The UHF vs VHF two-way radio decision depends heavily on your requirements. If your requirement is to cover large areas, VHF will be the better option but if the topography is urban then generally the UHF option is more suitable.
Before picking a solution it’s best to understand the different between these two radio options.
VHF Definition
VHF stands for very high frequency. The frequency range of VHF is 30MHz to 300MHz, however, Motorola radios operate in the 136 – 174Mhz sub-band. VHF waves are longer than UHF enabling them to travel further. The main disadvantage of longer wavelengths is their inability to penetrate structures like buildings.
UHF Definition
UHF stands for Ultra high frequency. The frequency range of UHF is 300Mhz to 3 GHz, however, Motorola radios operate in 350-480 MHz or 400-527 MHz. UHF waves are shorter which means they cannot travel as far as VHF however they are better at penetrating buildings than VHF.
VHF vs UHF:
Most urban projects are UHF as the topography is more urban and better suited to this option. Police, law enforcement agencies, and civic bodies for example use UHF.
If there is a clear line of sight and a large coverage area, VHF will be the preferred solution. VHF is primarily used in marine radios due to the lack of mountains and hills on water.
Another consideration is the size of the infrastructure. Lower frequencies require longer antennas, which means, VHF antennas will be bulky in size whereas UHF antennas are smaller and more adaptable – especially if on the move!
Can’t decide which one is better for you? Contact our support team for assistance, and we will be more than happy to help you find the perfect solution.
