Preventive Maintenance
For Batteries, Battery Chargers, Belt Packs & Headsets
From R.F. Technologies, Inc.

BATTERY PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

* Always turn belt pack "Off" before removing or inserting a new battery.
* Charging a NiCd battery before it's out of juice will reduce the life span and ability to hold a charge. Always use batteries until they are completely worn down - you will hear a beep or a light will flash indicating the battery is low.
* Don't remove a battery from the charger until it's fully charged and the green "Ready" light is on.
* Fully recharged batteries can be left in the charger until needed or removed and stored.
Recharge a battery that hasn't been used in several weeks.
* To keep your batteries clean, contacts and terminals should be cleaned often with a soft-bristled brush, pencil eraser, or alcohol moistened swab.
* Be sure contacts are completely dry before reinstalling in the battery charger or belt pack.
* Batteries shouldn't be stored loose in a drawer where they can be shorted out by keys, paper clips, or anything metallic.
* Don't store batteries in damp, dirty or extreme hot/cold places.
* Storing new, or used batteries, for an extended period of time can be hard on batteries.
* Handle batteries with care. Batteries that are dropped can become defective or it may cause the case to break which voids any warranty.
* Handle batteries with clean hands or a clean, dry cloth.
* Always check for signs of corrosion.
* Don’t throw batteries away when they can no longer hold a charge. Call local solid waste officials to find out about recycling options.

BATTERY CHARGER PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

* The vent screen on the back of the charger should be cleaned with a soft cloth, so air can flow freely.
* If the charger has a fan, it should be kept clean. Leave six inches of clearance behind it so air can circulate.
Keep the battery charger on a stable surface, away from vibration and high traffic areas.
* Don't unplug the charger while a battery is in a port.
* Never use wet hands to plug in or unplug the battery charger.
* Always plug the battery charger into an outlet that has power after closing time, or else the timing charge circuit will reset.
* Keep all metal objects and coins away from the charging ports. This could short out the charger if it touches both contacts at the same time.
* Keep the charger in a clean dry place, away from heat, grease, flames, and water.
* Don't try to fix the a battery charger yourself, especially if you are going to remove the cover or tamper with the wiring.
* Unplug the battery charger and clean it monthly. Remove the batteries and spray window cleaner on a cloth and wipe down the case. Clean the port contacts with a pencil eraser or swab moistened with alcohol. Let the case and contacts dry completely. Don't spray cleaner onto case and don't use any kind of solvent for cleaning.

BELTPACK PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

* Turn the belt pack "Off" before changing batteries or storing units.
* Store belt packs with headsets connected to prevent damage.
* Don't use sharp objects to press buttons on belt pack.
* If there is a screw loose, tighten it.
* If a belt pack. isn't working, don't bang it.
* If the volume pot is loose, stop using the belt pack. and report the problem immediately.
* Don’t try to make repairs yourself, you could end up damaging the belt pack. or voiding any warranty.
* Belt packs should be securely fastened, so they don't fall out of the pouch.

HEADSET PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

* Leave headsets plugged in at all times. To prevent broken wires and damage to inner components, make sure the crew does not twist and turn connector.
* The connector fits into the belt pack. only one way. Do not force it to fit any other way.
* Mic booms for most styles of headsets do not rotate in a complete circle. Forced booms are not repairable and may void any warranty.
* Position mic about 2 to 3 inches away from the corner of your mouth. If it's too close, there may be hissing or buzzing.
* Let the mic do its job. Speak in a normal voice - don't yell.
* With multiple users, change ear pads and mic muffs often, especially during the cold season to prevent cross contamination.
* Keep ear pads on to protect the speaker and the ear. If your model requires a mic muff, keeping this on will prevent muffled and distorted speech along with keeping dirt and debris out.
* Don't let the headset cable hang loosely. Attach one clip to your collar and another to the back of your shirt.
* A cut or tear in a headset cable may or may not be repairable. For some styles of headsets, this cable cannot be repaired.
* Store headsets in a designated area, away from water and grease.
* If a headset is taken apart, or falls apart due to loose hardware, please send all parts in for repair. This includes the connector, headband, screws, headrests, screens, etc. Some replacement parts are costly to replace.
* Special tips for 3M-C960/C1060 headset users
* Turn the headsets off before changing the battery or you could lose the programming.
* Keep the programming cable inside the base station for safekeeping.
* A telephone cord won't work in place of the the 3M programming cables, it will damage your system.