Have you ever heard of MURS radios? If you haven’t, you’re not alone. I get asked about all sorts of radio equipment, but MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) is one topic that barely comes up in conversation. That’s pretty surprising when you consider what these radios can actually do.

Here’s the thing – MURS operates on five VHF frequencies between 151-154 MHz that can give you some seriously impressive range for a license-free service. We’re talking up to 2 watts of power, and with the right setup, you can potentially reach out over 50 miles. Yet most people have never even heard the term “MURS radio.”

What really gets me is that major companies like Walmart are already using these radios every day for their store communications. If they’re good enough for a company that size, why aren’t more people talking about them? The VHF frequencies actually work better than a lot of the 2.4 GHz stuff you see everywhere, and with narrower bandwidth on most channels, you get less interference too.

But here’s where it gets interesting – despite all these advantages, MURS radios are still flying under the radar. Poor marketing, confusing regulations, and limited availability have kept them in the shadows. However, recent changes to FCC Part 95 rules might just change all that.

So what exactly is MURS, why hasn’t it caught on, and more importantly, why do I think that’s about to change? Let me walk you through what I’ve learned about this overlooked radio service and why you might want to pay attention.

Breaking Down MURS: What You Need to Know

_{Image Source: GMRS Two Way Radios and Long Range Radio Solutions}

MURS stands for Multi-Use Radio Service, and it’s been around since the FCC established it back in 2000. Like FRS and CB, it’s what they call a “licensed-by-rule” service under Part 95 of FCC regulations, which means you don’t need to get a license or pay any fees to use it. Pretty straightforward setup.

The Five MURS Frequencies

MURS gives you five specific VHF channels to work with in the 151-154 MHz range. These aren’t just random frequencies – they’re split into two groups with different characteristics:

The first three channels have to use narrowband frequency modulation, while channels 4 and 5 can use either wideband or narrowband FM. All channels are capped at 2 watts maximum power output, but here’s something interesting – there are no restrictions on antenna gain. That’s where you can really make a difference in your range.

How MURS Stacks Up Against Other Radio Services

I’ve used radios across all the major services, and MURS sits in an interesting spot. Unlike GMRS, you don’t need to pay for a license or register anything. Compared to FRS, MURS has some real advantages:

• You can use external antennas (FRS radios have fixed antennas)
• VHF frequencies work better in rural areas and outdoors
• The channels are usually much less crowded

The downside? MURS only gives you five channels compared to FRS’s 22 channels. GMRS also beats MURS on power – GMRS can go up to 50 watts and allows repeaters, which MURS doesn’t.

Where MURS Actually Gets Used

MURS radios work just like any other walkie-talkie for basic communication. But I’ve seen them used in some pretty specific situations:

• Big retailers like Walmart and Sam’s Club use MURS for employee communications
• Construction sites and warehouses where cell coverage is spotty
• Outdoor activities where you need reliable short-range comms
• Wireless intercom systems and PA setups
• Customer service call boxes
• Even dog training collars with remote control
• Emergency backup communications in rural areas

Range-wise, you’re typically looking at a few miles with handheld units, but throw on a decent external antenna and you can push that out to ten miles or more. Not bad for a license-free service.

So what’s keeping MURS in the shadows?

_{Image Source: Buy Two Way Radios}

With all those advantages I just mentioned, you’d think MURS radios would be everywhere. They’re not. I’ve been watching this space for years, and there are some pretty clear reasons why MURS remains the underdog of the radio world.

Nobody knows they exist

This is the big one. Most people have never even heard of MURS. I can walk into any ham radio club meeting and ask about MURS, and maybe one person out of ten will know what I’m talking about. That’s among radio enthusiasts – forget about regular consumers.

Compare that to CB radios, which everyone knows about thanks to movies and truckers, or FRS radios that are in every camping section. MURS? It’s like the radio service that forgot to hire a marketing team. Even people who use two-way radios regularly for hiking or work often have no clue that MURS exists as an option.

The irony is that MURS frequencies can punch through buildings better than UHF and give you more range with a decent antenna, but if nobody knows about these benefits, they might as well not exist.

Good luck finding one on the shelf

Want to see the problem firsthand? Walk into a Walmart, Best Buy, or sporting goods store and count the FRS/GMRS radios on display. Now try to find a dedicated MURS radio. You won’t.

I’ve seen entire walls of bubble-pack radios – FRS models, GMRS models, even some CB handhelds. But MURS radios? You’ll be lucky to find one model buried in the back corner, if anything at all. The major manufacturers have put all their eggs in the FRS/GMRS basket, leaving MURS as an afterthought.

This creates a chicken-and-egg problem. Retailers don’t stock what they can’t sell, but customers can’t buy what isn’t on the shelf. Without retail presence, MURS remains invisible to the average consumer who might actually benefit from using it.

The good news is you can get them online and they are reasonably priced. The Retevis RB17V shown above are about $50 for a pair and are excellet radios built like a tank.

Radio alphabet soup confusion

Let’s be honest – the radio service landscape is confusing enough to make your head spin. FRS, GMRS, MURS, CB, FHSS, Part 90, Part 95… it’s like someone decided to make choosing a simple radio as complicated as possible.

Most people just want something that works. They walk into a store, see a package that says “walkie-talkie” or “two-way radio,” and grab it. They’re not going to research the differences between VHF and UHF, or figure out whether they need narrowband or wideband FM.

Even when someone does stumble across MURS radios, the lack of clear explanation doesn’t help. Product descriptions might mention “MURS compatible” without explaining what that means or why you might want it. Until manufacturers start speaking plain English about what makes each service different, most people will stick with what they recognize.

The Real Reasons MURS Hasn’t Taken Off

Now that we’ve covered what MURS is and why most people don’t know about it, let me tell you about the technical roadblocks that really hold this service back. The FCC has put some pretty strict rules in place that limit what you can do with MURS radios, and honestly, some of these restrictions make the service less appealing than it could be.

2-watt power limit and antenna height restrictions

The FCC caps MURS at 2 watts, which sounds reasonable until you compare it to other services. GMRS radios can push 50 watts, and even some FRS radios are allowed higher power on certain channels. That 2-watt limit really shows up when you’re trying to communicate in tough conditions or urban areas with lots of interference.

But here’s what gets me – they also restrict your antenna height to 60 feet above ground or 20 feet above whatever structure you’re mounting it on. Anyone who’s worked with radios knows that antenna height is everything for VHF communications. You can have the best radio in the world, but if your antenna is down low, your range is going to suffer.

No repeaters allowed under FCC rules

This is the big one that really limits MURS potential. The FCC is crystal clear about this: “MURS stations must not be operated as repeater stations or signal boosters”. No repeaters, no signal boosters, nothing[112]. You’re stuck with direct radio-to-radio communications only.

Think about it – amateur radio operators can set up repeaters to extend their coverage for miles and miles. GMRS allows repeaters too. But with MURS, you’re limited to whatever simplex range you can get. For businesses or organizations that need reliable coverage across large areas, this is a deal-breaker.

Narrowband requirements and compatibility issues

The bandwidth rules are another headache. Channels 1-3 have to use narrowband FM at 11.25 kHz, while channels 4-5 can use either narrowband or wideband at 20 kHz. This creates compatibility issues between different radios and especially between older and newer equipment.

I’ve seen this firsthand where someone has an older radio that won’t talk properly to a newer one because of these bandwidth differences. The FCC’s narrowbanding push makes sense from a spectrum management standpoint, but it creates real-world problems for users.

And here’s something that might surprise you – MURS radios can actually interfere with other devices on the same frequencies. Garmin’s dog tracking systems like the Astro and Alpha series operate on MURS bands. So if you’re using MURS radios in an area where someone is tracking their hunting dogs, you might hear some interesting chatter that has nothing to do with your communications.

These technical limitations aren’t just bureaucratic red tape – they have real impact on how useful MURS can be for different applications. But as we’ll see, some of these restrictions might be loosening up.

Why I Think MURS Is About to Take Off

Here’s where things get interesting. After years of MURS sitting in the background, I’m seeing signs that this might finally be changing. Several trends are coming together that could push MURS into the spotlight.

The Prepper Community Is Catching On

Emergency preparedness folks have started to figure out what MURS can do for them. They’ve actually designated specific channels – MURS Channel 3 (151.940 MHz) as the “MURS Prepper channel” and MURS Channel 4 (154.570 MHz) as the “MURS Survivalist channel” or “Blue Dot Channel”.

What I find interesting is their reasoning. These groups value MURS because the channels are typically much clearer than what you get with FRS or GMRS. As one prepper put it, MURS is “a great choice for serious recreational, prepper or SHTF emergency communications”. When you’re planning for emergencies, having reliable, uncrowded frequencies matters.

Big Business Is Already Using It

Here’s something that might surprise you – major retailers like Walmart and Sam’s Club are already using Motorola RDM2070D radios programmed on MURS frequencies for their employee communications. If it’s good enough for operations that size, that says something about the reliability.

Construction sites are jumping on board too. Think about it – cell phones can be dangerous distractions “in a fast-paced environment with heavy equipment and machinery moving”. MURS gives them clear, reliable communication without the safety issues. Warehouses and farms with big coverage areas but spotty cell service are finding MURS particularly useful.

Digital Capabilities Are Opening New Doors

The FCC recently expanded what you can do with MURS by allowing automatic location and data transmissions. This is huge for emergency situations where “an individual who is disoriented or unable to send a manual transmission could be helped by the automatic transmission of location information”.

Products like goTenna are already using MURS bands to let you “send texts and share locations on a peer-to-peer basis” through your smartphone. That’s pretty cool stuff that goes way beyond traditional voice communications.

Recent FCC Changes Are Game Changers

The FCC modernized Part 95 rules back in September 2017, and the effects are just starting to show. As one industry observer noted, “the real big changes here are not the EIRP/channels/wattage changes, its the digital data allowance changes and the ability to be included in WiFi/BT devices”.

These regulatory updates open up possibilities for MURS applications that we haven’t even thought of yet. When you combine easier digital integration with the existing advantages of MURS, you start to see why I think this service is positioned for growth.

The Bottom Line on MURS Radios

So here’s where I stand on MURS after looking at all the pieces. These radios sit in an interesting spot – they’re clearly better than a lot of people realize, but they’re held back by some real limitations that aren’t going away anytime soon.

The 2-watt power limit and no-repeater rules definitely hurt MURS compared to other services. But those VHF frequencies really do punch above their weight, especially if you can get a decent external antenna on there. I’ve seen what Walmart does with these radios, and that tells me something about their practical value.

The biggest problem remains the same one I started with – most people just don’t know MURS exists. Limited product selection doesn’t help either. When you walk into a store looking for two-way radios, you’re going to see FRS and GMRS options everywhere, maybe some CB gear, but finding a dedicated MURS radio? Good luck with that. Even with radios like the Radioddity MU-5 shown above with excellent build quality as well as NOAA weather receiving & scanning, FM, SOS alarm, flashlight, squelch, VOX, TOT (time out time), Squelch Tail Elimination, and power save mode features.

But here’s what has me thinking MURS might finally get its day. The FCC changes in 2017 opened up digital capabilities that companies are starting to use. The prepper and emergency prep communities are paying attention. And more businesses are figuring out that sometimes you need something between basic FRS radios and getting a GMRS license.

My take? If you’re looking for license-free communications and FRS isn’t cutting it for your needs, MURS is worth a serious look. Just understand what you’re getting into – limited radio choices, specific technical requirements, and a service that most people have never heard of.

The future probably depends on whether manufacturers decide to make more MURS equipment and whether people start demanding it. Right now, it feels like MURS is one good marketing push away from breaking out of its niche. Whether that happens or not, well, that remains to be seen.

As always, do your own research and figure out what works best for your specific situation. MURS might be exactly what you need, or it might not be worth the hassle compared to other options. At least now you know it exists.

I’ve been tinkering with radios for over three decades now, and if there’s one topic that consistently causes confusion among newcomers, it’s spurious emissions. When I recently saw a question from someone who purchased a Baofeng AR-RM5 and was puzzled by YouTube reviewers criticizing its “spurious emissions” without explaining what they are, I realized this is a perfect opportunity to clear things up.

Let me break this down in plain language that won’t require an engineering degree to understand. I’ll share what I’ve learned through years of experience, testing various radios, and yes, occasionally making mistakes along the way. I do however, want to be very clear, this is my experience and what I think to be true, I am not a radio frequency engineer, and am more than imperfect (ask the wife). I put this information out here to help guide you but I urge you to do your own research and come to your own conclusions.

What Are Spurious Emissions?

Spurious emissions are essentially unwanted radio frequency signals that your transmitter produces outside of the intended frequency. Think of it like this: when you key up your radio to transmit on 146.52 MHz, that’s your intended frequency. But if your radio is also simultaneously transmitting weaker signals on other frequencies—like around 293 MHz (which is 146.52 × 2) or 439.56 MHz (146.52 × 3)—those are spurious emissions.

I’ve tested dozens of radios over the years, and I can tell you that every radio produces some level of spurious emissions. The difference is in how much. Higher quality radios typically produce far fewer unwanted emissions than cheaper models.

These unwanted signals are sometimes called “birdies” or “spurs” by ham radio operators. They’re not a feature—they’re a flaw in the radio’s design or construction that causes it to transmit where it shouldn’t.

Why Should You Care About Spurious Emissions?

When I first got into ham radio, I didn’t understand why people made such a fuss about spurious emissions. After all, if my friends could hear me and I could hear them, what’s the problem?

Well, there are several reasons why spurious emissions matter:

1. Interference with other electronics: Your radio’s unwanted emissions could, in theory, land on frequencies used by emergency services, air traffic control, or other critical communications. Although widely circulated as a real threat, the reality is that unless you are standing in the Police dispatch center when you key up your Baofeng, you are highly unlikely to do this. You could, however, interfere with electronic devices in your local area. Think 20-50 meters from your transmit location at most.
2. Easier direction finding: If you’re transmitting on multiple frequencies simultaneously, it becomes much easier for someone to locate you using direction-finding techniques. This is particularly relevant if you’re using radio for emergency preparedness or situations where you’d prefer not to be easily tracked.
3. Reduced efficiency: When your radio is wasting energy transmitting on frequencies you don’t intend to use, it’s less efficient. This can affect battery life and overall performance.
4. Legal compliance: The FCC has specific regulations about spurious emissions. According to 47 CFR § 97.307, “All spurious emissions from a station transmitter must be reduced to the greatest extent practicable.” There are specific technical requirements that vary based on frequency and when the transmitter was manufactured.

I once had a cheap radio that caused interference with my neighbor’s television whenever I transmitted. Not exactly the way to maintain neighborly relations! A cleaner radio solved the problem immediately.

How Bad Emissions Affect Radio Performance

In my experience testing various radios, those with excessive spurious emissions often exhibit other performance issues as well. Here’s what I’ve observed:

Reduced Range and Clarity

Radios with high spurious emissions typically don’t perform as well in terms of range and clarity. When your radio is wasting power transmitting on unwanted frequencies, that’s energy not going into your intended transmission.

I’ve done side-by-side tests with a high-quality Yaesu and a budget Baofeng, and the difference in range was noticeable even though both claimed the same output power. The cleaner radio consistently outperformed the “dirty” one.

Think of it this way; you have a garden hose with a spray head on it. When you pull the handle, it sprays a stream of water out the head, that is you transmitting on 146.520. Someone comes along and stabs the water hose the spray head is connected to with a nail, what happens to the signal (the stream coming out of the head)? The more nails, and the larger the nails, the weaker the stream coming out of the head.

Where I see people really ignoring, or not considering the implications of this, are with preppers, or people who just want a radio for “emergency” use. In my view, if the radio is a piece of “emergency” gear, it needs to work well. Would you go to Walmart and get the cheapest tires that fit your Jeep? Is your bug out bag a plastic Dollar General bag? Is your survival knife something you picked up off Temu?

I don’t know about you, but if I need to communicate in an emergency, I want as close to 100% of the power I am transmitting to be on the frequency that people might hear me and help me.

Battery Life Implications

Your radio’s battery has to power all transmissions—both the ones you want and the spurious ones you don’t. More spurious emissions mean more wasted power, which translates to reduced battery life.

This became crystal clear to me during a weekend camping trip where my friend’s cleaner radio lasted nearly twice as long as my cheaper unit, despite similar usage patterns.

Potential for Equipment Damage

Excessive spurious emissions can potentially lead to premature failure of components in your radio. When a radio is working harder than it should be (by generating unwanted emissions), it can generate more heat and stress internal components. In addition, a dirty signal is like a fever in humans, it is indicitive of cheap (not just inexpensive) electronics and it is highly unlikely that the part of the unit responsible for generating that signal (or not filtering it) is the only sub-standard component in a radio.

These same cheap internal components are unlikely to be resistant to spurious signals, which makes them more likely to feed back on themselves, induce electrical charges where their should not be any (or over and above what should be there), etc. Overall, it is just really bad for everything your radio does.

I’ve had two budget radios fail after about a year of regular use, while some of my higher-quality units have been going strong for over a decade.

This doesn’t mean all radios that generate spurious emissions will fail quickly, it just means they are much more likely to.

How to Identify a “Dirty” Radio

Without specialized test equipment, it can be challenging to measure spurious emissions precisely. However, there are some indicators that might suggest your radio has excessive unwanted emissions:

1. Interference with nearby electronics: If keying up your radio causes static on nearby speakers, interference with TV reception, or strange behavior from other electronic devices, that’s a red flag.
2. Heating issues: While all radios generate some heat during transmission, excessive or unusual heating patterns might indicate inefficiency related to spurious emissions.
3. Poor battery life: If your radio’s battery drains unusually quickly during transmit operations compared to similar models, spurious emissions could be a contributing factor.
4. Research and reviews: Before purchasing a radio, check reviews from reputable sources that actually test for spurious emissions. Many budget radios have been thoroughly tested by ham radio enthusiasts with proper equipment.
5. Test it yourself: An inexpensive tool such as the $60 TinySA spectrum analyzer, can test all your handheld radios and show you first hand how they perform. Don’t forget to get an attenuator to lower the sigal strength before hooking it up to your radio or you will probably blow the TinySA up.

I’ve learned to trust certain reviewers who take the time to actually measure a radio’s performance rather than just unboxing it and giving subjective opinions. Or worse yet, websites that post “reviews” in which you can tell they never actually owned or used that radio at all.

Looking at the image above, you can see the tallest peak on the left, that is the frequency set on the radio when you transmit and in this case 146.520Mhz. The horizontal red line at -60 is the point at which all spurious emissions should be below. Note in this test, there are three obvious emissions that are too high, and actually there is a fourth that just barely tops the line. Which radio is this? A Baofeng K68.

You might be wondering what a good radio’s test looks like, and that is shown here. Note there is only one emission touching the -60 line which indicates this is an excellent radio. Which radio? A Yaesu FT3DR.

Legal Implications of Using “Dirty” Radios

Using a radio with excessive spurious emissions isn’t just a technical issue—it has legal implications as well. The FCC takes interference seriously, especially when it affects critical services.

FCC Regulations on Spurious Emissions

The FCC has specific requirements regarding spurious emissions for amateur radio equipment. According to 47 CFR § 97.307:

• For transmitters operating below 30 MHz installed after January 1, 2003, spurious emissions must be at least 43 dB below the fundamental emission.
• For transmitters operating between 30-225 MHz, spurious emissions must be at least 60 dB below the fundamental emission.
• For lower power transmitters (25W or less), different standards apply, but emissions still need to be controlled.

These aren’t just suggestions—they’re legal requirements for operating in the amateur radio service.

Potential Consequences

If your radio’s spurious emissions cause harmful interference to other services, you could face:

1. Warnings and notices: The FCC might issue a warning or notice of violation.
2. Fines: In more serious cases, monetary penalties could be imposed.
3. License issues: Repeated violations could potentially affect your amateur radio license.

I know a ham operator who received a notice from the FCC after his poorly adjusted amplifier caused interference with a neighbor’s electronic equipment. It wasn’t a pleasant experience, and it could have been avoided with better equipment and practices.

Realities with a handheld radio

While using a radio with too much spurious emissions may indeed be illegal, the odds of you actually having someone find out and do something about it are extremely slim. In my opinion however, it isn’t really worth the risk, and I am not personally going to break the law just because I won’t get caught. That isn’t how I was raised.

Are All Budget Radios “Dirty”?

This is where I want to clear up a common misconception. Not all inexpensive radios produce excessive spurious emissions, and not all expensive radios are perfectly clean.

I’ve tested several budget-friendly radios that performed surprisingly well in terms of spectral purity. Conversely, I’ve seen some pricier models that didn’t live up to expectations.

That said, there is generally a correlation between price and quality. Higher-end radios from reputable manufacturers typically invest more in filtering and circuit design to minimize unwanted emissions. Well extablished brands such as Kenwood, Yaesu, and Alinco will almost always be consistantly better than cheaper alternatives.

The key is to research specific models rather than making assumptions based solely on price or brand. Some newer Baofeng models, for instance, have improved significantly compared to their earlier counterparts.

Improving Your Radio’s Emissions

If you already own a radio with less-than-ideal spurious emissions, there are some steps you can take to mitigate the issues:

1. Use lower power settings: Operating at lower power levels often reduces the intensity of spurious emissions.
2. Add external filtering: In some cases, external bandpass filters can help clean up your signal.
3. Proper grounding: When using a mobile or base setup, ensure your station is properly grounded.
4. Antenna considerations: A well-matched antenna system can sometimes help reduce certain types of unwanted emissions.

I’ve had good results using a simple bandpass filter with some of my budget radios, significantly cleaning up their output at the cost of a slight reduction in power. Keep in mind that this will reduce intereference and the emissions from being received by other equipment, but it does not solve the performance issues that a radio generating spurious emissions will have.

Making Informed Choices

When selecting a radio, consider how you’ll be using it and what level of performance you need:

• For casual use where absolute performance isn’t critical, a budget radio might be perfectly adequate.
• For emergency communications or situations where reliability is paramount, investing in a cleaner radio is worthwhile.
• If you’re operating near sensitive equipment or in densely populated areas, cleaner emissions become more important.

I keep both types in my collection—high-quality radios for serious use and a few budget options for situations where loss or damage is more likely.

Conclusion

Spurious emissions are a reality in all radio equipment, but excessive levels can cause problems ranging from reduced performance to legal issues. Understanding what they are and why they matter helps you make informed decisions about your radio equipment.

My personal opinion is that spectral purity matters more in some situations, such as emergency communications or network operations, and less when rag chewing with your buddies on the repeater. Whatever your budget or use case, being aware of spurious emissions and their implications will make you a more responsible and most importantly, more effective radio operator.

Have you experienced issues with spurious emissions from your radio? Or have you found a particularly clean budget radio? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

A ham radio license opens doors to a world of specialized pursuits, contrary to what many believe. Radio operators create mesh networks that work independently of traditional internet infrastructure. They track high-altitude balloons equipped with APRS transmitters and serve as trained SKYWARN volunteers who spot and report severe weather conditions. The Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) works like a social media platform for radio enthusiasts to transmit location and weather data. On top of that, contests turn ordinary radio operation into a thrilling global radio party. Operators connect with as many stations as possible within strict timeframes.

This piece looks at these fascinating yet rarely discussed aspects of ham radio. The century-old technology continues to offer state-of-the-art experiences for those who look beyond simple voice communication.

Explore the skies: Ham radio and space communication

_{Image Source: Space}

Amateur radio operators can reach beyond Earth’s atmosphere through space communication, which stands out as one of their most remarkable achievements. Ham operators can exchange signals with astronauts, orbiting satellites, and bounce signals off the moon using simple equipment and proper licensing.

Talk to the International Space Station (ISS)

The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program has connected Earth-bound operators with astronauts circling above since November 2000. Licensed astronauts often spend their free time making random, unscheduled contacts with ham operators around the world. The ISS station uses a Kenwood D710GA transceiver that works with both 2-meter and 70-cm operations and puts out up to 25 watts of power.

You’ll need these items to contact the ISS:

• A 2-meter FM transceiver that outputs 25-100 watts
• A directional antenna that tracks the station’s movement
• The right frequencies: 145.80 MHz for worldwide downlink, 144.49 MHz for uplink in the Americas and Asia, and 145.20 MHz for uplink in Europe, Russia, and Africa

Use amateur satellites for long-distance QSOs

Dozens of amateur radio satellites circle Earth, acting as “repeaters in space.” These satellites help operators set impressive records, including contacts spanning over 4,400 km through the ISS FM repeater. AMSAT develops and maintains these satellites, making distant contacts possible with simple equipment.

FM satellites give newcomers the best starting point. These satellites work as cross-band repeaters – you transmit on one band (uplink) and receive on another (downlink). A dual-band handheld radio paired with a portable Yagi antenna like the Arrow II often gets amazing results.

Try Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) or ‘moonbounce’ communication

The sort of thing I love about ham radio is Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communication, also called “moonbounce.” This method uses the moon’s surface to reflect radio signals, creating a path that stretches about 500,000 miles round-trip.

Advanced technology has made EME available to operators with decent VHF station capabilities, though it once needed huge antenna systems and high-power transmitters. Notwithstanding that, moonbounce comes with unique challenges: the moon reflects poorly, needs tracking as it moves, and signals face Doppler shift, libration fading, and polarization changes. Operators can hear their signals come back after about 2.5 seconds – an exciting proof of this amazing achievement.

Track satellites with free software like Gpredict

Knowing exactly when satellites or the moon will be in range makes space communication successful. Gpredict offers a powerful, free solution that shows live satellite positions on maps, tables, and radar-style polar plots.

This software lets operators group satellites into custom visualization modules, watch multiple satellites at once from different locations, and see future passes with detailed information about each chance. Gpredict becomes especially useful because it handles Doppler tracking and controls antenna rotors through Hamlib integration.

Space communication shows what ham radio operators can achieve beyond regular ground contacts. Operators can reach astronomical distances with simple equipment, good software, and patience.

If ham radio in space is your thing, here is a complete article on just that: Beyond Earth: Practical Techniques for Ham Radio Space Communication.

Track, map, and move: Real-time data with APRS

Ham radio equipment becomes a powerful tracking and data collection tool through the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS). This system differs from voice communication by sending digital packets with coordinates, weather readings, and telemetry through radio frequencies. The network operates without depending on internet connectivity.

Send your GPS location over radio

APRS lets operators share their exact position with a straightforward setup that includes a transceiver, GPS receiver, and a tracker – a small computer device. Any vehicle with this equipment can send out location, speed, and course details in compact data packets. Nearby receiving stations (iGates) and digipeaters pick up these signals and boost coverage by rebroadcasting them.

This feature proves useful to ham operators during public events such as marathons, parades, and emergency responses where knowing team locations matters. Digital maps show each station’s position, which helps coordinators watch moving vehicles immediately without cellular networks.

Use APRS for weather and telemetry data

APRS does more than track locations – it excels at environmental monitoring. Weather stations linked to APRS transmitters send temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind speed readings through the network. The system also manages complex telemetry, including analog measurements like voltage and temperature, plus digital states such as on/off conditions and alarms.

Solar-powered weather stations represent a more sophisticated use case. These stations report battery voltage, signal strength, and light intensity that services like aprs.fi automatically turn into graphs. Remote equipment or condition monitoring becomes easier without cellular coverage.

Follow balloon launches and mobile stations

Tracking moving objects showcases APRS at its best, especially with high-altitude balloon launches. Teams of ham operators attach light APRS transmitters to weather balloons to track their trip and find equipment after landing. The 2017 Great American Solar Eclipse saw 148 APRS-equipped balloons tracked across the continental USA.

These balloon trackers often use solar panels and supercapacitors to stay airborne longer. The LightAPRS-W tracker shows what’s possible – it sends APRS on VHF at 0.5-1 watt while broadcasting WSPR signals on HF using just 10 milliwatts, making it trackable from thousands of miles away.

Explore APRS.fi for live tracking

APRS.fi stands as the main platform to view this worldwide network of transmissions. This free service puts all APRS-equipped stations on detailed maps in real-time. You can follow specific callsigns, look at paths from the past week, and calculate distances between points.

Each transmission reveals incredible detail on the platform, from digipeater paths to street-view images showing a moving station’s direction. Operators can adjust their transmitters to reduce position accuracy when privacy matters.

This amazing system proves that ham radio goes way beyond voice calls by creating a worldwide data network that works with modest equipment and simple technical knowledge.

Want to know more about APRS? Here is our article providing more detail: What is APRS: A Beginner’s Quick Start Guide to Ham Radio Tracking and once you get into it, here is a great article combining APRS and easy DIY electronics: Building Your Own APRS iGate with Raspberry Pi: A Complete Guide.

Find the signal: Direction finding and fox hunting

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Ham radio becomes an exciting game of hide-and-seek when operators use radio direction finding to track hidden transmitters. The skills learned here go way beyond simple fun and games. They become valuable tools to detect interference and support emergency services.

What is a ‘fox hunt’ and how it works

A fox hunt challenges radio enthusiasts to find hidden radio transmitters (the “foxes”) through radio direction finding methods. The hunt organizers give participants details about frequency and search areas before they start. Hunters track down transmitters by measuring signal direction from different spots and using triangulation. Time limits add extra excitement to some contests. This activity blends technical expertise with outdoor navigation and creates both a mental and physical challenge.

Gear you need: Yagi antennas and attenuators

Success in fox hunting depends on having the right equipment. Directional antennas play a vital role—most hunters prefer Yagi-Uda designs with three to five elements because they pick up signals better from specific directions. Mobile hunters often choose quad antennas that can handle highway speeds. Attenuators become essential as hunters get closer to the transmitter. They help reduce signal strength to keep direction finding possible. Some participants use advanced time difference of arrival systems or Doppler shift gear that shows likely directions through LED displays.

How it helps in interference detection

These skills offer more than just sport value. Radio direction finding gives operators a great way to solve practical problems. It lets them track down interference sources that affect ham stations and home electronics. Skilled operators have successfully located grow light ballasts, halogen light fixtures, and other RFI sources that disrupt communications. Operators can spot interference sources up to half a mile away using specialized loop antennas and receivers.

Join or organize a local ARDF event

Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF) has grown into a worldwide competitive sport with official championships. The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) runs world championships, including the upcoming IARU World ARDF Championship in Lithuania during August 2025. These events draw everyone from newcomers to seasoned veterans who search for hidden transmitters across forest terrain. ARDF competitions create an exceptional challenge by combining amateur radio knowledge with orienteering skills.

Build it yourself: Kits, SDRs, and DIY projects

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Ham radio enthusiasts find building their own equipment one of the most rewarding challenges. This hands-on aspect combines electronics knowledge with the thrill of making contacts using self-built gear. The hobby opens up endless possibilities beyond regular operation.

Start with QRP transceiver kits from QRP Labs or Elecraft

QRP (low power) transceivers serve as a perfect gateway into DIY radio. QRP Labs delivers amazing options like their QMX+, a feature-packed 160-6m 5W multi-mode transceiver kit including embedded SDR and USB sound card for just $125. Their QDX digital transceiver kit covers five bands and puts out 5W for only $69. So, these affordable kits let you communicate worldwide with minimal power.

Elecraft, a prominent name in quality equipment, offers modular no-soldering kits that include their legendary K2 and K2/100 all-band CW/SSB transceiver kits. These kits come with complete instructions that suit builders with simple soldering skills.

Experiment with Software Defined Radios (SDRs)

Software Defined Radio uses digital signal processing to detect radio signals. This technology has changed how hams interact with RF. SDRs provide remarkable performance advantages—notably “cliff-walled” bandpass filtering and “scalpel-sharp” notch filtering capabilities. A SDR receiver can make your trusted dipole work like a multi-element beam, thanks to advanced digital signal processing.

For more detailed information on SDR, read our article: Software Defined Radio: What You Need to Know About SDR.

Use Raspberry Pi or Arduino for digital modes

Raspberry Pi single-board computers and Arduino microcontroller boards have changed the game for ham radio projects. These compact computers power everything from APRS displays to web servers and media centers. Arduino boards shine at data collection, telemetry, and signal generation. A Raspberry Pi starter kit gives you everything needed to build sophisticated radio projects for about $50-90.

Create your own antennas and test them in the field

Building antennas at home saves money and teaches valuable lessons. You can make simple dipoles with:

• Speaker wire (two conductors easily separated)
• A balun (commercial or homemade)
• Simple measuring tools
• Optional insulators (“dog bones”)

Each side’s measurement in feet comes from the formula 468/frequency. Once you build your antenna, you will need to tune it, so check out our article How to Tune an Antenna: The Science of SWR and Return Loss.

Where to find kits: QRPkits.com, TAPR.org, HF Signals

Several sources offer excellent kits beyond the manufacturers mentioned above. The Four State QRP Group sells “must-have” QRP kits that combine good engineering with easy assembly. TAPR (Tucson Amateur Packet Radio Corp) focuses on technical projects and works with the HPSDR group to develop open SDR platforms. HF Signals produces the µBITX, a general coverage 3-30 MHz transceiver kit that needs no soldering and costs just $150.

You can even start really small with kits like the S-Pixie CW QRP Ham Amateur Shortwave Radio Transceiver which goes for under $20, or build your own Antenna tuner with the Malahit ATU-100 Antenna Tuner for around $40.

Go digital: Modes that go beyond voice

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Digital modes take ham radio experience way beyond traditional voice contacts. Operators can now communicate in ways that conventional methods cannot match. Your radio transforms from a simple voice device into a sophisticated data platform that achieves remarkable feats.

FT8: Communicate with low power across the globe

FT8 has maybe become the most popular digital mode on ham radio bands since its 2017 introduction. The mode works best “multi-hop Es where signals may be weak and fading,” and shows excellent results during the current solar minimum. What makes FT8 extraordinary lies in knowing how to decode signals with a signal-to-noise ratio as low as -20 dB in a 2500 Hz bandwidth. Operators can now make contacts that voice methods simply cannot achieve.

Small stations with basic antennas can work DXCC (100+ countries) just like operators with massive antenna farms. FT8 makes contacts possible on “dead bands” and helps operators work DX on 160m without complex station setups.

WSPR: Test propagation with milliwatt signals

WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter, pronounced “whisper”) takes weak signal communication to new heights. The system detects signals with SNR values down to -34 dB. WSPR transmitters run on mere milliwatts—hundreds of times less power than typical voice transmission.

Successful decodes automatically upload to a global database and create a live map of radio propagation. Operators worldwide test different antennas by comparing reception reports from monitoring stations.

Packet BBS and Winlink for email over radio

Winlink brings something amazing—email over radio without internet infrastructure. The worldwide messaging system includes attachments, position reports, and weather bulletins.

Gateway stations keep communication flowing through radio networks and the internet when disasters strike and regular networks fail. The system delivers 99.99% uptime with 100% message accuracy.

Try PSK31, RTTY, and other keyboard-to-keyboard modes

Keyboard-to-keyboard modes let operators have real conversations beyond just exchanging signal reports. PSK31, developed in 1998, uses phase shift keying with a bandwidth of just 31 Hz. The narrow bandwidth helps reception under severe conditions.

RTTY (radioteletype) dates back to the 1930s and remains popular especially during contests. JS8Call, a newer mode, enables conversational messaging through a modified FT8 protocol.

These digital modes reshape ham radio into a versatile communication platform that goes way beyond voice capabilities.

Chasing the rain: Ham radio and the weather

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Weather observation gives ham radio operators exciting activities that range from receiving high-resolution satellite images to joining vital storm tracking networks. These applications show how versatile amateur radio can be beyond simple communication.

Decoding weather satellites

Ham operators can capture stunning images directly from orbiting NOAA and Meteor weather satellites. These satellites transmit on VHF frequencies in the 137 MHz band. NOAA-15 broadcasts at 137.6200 MHz, NOAA-18 at 137.9125 MHz, and NOAA-19 at 137.1000 MHz. The signal bandwidth ranges from 36-38 kHz using FM mode, and receivers need to handle wider signals than typical narrow FM communications.

Operators need three key components to receive these images: a suitable receiver (SDR dongle or dedicated weather satellite receiver), an antenna optimized for 137 MHz (ideally circular polarized), and decoding software. The Quadrifilar Helix Antenna is pretty good as is a good crossed-yagi design. A pre-amplifier helps create clearer images over longer cable runs.

WXtoImg for NOAA satellites and MeteorGIS for Russian Meteor satellites are popular decoding software options. These programs turn the characteristic “washing machine” sound into detailed images that show cloud patterns, landmasses, and temperature data.

Skywarn weather spotters

The National Weather Service’s SKYWARN program is 50 years old and relies on approximately 350,000-400,000 trained spotters who provide vital ground-truth information during severe weather events. Ham radio operators are significant in coordinating reports when other communications fail, though anyone can participate.

SKYWARN nets become active when specific conditions occur, such as severe weather warnings in the area. Spotters report time-sensitive observations that include:

• Tornadoes, funnel clouds, and wall clouds
• Wind gusts of 45 MPH or higher and wind damage
• Hail larger than pea size
• Flooding of streets, basements, or streams
• Heavy rainfall (0.75 inches or more in under an hour)
• Lightning-caused fires or damage

Amateur radio SKYWARN nets use structured protocols. Designated net control stations coordinate information between spotters and NWS offices. Reports must include three key elements during severe conditions: time of occurrence, specific weather event observed, and precise location.

These up-to-the-minute observations help the NWS issue accurate and timely warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods. This shows another influential way ham radio skills serve the community.

Going it alone

This may seem counter-intuitive, but not everything in ham radio has to be done with other people. Yes, ham radio is about communications, and that may infer communications with other people. But there are a ton of things to do without rag-chewing, going to meetings (not THAT kind of meeting, heh), or participating in large events.

There are people out there who get offended when you talk about ham radio without the social aspect, I have even heard people say if you don’t like to be social, you should find another hobby. Some people also seem to think anti-social is something bad or criminal even though the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “averse to the society of others” whereas dictionary.com says “unwilling or unable to associate in a normal or friendly way with other people“.  Personally, I think it is those people who need to find another hobby, amateur radio should be welcoming to everyone, social and antisocial alike.

The good news is that if you don’t want to spend a lot of time interacting with others, you don’t have to!

Conclusion

Ham radio goes way beyond what most people think of as a simple communication device. Our exploration has shown amazing ways this century-old technology stays relevant and versatile. You can bounce signals off the moon and capture high-resolution weather satellite images with simple equipment and proper licensing.

Most operators start out looking for simple communication but soon find a whole universe of specialized activities. Fox hunting helps develop practical skills to detect interference. Building QRP kits gives you technical knowledge and the satisfaction of making contacts with hand-assembled equipment. Modern digital modes like FT8 and WSPR have changed amateur radio. These modes let you make global contacts with minimal power even in tough conditions.

Ham radio differs from other technologies because it works without commercial infrastructure. The systems keep running when internet and cellular networks fail – during emergencies, weather events, or just to be self-reliant. APRS creates a parallel data network for tracking and telemetry. Winlink makes sure emails get delivered whatever the external conditions.

The most exciting part is how ham radio connects state-of-the-art technology with human creativity. Space communication with the ISS, satellite operations, and moonbounce are incredible achievements that regular people can do with simple equipment. Amateur operators get hands-on experience with aspects of telecommunication usually limited to specialists or professionals. They track high-altitude balloons, report severe weather as SKYWARN volunteers, and experiment with software-defined radio.

Next time someone calls ham radio outdated, think about these extraordinary capabilities. Of course, amateur radio lets you talk to people, but on top of that, it opens doors to scientific exploration, technical experiments, and practical emergency skills. This amazing hobby keeps evolving while you retain control – people can understand, modify, and control the technology themselves.