Function of tuning and signal meters

[lzidaric]

Hello,

i got myself a Scott 350R receiver with all the bells and whistles to appreciate. I deal with amateur electronics myself but cannot find the info I need anywhere so here's hoping to finally getting an answer.
Most vintage receivers had built in AM/FM sections along with two meters, one for signal strength and one to aid tuning precisely into the station frequency (center tuning). Can somebody explain in depth what do they actually measure and how their driving circuits work?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Punker X]

Signal meter to the left is measuring signal strength. How strong the signal is. The tuning meter on the left measures the discriminator (detector) zero. When properly aligned, center tuned will coincide with maximum signal strength and lowest distortion.

 

[bobschneider]

The center tuning meter should be what you use to adjust the tuning knob. The signal strength meter should be used to aim the antenna for the strongest signal. The best antenna direction may be different for different stations.