A radio receiver for direct sequence spread spectrum radio frequency (RF) signals is provided which discontinues radio reception when it is recognized that a received signal is intended for another such receiver. As a result, the receiving apparatus draws substantially less electrical current than conventional spread spectrum receivers. The apparatus provides for demodulation of an RF signal to recover digital information in the form of a transmitted message packet having a header portion and a data portion. The apparatus determines a message address and data length from the header portion. If the determined address does not correspond to the distinct apparatus address of the particular receiver, the apparatus disables the signal demodulation operation for a discrete period of time corresponding to the determined data length.