The only time you will want to use VHF is if you are outside in a wide-open space like a field. VHF has smaller frequencies which means interference with other radios is common. UHF, on the other hand, is an all-around better signal for long distance communication.
In a general sense, UHF's shorter radio waves make it best-suited for wireless and indoor use, where there are more penetrable obstacles. On the other hand, VHF is excellent for outdoor use; construction workers, aviators, and boat captains rely on VHF radios on their crafts.
A VHF (Very High Frequency) antenna is required in places where VHF television is accessible. However, most television signals are broadcast on UHF (Ultra High Frequency). Even when UHF is utilised, there are many bands. Thus, ensure that you have the appropriate TV antenna for your region.
Radios with lower frequencies (VHF) have longer wavelengths, making them ideal for work across wide areas free from obstruction, as well as outdoor use. UHF radios operate at a higher frequency, which is ideally suited for wireless communications that need to penetrate buildings, walls, concrete, or other barriers.
UHF is also the better choice in urban areas with a lot of houses and commercial buildings that the radio signal will be passing thru. However, the disadvantage of UHF is that its range will be less outside when compared to VHF.
VHF radio signals are on the low end of the frequency scale when compared to UHF. Although, VHF signal wavelength is longer, allowing it to travel farther than UHF.
Using UHF radio can help make life on the road easier. It can assist with travel and safety, so is well worth the investment.
VHF radio is considered to be the most effective tool for marine communication and distress calls for several reasons. It has more consistent reception than cell phones and is designed to withstand rough weather and moisture.
The majority of digital TV stations currently broadcast in the UHF band, both because VHF was already filled largely with analog TV when the digital facilities were built and because of severe issues with impulse noise on digital low-VHF channels.
Lightweight and robust, uhf satcom provides a highly secure means of communication with extensive uses on land, at sea and in the air to meet the needs of the armed forced. satcom antenna have a monogamous relationship with satellites in that they only talk to one antenna.
Australia uses the VHF/UHF PAL B/G television system. In many regional areas, networks broadcast only in the UHF band (PAL G). In capital cities, most networks broadcast in both the VHF band (PAL B) and the UHF band (PAL G).
In Australia, digital TV signals are aired on both VHF and UHF frequencies (the signals are electromagnetic waves and the frequency is the number of waves transmitted in one second). UHF signal has a higher frequency than VHF and is vertically polarized in Brisbane, while VHF TV signal travels in the horizontal plane.
Although not required in recreational boats under 65.5 feet long, a Very High Frequency (VHF) Marine Radio allows instant communication between your boat and other boats, marinas, bridges, and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
UHF radio waves generally only go as far as line of sight. Anything in the way of your sight will also interfere with frequency range, such as buildings, tall trees or any other obstruction. The transmission is high enough to penetrate through building walls, making indoor reception a possibility.
Note: UHF radios will never be able to communicate with VHF radios! So, if you already have radios and are looking to purchase additional units to use with them, be sure to select the same band. UHF radios (Ultra High Frequency) operate on frequencies from 400 to 512 Megahertz (MHz).
Because of their higher frequency, UHF radios require more power and must be charged more frequently. The battery life of VHF radios will be significantly longer because they have stricter limits on transmit power and lower frequency.
Because UHF signals are least affected by environmental factors, they are used extensively in radio and television broadcasting, typically carrying TV signals on channels 14 through 83.
Today, much of the bandwidth has been reallocated to land mobile radio system, trunked radio and mobile telephone use. UHF channels are still used for digital television.
As for HDTV Antennas, they perform best at receiving UHF signals but less so when obtaining VHF channels. When shopping for antennas, make sure you check if the unit provides good reception of both VHF and UHF. If you use a digital-to-analogue converter box, an antenna is a must to receive DTV signals.
The most important channels on your VHF radio are 13, 16, 19, 22, and 70. Channel 13 is used by commercial shipping to communicate their actions and confirm passage. Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) VHF-FM is designated by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) as the national distress, safety and calling frequency.
Don't tie up channel 16 or channel 9. If you are talking with someone, switch to a working channel so you are not keeping others from using channel 16 or 9. In some instances, the Coast Guard may even order you to switch channels if you are talking excessively on 16 or 9. A VHF radio is not a telephone.
VHF Tactical Radio is a frequency-hopping microwave radio transceiver using SDR technology, serving the tactical level; being capable of voice communication, data transmission, security encryption, anti-electronic warfare, oriented to equip the army up to the level of Infantry and Tank and Armored Division and Brigade.
UHF CB is a class-licensed citizen band two-way radio service using the 476.4250–477.4125MHz radiofrequency intended for short-distance communications. The UHF CB band radio service is available for public access and is authorised by the governments of Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Malaysia.
There are 80 Channels of free UHF CB Two Way Radio Channels that have been set aside for the general public to use. These frequencies are in the UHF Band between 476.4250 and 477.4125 MHz. Any frequencies outside of this band are for COMMERCIAL USE ONLY and all need to be licenced.
It's not illegal to use a UHF or CB radio while driving
They needn't be, the laws around this stuff are pretty clear cut and that is that you can use a UHF or CB radio while driving… as long as you're still considered to be in proper control of your vehicle.