On Sun, 10 Feb 2008 13:27:34 -0800 (PST), cadillac_eldorado
wrote:

Hello everyone,

I'm new to SWL, and am really interested in doing some DXing. But
I've already got two strikes against me--one, I live in an apartment,
and, two, it's just outside of downtown Portland, Ore.

I do have a decent Sony portable radio, and I feel like I'm just on
the verge of getting some good signals. My question is this--I have a
small balcony off of my radio listening room, and I'm wondering if
there's a way I can use the metal railing of the balcony as an
antenna. It's just about what you think, a large metal railing. Can
I wrap some wire around part of it, and alligator-clip the other end
to my whip antenna?

Thanks!

Jim Boyd

Jim,
You would be much better served to run some wire around the balcony
itself than using the rail. Run the wire along the 'floor' to the
outermost portion of the balcony, then up to the 'ceiling' and accross
it and then back down.

Which Sony? If it has an antenna jack use that, otherwise strip off
some insulation and wrap the wire tightly on the whip - or use an
alligator clip if you have one handy.

Greenhornet