Attaching an external length of wire (preferably insulated) will gather more
signal, and more interesting signals. I'm unfamiliar with your receiver, but
there is likely a connection point for just such a purpose. Also, if you
have a Ground connection point, connect a stout wire from that point to a
bare metal rod pounded into the earth, or to a metal cold water pipe that
you know for sure goes into the earth. that can also help with improving
reception.

It is common for broadcasters to change frequencies during a 24 hour period
because of variations in the layers of the atmosphere that reflect signals .
Daytime reception may be better on higher frequencies, and lower frequencies
tend to be better at night. Sometimes reception at dusk or dawn can be
surprising. Reception also varies over an 11 year period as the number of
sunspots increases and decreases, since solar radiation increases and
decreases in a fairly regular cycle. We have just passed a period when the
number of sunspots has peaked and are declining, so daytime high frequency
reception will degrade for a while.

I hope that helps, and I hope you enjoy listening s.

Strength and Honor

"{FireArm}" wrote in message
om...
Hi im new to SWL, i recently bought a 10 section universal anteanna
(its about 1.35m long) for my Icom IC-R5 although im aware that the R5
isnt a dedicated shortwave reciver i have been picking things up from
india, russia, japan and im quite impressed with the results however
there are a few things that im not sure about.

Someone told me to get even better reception i should try to tie a
peice of copper wire around the top of my antenna and then run the
copper wire up around my window can anyone tell me if this is true?,
also i most commonly have been listening to "The Voice Of Russia World
Service" however i have found that when i try to listen in the day
time i cant pick it up also sometimes its changes frequency for
example the other day i was reciving on 6.160 AM, but then a few days
later it was 7.410 AM, can anyone tell me why this is? im located in
the north east of england if that helps.

All Help Greatly Appreciated
{FireArm}