[mikethedruid]

Never under estimate the effects of operator error. I carefully re-read the manual regarding the S meter and its operation. Turns out one must have the "selectivity" control all the way clockwise until it clicks into the AM-CW-SSB position for the meter to work. It also has to be there for the radio to actually work well at all. Once there, the radio REALLY comes to life. Didn't haver to touch the alignment. I was AMAZED at how many stations it receives ! Every 10 Khz on the broadcast band you hear at least a slight swoosh, and 99% of the time you hear a station. I am very pleased! The manual is not really as clear as it could be. I had read it before, but that fact did not register. here is a link from BAMA to a PDF of the manual, for those who want to see all the documentation on this radio.  http://bama.edebris.com/download/lafayett/he30/he30.pdf   My final opinion, except for my Hammarlunds this is the best receiver I have. Definitely my new "daily driver."