Two-way radios are an excellent tool for many work environments, so it’s important that your radios remain in good, reliable condition. Clean, functional radios help workers in many fields stay in constant contact with one another, which is especially important in industries with necessary hazards. To help extend their life spans, here are some of the best ways to take care of your two-way radios.
Storing Your Radios
How you store your radios is incredibly important. With proper storage, you can greatly improve the battery life of your two-way radios, but if you don’t store them properly, the battery can be significantly compromised. For that reason, you must ensure you store all radios in a cool, dry environment where they aren’t directly exposed to sunlight. Furthermore, ensure you keep your radios safe from contacting water or hazardous chemicals. Remove the batteries when the radio is not in use, and never keep your radios stored on their chargers. Chargers may seem like an obvious place to put your radios when not in use, but leaving them there can greatly overcharge them and harm the battery life.
Day-to-Day Use
Naturally, when you use something daily, wear and tear is unavoidable. The best way to take care of your two-way radio and minimize the effects of wear is to use good handling practices. For example, many people don’t realize or think about how grabbing a radio by the antenna can affect the radio’s signal and transmission quality. Furthermore, no matter how robust the radio is, it should never be thrown around or exposed to harsh environments unless specifically made for that purpose. Lastly, only ever use accessories made for your model of two-way radio. Incompatible accessories cause damage and functionality issues.
Cleaning Your Radios
Regarding maintenance of your radios, simply cleaning them is often one of the best things you can do. When you do clean them, however, make sure you’re not spraying them with harsh chemicals or industrial cleaners. Instead, all you need is a damp cloth to wipe them down with to prevent the buildup of dust and grime.
