Why MURS?
Multi Use Radio Service (MURS) is a great license free radio service
in the United States. Similar to the Family Radio Service (FRS) and
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) except that MURS allows more power
to be used (2W on MURS vs. 1/2W on FRS) and external antennas which can
be used to greatly improve your range. MURS radios are usually of a much higher quality than FRS/GMRS. They are rugged and better performing.
Don't be fooled by exaggerated range claims by FRS/GMRS manufacturers. You will never
get 5, 7, or 10 mile range from these radios unless both parties are
standing on tall mountains (and even that is a stretch!). Realistic
range is usually about 1/2 mile, slightly more over water.
Please remember one thing: No one can guarantee how far you can communicate without performing an onsite communications survey. All information should be regarded as an estimate.
| Realistic Range Chart FRS vs. GMRS vs. MURS | |||
| Terrain | 1/2 Watt FRS | 2 Watt GMRS | 2 Watt MURS |
| Outside Clear Flat Terrain | 1/2 to 2 miles | 2 to 3 miles | 3 to 4 miles |
| Suburban Neighborhoods | 1 to 1.5 miles | 1 to 2 miles | 1.5 to 3 miles |
| Urban Areas | 1/2 to 1 mile | 1/2 to 1.5 miles | 1 to 2.0 miles |
| Inside Buildings or Malls* | 1/4 mile or 5 floors | 1/2 to 3/4 mile 15 floors | 1/2 mile 10 Floors |
| Between Buildings or Houses | 1/8 to 1/2 mile | 1/2 to 1 mile | 1 to 3 miles |
| Woodlands, Moderate Vegetation | 1 to 1.5 miles | 1 to 2 miles | 2 to 3 miles |
| Woodlands, Thick Vegetation | 1/2 to 1 mile | 1/2 to 1.5 miles | 1.5 to 2 miles |
| Chart
shows relative ranges under various conditions and is not a guarantee
that you will obtain this range. Use only as a guide to estimate range
between services as there are many, many variables that can cause range
to increase or decrease. A large increase in range will occur with
increased height and/or an external antenna on the Kenwood TK2100 MURS
portable radio or when operating in conjunction with base and mobile
radios. * Steel buildings and steel structured type buildings will shield signal and reduce range dramatically for all radio types. | |||
MURS radios will often achieve 1 mile or more in open terrain. With external antennas, range could potentially be measured in miles.
MURS can be used for nearly any activity - personal, business, recreation, etc. Family and employees can use these radios for any purpose. No need to pay for a license! (Use of GMRS frequencies requires an $80 license from the FCC.)
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