I have been having issues with learning how to tune this rig. Right now I am at the part in the process where I am plate tuning. I've done everything the manual says to do-Meter set to IP, mode set to TUN. When I flip the SEND switch, the needle moves to right about where the 100 is on the meter (the top arched line). Turning the Plate knob does nothing to change this setting. According to the manual, turning the Plate knob is supposed to adjust this setting--it calls for a minimum meter reading. I have done everything the manual says to do prior to this step-Drive Tuning, Plate Idling Current, the initial switch settings in Table 2, the receiver tuning, etc. Is the problem I am having an indication that there is something wrong with the tubes?
I have to be honest. I am starting to lose my patience with this radio. If I skip this step and complete all the others, the radio puts out about 50 watts CW, but then very little power out on LSB or USB. I am trying to give this tube radio thing a fair shake, but I am just about to the point of chucking this thing into the Ohio. "Shall We Gather At The River" is fixin to take on a new meaning.