In an effort to assure our customers are satisfied with our radio system, we offer quality control on the C&S end of the system on a regular basis. On the customers end, we offer the following suggestions:
Your antenna is the most important radio accessory. Visually check your mobile, portable and link antennas on a regular basis. Moisture and corrosion are big problems for antennas and cables. Visually check for cracks and corrosions on your system. In the winter, removing any accumulated ice from your mobile antenna can greatly improve reception as the ice can detune your antenna system. If you are working long distances from the tower (not your control station) you may want to consider a "gain" type antenna. A gain antenna, or what we call 3dB, doubles the strength of your system. If your mobile unit is 50 watts, the ERP (or Effective Radiated Power) is 100 watts with a gain antenna. This will increase your transmit and receive capabilities.
How is your portable and car battery? To get the most from your mobile or portable, it must have adequate voltage and power. You can tell on a portable when it is time to replace the battery when you're operating time between charges decrease. If you have to jump start your car often, there is a good chance your mobile, at times, is not getting the voltage and current that is needed for optimum operation. This is more noticeable in bad weather when many accessories are running and taxing your battery system.
Your control station contains a beam antenna that is pointed at the C&S Tower. This must also be cared for, especially if you are several miles from the Tower. Again, cable or hardline (which we recommend in fringe areas) must be clean and clear of moisture and corrosion. The antenna alignment between your control station beam and the C&S Tower is important, and in many cases critical. In some instances, to get a solid signal into the tower, it may be necessary to increase the "gain" of your beam antenna. This means, by increasing the number of elements on the beam, and possibly the diameter of the cable to your radio, the reception will dramatically increase. Most beams for general coverage are about 5dB and have five or six elements. There are also 11dB gain beams available which have more elements and gain. Most weak signals can be eliminated and corrected with antenna improvements.
