Elenco AM/FM-108CK--FM Alignment Procedure

[wsscott]

I built this kit a few weeks ago and it works ok.  I was able to align the AM pretty easily, first manually and then using a scope and a RF Signal Generator.

My main problem is with the Alignment procedures for the FM section.  It's built and I am receiving stations, but I went through the alignment procedure, and I'm not getting any signals on the scope and the procedure for manual alignment doesn't seem to make any sense.

For example: It tells you to adjust T1, T2 and T3 for the minimum voltage and reduce the Volume if necessary.  Well the voltages only change from maybe 7 volts to 6.9 volts, and if the voltage is less the Volume is going down, not up.  The Volume does go up if you increase the T's voltage.  By lowering the voltage you lower the volume.

I really couldn't get any noticeable changes in T4 and T5.

Then the procedure for oscillator alignment seems off.  It says using the magic wand brass end if the station is heard then L3 needs less inductance and so pull apart L3 until the station is heard.  Well if you're hearing the station why pull apart the LC "until the station is heard"?  Same conflict using the iron end of the wand.

I don't know.  These instructions just don't make any sense to me.

Also, the connection of the signal generator to the T14 insertion point doesn't get me any signal on my scope.  I don't know if my scope or its probe are not sensitive enough, or maybe the probe is not sensitive enough.

So I'm pretty confused and frustrated.  I'm getting FM stations, but I'd like to get the radio setup properly.

Thanks for listening to my rant!

Any help would be appreciated.