[Hallicrafters] SX-122A Meter Blues

[Steve & Sharon Nordentoft]

Hello!

Has anyone with any ideas that I could improve upon my SX-122 S-Meter performance?

Only the strongest signal moves the needle, and when it does, it is very bouncy (similar to an audio track VU meter) and is sporadic.  Specifically, the meter behaves more like an audio meter rather than a fluid-movement like "needle" indication of a tuned signal.  The meter acts "dead" until the strongest example of a signal is tuned in.  In low signal situations, mere taps on the cabinet seem to cause the meter needle to bounce up.   

Should I look at the AVC circuit, a specific cap or resistor?  Or, could the actual meter itself be bad?  I recalibrated the meter based on instructions outlined in the manual and it did improve meter movement (as far as showing you there is a signal), but the meter still itself has a very bouncy (or jumpy) needle movement.

I would appreciate any assistance...

Thanks!

STEVE
KA0BMQ