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September 26, 2008

Accepting Pre-Orders on the Beltronics Pro GX65 at Buy Radar Detectors

We are excited to announce that we are accepting pre-orders for the new Beltronics Pro GX65 GPS enabled radar detector. The Bel GX65 provides the high performance and functionality that you have grown to expect from Beltronics radar detectors, but is Bel's first detector to incorporate a GPS chip. The GPS allows the GX65 to offer many of the GPS enhanced functions of an Escort 9500i, such as false alert reduction, while adding a North American database of red light, speed, and safety camera locations.

Vehicles equipped with the Bel Pro GX65 will be able to avoid tickets from the proliferation of red light cameras and speed cameras. The Bel Pro GX65 incorporates GPS and the North American Trinity Database, which allows a user to be notified of known speed cameras or red light cameras. The Trinity Database can be updated through a PC USB cable and it is recommended to do so every month due to the fluid nature of camera use to enforce traffic regulations.

The addition of GPS not only allows the user to be warned of known locations, the Bel Pro GX65 allows the user to "mark" the locations of local speed traps and hot spots. Another annoyance, repeated false alarms, is virtually eliminated with the Bel Pro GX65. While driving by areas that normally set off false alarms, the user can program the Bel Pro GX65 to disregard the location and frequency of the false alert.

The Veil Guy has a pre-release version of this highly anticipated new model, and has posted a preliminary Bel GX65 review to his blog. Check it out!

September 16, 2008

All About MURS: Unlicensed VHF

Do you need a high powered two way radio, but don't want to deal with the hassle of licensing? MURS may be the answer, particularly if you plan to use the radio outdoors where VHF frequencies are most effective.

The Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) is a two-way radio service consisting of five frequencies in the VHF spectrum. Established by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the fall of 2000, MURS is a radio service allowing for "licensed by use" operation, meaning that a FFC issued license is not necessary to operate a MURS transmitter. The FCC formally defines MURS as "a private, two-way, short distance voice or data communications service for personal or business activities of the general public". There are some limitations to MURS: radio power is limited to 2 watts, MURS stations may not be connected to the public telephone network, radio repeaters are not permitted, and the highest point of any MURS antenna must not be more than 60 feet above the ground or 20 feet above the highest point of the structure on which it is mounted.

Since MURS exists within the VHF spectrum, it has the potential to become very popular among the traveling community and outdoor enthusiasts. VHF characteristics are ideal for short-distance ground communication, with a range generally somewhat farther than line-of-sight. Although there are limitations on transmitter power output and antenna height, there are no restrictions on the use of external antennas. The range for vehicle-to-vehicle communications with MURS can be much greater than that for the Family Radio Service (FRS). Outdoor activities are benefited by the increased range over the FRS, allowing for base camps to utilize antennas to stay in contact with campers and emergency personnel.

MURS operation is authorized anywhere a CB station is authorized.


  • Within or over any area of the world where radio service are regulated by the FCC

  • Any other area of the world, except within the territorial limits of areas where radio services are regulated by either an agency of the United States other than the FCC or any foreign government (Subject to either parties rules)

  • Aboard any vessel of the United States, with the permission of the captain, while the vessel is traveling either domestically or in international waters

MURS operation is not authorized aboard aircraft in flight.

MURS stations may transmit voice or data signal as permitted in FCC regulation Section 95.631.

Determined quickly whether a radio is legal to use on MURS:

  • If the radio is Part 95 certified and operates on MURS frequencies
  • If the radio was Part 95 certified prior to November 12, 2002 and transmits no more than 2 watts, and has no external control to increase power above 2 watts and only operates wideband on the 154 MHz frequencies (all parts must be true)
  • If the Radio was Part 90 certified prior to November 12, 2002 and transmits no more than 2 watts and has no external control to increate power above 2 watts and does not narrowband on the 151 MHz and 154 MHz frequencies or narrowband on 151 MHz and wideband on 154 MHz frequencies (all parts must be true)

The following are the frequencies authorized for use by the MURS:
FrequencyAuthorized Bandwidth
151.820 MHz11.25 kHz
151.880 MHz11.25 kHz
151.940 MHz11.25 kHz
154.570 MHz (also part of business band)20.00 kHz
154.600 MHz (also part of business band)20.00 kHz

Click here for a list of radios that we currently offer supporting the MURS frequencies.