What can you do if you are told your FM handheld or mobile transceiver is over-deviating?

Selecting a farther distance from the microphone when you are told your FM handheld or mobile transceiver is over-deviating is the correct approach for managing audio levels. Over-deviation occurs when the signal modulates excessively, leading to distortion and interference with other communications. By talking farther away from the microphone, you reduce the audio input to the transceiver, thereby decreasing the modulation level and mitigating the over-deviation issue.

This method effectively protects the integrity of the signal being transmitted while ensuring clearer communication. It allows the operator to convey messages without overloading the transmitter and causing more significant issues on the frequency being used.

In contrast, talking louder into the microphone could exacerbate the over-deviation problem, as it leads to an increased modulation level. Allowing the transceiver to cool off may help prevent thermal issues in some cases, but it does not directly address over-deviation. Changing to a higher power level would also not help with modulation issues, as it typically increases the overall signal strength without affecting the audio input levels. Therefore, adjusting the distance from the microphone is the most effective technique to manage the situation.