MURS: The Underdog That Still Works

Most people don’t even know what MURS is—and that’s exactly why it works so well. In this first episode of the Prep Comms MURS Mini-Series, Caleb breaks down the quiet power of the Multi-Use Radio Service: a license-free, analog-only VHF service with just five channels and a lot of practical potential.

You’ll learn about its roots in the old business band, what the “Color Dot” frequencies mean, why MURS is legal without a license, and how it fits into a low-key family comms plan.

Privacy, power limits, antenna rules, and gear you can actually use—it’s all covered here.

Listen in, and discover why MURS might be the perfect base layer in your emergency communications setup.

In this episode:

• The FCC origin of MURS and its roots in the Business Band (DOT and STAR channels)

• What MURS can and can’t do legally (no digital, no repeaters)

• Antenna height limits and the truth about privacy tones

• How MURS works around barns, homes, driveways, and family outings

• Why VHF still outperforms UHF in open terrain

• My own family’s use of MURS as part of the Cascade Protocol

Mentioned in this episode:

• Free MURS + Business Band Frequency Guide PDF: MURS Frequency PDF

• Recommended MURS radios & antennas (Caleb’s gear list): Caleb's Amazon Store: Search MURS

Want to go deeper? Watch the free on-demand webinar (Coming August 2025): How to Build a Family Communication Plan in Less Than 30 Minutes—Without Expensive Gear or Tech Confusion www.familyradiowebinar.com