This paper describes a procedure to improve the Orchard-Elliott synthesis algorithm for shaped radiation patterns. By far this algorithm results in the best performance for shaping radiation patterns. However, its iterative procedure occasionally suffers from singularity problems throughout the matrix inversion embedded in the algorithm. This deficiency can be overcome by using a pseudo-inverse technique. Further improvement, which reduces the dynamic range of the array current distribution, is achieved using a genetic algorithm. The improved algorithm performance is demonstrated on the synthesis of a linear array with a symmetric flat-toped radiation pattern.