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How Do I Detect Interference on 2-Way Radios?

Interference on two-way radios manifests itself as an audible interruption, and also as range reduction where the distance that the radio transmits or receives is reduced. Detecting interference can be achieved by running through some checks that will indicate that there's an environmental problem. Reduction of interference can be achieved, once the interference is detected, by following some steps that include scientific elimination methods.

Instructions

- 1
  Transmit a message to your correspondent by pressing the PTT (Push-to-talk) button. Use a universally acknowledged message like "Testing 1,2,3." If the radio service is licensed, you may have to provide your call sign too, so include it if regulations require it. Ask your correspondent how he or she copied you.
- 2
  Listen for the acknowledgment and note any comments related to audio, like static, or range, like unreadability.
- 3
  Check for equipment issues like loose antennas, low battery charge and broken parts. If range is unusually reduced and there isn't an equipment issue, it is likely environmental interference is causing the problem. Try the test again.
- 4
  Move away from fluorescent lights, televisions, computer equipment and other electronic devices. Try the test again and see if range or audio is improved. Try to eliminate issues one by one, so you can identify the culprit. First try to eliminate all electrical sources. Electric motors, dimmer switches, cordless phones and even Wi-Fi routers can cause problems.
- 5
  Try different physical locations. The inside of steel or concrete buildings can cause interference problems. Try moving to an open area. Keep making changes until you identify the problem.

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