Drake R8B Tuning Technique Saves Encoder Wear

After reading several reports of premature Drake R8B tuning knob
mechanical encoder failure, I recall asking Bill Frost, R L Drake
service manager, about it. His cryptic response was, "it a matter of
operator tuning technique." I recall thinking at the time, that he
was referring to the use of the ^ & V (up-arrow & down-arrow) buttons
in lieu of rotating the tuning knob.

That ^ & V tuning button technique is just right for tuning broadcast
stations that transmit on the even five kilohertz'. But there is
something about smoothly gliding along the frequency spectrum that
provides the operator with information about signals preceding and
following the desired frequency, that is absent in jumping along the
spectrum in discrete five kilohertz steps.

Here's how to use the R8's automated slow-scan tuning to glide along
the spectrum in leisurely 10 KHz steps:

1. Set the 'Squelch' full counterclockwise (off)

2. Press 'F', then '6' 'Carrier'

3. Press 'F' then 'Step' until 'X.00' is displayed (10 KHz)

4. Press 'F' then 'A.B' (3), enter high frequency like 26.550 MHz

5. Press '^' (up arrow), enter low frequency like 4.500.00 MHz

6. Press 'F' 'A.B', then 'Scan' to begin scanning, 'Scan' to stop

7. Tune to a desired band low-end frequency, like 4.4 MHz

8. Press 'Scan' to begin scanning from that frequency

9. Press '^ or V' (up arrow or down arrow) to reverse scan
direction

10. Press 'Scan' to stop, then enter another frequency

11. Press 'Scan' to begin scanning from that new frequency

12. Press 'Scan' again to stop the scan when an interesting
station is tuned

Once the 'A.B' frequency registers are loaded with upper-limit and
lower-limit frequencies, you can slow-scan from any new frequency very
easily. And you don't even need to touch the tuning knob.

Although these instructions look a bit daunting at first glance,
you'll find that actual operation is intuitive and easy once the 'A.B'
frequency registers are properly initialized; just tune to a frequency
and press 'Scan.' Simple.

This technique should have specifically been included in the owner's
manual in my opinion.

Opinions on the use of this technique are welcome as are any other
tuning techniques you may find useful.