Want to know a little bit about who is going to benefit from digital VHF radio communication systems? Want a couple of tips on finding the right system for you? Well, we are going to tell you everything that you need to know right here on this page!
What Are Digital Vhf Radio Communication Systems?
This is actually two questions rolled into one. Let’s take it bit by bit.
The ‘digital’ part is the way in which the sound is transmitted and received. We won’t go into the ins and outs of the way in which the signal is dealt with. All you really need to know right now is that ‘digital’ is better than analog. With digital, the signal is sent out in a slightly different way (closer to the way a computer processes data), and analog is through repeating sound waves. An analog system, therefore, would not be able to receive digital signals as it does not understand that code. Likewise, a digital radio can’t receive an analog signal.
The second part means dealing with VHF. This, basically, means ‘Very High Frequency’. It refers to the frequencies available on the radio. With VHF, you will be able to access most frequencies between 136 MHz and 174MHz. We will talk a little bit more about this part in a short while.
Who Are These Systems For?
Digital systems, nowadays, are vital for people who love their audio quality to be top-notch. Now, in all fairness, analog does offer superior sound quality. However, it is only going to offer superior sound quality when two people are close together AND there are no obstacles in the way. The greater the distance between two people, and the more obstacles there are, the less chance of the signal being good. The wonderful thing about digital VHF signals is that they retain their signal integrity throughout the entire range of the two way radio. There may be a little bit of a dip in quality at maximum range, but it isn’t noticeable. The only people who would notice that dip in quality would be those audiophiles!
VHF is a system that tends to work best outside. This is because VHF radio signals are not fantastic with obstacles. They are great at working at a long-range, but if there are too many obstacles then the sound will likely be weakened. So, while they can be used indoors, you have better options for that.
So, with that in mind, it means that a digital VHF radio is perfect for those who are working outdoors. This could be doing a job such as boating or farming. However, VHF radios also have a lot of use when it comes to recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and walking.
Do bear in mind that VHF transmissions are going to be quite ‘private’. Obviously, anybody will likely be able to tune into the transmissions in some cases. However, most transmissions will be encrypted thanks to the wonders of digital technology. This is great for most people, but if you are planning on listening to important updates on the roads and the like, then VHF radio is not for you. It is mostly for chatting to people that you already know the location of, plus their frequency. In some cases, your device may even need to be paired with yours before you can talk. Although, this is going to be completely dependent on the radio that you have purchased!
How Can You Choose the Perfect VHF Radio?
There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to buying a digital VHF radio. In this section, we want to run you through a few of the more important things that you should be thinking about.
First and foremost; you need to think about WHY you need a VHF radio. What do you plan to do with it? If you are going to be out and about (which is pretty much what this type of radio has been designed for), then you are going to need to choose something that is portable. If you are planning to communicate with people that you know from the comfort of your own home, then you can probably purchase a stationary unit. With that, as long as your antenna is outside, you will be able to get a greater signal than any handheld unit (i.e. a walkie talkie)
You will also need to think about the frequencies you want to be communicating on. Do you have a need to communicate on several frequencies, or is just one or two fine? If you only want to transmit on one frequency (i.e. in a place of work), then you may be able to save a bit of money. Although, do bear in mind that you are sacrificing the ability to enter private calls with people, and this means a loss of functionality.
Like a Cell Phone – Without The Bill
You may also want to think about the additional features that your selected VHF radio boasts. For example; some of the better digital VHF radios work similarly to cellphones. With them, you are able to quickly call certain people that you have added to your ‘contacts’ on your radio. If you do, you will be taken to a private radio frequency where the two of you can communicate. Once you hang up, you will be returned to the more general one that you were using before. This is a great thing for businesses.
You will also need to think long and hard about the brand of radio you are buying. Our suggestion is that you read through a few reviews. Luckily for you, we have packed this site to the brim with VHF radio reviews, so you can always dive into them. Do bear in mind that digital VHF radios are going to be expensive in comparison to most other options on the market. However, we really do think this price is justifiable simply because they are so much better and, assuming you are working outdoors, so much more useful!
