Understanding the differences that exist between VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) signal frequencies will help you identify the right signal frequency for your two-way radio. UHF antenna signal, for example, does not go far enough as VHF antenna signal does but may allow greater bandwidth occupation.
Operating frequency is used by all cellular networking devices. This also includes two-way radios and mobile phones. In conjunction with the equipment used to communicate via them, they can be managed and controlled to a certain extent by the authorities and the government.
Since people use multiple kinds of radio signals, a broad variety of wireless equipment is necessary to reach these specifications.
The Federal Communication Commission, otherwise known as the FCC, regulates the use of radiofrequency bands in the United States.
The FCC is the one body that will decide which parties can operate in each band and whether anyone would be given priority over other operators. Main consumers here include duly licensed radio and television broadcasters, together with commercial communication service providers like mobile phones and two-way radios.
VHF stands for Very High Frequency
Very high frequency is widely used in many different applications like data transmission, two-way land mobile radio networks, long-distance FM radio broadcast, and maritime communications, to name a few.
VHF antenna radio waves vary in frequency, starting from 30 MHz up to 300 MHz.
VHF waves must not go beyond the local radio horizon which is 100 miles. In addition, it is unlikely that VHF frequencies are to get disrupted by problems associated with electrical equipment, ambient noise, a host of other kinds of interferences.
VHF frequency is divided into different bands, including low-band and high-band. Cordless phones, wireless microphones, radio-controlled toys, and other similar devices operate in the low-band VHF range of 49 MHz.
A slightly greater VHF range of 54-72 MHz runs television channels 2-4, together with qualified wireless “assistive listening” devices. Channels 5 and 6 work on VHF frequencies 76-88 MHz.
Due to the high level of radio “noise” in which these frequencies come in, low-band VHF antenna use is not encouraged in serious applications. Despite the probability of having background noise, it still managed to become one of the most sought-after options because it is seen as a much cheaper equipment.
If you are using an assistive listening device that works in the 72-76 MHz range, transmission capacity is reduced to less than 50 mW. A large UHF antenna booster is also necessary. This can come to about 3 feet long, thus limiting portability.
UHF Ultra High Portability
Compared to VHF radio waves, UHF radios are relatively shorter, measuring anywhere between 12 to 24 inches only. Consequently, this will lead to the reduction of the antenna length and thus also decreasing the radio range.
As a result, you will see a broader frequency spectrum and even a broader range of audio signals. Power levels of up to 250 mW are tolerable, exceeding the VHF power limits of 50 mW.
The low-band and high-band UHF frequencies overlap; the low range is anywhere between 450-536 MHz while the high range is set at 470-806 MHz. These frequencies are usually dedicated only for business solutions while UHF television channels normally run from 14 through 69.
High-band UHF, that is anything beyond 900 MHz, has the least amount of disturbance and this will include UHF antennas that measure from 3 up to 4 inches. These channels run studio-to-transmitter connections as well as other primary channels and users.