I took the bold step not to bring any amateur radios with me on holiday this year, and only pack CB’s instead.  As you know, I love all types of radio and choosing CB for my holidays was a change.

I have with me my Harvard “Good Buddy” on UK FM only, and a pair of Maycom AH-27 handhelds.

CB Radios Are Useful

When travelling and towing, some of the service area car parks for vehicles towing trailers, boats and caravans can be busy, and sometimes frankly a free for all.  Asking Mrs M0INI/XYL to pop out with a handheld CB certainly assists with any reversing blind spots.  We usually use channel 33 or 36 on UK FM for this.

Walking the handheld

Where we are camped, at Cambrose Touring Park, is very close to RAF Portreath, the remote RAF listening post on the north Cornish peninsular.

So today, in the blisteringly hot Cornish sunshine, I put on my boots, and went for a hike with a Maycom AH-27.  Does this make it a “walkie talkie”?  LOL – sorry for that..!

RAF Portreath

Anyway, at the summit of the hill, I could see the very impressive antenna array of RAF Portreath and a snow white radar golf ball in the distance.

As we are so high up, I can see why the RAF chose this location as a remote early warning listening station.  The take off for transmitting and receiving even with a handheld CB is excellent.

I plan to return another day with fresh batteries and see if I can make some European contacts as 26TM998/M.