Category Archives: FRS

License free radio options

People frequently like to ask us what their license free radio options are for personal use.  Basically, there are three license free radio options other than Citizens’ Band radio:

One could easily argue that FRS is the most common license free radio option.  This is because FRS radios are sold in retail channels (such as Best Buy, etc.) and FRS has been around since 1996.  However, FRS radios are limited to an ERP of 500 milliwatts (half a watt).  FRS manufacturers generally claim exaggerated range. Because FRS is in the ultra high frequency (UHF) band, the presence of large buildings, trees, etc., will reduce range.  Under normal conditions, with line of sight blocked by a few buildings or trees, FRS has an actual range of about 0.5 to 1.5 km (0.3 to 1 mile).

MURS was established by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in the fall of 2000.  MURS transmitter power output is limited to 2 watts.  This higher power output limit and the fact that MURS is in the very high frequency (VHF) band makes MURS have an increased range.  Also, MURS allows for external antennas, which FRS does not allow for.  Ranges of 10 miles or more are possible.

Both FRS and MURS do not allow for encryption.  On the other hand, radios on the ISM band frequently use Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum, which enhances communications privacy.  This means that transmissions cannot be picked up on a radio scanner that someone might purchase from an electronics store.  Also, whereas FRS and MURS radios offer only one-to-many group communications, ISM band radios are capable of one-to-one as well as one-to-many.  These radios also offer enhanced capabilities due to their ability to transmit and receive data as well as voice; they can offer Caller ID and even Short Message Service (SMS) text messaging.

So, as you can see, there are many options for license free radio.  For the best “range”, you might choose MURS.  For the most privacy, you might choose Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum radios on the ISM band.  If you have any questions about what radio might fit your personal license free radio needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (804) 625-4233 or sales AT richmondrf DOT com.