H.F. Reception
(1) Never inside unless you have a big antenna outside.
(2) Always better the bigger the external antenna, a long wire will do. A looooong wire is even better.
(3) You need to be able to tune in 100Khz steps. If it's locked to 9Khz steps even in HF you're out of luck.
(4) Night is ALWAYS better.
(5) Radio Australia has been gutted thanks to little Johnny, only Shepparton transmits generally now except for Brandon(Qld) to PNG.
(6) All general HF communications is SSB, LSB below 10Mhz, various rules above 10Mhz.
Lots of luck, hope this helps some. I spent too many years in HF broadcasting but if you have a particular question, ask away and I'll try.