Each portable radio represents a substantial investment in your communications system. Damage could lead to your radio failing you when you can least afford it. Add to that the time and money you’ll be spending to repair a batch of radios with damage that could easily be avoided. So here are some tips on how to do just that.
Everyday Use
Radios are built to be used in some rough and tumble environments, but they can’t take punishment endlessly. Be mindful and handle them with care, along with the following:
- Don’t grab your radio by the antennae. Doing this will eventually degrade the quality of your signal and transmission.
- Only use accessories that are specifically designed for the radio you are using. Mixing and matching can lead to unnecessary damage and seriously impact how reliably your radio functions.
- Keep your radio out of extreme temperature environments and away from solvents unless they are designed to be used in such environments – and even then, only when necessary. One way around this would be keeping your radio under your coat and close to your body when working in the cold.
- Radios, like most electronics, should be kept warm, dry and away from any source of moisture.
Cleaning Your Radio
Don’t use any industrial chemicals or sprays; instead, wipe your radio down with a dry cloth at regular intervals. Make a note to do this if you’re coming in from a dusty or dirty environment, like a lumberyard or mill.
Charging Your Battery
It is critical that the batteries and chargers you use are compatible with the radio you use. Mixing and matching in this case can seriously damage your device,
Overcharging your battery can diminish the overall battery life. To avoid this problem, unplug the charger once the battery reaches 100$. Likewise, don’t leave your radio charging overnight if it’s likely to be sitting idle and fully charged for hours on end.
Storing Your Radio
This is an easy one, but still important. Store the radios at room temperature and in a dry environment. Make sure they are turned off when you store them and remove the batteries to extend the overall battery life.
These easy-to-follow steps will stretch the life of your radios considerably and help ensure you get the most out of that investment. If you have any questions about radio maintenance, find us on Twitter , Facebook or email info@tridon.colm .
Tridon is a full solution Telecom Systems Integrator with CSA certification and licensed by APEGA. Our Engineering, Service and Tower Divisions collaborate with customers to build engineered solutions including communications systems design, tower inspections and co-location, wireless broadband, fiber optic cabling, site security, and two-way radio communication.
