[Collins] Odd symptom and S meter reading

[Jim Isbell]

I have an odd symptom on my 1958 S-Line.

When I key my transmitter using the PTT on the microphone base I get 
very low level of audio modulation and it is unreliable.  But if I , 
instead, use the "Function" switch on the station console to switch 
between "Rec Only" and "Trans Only", the modulation is fine.  I can hear 
the relay click in both cases, but for some reason the audio is not 
there if I use the PTT.  Does anyone know what would cause this?

Second question.  I am assuming that the signal strength meter reads 
properly when the RF gain is full clockwise.  But I find that even with 
a signal that is very strong, I never see an S9, usually only about S7. 
 When the meter doesn't even come off the pin I can still get loud 
readable audio.  Is this stingy meter normal?