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John's Article
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My Beginnings Into Radio
My journey into the fascinating world of radio began as a teenager in 1979. Back then, CB (Citizen Band) radio was all the rage, and I was swept up in the excitement. My first ever CB radio was a Midland AM 40-channel set. It was a little beauty at the time, or so I thought at least, and I cherished every moment using it.
The antenna, a classic DV27, was literally mounted on a biscuit tin. Yes, you read that right—a biscuit tin in the loft! It might sound daft now, but it worked at the time. Whatever happened to those DV27 aerials? They were the backbone of so many radio hobbyist setups.
Fast forward a couple of years, and CB radio became legal in the UK. This milestone coincided with a major upgrade for me. My parents, supportive of my hobby, bought me a Binatone 5 Star 40 channel FM CB radio, with the all important 27/81 stamp marking imprinted in the fascia. It was top-of-the-line back then, and even today, I would argue it holds up as one of the best-looking FM mobile CB radios ever made. What’s amusing is that Binatone wasn’t exactly a brand synonymous with quality back then, yet they really nailed it with this model.
The setup at my parents' house became more elaborate over time. Scaffolding tubes were erected—a thing of the time, not much alluminium tubing was being used, and this was used to accommodate various antennas, such as a Silver Rod. I remember I wanted a Sigma 4 which was quite a bit larger, but I think my parents put their foot down. I do remember the half-wave dipole we installed. While it performed well for my radio needs, it also managed to wreak havoc on the TV reception in the neighborhood. Oops!
Now, more than 40 years later, I’m still immersed in radio. These days, however, I’ve moved beyond those early AM/FM CB days and am a newly licensed amateur radio operator. The thought of making connections and experimenting with setups remains as exciting as ever. It’s funny to think that something which began with a Midland set and a biscuit tin antenna has grown into a lifelong passion.
Radio has brought me countless hours of joy and learning. The technology may have changed, but the fun and community spirit of radio endure. For those of us who caught the bug early, it’s not just a hobby—it’s a way of life.
The antenna, a classic DV27, was literally mounted on a biscuit tin. Yes, you read that right—a biscuit tin in the loft! It might sound daft now, but it worked at the time. Whatever happened to those DV27 aerials? They were the backbone of so many radio hobbyist setups.
Fast forward a couple of years, and CB radio became legal in the UK. This milestone coincided with a major upgrade for me. My parents, supportive of my hobby, bought me a Binatone 5 Star 40 channel FM CB radio, with the all important 27/81 stamp marking imprinted in the fascia. It was top-of-the-line back then, and even today, I would argue it holds up as one of the best-looking FM mobile CB radios ever made. What’s amusing is that Binatone wasn’t exactly a brand synonymous with quality back then, yet they really nailed it with this model.
The setup at my parents' house became more elaborate over time. Scaffolding tubes were erected—a thing of the time, not much alluminium tubing was being used, and this was used to accommodate various antennas, such as a Silver Rod. I remember I wanted a Sigma 4 which was quite a bit larger, but I think my parents put their foot down. I do remember the half-wave dipole we installed. While it performed well for my radio needs, it also managed to wreak havoc on the TV reception in the neighborhood. Oops!
Now, more than 40 years later, I’m still immersed in radio. These days, however, I’ve moved beyond those early AM/FM CB days and am a newly licensed amateur radio operator. The thought of making connections and experimenting with setups remains as exciting as ever. It’s funny to think that something which began with a Midland set and a biscuit tin antenna has grown into a lifelong passion.
Radio has brought me countless hours of joy and learning. The technology may have changed, but the fun and community spirit of radio endure. For those of us who caught the bug early, it’s not just a hobby—it’s a way of life.
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Article - Elodie Mirza 2E0MZA
