ABSTRACT As shipboard radio communication systems (RCSs) become more complex and crew size continues to be reduced, the requirement for an automated, condition‐based maintenance system is imperative. Personal computers can be programmed to provide full equipment testing that is capable of digital interface as well as automated and semi‐automated testing of equipment that is not buss‐controllable. Some of the advantages of computer‐controlled equipment testing (CCET) include increased accuracy, repeatability, and data‐collection capability for in‐depth analysis. However, the paramount advantage of CCET is speed.This paper will describe various methods of remote testing, including using a LAN, the Internet, and the telephone system. It will detail application software developed to test the Aegis‐class destroyers' RCS equipment.This paper examines CCET as it is presently applied to the Aegis Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) support program. Additionally, the condition‐based maintenance (CBM) application developed for over‐the‐air system testing of the Navy's UHF line‐of‐sight (LOS) system installed on the USS Yorktown (CG 48) as part of the Smart Ship project will be described.This paper will also describe CCET methods to use charged‐coupled device (CCD) miniature cameras to read analog meters, gauges, or entire gauge boards.