{"id":2501,"date":"2021-11-27T02:47:58","date_gmt":"2021-11-27T02:47:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimatesurvivalspace.com\/?p=987"},"modified":"2022-03-26T03:27:06","modified_gmt":"2022-03-26T03:27:06","slug":"frs-vs-gmrs-vs-murs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craftofmanhood.com\/frs-vs-gmrs-vs-murs\/","title":{"rendered":"FRS Vs. GMRS Vs. MURS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
For those of us with a passion for the boondocks, walkie-talkies are handy little devices. Until you try to get one. I\u2019ve been craving peace of mind for my upcoming hikes in out-of-cellular-service bush walks. But when shopping for a transceiver, I banged my head on an anagram wall of choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Family Radio Service (FRS), General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), and Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) are the dominant personal radio systems in America. Each has at least one relative advantage over the other, and choice depends on the context of an application, mainly regarding team and terrain.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We will consider each in turn, in their order of appearance on the scene. Knowing the individual characteristics will help us carry out the comparison later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FRS is a walkie-talkie protocol specified by RadioShack in 1994 and authorized two years later. Based on frequency modulation (FM), it replaced the citizen band (CB \u2013 see below) and provided improved sound quality and performance. In the US, FRS utilizes ultra-high frequency (UHF) bands around 462 and 467 MHz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The radios use narrow-band modulation with a deviation less than 2.5KHZ. Channels spacing intervals are 12.5KHZ. Radiation is limited to 2 Watts. On channels 8-14, 0.5W is the limit. Only permanently attached aerials are permitted. Devices often implement privacy codes for filtering out interference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like FRS, this is a UHF land-based radio system. It is more extensible than FRS and requires a license in the US. The FCC-issued license is valid for ten years and open to every immediate family member of the nominal license holder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GPRS operates in channels around the 462 and 467 MHZ points. Unlike FRS, mobile-based-station configurations are allowed. GMRS repeaters are allowed for signal strengthening. These repeaters extend the effective range of the devices and must be decoupled from the public telephone network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MURS is a former business-use radio access service that has been available to the general public since 2000. It operates in the VHF band and places a maximum radiation limit of 2watt on transceivers. MURS base stations must be decoupled from the public telephone system, and they are not allowed to support store and forward operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This service is relatively unknown, and it is not clear how the adoption rate will evolve in the near term. MURS operates on five channels staggered around 151MHZ and 154MHZ. All channels work in narrow-band mode. The two 154MHz channels also work on the standard 25KHz band.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Given the trade-offs listed above, we conclude that FRS beats GRMS when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n GRMS beats FRS when<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, FRS pips MURS where:<\/p>\n\n\n\n MURS is preferred when.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the more current matchup, and two predictable views prevail. There are those who assume that MURS is better simply because it’s newer. Then there are GMRS loyalists, who won’t stomach an upstart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The biggest single differentiator is the current installed base. Because this favors GMRS at the moment, it gives that protocol a higher effective range, as the availability of repeaters is likelier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MURS gives more availability of channels in applications where there is a saturation of radio users. Specific equipment configurations that favor narrow-band may also prefer this protocol. In time, the specific circumstance of an installed MURS repeater base will grow likelier and tilt the balance of relative advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, MURS is license-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The current debate around personal radio services is dominated by FRS, GMRS, and MURS. But other tech exists and merits a mention. CBR will not shift the balance, although it has retro appeal. HAM and LPRS may be what best fits the user, especially as adoption of the latter evolves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Citizen Band Radio (CBR) is the forerunner of the personal radio services of today. Authorized in 1945, it grew in popularity during the 1970s as truckers and motorists found it a useful tool to respond to oil shortages and speed restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CB allows two-way bidirectional communication in forty high-frequency channels in the 27MHz band. Callers take turns talking, pressing a “push to talk” button, which alters the direction of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This service has fallen out of favor because of its limited range, poor sound quality (a function of its use of amplitude modulation rather than frequency modulation), and susceptibility to noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Amateur Radio Service was established by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in order to create an open-ended regulated spectrum for non-professional radio enthusiasts pursuing not-for-profit objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Licencing is dependent on passing an exam. Applicants need to demonstrate an understanding of technical aspects of electronics, radio equipment, and radio propagation. Clubs with suitably qualified individuals may be licensed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Band plans and frequency allocation are handled by the ITU in consultation with member states. The medium allows the transmission of a range of media, including voice, text, data, and images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The so-called “Business Band” provides Low Power Radio Services for institutional entities. Here the institution gets a license that covers radio transmission on its own equipment. The licensed frequencies are available for use in different areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the plus side, the institutional license covers every member. VHF and UHF frequencies are available, allowing choice in different terrain. Again, this is based on frequency modulation, leading to improved voice quality and reduced static.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the flip side, the licensing very narrowly constrains the deployable equipment, restricting choice and application. The assigned frequencies are not unique, which opens the risk scheduling overhead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The advantages over MURS and GMRS are not clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s FRS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s GMRS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s MURS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
FRS Vs. GRMS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FRS Vs. MURS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
GMRS Vs. MURS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Else Is Out There?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
CBR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
HAM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
LPRS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n