[Collins] 51J4 Alignment Question

[Grant Youngman]

I've been reading over the alignment instructions for the 51J4 getting ready to touch mine up.  In manual section 5.3.17 (1962 manual), it gives instructions for setting IF gain.  My question is whether the input (antenna terminal) and output (IF output) voltages indicated are peak or RMS.  I presume it doesn't actually matter as long as both measurements are taken the same way, but thought I would ask.  I think I've also seen a comment in a posting somewhere that it isn't worth worrying about and that the IF gain should just be set to maximum.  Any input on this?

I posted a question a while ago about the value of doing (or not) a modification to take B+ off the filters in a 51J4 (or R-388 with filter adapter).  I didn't get much in the way of definitive answers, so I went ahead and did it.  It turned out to be a bit easier than I recalled from working on previous radios -- maybe because I had good notes from the last time.  It's still something of a PITA, but the benefit besides peace of mind is that the "pop" which occurs in a stock radio when switching filters is completely eliminated.

Thanks … Grant NQ5T