I'll try shutting down a couple computers.

I can receive AM and FM quite well, some NYC and Ohio AM stations have
come in just fine.

I did try the 5, 10 and 15 Mhz after reading that those were major
freq's. WhenI get back I'll try them again as well as switching the
modes around again - I know I tried several modes, had the red light
come on telling me I was in SSB, nada, the ext antenna is the one that
came with the radio, it winds up in a small disc -- I streched it out
across the beams in my ceiling, tried with and without the ext.
antenna...I do hear static, and it almost sounds like I can faintly
hear a station but it stays the same as I scroll up / down, I've tried
the 1 khz step too...I see the green light come on indicating it's
spotted a signal but nothing...tried the fine tune too

What will I hear on the WWV 5,10, 15 - is that the time stations
reserved by gov't I read about?

thnaks for the help - I'll try again Thursday night