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.
It’s fair to say, no matter what aspect of life you’re looking at, the technology we use every day has come a long way in a relatively short period of time. This is especially true when it comes to car security.
Whilst the old-school security measures of steering wheel locks, gearstick brackets or wheel boots were once de-rigour for every motorist wanting to protect their vehicle, the high-tech world we live in means that they simply aren’t enough on their own anymore against a determined car thief.
The most up-to-date cars possess technology that enhances the driving experience that would seem like witchcraft just a couple of decades ago. With every ground-breaking automotive advancement we make, the cat-and-mouse nature of security means that there’s always a workaround or loophole they can exploit.
Nothing exemplifies this more than the car tracker.
HOW TRACKING SIGNALS WORK
Vehicle trackers, like every other product on the market, come with a variety of features that their manufacturer hopes will make their product stand out in an ever-more crowded marketplace. Dedicated smartphone apps, control centre support and notifications are commonplace but they also share the need for a signal/connection to make these features a reality.
Depending on which tracking system you buy, it will be able to operate using one, or more, frequencies to help triangulate its position, by working out how long the signal takes to be sent, received and returned by different satellites in orbit above the Earth.
WHAT FREQUENCIES ARE UTILISED
Across the range of vehicle trackers we sell here at Infiniti, if you look at the specifications of many of them, you’ll see that all of them will use GPS (Global Positioning System). GPS is just one frequency on which their signal is broadcast. Think of it as the baseline.
All GPS satellites broadcast on at least two carrier frequencies. These are ‘L1’ which operates at 1575.42 MHz and ‘L2’ at 1227.6 MHz. It’s also worth noting that newer GPS satellites also broadcast on L5 at 1176 MHz. Unfortunately, these frequencies can be blocked with the right equipment.
Ideally, you want a tracker that doesn’t just rely on one signal, but instead can harness the power, and therefore reliability and accuracy, of multiple networks. Even if one if blocked, the others will still work.
These can include GLONASS, Galileo, LBS, GSM and VHF. All of which can, given the right tools, still be blocked, with the exception of the final one; VHF or Very High Frequency. The reason it can’t be blocked is simply that it’s undetectable. It’s for that reason it’s the signal chosen by military operations across the world.
WHAT DOES INSURANCE-APPROVED MEAN?
If, as part of your car insurance policy, the company has asked for the vehicle in question to have an ‘insurance approved’ tracking system installed, then it can be confusing as to what this actually means. In reality, it often means that the tracker they require installing needs to detect any tampering.
This is often standard and can easily be measured thanks to its dedicated smartphone app. This will help monitor and alert you to any attempts to tamper with the vehicle. Whilst the reality is that GPS or GSM signals can be blocked, devices like the Protect and Connect S5 from Vodafone Automotive or the S5+ and Locate systems from Tracker can alert you when there is an attempt to block those signals.
With every system sold by Infiniti Tracking you will:
⚬ Find professional, courteous help and advice to find the right tracking for you.
⚬ Be sure to have your device fitted wherever you are in the UK by our team of dedicated trained engineers.
⚬ Get peace of mind that you’re dealing with experts in the industry.
Whilst the sheer range of products on offer can be daunting, we are here to help you find the right system for you. We know how much you value your car and we respect that it can be daunting to find the right one, so our team are available to you from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday on 0330 043 3993 to help, so just ask!
