Reddit reviews Dakota Alert M538-HT MURS Wireless VHF Transceiver - Handheld 2-Way Radio License Free - Multi Use Radio Service
We found 6 Reddit comments about Dakota Alert M538-HT MURS Wireless VHF Transceiver - Handheld 2-Way Radio License Free - Multi Use Radio Service. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Provides 2-way conversation - The Dakota Alert M538-HT Radio acts as a transceiver. It transmits and receives messages from other MURS units such as M538-BS Base Station and MURS Alert TransmitterDoesn't require an FCC license - FCC allows the use of Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) without a license. This VHF (Very High Frequency) radio operates in 151.820~154.600MHz frequenciesOffers long-range wireless operation - Even if the M538-HT Radio is 2 miles away (open line of sight) from other MURS units (e.g., MURS Alert Transmitter), it can still receive alert messagesEasy communication - Conveniently communicate with your staff inside a hotel or warehouse efficiently with the M538-HT. You can also talk with employees at construction sites using multiple MURS radioEnsures secured wireless conversations - The M538-HT Transceiver features 5 channels with 38 privacy sub-channels. It is also equipped with an earphone jack for private listening
MURS is the way to go for your application.
Dakota Alert M538-HT is only $85.
https://www.amazon.com/Dakota-Alert-Wireless-Handheld-M538-HT/dp/B013XQMPSM/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1484776174&sr=8-5&keywords=dakota+alert+murs
I believe MURS would be the best bet, I know these MURS radios come recommended from others around here. MURS gives you 2 watts on VHF unlicensed, where FRS/GMRS are more limited power levels in the UHF band.
To transmit without a license you need a GMRS/FRS or MURS radio.
To use the Baofeng's you'd need a Amateur Radio license since they are not certified for use on GMRS/FRS or MURS bands. Transmitting outside of those bands or with improper equipment brings big fines if you're caught. On the other hand, the Amateur Radio licenses are cheap and only require passing a fairly simple test. - basic electronics, fcc rules, etc.. It takes a up to a few weeks to actually receive your callsign. You and your friends should look into this in the future.
What certified HTs? If you don't buy an old business band unit, there's like two on the open market, and one made exclusively for and sold exclusively to Wal-Mart. The others are the Motorola RMM2050 and the Dakota Alert M-538 HT which doesn't give me great vibes about ruggedness. They perform fine, though.
The pair I ordered had me initially worried as they look and feel very plastic but I have used them over a year and a half now without any problems. Looks like the price has gone up during that time.
https://www.amazon.com/Dakota-Alert-Wireless-Handheld-M538-HT/dp/B013XQMPSM/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=dakota+alert&qid=1573098937&sr=8-4
Something like MURS might work but is limited to a 2-watt power limit.
http://www.amazon.com/Dakota-Alert-Wireless-Handheld-M538-HT/dp/B013XQMPSM
Edit: You could always use a simplex repeater between sites to help extend the range.