Station maintenance
A short routine keeps your radio, antenna and batteries ready when you need them.
Every month
- Check that your radio turns on and your batteries hold a charge.
- Test a radio check on the repeater.
- Look over cables for kinks, cracks or loose plugs.
Every season
- Inspect outdoor antennas, mounts and guy lines.
- Check coax connectors for water or green corrosion.
- Reseal outdoor connectors with self-sealing tape.
- Clean battery contacts.
Every year
- Replace old batteries that no longer last.
- Update the radio's channel list.
- Check grounding and lightning protection.
- Review your license date and station ID habits.
After a storm
- Look for loose or bent antennas.
- Check connectors and the coax run.
- Test the radio before you rely on it.