In the fast-paced world we live in, car security has become more crucial than ever.
As technology advances, so do the tools at our disposal to protect our vehicles from theft.
One such innovation making waves in the car security market in recent years are those trackers utilising VHF technology.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into what VHF is in the context of car tracking and explore the tracking systems that leverage this technology to provide robust security solutions.
UNDERSTANDING VHF IN CAR TRACKERS
What is VHF?
VHF stands for Very High Frequency, referring to the radio frequency range between 30 MHz and 300 MHz.
In the context of car trackers, VHF technology utilises these radio frequencies for communication and tracking purposes.
The use of VHF in car tracking systems has gained popularity due to its distinct advantages over other tracking technologies.
How VHF Works in Car Trackers
VHF tracking systems operate by transmitting signals between the tracking device installed in the vehicle and a network of strategically placed ground-based stations.
These stations, often operated by dedicated tracking companies, receive and triangulate the signals emitted by the VHF device, enabling much more precise location tracking.
The Advantages of VHF Car Trackers
1. Reliable Signal Penetration
One of the standout features of VHF tracking systems is their ability to penetrate obstacles that often hinder other tracking technologies.
Buildings, tunnels, underground car parks, shipping containers and dense urban environments can be challenging for traditional GPS trackers, but VHF signals excel in maintaining connectivity in these scenarios, ensuring that your car remains traceable no matter where it is.
2. Extended Battery Life
Compared to some more power-hungry GPS trackers, VHF devices boast impressive energy efficiency.
This leads to extended battery life, a critical factor for long-term tracking solutions. With a VHF tracker, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is protected without the need for frequent battery replacements.
3. Increased Accuracy
VHF tracking systems offer exceptional accuracy, especially in urban areas where traditional GPS signals might struggle due to tall office or residential blocks and other obstacles.
The triangulation process enabled by VHF technology provides pinpoint accuracy, making it easier for the Police or security personnel to recover stolen vehicles quickly.
The Best VHF Trackers
Now that we understand the advantages of VHF in car trackers, let’s explore some notable tracking systems that leverage this technology available here at Infiniti.
1. TRACKER S5 Plus
As we touched upon earlier, the Tracker S5 Plus uses a combination of VHF, GPS & GSM technology and also incorporates Driver ID tags, but it’s the VHF technology which really sets it apart from other S5 products. This makes the S5 Plus extremely resilient to signal jammers.
In addition to Europe-wide coverage, geofence and tamper alerts, the S5 Plus also provides signal jamming alerts as a result of the integrated cutting-edge technology.
You also get access to the Tracker Touch app which gives you 24/7 visibility of the vehicle’s location right from your smartphone.
2. TRACKER Retrieve
Tracker’s Retrieve model was developed to protect unpowered or infrequently used vehicles or assets like caravans, trailers, etc. The device has a long battery life capable of up to 5 years on standby.
The Retrieve has its own built-in battery so does not need to be connected to the electrical system of your vehicle. This means that the device is quick and easy to fit and suitable for all kinds of vehicles and assets such as quad bikes, horseboxes, trailers, catering vans and even classic cars.
Despite this, the device still comes with integrated VHF technology which means it’s also highly resilient to modern tracker jamming techniques, the police force can quickly and efficiently pinpoint the location of the vehicle.
3. TRACKER Locate
The Tracker Locate combines VHF with the more commonly used GPS and GSM technologies to send an alert if an attempt is made to jam the communication system.
In addition to Geofence and battery disconnect alerts, the device is also connected to all UK police forces and will inform them of the initial location of the stolen vehicle.
This functionality allows the police to employ the precision inherent within VHF technology to track a stolen vehicle to its exact location, even if it’s hidden in a less obvious place, like a shipping container or underground car park.
The Future of VHF Car Trackers
As technology continues to evolve, so does the landscape of car security.
VHF tracking systems are at the forefront of this evolution, offering a reliable and efficient solution for vehicle tracking and recovery.
As the demand for enhanced car security grows, we can expect further advancements in VHF technology, leading to even more sophisticated and effective tracking systems.
I hope we’ve shown that VHF trackers represent a significant leap forward in the quest for robust car security. Their ability to overcome the limitations of traditional tracking technologies, coupled with extended battery life and increased accuracy, makes them a compelling choice for vehicle owners looking to safeguard their assets.
Whether you opt for established brands like those from TRACKER we’ve shown above, investing in a VHF tracking system is a proactive step toward ensuring the safety of your vehicle in an ever-changing world.
We hope we’ve shown the power and versatility of VHF trackers. When you’re ready to buy, please take a look at these and the rest of our fantastic range where we’re sure you’ll find something that’s perfect for you. If you need any advice our team is available from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday on 0330 043 3993 and can arrange installation throughout the UK.
For those of you interested in those annual lists of which cars are the most popular to be stolen (and recovered), you probably won’t be surprised to see the Range Rover Sport remains top of the list in 2023.
The Range Rover actually takes up the first 3 spots in the list with the Sport, Autobiography and Vogue models respectively (their Evoque model also came in at #9), but that’s not what made this year so interesting.
The list for 2023 was unusual because it was the first time that a Hybrid vehicle made the list. The Lexus RX450h was a new entry at No. 6. Not only is it the first time an electric vehicle was included, but it was also the first time any Lexus made the list at all.
LEXUS BEGIN
Whilst it might feel like Lexus has been around forever, this Toyoto-owned Japanese luxury brand only arrived in 1989, reaching the UK a year later.
Since then however, it has become a staple on our roads and has become the go-to vehicle for those looking for a luxury car with a world-class build quality and that all-important sense of style.
Its appearance on the list seems to imply that the desirability of the Lexus brand has reached an all-time high (at least with car thieves), so if you’re looking to secure your Lexus and keep it out of the hands of these scumbags, then we’ve got you covered.
With Lexus having approved Tracker systems as their de rigour security partner, we wanted to look at the best Tracker-built systems to help you keep your Lexus safe. So, let’s start with..
TRACKER MONITOR
Lexus probably chose Tracker because it has an amazing track record when it comes to vehicle security and their Monitor system is no exception.
It features patented VHF technology which means that should your Lexus (or any vehicle for that matter) be stolen, it can be quickly and easily recovered, even if it’s in an underground car park or metal shipping container.
This feature also means that it’s resilient to other methods thieves use like signal jammers, making it one of the most comprehensive systems around.
It does of course come with all the alerts and notifications you would expect, thanks to its dedicated smartphone app which is all backed by a 24/7 control centre should you need it.
TRACKER LOCATE
Like our previous offering, the Locate is another fantastic tracker for your Lexus. It too comes with VHF technology, but this one also combines that with GPS and GSM frequencies that can alert you when any attempt to jam the signal is detected.
Not only that but it is also connected to police forces across the UK. Should your vehicle be stolen, forces up and down the country will be alerted of the location of the car.
The VHF signal makes locating it not only quick but incredibly accurate, so there’s no escape for the thieves.
The Locate also utilises Tracker’s ‘Touch’ smartphone app to put the power of this amazing system right into the palm of your hand.
⚬ Keep your Lexus off next year’s list by buying one of these amazing trackers.
⚬ You don’t need to drive a Lexus to benefit from these systems.
⚬ For these and many more incredible systems, take a look at our website. Click here for more details.
Whether you own a Lexus or not, we have some amazing devices. Once you’ve chosen the best device for you, call our team who are available for you from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday, on 0330 043 3993 and we can arrange installation no matter where in the UK you are.
