Choosing Between UHF and VHF Two-Way Radios: What You Need to Know

Two-way radios operate using two primary formats. Two-way radio formats include Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio and Very High Frequency (VHF) radio. The two frequency bands provide equal performance capabilities. They each have their pluses and minuses. Both radio formats provide efficient communication methods between individuals. How can you determine which frequency band best fits your requirements? We'll review the main features of both frequencies to assist you in making your decision.

UHF Radio

UHF radio equipment functions within the frequency range of 300 MHz to 3000 MHz. Until recently, it wasn't widely used. GPS systems together with Bluetooth devices, cordless phones and WiFi networks now operate on UHF radio frequencies.

UHF has more available channels which leads to reduced interference from other systems in populated regions. Thinly populated regions will find VHF communications reliable for their needs. The FCC recently made available a new VHF frequency identified as MURS which remains underutilized across many regions. The VHF section includes additional information about MURS. Choose UHF transmitters and receivers if radio interference is a problem unless you decide to use a MURS VHF radio. UHF transmissions show superior ability to penetrate through walls, buildings and rugged terrain. Radio signals experience diminished strength when they encounter any kind of obstruction. UHF lessens that effect. UHF radio waves offer superior obstacle penetration capabilities when compared to VHF waves even though their travel distance is shorter.

Here is an excerpt from a leading two-way radio manufacturer's brochure that demonstrates the predicted indoor range differences between their handheld VHF and UHF radios.

"Coverage estimates: At its maximum power output and in open line-of-sight conditions without any physical barriers the range reaches roughly four miles and beyond. Indoor coverage reaches about 270,000 square feet with VHF and extends to approximately 300,000 square feet with UHF. VHF can reach up to 20 floors vertically while UHF can penetrate as far as 30 floors. Note: Both range and coverage figures are estimations and serve as non-binding predictions.

VHF signals struggle to penetrate through walls and buildings as well as rugged landscapes. VHF radios will experience a significant reduction in range when operating in environments with walls and rugged terrain. The reduced range should not pose an issue when only a few hundred feet of range is necessary. To resolve this issue you can attach an external antenna to your indoor VHF base station.

Operating UHF frequencies requires FCC licensing according to their regulations. Operating on many VHF business band frequencies requires users to obtain necessary licenses. Operating without a license becomes possible when selecting a radio that functions on the VHF MURS frequencies. UHF equipment is usually more expensive. The components require precise tuning and construction costs are higher. The higher price does not indicate better performance for UHF equipment.

UHF transmission benefits from the production of physically short waves as a result of its high operating frequencies. The physical size of the radio antenna has to be less than that of a VHF radio because it operates on UHF frequencies.

VHF Radio

VHF equipment functions within the frequency range from 30 MHz to 300 MHz. The frequency range of 30 MHz to 300 MHz accommodates FM radio broadcasts as well as two-way radios and television transmissions.

Both UHF and VHF radios experience line of sight limitations yet VHF radios encounter these restrictions to a greater extent. The waves can pass through trees and rugged terrains but fail to penetrate these obstacles as effectively as UHF frequencies. In an obstacle-free environment both VHF and UHF waves could travel distances with VHF waves reaching almost two times further than UHF waves. VHF signals achieve better broadcasting range compared to other frequencies. When working outdoors most of the time you should choose a VHF radio which proves most effective especially when paired with a base station radio indoors and an external antenna.

The number of frequencies available for VHF radios is less than that of other radio types. Other radios may experience more interference issues. The FCC's recent decision to make MURS frequencies available reduced this issue. The MURS service defines the 150 MHz Citizens Band radio spectrum. MURS stands for Multi-Use Radio Service. The MURS service operates only in the territories of the United States and Canada. The service operates at low power levels over short distances using the VHF 150 MHz Citizens Band radio spectrum. Five MURS frequency channels each contain 38 privacy codes which allow you to receive only conversations using your specific code. The FCC does not mandate licensing for individuals who use MURS products.

The MURS allows users to connect larger or external antennas which extend the communication range. For placing an antenna atop your residence or commercial building you have the option to use MURS technology. Several antenna manufacturers state that an external antenna can boost transmitter effective radiated power four times. MURS intercoms have a transmission range of up to four miles which can extend further depending on terrain when using an external antenna.

VHF wireless radios typically offer longer battery life than comparable UHF units. For handheld radios this is a plus.

Highlights:

For indoor two-way radio use UHF frequencies generally offer the optimal solution. VHF is the superior option when your two-way radio usage is primarily outdoors. You can use either radio technology effectively if you need to cover a short distance. Since no license requirements exist for VHF MURS, it would be a suitable choice in this situation.

IntercomsOnline.com offers a wide range of two way radio equipment that operates in both UHF and VHF frequencies. We have more than just handheld radios. Our inventory includes base station intercoms together with wireless call boxes and customer service call buttons and wireless PA systems which operate alongside two way radios. Our team can assist you in locating the right equipment if you reach out to us.

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