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.
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.
VHF frequencies can penetrate objects better than UHF. VHF can also travel farther. If a VHF wave and a UHF wave were transmitted over an area without barriers, the VHF wave would travel almost twice as far.
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.
To receive DTV signals from all stations in the area, your antenna needs to be able to receive both VHF channels (channels 2-13) and UHF channels (channels 14-36). Some antennas only provide good reception of VHF or UHF channels, but not both.
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.
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).
Using UHF radio can help make life on the road easier. It can assist with travel and safety, so is well worth the investment.
UHF (ultra high frequency) signals operate at the higher end of the radio frequency spectrum. They can more easily penetrate metal and concrete structures, which makes UHF radios a good choice in built-up areas like towns and cities, or for densely wooded or hilly areas. It also makes them popular for indoor use.
Since UHF transmission is limited by the visual horizon to 30–40 miles (48–64 km) and usually to shorter distances by local terrain, it allows the same frequency channels to be reused by other users in neighboring geographic areas (frequency reuse).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
UHF channels
Channels 1-8 and 41-48: Duplex channels (output). Channels 31-38 and 71-78: Duplex channels (input). Channels 5 and 35: Duplex channels strictly used for emergency communications. Channels 9, 12-17, 19-21 24-28, 30, 39, 49-60, 64-70, 79 and 80: General chat channels, simplex use.
One of the greatest advantages of handheld UHF radios is their portability. Furthermore, their signal can be boosted with an external antenna. However, handheld radios don't do as well in handling interference on the same frequency band.
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.
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.
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.
You can't operate a 2-way radio without an appropriate licence. Check you understand and meet your radiocommunications licensing requirements.
In MOST cities, most Digital HD stations are VHF, like Ch 11. For some strange reason, most Digital Cincinnati stations, except for 11 and 13, are on UHF. VHF --which we use -- is the national standard. If a VHF antenna and manually programming 11.1 won't work, you may need a stronger antenna.