Here's a few helpful portable radio tips:

• Once a month, allow your radio to go completely dead and then charge it back up all the way-this helps to cycle the battery and keep it in tip-top condition.
• Always hold your radio with the antenna vertically up and down, it gives the best reception that way.
• Be sure to shut your radio off when charging. If you try to charge a battery with the radio on, it is like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in the bottom. It can also cause damage to the radio.
• If you are in a poor reception area, try moving around while you are receiving, find a strong or "hot spot" and stop right there-this will enhance your transmissions also.
• Keep your battery terminals clean-dirty terminals cause intermittent charging and operation-clean them with a pencil eraser only.
• Don't carry your portable radio by it's antenna-many radios have very small wires connected to the jacks which can be broken very easily by excessive abuse.
• Always speak directly into the front of the radio-1 to 2" away is optimum on most radios. This provides the best clarity.
• Don't leave your portable out in the cold, or in a hot vehicle, it will cause reduced life on your battery.