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Highlights

  • UHF vs. VHF Characteristics: UHF frequencies (300-3000 MHz) provide superior penetration through walls and rugged landscapes compared to VHF frequencies which (30-300 MHz) deliver further range in open spaces but encounter difficulties with obstructions. Indoor environments benefit from UHF frequencies while outdoor settings perform better with VHF frequencies.
  • Interference and Licensing: Populated areas experience less interference because UHF provides more available channels. VHF MURS frequencies remain underused yet free from FCC licensing requirements which makes them an excellent option. Licensing is required for operation of most UHF and VHF frequencies.
  • Range and Coverage: Under open conditions VHF signals extend nearly double the distance of UHF signals. UHF provides superior indoor coverage which extends up to 300,000 square feet. UHF signals penetrate up to 30 floors covering 300,000 square feet whereas VHF signals reach 270,000 square feet with a penetration limit of 20 floors. ft. and 20 floors.
  • Equipment and Costs: Although precise tuning makes UHF radios more costly they do not always provide superior performance. Handheld units benefit from VHF radios because they generally deliver extended battery life.
  • MURS Advantages: MURS operates on VHF at 150 MHz as a license-free service that gains extended range through external antennas making it suitable for personal and business applications.

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 versus VHFUHF 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.
Two Way Radio Equipment

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.

Check out this video for more info:

UHF or VHF 2 way radio

Wireless Call Boxes
Here at IntercomsOnline.com we have all sorts of two way radio equipment in UHF and VHF frequencies. We have more than just handheld radios. We also have base station intercoms, wireless call boxes, customer service call buttons, and wireless PA systems that work with two way radios. Give us a call and let us help you find what you are looking for.

Maximize the Potential of Your Current Radios

Two-way radios provide great mobility though fixed communication devices may offer superior reliability. Fixed communication devices prevent them from being unavailable or misplaced during critical emergency communication situations.
Wireless Call Boxes

You can enhance your communication setup with two options: wireless call boxes and base station intercoms. Your current radio systems can incorporate both wireless call boxes and base station intercoms without any difficulty. If you supply your radio frequency and privacy code we will program these devices to integrate smoothly with your system. Privacy codes which carry different names such as tone codes or interference eliminator codes operate by allowing your radio to function exclusively when it receives the proper code to block out unnecessary interference.

Other 2-Way Radio Devices

Wireless Call Boxes - A wireless call box functions as a two-way radio enclosed in a waterproof housing, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, even in wet conditions. Mounted on a wall or surface, they are always ready for communication and can’t be misplaced.

desktop intercom radioDesktop or Wall-Mounted Base Station Intercoms - These intercoms are designed for indoor environments. They can be placed on a desk or mounted on a wall, providing the same functionality as a mobile two-way radio but with the added benefit of always being powered and ready to use.

Other Devices - In addition to two-way radios, various UHF-compatible devices can enhance communication capabilities. One popular option is the Wireless PA receiver, which captures radio transmissions and broadcasts them through an amplified horn speaker for wider coverage. Wireless doorbells and customer service callboxes are also available, further extending the functionality and versatility of two-way radios in various environments. See Related Items below for examples of these devices.

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