  Using the analytic Bethe ansatz, we initiate a study of the scaling limit of
the quasi-periodic $D^{(2)}_3$ spin chain. Supported by a detailed symmetry
analysis, we determine the effective scaling dimensions of a large class of
states in the parameter regime $\gamma\in (0,\frac{\pi}{4})$. Besides two
compact degrees of freedom, we identify two independent continuous components
in the finite-size spectrum. The influence of large twist angles on the latter
reveals also the presence of discrete states. This allows for a conjecture on
the central charge of the conformal field theory describing the scaling limit
of the lattice model.
