Spring and Fall Outdoor Maintenance Check List

During today’s episode of the Scanner School Podcast, I take you through my spring/fall to do list.

• This list can be done in the Spring or Fall to take an inventory of your equipment and maintenance needs.
• This is a grounds-only observation, no need to get on a ladder if you aren’t comfortable.
• Start with the antenna – they are basically the last junction point, so make sure it is in top shape.
• Sometimes the radials can back out of the antenna and get lost, so make sure you haven’t lost any radials
• If you have overhead antennas, make sure the anchor points are still solid.
• Make sure your mast hasn’t twisted in the mounts.
• If you do see a twisted bracket, twist the mast back to the right plane so there is no increased tension on the coax.
• Make sure the masts have not bent.
• When checking masts and mounting, make sure all the lag bolts have not snapped.
• Make sure there are no nicks and your shielding is in place.
• Also, make sure the coax dressing is in good condition.
• Check how the coax is secured to the house.
• Ensure it is elevated off the ground and free of vegetation.
• Check where the coax comes into the house, make sure it is clean, sealed, and in good condition.
• Make sure the ground wire is still there, running straight.
• Make sure nothing has frayed, come apart, or gotten weak.

• Links and Sources from this session: