Lazy Signal Meter

[Recon]

What's up with the "S" Meter? The S Meter on my RCI 2980WX does not indicate an an accurate incoming (strong) signal. When skip is rolling-in heavy or a local station is calling me, the meter needle only moves about a 1/4" from the far left. If and when a local CBer is driving within 1/4 mile from my base, the needles on my other radios are pegged-out but the needle on the 2980 just touches the red zone. Any ideas?

 

[sp5it]

Replace smeter detector diodes with schottky and recalibrate meter.

 

[Recon]

Replace smeter detector diodes with schottky and recalibrate meter.

Thank you for the quick response, but Wow, that is way out of my field! I'll just live with what I have. I don't know what detector diodes are and where they are located. It is too nice of a radio to ship it out for just for meter work.

 

[Eldorado828]

Sounds like a good learning opportunity! Fixing your own gear is pretty rewarding and plenty of willing to help knowledgeable folks in here.

 

[Recon]

If it was a simple "plug and play" replacement part without soldering, testing and calibration, I would consider the challenge.
Could the cause of the lazy meter be because the radio has been inactive for several years?