[Heathkit] HW-12 alignment question

[Morey, Michael]

Hello:
I'm attempting to perform a transmitter alignment on my HW-12.  I've set the
bias level, adjusted the RF amplifier, and now trying to adjust the balanced
modulator.  It seems to give me a minimum signal indication on my VTVM
(using a RF probe placed on the center pin of the antenna jack), but once
the adjustment is done, there's no modulation output ........... just a
carrier (I believe).  My questions are:
1. There's a neon light on the circuit board near transformer T1.  What is
the neon light in the circuit for?  
2. On a properly adjusted HW-12, does this neon light "light" when the PTT
is activated and a voice is modulating the circuit?
The manual states that these adjustments are touchy.  Any ideas?  I guess
I'm neutralizing the finals during this procedure.  Comments?  Thoughts??  
Thanks for help,
Mike