VHF Radios Q & A

Over how great a distance will these radios communicate?

VHF radios usually operate in the 1 to 2 watt range and sometimes up to as much as 5 watts output (but note that higher power levels will more quickly drain your batteries). The lower powered VHF radios might provide useful radio coverage at ground level over about 1 kilometre, assuming that one or both radio users are inside buildings or structures. Outside, coverage may be more than 2 kilometres if relatively free of obstacles.

What if I need to talk over a greater range, say 15 km, with portable VHF radios?

A 5 watt VHF radio may give you a 15 km range in optimal conditions, i.e. no obstacles in between and clear atmospheric conditions. To gain more, it may be possible to use a telescoping antenna on a portable VHF radio, greatly increasing your usable range versus that provided with the short flexible antenna typical of most handheld, portable radios.

You may also have the option of installing an outside antenna at one end of the link. Depending on your desired coverage area, you might see a 10 to 15 km range, or more if one end is high above the other and clear of obstacles.

If you still need longer range, you should consider using a repeater. A repeater is a specially built receiver and transmitter pair that receives signals from low power handheld or portable radios and retransmits them using a better antenna and more transmitter power. Consequently, the repeater can extend the range of a typical handheld by great distances. The actual distance depends on the system design and location. Where a repeater is located high atop a mountain, it may be possible to communicate with another station well over 100 kilometres away.

What is the difference between a VHF radio and a UHF radio?

The terms "VHF" and "UHF" refer to parts of the radio spectrum. VHF refers to radio signals in the 30 MHz to 300 MHz range and includes many public safety and business communications systems, FM broadcasting, and aviation radio. UHF refers to radio signals in the 300 MHz to 3000 MHz range. As demand for radio usage has increased and technology has improved, many applications that once used VHF have moved, or are moving, to UHF.

Why should I use portable radios instead of a mobile phone?

A mobile phone is ideal for making phone calls. It is not ideal for short-range, point-to-point communication where you need to make frequent, quick contacts, since dialling and waiting for a connection introduces delay every time. With a portable radio, you push the talk button and speak without delay. If you need several people talking to each other at once, you simply put them on the same channel. Each time one user speaks, everyone on that channel hears them.

How much power do I need in my two-way radio system?

How much power you need depends on how you plan to use the radio system. As a general rule, you should always use the least amount of power necessary to establish your communications. This reduces interference to other users in the local area. Portable radios normally operate in the 1 to 5 watt range. Mobile two-way radio equipment typically operates from 5 watts up to 50 watts, and sometimes as high as 100 watts. The right power level depends on the needs of your system, your terrain, and your licensing.

Choosing the right VHF radio setup depends on your specific environment and operational needs. For expert advice on selecting and installing the right marine or land VHF system, talk to the team at Mobile Systems Limited.

Browse our full range of VHF radios, or get in touch with our team.