[PCR-1000] Apartment challenge...

[Mike.S]

Hi Dominic,
I have an apartment on 8th floor (UK), 9th flour, I think (USA). Have used
PCR1000 since first avail in UK about 41/2 years now, and I read a review in
"Short Wave Magazine".
Have tried various antennae configs. For VHF/UHF I find a discone stuck out
on my balcony is the best.
For airband only, an active antenna hung inside the window is good and I
receive ground contollers from tx sites abt 40+ miles away. For neither do I
use a seperate earth (ground ) connection.
 HF from 1.6 meg up is different. Best thus far is a mesh of thin wire
zig-zagged across the vertical wooden frame of the balcony (east facing),
suppose it might be called a curtain array. Total length is around 30
metres. For the ground, I use a counterpoise, This is a square of conductive
garden mesh fencing/chicken wire, laid on the balcony floor and draped over
the balcony edge If restricted to indoor use, experiment with wire  laid
anywhere unobtrusive, and counterpoise under carpets, round skirting boards
etc..Using the mains supply earth (ground) should be avoided at all costs,
espec on safety concerns, it also may lead to increase in rx noise level.
Nothing beats a good outdoor antenna, but I am happy with results  from my
setup
73,
Mike.S