Ensuring a safe and secure homeland for all North Dakotans 

ND Department of Emergency Services

Basic Radio TroubleshootingDiagnosing and Correcting

Problems with Two-way Radios

Module 3

Purpose

Provide general troubleshooting tips first responders can use to

maintain functional two-way radios

TroubleshootingPortable• Power• Transmission• Audio Quality• Limited Talk Range• Message Not Received• Battery Problems

Mobile• Power• Transmission• Audio Quality• Limited Talk Range• Message Not Received• Blank Display

XTL 2500ZONE SCAN PHON CALL PAGE

XTL 2500ZONE SCAN PHON CALL PAGE

Power -- Portable

Portable

• Does the unit beep, display data or both?

• Is the battery properly – charged?– connected?

Battery Problems• Avoid extreme temperatures• Clean battery or charger

contacts• Check charging pin on

transformer• Recharge or replace

Portable

Power -- MobileProblem• Blank or dark

display• No sound

Solution• Ensure unit is

on• If possible,

check connection

Mobile

Transmission• PTT button not

pressed correctly• Verify channel,

frequency and code settings

• Verify transmission indicator

Transmission Indicator Light

Audio Quality• Volume at midrange level• Proper mic handling

– Hold mic 2 inches to side of mouth, like cell phone, not under nose

• Press PTT 2 seconds before and after speaking

• Be aware of obstructions– Buildings, heavy foliage, etc.

Limited Talk Range

• Steel and/or concrete structures/buildings, heavy foliage, vehicles in the way

Solution• Clear line of vision

Cause

?

• Change location on body

• Secure antenna; make snug & vertical

Limited Talk RangeSolutionCause

• Too close to body

• Antenna

Message Not ReceivedProblem• Wrong frequency or

channel• Batteries• Obstructions• Incorrect mode

Solution• Confirm frequency or

channel is correct• Recharge or replace• Change location• Verify scan setting

Conclusion

Ensuring a safe and secure homeland for all North Dakotans 

ND Department of Emergency Services