Shortwave is really tough in urban environments these days because of all the electrical noise from poorly-designed electronic devices. If you live in a single

Shortwave is really tough in urban environments these days because of all the electrical noise from poorly-designed electronic devices. If you live in a single family home, try turning off your power at the breaker box, powering your radio off of a 12 V battery, and see how well you can do. Alternatively, take your station to a rural campground.