rusty 2-way radio

There is a point of no return when it comes to wet electronics.

Unfortunately, this Motorola MagOne BPR40 from an automotive recycler in Illinois set a bit too long before coming to the radio repair center. As you can see in the photo the rust and corrosion overtook the component board. It fell out of the radio like confetti, and the tech could immediately see the radio was non-repairable. As you probably guessed, the ladies here at Delmmar hate making those calls, letting customers know their radio has been deemed non-repairable.

Motorola BPR40 radio repair
MagOne BPR40 – liquid damage

Here are a few wet radio TIPS :

If you know your radio has gotten wet, remove the battery, and dry the radio with a soft cloth. Then get the unit to the radio repair center as soon as possible. If the techs can get to the radio right away, they can clean any visible rust or corrosion, working to prevent further damage. Your battery may be damaged as well. Include it with your radio (unattached), and Delmmar’s technical staff can check it also.

If the radio and battery have been submerged, it is likely the battery will need to be replaced.
Just like other electronics, you can put your device in a bag of rice, or use an Evap-Bag to aid in the drying process while it is in route to the repair facility.

We don’t know the story behind this 2-way radio, but from appearances it may have been left outside and recently found after several weeks or months of weather. The customer chose to dispose of this radio here at the repair center, so there was no charge for return shipping.

You can always find a copy of Delmmar’s current repair form on our website delmmar.com and eradiostore.com.

 

 

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tips: remote mics

Push and hold the PTT button while transmittingRemote Mic
One common mistake many radio users make is starting to speak before they’ve completely pressing the PTT (push-to-talk button), or releasing the PTT before their transmission is complete. You might only miss a few words, but those words could be critical. It very well could be a matter of safety. Push the PTT and give yourself a moment before speaking. Hold the button until you are finished.

Speak clearly in your normal voice
Shouting CB-style can cause distortion of your voice, just as speaking to softly can make your communication non-discernible. Speak clearly, enunciate, and at a normal volume for best communication when using a remote speaker mic.

Hold the remote mic 1-3″ from your mouth
It is a common mistake for users to have their mouth too far away from the microphone. This can make it harder to pick up your voice, and also leave you open to environmental noise.  Having the mic too close to your mouth can also be a problem. This unwelcome mouth noise and breath sounds could be a distraction to those receiving your transmission. Practice keeping the microphone a nice 1-3″ from your mouth, and speak clearly.

Don’t wrestle the microphone around in your hand
While most modern remote microphones have some noise suppression, you should still avoid unnecessary movement while transmitting.

Connect the microphone securely to the radio
If your microphone has a two-prong plug, make sure it is completely seated before turning on the radio and beginning to communicate. You should feel a small snap when it seats into place correctly. Avoid unnecessary plugging and unplugging, over the course of time this will lead to a bad jack connection. Plug straight in and pull straight out, refraining from side-to-side wobbling, which can wobble out the jack. If possible leave your audio device plugged in all the time. If your radio has a multi-pin connector, be certain you security to the radio. Clean your contacts with a pencil eraser for best connection.

Always have your radio turned off when attaching any audio device
Most modern radios will sense the audio device and react accordingly. In the event you plug the device in with the radio turned on, many times you will experience problems such as temporary or intermittent voice activation (VOX), or an unresponsive audio device.

Keep your microphone clean
Read our blog post about Hygiene for more info.

Most radio models have remote speaker microphones available. Call us if you need help determining which mic would work best with your model.

 

 

audio accessories for 2-way radios, radio tips, Uncategorized