MURS-V2
The new MURS-V2 is an upgraded version of the popular MURS-V1, a full featured certified MURS radio
for 100% licenses free operation. MURS requires no
testing or licensing fees. The 5 MURS channels are hard
coded into the transceiver with the ability to change
access tones and bandwidth where applicable.
What's in the Box
- The MURS-V1 radio
- A single band antenna , specifically for MURS
- 7.4V 1800mAh Li-Ion Battery
- Upright Charger and AC adapter
- Belt Clip
- Hand Strap
-
79 page Manual (English)
FCC Part 95J
Certified
The MURS-V2 is FCC Part 95J
Certified and compliant with U.S. FCC MURS
specifications.
FCC ID: 2AGND-MURS-V2
For compliance, the five MURS channels are
pre-programmed so no programming is needed. The power
levels are pre-set to a maximum legal limit of 2W. I
also verified that when a channel is set to narrowband,
both the transmit and receive are both NB, not just the
transmitter.
MURS Licensing
To operate a MURS radio, there is no test or examination
required.
Per the FCC website: MURS is licensed by rule. This
means an individual license is not required for an
entity to operate a MURS transmitter if it is not a
representative of a foreign government and if it uses
the transmitter only in accordance with Section 95.1309.
There is no age restriction regarding who may operate an
MURS transmitter.
More detailed information on the MURS service can be
found at
FCC MURS.
Power 2W
I put this radio on a calibrated Bird wattmeter and it
shows 2W output on high power, with low power at .5W. I
found the included antenna performs very well.
Battery
The radio is supplied with a rechargeable 7.4V 1800mAh
Li-Ion battery. Running in the low power position, I can
easily average a few days between charges. I also have
the larger optional 3600mAh
BL-8L battery. For normal
use, the included battery is fine.
Many off the shelf radios may only require AA batteries,
due to their low transmit power, but the cost of
alkaline batteries can run up rapidly, and not having an
extra set of batteries in your pocket when you need them
can be very frustrating. For SAR use, you may want to
invest in a spare battery.
Distance
Direct communications radio to radio depends strictly on
your surroundings.
Many of the department store low power 'bubble pack'
radios are advertised as having a 20-35 mile
communication range between radios. However, unless you
are both on unobstructed mountain tops, that's not going
to happen. This
DISTANCE CHART will bring the expected
range of these radios to reality.
Nice Features
Compatibility
- The MURS-V1 is compatible with virtually any other
MURS transceiver. Simply set the compatible tones via
the keypad and they are ready to use, regardless of the
other brand. If the tones are not known, the MURS-V1 has
the ability to search and determine the codes of the
other radio.
CTCSS tones
- The MURS-V1 allows you to easily add or change CTCSS
access tones on the fly. Simply select a channel, select
the tone, and save.
What exactly is CTCSS? Here's a link to
CTCSS
1.01 that goes into a short
description.
Dual PTT - There is a
dual function PTT switch which allows you instant access
to either one of the two channels displayed on the LCD.
Press the upper part of the PTT switch to select the
channel shown in the upper display, or the lower part to
select the lower display.
Single / Dual PTT -
The Dual PTT switch can be made to function as a
conventional PTT, so whichever channel is selected on
the LCD is the one that transmits, regardless of whether
you press the top or bottom of the switch.
Display Syncing
- This allows the top and bottom of the LCD to track
together. The advantage is the there are three display
formats; Channel, Name, and Frequency. For example, the
top display can show the Name, while the bottom displays
the frequency. My personal preference is: Name on top,
Frequency on the bottom, and the Single PTT mode. But,
you can set it to whatever floats your boat.
Adding a Scan Channel
- This is another function that can be performed in the
field by using the keypad. Dial in the desired channel,
select Scan On or Off and save. It's that easy.
FM Broadcast Radio -
The transceiver includes an FM radio that covers the
65-108MHz FM broadcast band. When a call is received,
the FM radio is interrupted and switches to the main
channel, so an incoming call is never missed.
Frequencies
- The radio is preprogrammed to the standard MURS
frequencies. They are assigned to the first 15 channels
which cannot be changed or deleted. They are programmed
in three groups of 5 channels. This allows you to
pre-set each group of 5 channels to different tone or
power levels as desired. Power level, CTCSS/DCS tones,
and scan status can be changed via the keypad.
The pre-programmed
frequencies
assigned in the 3 channel groups are:
 |
Other General
Observations
My
On-the-Air transmitter audio
reports have been excellent. The speaker audio is
strong and undistorted with plenty of volume, and the
receiver performance is excellent.
I had given thought to upgrading the antenna, but the
stock antenna seems to perform with no issues. The
antenna connector is a standard SMA-Female. If an
upgrade is desired, here is an
ANTENNA Guide that may
assist. Just remember that there is no Magic Antenna
out there.
I have a large hand, and this radio fits perfectly. I've
had a few of the 'bubble pack' radios in the past and
they are not anywhere near the performance of this one.
There is a long list of accessories available, such as
Dual PTT Spkr/Micr, cases, holsters, battery
eliminators, AAA battery case, and a super duty 3800 mAh
battery. These accessories are all totally compatible
with the UV82 series of radios that use a 2 pin style
Kenwood K1 connector (KPG-22).
Note: The LCD lens cover says dual band. This was an
error from the factory. The MURS -V1 is a single band
MURS specific radio only.
Conclusion
Along with personal use, the MURS-V1 can be used for the
serious business, manufacturing, retail, construction or
commercial user, as well as SAR, REACT, Go Box, or
Camper. This is a full power, full compliance, Part 95J
certified, MURS, 2W business/personal transceiver.
MURS does Not require licensing as described above, but
could be used as a license free stepping stone to other
radio services such as GMRS, FRS and ham radio.
Support for this radio is based in the US.
Note: This equipment was received for the purpose of a
fair and unbiased review. All findings are factual based
on the equipment I received. Any issues found have been
reported both here and back to the seller or
manufacturer.
