Maintaining Your Two-Way Radio

Two-way radios are among the most durable and resilient communication devices and are built for rugged conditions, but there are some steps you can take to ensure your two-way radio will last as long as possible. Most radio manuals will provide care tips specific to the make and model you are using, but here are some general guidelines to keep your radio in good condition and get your money’s worth.

Everyday two-way radio use

Always carry your radio by the main body rather than the antenna, to avoid damaging the radio’s transmission quality.

Don’t use accessories or batteries that aren’t designed for the radio you’re using to avoid damaging it, and always turn the radio off before installing any accessories.

Avoid exposing your radio to hazardous materials or extreme temperatures, unless they are intrinsically safe radios designed for those conditions.

Keep your radio away from moisture as much as possible; even if you have a waterproof radio, prolonged damp can cause damage.

Charging

Wait until your battery has run out completely to recharge it, and don’t leave it on charge for too long after it reaches 100% as this can shorten the battery’s lifespan.

Turn the radio off while charging to optimize charge time.

Lithium-Ion batteries typically need replacing every 300-500 charge/recharge cycles, which usually works out to be around every 2-3 years. If the battery runs out quicker than it used to, it’s usually a sign your battery needs replacing.

When you get a new battery, it may need a long overnight charge to initialize.

Cleaning

If your radio gets exposed to dirt or dust, just give it a wipe down with a damp microfibre cloth.

Make sure your radio is turned off before cleaning it.

Never use any industrial cleaners or anything with alcohol in it, as this can damage the device.

Storing your two-way radio

Keep your radio in a clean, dry, cool place, out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Remove the battery when not in use to avoid unnecessarily draining your battery.

If you follow this advice, your radio should last you a long time. However, accidents do happen and sometimes damage will occur that can’t be helped. 2CL offers two-way radio repairs, even if you didn’t buy the radio from us in the first place. Click here to read more about our repairs process.