When you purchase two-way radios, a very important decision you must make is whether to choose UHF or VHF radios. The decision depends on an organization’s size, finances, and the location of personnel.
UHF and VHF Radios in a Nutshell
High band (764-870 MHz) and low band (378-512 MHz) are the ranges within which UHF radios operate. They can permeate obstacles such as walls and trees more easily due to having shorter wavelengths at these bands. Therefore, such radios are quite useful in cities or indoors where there are obstructions to signals.
In the opposite direction, the VHF radios function at lower frequencies which include but are not limited to: lower band from 49-108 MHz and upper band from 169-216 MHz. The longer wavelengths of VHF signals don’t bend or penetrate obstacles as easily as UHF signals. However, they can travel farther and are less affected by the Earth’s curvature. And, this makes them better suited for outdoor or rural areas with fewer obstructions.
Common Users of UHF and VHF Radios
UHF Radios:
UHF radios can penetrate through metal, concrete, and densely wooded areas. Therefore, they are perfect for inside or crowded places. UHF two way radios are commonly used by ambulance services, police or fire fighters. But they require charging stations because their batteries are quickly depleted.
These industries commonly use UHF radio communications:
Manufacturing plants, factories, and warehouses
Hotels, restaurants, and retail stores
Construction sites
Schools, dorms, and educational facilities
Casinos, building security, and public safety officials
Hospitals and nursing homes
VHF Radios:
In wide-open spaces where there are few people or structures around, VHF radios function perfectly. It can transmit a signal across thousands of miles easily. However, interruptions in the VHF signal can be hard to come by in certain places simply because they are so common.
These industries commonly use VHF radio communications:
Farming and agriculture
Volunteer emergency services
Paging systems
Road and bridge construction
Long-haul trucking
The Main Differences Between UHF and VHF Radios
UHF and VHF radios have their range as the most significant variation. VHF waves are longer and UHF radio waves are shorter. Therefore, UHF signals have a wider reception area while VHF waves are shorter in distance. UHF signals pass through barriers like trees and building walls while VHF cannot. UHF is generally better in signal penetration through obstacles. UHF has a better range but that does not mean that VHF is not effective at medium to long ranges.
Bandwidth is another noteworthy difference between them; shorter wave UHF has a wider bandwidth than VHF. Furthermore, UHF radios consume power more quickly than VHF ones do. Finally, UHF radios, in comparison with VHF radios, are more costly.
Choosing Between VHF or UHF Radios
Which radio (VHF or UHF) would be most suited to your tasks? For outdoor activities, VHF radios would be perfect. Buildings and cities are best served by UHF which is less susceptible to other two-way radio signals.
Interested in finding exceptional VHF and UHF radio solutions? Consider TE (PNG) LTD. We have over 25 years of experience providing radios in PNG.
Our close supplier relationships ensure we offer the latest equipment, and our technicians receive ongoing training to stay up-to-date. For any piece of radio equipment that leaves its premises, TE(PNG) LTD usually conducts in-house tests on every single one of them so as not to fall short of meeting the set standards by PNG authorities. Our VHF and UHF radio options come from trusted brands like Icom, Hytera, Tait, GME, and more.
Visit our website today! Or, talk to one of our experts to discuss your needs!