Abstract: The performance of a radio receive system such as a trunked or non-trunked land mobile multi-channel receiver site is optimized to maximize coverage area and receiver dynamic range while minimizing the potential for intermodulation distortion. A noise test receiver including a noise receiver and a spectrum analyzer measures ambient noise and strong ambient signals. A computer analyzes the resulting spectral information to determine likely intermodulation distortion products and associated amplitudes. The computer compares the measured noise and intermodulation product results with system characteristics to arrive at an optimum variable attenuator setting that maximizes receiver sensitivity and dynamic range while protecting against intermodulation distortion. In one example, the optimized performance parameters are computed dynamically and used to dynamically control the value of a programmable attenuator, thus yielding maximum system performance under varying conditions.