[Hallicrafters] SX-71 alignment issues

[RJB]

Good morning again... this time i have an SX-71 alignment question.

I have just completed re-capping and re-sistoring my SX-71 (i'm lying, i
didnt do the 3.3k jobs inside the IF cans). I also replaced most of the
tubes - it still had most of the original Halli tubes, most of them softer
than a baby's bum. Suffice to say that the overall improvement in
performance has amazed me. I had not expected much of this radio but i now
have to offer it my apologies, this thing is hot!

But there is an annoyance - the front-end alignment procedure seems really
poor for  bands 1 and 2 (MW BC band, and 1650 - 4700kHz...
1) there is no permeability adjustment in the front-end coils on these
bands, they simply are what they are
2) on the MW BC band you simply adjust the tuning cap padder to get the
600kHz point right on the dial, then peak the trimmers at the 1.5mHz point.
There seems to be no way to peak things at the low end of this band
3) worst of all, the alignment procedure for band 2 only specifies peaking
the trimmers at 4mHz - again, there is no way to peak at the low frequency
end of the band. This works okay for the 80metre ham band, but is useless
for 90 or 120 metre reception.

So... i guess we have to assume that the coils had the precise inductance
right from the factory, and that it hasn't changed in 50 years.

Or am i all wet?  Has anyone out there come up with a way to improve the
alignment procedure on bands 1 and 2?

thanks in advance for any help

Bob Bennett, Maple Vly, WA