Post by HighMountainRadio on Feb 2, 2018 12:10:19 GMT -6
Greetings To All !
This has just come to my attention today while doing some research. There are five VHF FM radio frequencies set aside by the FCC for LICENSE FREE two way radio communications between individual citizens with a maximum power output of 2 watts and maximum antenna height of 60 feet above ground level or 20 feet about roof of structure on which antenna is mounted.
The frequencies are:
151.820 MHz Narrow band FM
151.880 MHz Narrow Band FM
151.940 MHz Narrow Band FM
154.570 MHz Wide Band FM
154.600 MHz Wide Band FM
These frequencies in this radio service would be quite useful for a variety of applications, especially during emergency situations to enable you to communicate with family members and friends ! Two watts with a good high antenna will get you some excellent coverage !
I have just programmed these frequencies into my Baofeng Model UV5R handheld transceiver which you may purchase brand new on EBay for as little as $27.00 ! They have a high power and low power option, 4 Watts High Power Output, 1 Watt Low Power Output, 128 Channel capability, VHF/UHF, 2 Meters, 70 Centimeters.
Enjoy ! 73... Spooky...
"Knowledge Is Always Made More Valuable By Sharing It With Others !" Always Remember To Be Kind ! True Greatness Often Has Very Humble Beginnings ! Help A Kid Out Today ! *** High Mountain Radio *** "Broadcasting From Somewhere High In The Remote Appalachian Mountains"
I've been using Kenwood TK-280s and TK-290s for MURS. Both are VHF handheld commercial radios. I almost never hear any non-business activity. When I do hear anything, it is usually a Walmart or some other store. I think people are missing out by not using MURS.
Interestingly, in looking at the rules I find that AM is allowed: ecfr.io/Title-47/pt47.5.95#se47.5.95_12771 I wish one of the manufacturers would make an AM/FM MURS mobile radio. It could be tiny, similar to the Anytone Smart. That would make a great Jeep radio, and would also be good for local area nets and roundtable discussion. I would use AM for the latter.
Last time I used MURS I got yelled off the channel by a nearby business lol. Was testing with a friend and next thing I know someone got on what was a completely quiet channel telling us that it was their businesses channel and that we had no right to use it.
Of course I knew better as anyone can use it license free as long as no one causes intentional interference to other users but this idiot legitimately thought they had some owners right to the channel. Wasn't about to stick around and let them know the rules since they were less than pleasant over it.
I've heard similar things happen to people using FRS near Walmarts and other stores. The workers and managers often have no idea that what they are using can be shared by other users and either get confused or irate that someone is on "their channel" hehe.
There has been talk for a long time now about people starting radio nets on MURS, especially for unlicensed hams getting into the hobby as a gateway. Between that and FRS and CB there are at least a few license free bands to play with for people to see if they are interested in moving on to licensed operations. At least gives a little taste of HF (CB), VHF (MURS) and UHF (FRS).
That's pretty funny. I won't get into how I feel about Walmart and some of its employees these days. I know you gotta choose your battles, but I would have a hard time with letting them run me off a frequency.
I agree with you about unlicensed services as a gateway to licensed radio services. Pretty fun for licensed operators, too. In fact I'm currently more interested in finding that "rare DX" on MURS than the typical 2M FM activity around here.
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