[aprssig] MURS

[KCøRNP Richard]

The FCC rules governing the Multi Use Radio Service (MURS) have
changed recently (November 12, 2002). The information below reflects
the new (current) rules.

The citations below in brackets [] are from the MURS Rules, Part 95 of
Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations, especially Subpart J.
Click here to go to the MURS Rules themselves.

In general:

    * MURS permits the use of a variety of emission modes, but the
most common is analog voice using FM modulation. Data communications
are permitted, but the FCC prohibits image transmissions. [95.401]

    * Very narrow bandwidth transmissions (maximum 11.25 KHz channel
bandwidth, with +/- 2.5 KHz deviation) are permissible on all five
MURS channels. The older +/- 5 KHz deviation signals (with a maximum
20 KHz channel bandwidth) are also permitted (but not required) on the
two upper channels (in the 154 MHz band). [95.631]

    * The FCC prohibits continuous transmissions in any mode except by
"grandfathered" (former Part 90) business-type licensees. [95.631(j)]

    * The maximum permissible Transmitter Power Output (TPO) is 2
Watts. There is no limit on antenna gain. [95.639(h)]

    * MURS is intended for short-range local communications. Antenna
height is limited to 20 feet above structure or 60 feet above ground,
whichever is the greater. [95.1315]

    * Repeaters (stations that retransmit simultaneously) and
store-and-forward packet stations are not allowed. [95.1311]

    * No license is needed. MURS is available for unlicensed business
or personal use as described in this discussion. [95.1301]

    * Radios suitable for use on the MURS channels are now available
from dozens of different manufacturers, and are sold by several online
companies and by consumers electronics store chains.