MAINTENANCE
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
NOTE
To ensure high operating efficiency, and to prevent mechanical and electrical failures from interrupting system operations, routine checks should be made of all mechanical and electrical equipment at regular intervals. This preventive maintenance should include the checks as listed in Table 1, Maintenance Checks.
Table 1 - Maintenance Checks
MAINTENANCE CHECKS |
| INTERVAL |
|
| |
CONNECTIONS - Ground connections and connections to the voltage source |
| |
should be periodically checked for tightness. Loose or poor connections to the |
| |
power source will cause excessive voltage drops and faulty operation. | When | Every |
ground connections are not made directly to the battery, the connection from the | 6 | |
battery to vehicle chassis must be checked for low impedance. | A high | months |
impedance may cause excessive voltage drops and alternator noise problems. |
| |
|
| |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - Check the voltage regulator and alternator or |
| |
generator periodically to keep the electrical system within safe and economical |
| |
operating limits. Overvoltage is indicated when the battery loses water rapidly. | As | |
Usage of 1 or 2 ounces of water per cell per week is acceptable for batteries in | Required | |
continuous operation. A weak battery will often cause excessive noise or faulty |
| |
operation. |
|
|
|
| |
MECHANICAL INSPECTION - Since mobile units are subject to constant |
| |
shock and vibration, check for loose plugs, nuts, screws, and parts to make sure | Every 6 | |
that nothing is working loose. Be sure that all screws are properly torqued. | months | |
|
| |
ANTENNA INSPECTION - The antenna, antenna base, and all contacts should |
| |
be kept clean and free from dirt or corrosion. If the antenna or its base should | Every 6 | |
become coated or poorly grounded, loss of radiation and a weak signal will | months | |
result. |
|
|
|
| |
ALIGNMENT - The transmitter and receiver measurements should be checked | As | |
periodically. Refer to the applicable Alignment Procedure and troubleshooting | Required | |
sheet for typical voltage readings. |
|
|
|
| |
FREQUENCY CHECK - Check transmitter frequency and deviation, as |
| |
required by the FCC. Normally, these checks are made when the unit is first put | As | |
into operation, after the first six months, and once a year thereafter. |
| Required |
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|
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