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[Solved] Baofeng UV-5R Setup & Operation: Step-by-Step Guide for Emergency Services Frequencies in Zamość

tgbyhn638 56589 33
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How do I program a Baofeng UV-5R to receive local emergency service frequencies in Zamość?

Program the local service frequencies you find for Zamość into the UV-5R’s memory channels, then either scan those stored channels or set one frequency directly and listen with squelch at the minimum [#17247788][#17248519][#17248616] The forum says the services are on the 2m band, i.e. around 144 MHz, and the UV-5R is a dual-band radio with 144 MHz / 433 MHz ranges; 433 MHz is not the target here [#17248325] A 40 cm antenna is considered weak for home reception, so use a better antenna placed high up, such as a simple J-type made from 300-ohm ribbon cable or copper pipe, or another proper 2m antenna [#17247788][#17249567] A USB programming cable can make entering channels, naming them, and locking out accidental transmission much easier [#17249567] Broadcasting is not allowed; the advice in the thread is only about receive-only setup [#17248248][#17248325]
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Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
  • #1 17247614
    tgbyhn638
    Level 8  
    I know that on this forum, as well as others on similar topics, there are about a hundred identical questions on how to set up this radio. I read most of them together with the extended manual in Polish and I did not understand anything except that it is not exactly a scanner and that you need to set the transition to 12.5 kHz and that's it. In addition, I bought a 40 cm antenna.

    I need someone to explain it to me step by step, button by button. And the best thing is that I would like to pay for it to work. I am interested in listening to the frequency of emergency services. I am from Zamość. Best regards and thank you for linking to Google. :)
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  • #2 17247788
    adversus
    Level 32  
    First of all, if you want to listen to the services, this 40 cm antenna is a bit too little (unless you want to do it always having a radio with you, otherwise you would like to listen at home), make yourself a "J" type antenna from an old 300 ohm symmetrical cable (you can even then, hang it in a window or on a balcony, I had it just after buying these radios and the first fascination with listening to the services), or from copper pipes, then the quality and level of the signal definitely increases ...

    As for the scanner, it is enough to program the next frequencies of services in the next memory cells and then the "ala scan" option after the channels already programmed in the memory is very simple.
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  • #3 17247802
    tgbyhn638
    Level 8  
    So 40 cm too little to listen at home? And how to program it, could you explain to me step by step? I read about these antennas and those made of cables and pipes and it is a bit more than my manual skills and very poor technical knowledge.
  • #4 17247977
    adversus
    Level 32  
    Buddy, if you do not understand the instructions, how can we help you here?
    As for the antenna, in good stores (stationary or online) you can get good antennas for the band you need, seriously, because if you do not understand it yourself, you will not listen to too much on such a 40cm tail. It may be that the base or the remote user will hear, depending on the location, but it will only be half of the transmission because the other party will be out of range.
    And as for programming and running the scan option, maybe look for a tutorial on YouTube and there you have step by step what and how ...
  • #5 17248192
    karlosik
    Level 11  
    I have a copper tube antenna as a stationary one on the balcony and listening to NOAA (satellite photos) works quite well, but I only have fragments of photos because the blocks cover more of my horizon. The service catches well only after installing a good antenna on a good cable. On the original antenna to se, you can talk for 1 or 2 km, and not always.
  • #6 17248215
    tgbyhn638
    Level 8  
    So what antenna should I buy, i.e. with what band? And is it about scanning it just to set the jump to 12.5 or smaller and start deleting? And which ones to set up vhf or uhf? And how much to set sql, i.e. noise blocking? And this is about programming on PMR?
  • Helpful post
    #7 17248248
    adversus
    Level 32  
    If you want to listen to the services, use the 2m band. And possibly tune according to the frequencies you care about the most. Personally, I would do nothing but set the SWR to the lowest level.
    Remember that you can only listen, broadcasting is a crime. He is being prosecuted and punished.
  • #8 17248259
    karlosik
    Level 11  
    It can not be broadcast with this radio?
  • #9 17248265
    adversus
    Level 32  
    It can be used on the PMR band (443MHz) and on 2m only if you have a license.
  • #10 17248316
    tgbyhn638
    Level 8  
    I got lost again to set the radio on PMR, but I found nothing on the network to set it to 2m / 70. Can you give me instructions on how to do this or some link? Swr = txp or transmit power? I put it on low. I know that broadcasting is punished and I'm not even going to broadcast anything but listen
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  • Helpful post
    #11 17248325
    adversus
    Level 32  
    The transmit power is not SWR, but in general the swr is important for transmitting, it doesn't really matter when receiving. The radio is a so-called duobander, it has two ranges of operation: 70cm / 2m (or 144MHz / 433MHz if you prefer). The services work on the 2m band
  • #12 17248331
    tgbyhn638
    Level 8  
    I understand and now how to set the radio to 2m? Same as pmr is only set to 433MHz?
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  • #14 17248478
    tgbyhn638
    Level 8  
    I did it step by step as in this video, he entered the PMR frequency from the table
    1,446.00625
    2 446.01875
    3,446.03125
    4,446.04375
    5,446.05625
    6,446.06875
    7,446.08125
    8,446.09375
    Instead, I wrote down 1 channel of 144 MHz. And that was it? Thanks for your patience ;)
  • #15 17248519
    adversus
    Level 32  
    Search on the Internet and you will surely find what frequencies in your area work for the services, write down as you did. The option to scan over programmed memory cells works even well.
  • #16 17248538
    tgbyhn638
    Level 8  
    Zamosc
    169,100 K49


    168.625 K9

    I found these two values, and nothing, what was the 144mhz band for me? 2m?
  • #17 17248558
    adversus
    Level 32  
    The 2m band (144MHz) is a common name for frequencies around 144MHz, services work at different frequencies, often a little higher, and what should be on what you specified? There is also the question of the antenna, maybe you just do not catch anything because your antenna is too weak, or you do not receive a signal when you are at home.
  • #19 17248616
    adversus
    Level 32  
    Do not do a scan, just set the frequency, set the squelch to the minimum and see if you receive something on a given frequency, but on these small antennas, I sincerely doubt it ...
  • #20 17248937
    karlosik
    Level 11  
    And what does this radio work? Does it not work? Bsie I am thinking about buying, but my colleagues write here that the problem is with the range because the antennas are too short. How much would you have to spend on a decent antenna for this radio?
  • #21 17248995
    adversus
    Level 32  
    If you have manual skills, make a J-type antenna yourself, you will get pennies and the effect will be much better than the antennas included in the set. There were a few such antennas on the forum here, just look for them.
  • #22 17249049
    Radiokiller
    Level 30  
    Baofeng UV-5R Setup & Operation: Step-by-Step Guide for Emergency Services Frequencies in Zamość
    I made a yagi for myself and with baofeng I eavesdrop on the conversation of hams on satellite repeaters and I listen to the ISS's communication with the ground and receive SSTV from them. This proves its range.
  • #23 17249058
    karlosik
    Level 11  
    Whoa, great, and what did you do about it, because the photo is not clear, you have a project or something, you can send a link.
  • #24 17249065
    adversus
    Level 32  
    Radiokiller, can I see correctly that the antenna is made of a tape measure? You can provide a link to the project because this design has interesting performance. Can you insert a clearer photo?
  • #25 17249077
    Radiokiller
    Level 30  
    It's made of a tape measure.
    Patience, I will soon throw in a link to the description. The antenna received the SSTV broadcast from the ISS even when the space station was 4 degrees above the horizon.
    I don't know if the author's preference is info on this antenna, it's better not to connect. If not, I will send you to PW.
  • #26 17249095
    adversus
    Level 32  
    buddy, I would be very grateful for any information.
  • #27 17249396
    tgbyhn638
    Level 8  
    It does not work, but I found a patient who knows about it by the end of the week should be set so I will let you know
  • #28 17249407
    adversus
    Level 32  
    and that's it :)
    best regards and let me know what came out of it, good luck
  • #29 17249567
    dktr
    Level 26  
    Buy a USB programming cable for a few zlotys, you can arrange it much more conveniently + you can enter names and block the possibility of broadcasting, because if not you, an outsider may accidentally make a mess.
    A good antenna, high placed is the basis.

    Baofeng UV-5R Setup & Operation: Step-by-Step Guide for Emergency Services Frequencies in Zamość
  • #30 17250312
    Gagatek77
    Level 15  
    The programming cable is a great thing, it makes your life easier if you have several such radios, for one piece and occasional use it is not very useful.
    But I was interested in the Yagi antenna that my friend showed. Can you link to the project?

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around setting up and operating the Baofeng UV-5R radio for listening to emergency services frequencies in Zamość. Users emphasize the importance of using a suitable antenna, with suggestions to replace the stock 40 cm antenna with a homemade "J" type or a Yagi antenna for improved reception. The conversation includes step-by-step guidance on programming frequencies, setting the radio to the 2m band (144 MHz), and adjusting squelch settings. Users also highlight the necessity of a programming cable for easier configuration and the legal implications of broadcasting without a license. Overall, the community provides practical advice and resources, including links to instructional videos and frequency tables for local emergency services.

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?

  1. In VFO mode, type the frequency (e.g., 168.625).
  2. MENU → 27 (MEM-CH) → select an empty number → CONFIRM.
  3. 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].

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?

  1. Cut five 16 mm wide steel tape-measure elements to 50 cm, 45 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm.
  2. Mount on a 1 m PVC boom at 38 cm spacing.
  3. 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]
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