MURS radios

Discussion in 'General Survival and Preparedness' started by melbo, Mar 25, 2006.


  1. melbo

    melbo Hunter Gatherer Administrator Founding Member

    Better than FRS yet require no license like GMRS
    http://www.popularwireless.com/MURS_Leef.html

    "MURS handheld radios would be valuable."

    "We don't need it" or "we already have a two-way radio system". These are some of the comments heard. To those who think they don't need it we ask a few questions. Sometimes we agree with them. More often than not we mention a couple things they have not thought about why, MURS handheld radios would be valuable.

    Multi-Use Radio Service

    The Multiple Use Radio System (MURS) was created by the Federal Communications Commission in 2002 because there obviously was a need for low power unlicensed VHF communications beyond the Family Radio Service (FRS) which had been started a couple years before. As that name indicates, families were the target and still are. Now with approximately 12 million sold per year, it is a great idea for keeping kids and parents in touch.

    Built to higher standards.

    But what of the more serious users who want to communicate? MURS has not caught on like FRS because most people don't see these models in stores. Out of sight, out of mind. MURS handhelds are built to higher standards and cost somewhat more than FRS but certainly not over $100 each like "business" radios that they are like. Yet, the Midland/Maxon MURS22 is built to commercial and military standards and - get this - sells for only $66! Good performance and durability are included.

    Great for neighborhood use.

    These radios are already in use for CERT, Neighborhood Watch, search and rescue, warehouses and large stores, security people, loading/unloading docks, hotels, schools, hikers, bikers, car clubs, event coordination, etc. etc.

    Inexpensive cooperation.

    And, to those who already have a two-way system, consider the following. Six large power companies throughout the U.S. recently bought 50 MURS radios for each location. These are to be used during storm recovery by crew members of various companies - a perfect example of inexpensive cooperation.

    MURS interoperability

    Remember the confusion that always takes place at a disaster, and remember and the always-heard comment "we had trouble communicating". Now consider that MURS can play a major role in interoperability. Each agency on scene with just one MURS handheld might be in touch with many others without a complicated and expensive inter-tie system created by city, county, state, FEMA, etc. etc.

    Beyond the everyday benefit of communicating, coordination by two-way radio during an emergency meets a vital responsibility to employees and the public. Think about the largely overlooked small radio!

    MURS Requires NO FCC License!
     
  2. monkeyman

    monkeyman Monkey+++ Moderator Emeritus Founding Member

    Sounds like it may be something but what kind of average ranges do they get and what frequencies are they on? Are they on the standard CB 40 channels or like the FRS wlaki talkies just on the bottom 15-20 or are they on a broader band or what? Are they likely to comunicate say 10-15 miles away in a general setting or is it more likely to only be a mile or so in good conditions?
     
  3. melbo

    melbo Hunter Gatherer Administrator Founding Member

    Not sure mm. I'm looking into them now
     
  4. ghostrider

    ghostrider Resident Poltergeist Founding Member

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