 5W. I don't know how much you would gain with 1/3 the frequency.

[Justus]

FRS is one half watt (1/2) and not capable of using an antenna on the roof (FCC regs)

MURS or GMRS would both easily cover 1 mile with a rooftop antenna.

You'll spend about the same on radios and antennas for either service.
GMRS can use up to 50 watts and
requires a $80/ 5yr license but allows the entire family to use
the equipment.

IMO, GMRS is the better option:
1) antennas are smaller
2) there are usually repeaters available
3) the option is there for more power.
The bubblepack Midlands and Cobras aren't repeater-capable but
ICOM and others manufacture commercial quality GMRS equipment.

As far as equipment:

Google: Dakota Alert
They specialize in MURS equipment.

You can use a good grade of handheld radio as a GMRS Base station.
The ICOM F-21 series have detachable antennas that allow the use
of a rooftop antenna, they are 5 watt and can operate from AAs, NiCAD
packs or a 12V power source.

[W9ZEB]

you could always invest in a few hours of self study, and a $14 ham license.....

50w Mobile 2m rigs aren't expensive. With an antenna at 20' (Read rooftop mounted) you can talk simplex for about 10-20 miles in any direction to someone standing on the ground.

[Justus]

Originally Posted by W9ZEB

you could always invest in a few hours of self study, and a $14 ham license.....

50w Mobile 2m rigs aren't expensive. With an antenna at 20' (Read rooftop mounted) you can talk simplex for about 10-20 miles in any direction to someone standing on the ground.

Agreed....

the guy he wants to talk to would have to get his license too.

[ar15junkie]

I don't wanna mess with licensing so for me at least gmrs is out. I looked at the dakota alert deal but I got confused by the driveway alarm they're packaged with. Not sure how it ties in but apparently the base station stands on its own?

[Justus]

Here's a link:

MURSRadio - Â*MURS Equipment

Looks like the base stations are on backorder.
I didn't see them on the Dakota Alert website

Why don't you want a GMRS license?
There's no test, you mail in a check and they
give you a callsign.

Just curious

[ar15junkie]

Originally Posted by Justus

Why don't you want a GMRS license?
There's no test, you mail in a check and they
give you a callsign.

Just curious

1. its a hassle.
2. I shouldn't have to ask for permission to use our airwaves.
3. I'm not very social so I would only use this for shtf, I don't know when/if thats going to happen so I can't get a good idea of what I'll end up spending for a license every 5 years.
4. A license always includes regulations of some sort, while murs has them too I won't pay for that privilege.
5. Anonymity

If for some reason I can't get the range I need from murs I may look at ham or gmrs.