Not sure about what you described. Is it an analog tuner? If so, from memory:
Controls/switches:
* Just like a digitally tuned ADF, it will have a selector, or a couple of selectors, for OFF, ANT, ADF, and BFO.
* It will also have a band/frequency range selector. Use it to tune what frequency range on the analogue scale you wish to tune.
* Frequency scale
* A signal strength meter.
* A tuning knob
To tune a station:
1. Determine the frequency you wish to receive
2. Select the frequency range selector to cover the particular frequency you wish to receive
3. Switch to ANT
4. Select ADF audio 'on' on the aircraft's audio panel
5. Rotate the tuning knob until the needle on the frequency scale is close to the frequency you want.
6. Slowly turn the tuning knob so that the needle continues to move towards the desired frequency.
7. Watch the signal strength meter until it peaks. You may have to slowly rotate the tuning knob back & forth to be satisfied you have the best signal.
8. Listen to the morse ident to confirm the correct station. If it's not correct then you've tuned the wrong station. Check each of the steps above. If you can't hear anything, and are tuning a French NDB, select BFO to add sound to the signal.
9. Select 'ADF' to activate the DF function.