What position should the function knob be in before connecting the battery?

The function knob should be set to "Off" before connecting the battery to ensure that there is no power flowing to the device during the battery connection process. This precaution is vital to prevent any electrical surges or unintended operation of the equipment, which could lead to potential damage or safety hazards. Starting with the device in the "Off" position allows for a safe and proper initialization of the system once the battery is connected. By ensuring the system is off, users can also avoid any unexpected activation of the equipment that could occur if it were left in a more active state, such as "Standby" or "Transmit."