Radio VHF / UHF?
- Thread starter valco
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UHF vs VHF Two Way Radios
If you’ve read the introduction to two way radios article, you already know that, as far as operation frequency is concerned, two types of radios exist: UHF two way radios and VHF two way radios. Since none of them is inherently better, a thorough comparison presenting the pros and cons of each technology is in order. After reading this article, you will most probably be in the position to decide which technology best fits your needs.
UHF Two Way Radios
UHF stands for Ultra High Frequency and it is a band of radio frequencies ranging from 300MHz to 3GHz. Many modern wireless protocols share this band, including WiFi, Bluetooth, DECT and GPS. Even microwave ovens work in this range (at 2.4GHz to be precise) but since they are shielded, they do not interfere with other devices.
The UHF band is what all business two way radios use. Since all users of this band require a license, it is naturally much less populated than the VHF band, meaning that it will always be easier to find a free channel/code combination in order to speak with no cross chatter. The fact that a license is required, however, is a potential downside due to the cost and procedure involved. Due to their short wavelength, UHF waves can not travel as far as VHF wave in open spaces. However, they are much better at penetrating physical barriers, such as walls. In practice, a UHF two way radio will work over more floors than a VHF radio.
As far as equipment is concerned, UHF radios are more expensive than VHF radios. This is largely due to the higher quality electronics needed for operation at such large frequencies, but definitely also due to marketing reasons (“business†is always more expensive!) and more features like larger batteries. These larger batteries do not necessarily lead to longer battery life, since the power consumption of an electronic circuit is linearly proportional to its operation frequency which in the case of UHF radios, is high. Higher transmit powers are also allowed on business bands, making battery consumption even higher. On a more pleasant note, the antennas can be shorter since the wavelength of UHF waves is shorter, leading to less bulky products.
VHF Two Way Radios
VHF stands for Very High Frequency and it is a band of radio frequencies ranging from 30MHz to 300MHz. Apart from VHF two way radios, FM radio and TV signals use these frequencies as well.
Many wireless VHF services exist that do not require a license, like FRS and MURS. Due to this fact, however, the VHF two way radio band is a lot more populated than UHF. Since this band is narrower than UHF, it is natural that less channels exist. These two facts combined make it very hard to avoid cross-chatter, especially in areas with high population density. VHF radio waves travel farther when obstacles are absent, but they do not penetrate physical barriers as well as UHF waves do.
VHF two way radios are cheaper than their UHF counterparts and they usually offer longer battery life due to the stricter limitations on transmit power of most devices and due to the lower frequency. Antennas tend to be a bit longer though, due to the larger wavelength.
Verdict
It all depends on your planned usage. For casual outdoor usage, you should definitely get a VHF two way radio. For office usage, especially across many floors, a UHF two way radio would probably be better. For short ranges, (i.e. less than 300 feet or so) both radio types will work just as well, so choosing VHF would be acceptable if you need to lower your cost. It’s all up to you though.
Pulled from Two Way Radios
I would recommend VHF programmed with the race frequencies. Most car to car radios use the race frequencies.
Yaesu FT2800 is a good low cost radio that can be modified and programmed to work on the channels we use.
Intercom - Rugged's RRP660
Yaesu FT2800 is a good low cost radio that can be modified and programmed to work on the channels we use.
Intercom - Rugged's RRP660
Rusty posted some great info, but mostly technical. Sounds like you're using the Teryx in the desert so the most important question is what are your friends using?
If they are on VHF and you buy UHF or vice versa, you won't be able to communicate, so the radio you are looking to talk to is your deciding factor. Keep in mind 99% of recreational users have VHF radios and they are ideal for desert use compared to UHF.
Hey Garrett!
I definitely recommend going with a VHF radio, considering almost everyone in the off road world runs VHF. You can either get a hand held VHF radio and link it to our intercom systems, which go about 5 miles. Or you can step up and get a 50 Watt radio which has more channels and goes about 50 miles. Don't forget about our TeryX plate, almost everyone that buys a kit from us and has a Teryx gets this plate. Call me if you have any questions or want to get a quote for how much everything would be. I posted a link to our TeryX plate below!
Billet Intercom and Radio Mounting Plate for Kawasaki Teryx [TERYX-PLATE] - $89.25 : Rugged Radios: Headsets, Intercoms, 2-Way Racing Radios and Communication for Motorcycles, Offroad, Circle Track, Drag Racing, NASCAR, Police, and more...
I definitely recommend going with a VHF radio, considering almost everyone in the off road world runs VHF. You can either get a hand held VHF radio and link it to our intercom systems, which go about 5 miles. Or you can step up and get a 50 Watt radio which has more channels and goes about 50 miles. Don't forget about our TeryX plate, almost everyone that buys a kit from us and has a Teryx gets this plate. Call me if you have any questions or want to get a quote for how much everything would be. I posted a link to our TeryX plate below!
Billet Intercom and Radio Mounting Plate for Kawasaki Teryx [TERYX-PLATE] - $89.25 : Rugged Radios: Headsets, Intercoms, 2-Way Racing Radios and Communication for Motorcycles, Offroad, Circle Track, Drag Racing, NASCAR, Police, and more...
