FAQ
TL;DR: A tuned 2 m J-pole antenna can raise received signal strength by up to 6 dB [ARRL], and “without a proper antenna you will not catch too much” [Elektroda, adversus, post #17247977] Program the 168–170 MHz Zamość service channels into UV-5R memory, use 12.5 kHz steps, set squelch low, and scan. Transmitting there is illegal.
Quick Facts
• Frequency coverage: 136–174 MHz / 400–520 MHz (UV-5R spec) [Baofeng Manual].
• Receive sensitivity: 0.2 µV for 12 dB SINAD [Baofeng Manual].
• Licence-free transmit only on 446.0–446.2 MHz PMR, ≤0.5 W ERP [UKE Regulation 2022].
• USB programming cable costs approx. €4–€8 [Allegro listings 2023].
• DIY 2 m J-pole materials <€5 [Elektroda, adversus, post #17248995]
Which exact frequencies do emergency services use around Zamość?
Public lists show 168.625 MHz and 169.100 MHz for medical and fire dispatch in Zamość [Elektroda, tgbyhn638, post #17248538] Program both with 12.5 kHz steps.
How do I switch the UV-5R to the 2 m (144 MHz) band?
Press VFO/MR to VFO mode, enter 144000, then press MENU → 27 (BAND) → CONFIRM. The display now shows 144.000 MHz, placing the radio in the 2 m band [Elektroda, adversus, post #17248424]
What are the three key steps to store a channel?
- In VFO mode, type the frequency (e.g., 168.625).
- MENU → 27 (MEM-CH) → select an empty number → CONFIRM.
- Exit with EXIT. The frequency is now in memory [YouTube Demo 2018; Elektroda, tgbyhn638, #17248478].
How do I activate scanning through saved channels?
Hold SCAN button for two seconds in MR mode. The radio cycles through programmed memories until it detects a signal. Stop with any key [Elektroda, adversus, post #17248519]
Which antenna gives the best indoor reception for services?
A ½-wave J-pole hung near a window increases signal up to one S-unit (≈6 dB) over the 40 cm whip [ARRL]. Users report clear service traffic after installing it [Elektroda, adversus, post #17247788]
Can I legally transmit on these frequencies?
No. Polish law restricts 2 m service channels to authorised users. Only PMR446 channels (446.0–446.2 MHz, 0.5 W) are licence-free [UKE Regulation 2022; Elektroda, adversus, #17248265].
Does the stock 30–40 cm antenna work at all?
Yes, but range is short. One user hears only 1–2 km on the rubber whip [Elektroda, karlosik, post #17248192] Another later reported “good range” after correct setup [Elektroda, tgbyhn638, post #17260692]
Should I worry about SWR if I only listen?
No. SWR affects transmitted power. It has almost no impact on reception sensitivity [Elektroda, adversus, post #17248325]
Is a USB programming cable worth buying?
Yes for multiple radios. It blocks transmit, labels channels, and saves time. Cost is €4–€8 and avoids accidental keying [Elektroda, dktr, post #17249567]
Why might I hear only one side of a conversation?
Services often use repeaters with separate uplink/downlink. A weak antenna may reach the base station but miss mobiles, causing half conversations [Elektroda, adversus, post #17247977]
What reception range can I expect with better antennas?
Users report 10–15 km with a balcony-mounted copper-pipe J-pole and up to 30 km with an 8-element tape-measure Yagi aimed line-of-sight [Elektroda, Radiokiller, post #17249049]
How do I build the tape-measure Yagi mentioned in the thread?
- Cut five 16 mm wide steel tape-measure elements to 50 cm, 45 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm.
- Mount on a 1 m PVC boom at 38 cm spacing.
- Feed the driven element with 50 Ω coax via a simple gamma match. “The antenna received ISS SSTV at 4° elevation” [Elektroda, Radiokiller, post #17249077]
