VHF RADIOS
Very high frequency (VHF) radios are the most commonly used radio equipment in IFRC field operations. The two most common types are hand-held VHF radios and vehicle VHF radios, both of which are introduced below. It is important that staff and volunteers know how to use handheld and vehicle radios (so they can call for help if needed) and how VHF radio waves travel (so that they don’t try to communicate from a bad location).
Using a VHF handheld radio
1. Turn the power on
Turn the upper left knob clockwise to turn the radio on and adjust the volume.
2. Selecting a channel
Use the channel knob/buttons to select the correct channel. Remember to ask and note which channels to use when you receive the radio.
3. Push-to-talk
Press the push-to-talk (PTT) button and wait for one second before you start talking.
Using a VHF vehicle radio
1. Turn the power on
Turn the (round) upper left knob clockwise to turn the radio on and adjust the volume.
2. Selecting a channel
Use the middle buttons to select the correct channel. Get in the habit of asking the driver which channels to use when you get into a vehicle. If they get hurt in an accident, it may be up to you to call for help.
3. Push-to-talk
Pick up the handset and press the push-to-talk (PTT) button on the side - and wait for one second before you start talking.
How VHF signals travel
VHF radio waves travel in a straight line and usually as far as the line of sight. Basically, this means that if you are looking through binoculars at the spot you want to make contact with, you should be able to communicate to that point with the VHF radio.
Buildings (walls/roofs) and geographical features such as hills, mountains, forests can block the signal. This is why other communication devices are required in mountainous areas, for example.
Under good conditions, you have about 5km of range with a VHF handset and 20km with a vehicle VHF set, which emits a stronger signal and has a higher antenna. This is why other communication devices are required for longer range field missions.
Batteries
Charge your radio batteries every chance you get and carry a spare when going to the field in case one of the batteries is defective or fails to charge completely.
Know that batteries discharge at a much faster rate when transmitting than when receiving.
During a crisis, when it may be difficult to recharge batteries, use the radio more sparingly to preserve the batteries. For example, you may need to establish a fixed time to communicate with the radio room and switch the radio off in between.
Common Mistakes
Trying to communicate from an unsuitable location such as in a valley or behind a large building.
Trying to communicate on the wrong channel (or not knowing the channel).
Low battery level (means less power to transmit).
No spare batteries. You, or someone on your team should always have a spare battery.
If you have a problem - try this:
Check you’re on the right channel and that the volume is up. Sometimes the dials gets turned by accident.
Move to a higher location. Find a high enough point where there are few physical obstacles between you and the area you want to communicate with. This can mean driving to the top of a hill or walking to an upper floor of the building.
Check for obstacles. Office walls, hills, other buildings can all interfere with the signal. Moving to the other side of the building or finding a spot with a clear line of sign to the receiver can make a big difference.
Put in a fresh battery if the power is low.
Other things to consider
VHFs are easy to lose or steal, so keep yours with you at all times and store it in a safe place.
Your radio may be programmed with several channels for talking to different groups or agencies, so check that you’re using the correct channel before talking.
VHF talk can be monitored by others, so think before you speak. Don’t share confidential information.
VHFs have a limited battery life, so keep the batteries charged and manage their use. Carry a spare.