[ARC5] OT: Hally Instability

[Robert Eleazer]

When I started researching ham band receivers in 1974 I noted a magazine review of the NC-270 that mentioned the 1/8 thick steel front panel - and said you could tune in a signal, raise the front of the radio a inch or so, let it fall, and still have the signal tuned in. That was one reason I bought a National NC-155, a "Chevy" version of the "Cadillac" NC-270.

But I have noticed something about military receivers that have excellent stability, such as the 274-N and ARC-5 series as well as the BC-348 and I would guess the BC-342, too..  The tuning cap is not turned directly by the knob on the front panel but instead through a 90 degree turn.

Is this 90 degree turn a feature designed help stability or just a consequence of the packaging and the need for a proper gear ratio?

Wayne