Caleb Kesterke does a transceiver check EVERY time he goes out and rides.
A transceiver check includes the following:
• Find a place away from conflicting transmitting devices. Stand in a half-circle, an arm’s length or more apart. The transceiver check-leader should be a few meters away in the middle of the group.
• Turn transceivers on. As they power on, each individual checks that the transceiver runs a self-check and the display is ok. Note battery strength and report it aloud to the group.
• Switch all transceivers to Search mode. Silence indicates that everyone is ready and ensures that no transmitting units are on dogs, sleds, or in packs.
• The check-leader then switches to Transmit/Send. They check that each group member can receive a signal by walking toward each group member one by one. The group member reads their display out loud.
• Turn all units to Transmit. The check-leader witnesses that each group member stows their unit for the day, secured under an outside layer, and 30 cm from cell phone or radio.
• The check-leader returns to Search mode and confirms all group members are transmitting. The check-leader then switches to Transmit mode and confirms to at least one group member. They also verify that the check-leader’s device is stored under an outside later and 30cm from a cell phone or radio for the day.