My GE A-53 does not appear to have AVC when I tune accross the dial. In addition, there is no reference to AVC in the service data for this set. Am I correct in assuming that set was manufactured without AVC?

Hi Tony: The G1 grid of the 6J7 will rectify the radio signal giving a negative DC voltage across R4 and C17. AVC is only used on the 6K7 IF stage. Richard

If you cannot get any negative voltage on the grid of the IF tube, be sure to replace all leaky condensers in the AVC circuit. Leakage in the millions of ohms is enough to spoil operation.

Thomas