1966 03 00 73 Magazine - Letter regarding editorial

Magazine Overview

Title: 73
Issue: March 1966
Date: March 1966
Price: 50¢
Publisher: 73 Magazine
Country: USA
Original Language: English

This issue of "73" magazine, dated March 1966, features a cover illustration by BOB. Taylor depicting a humorous encounter between a furry creature with a radio and two explorers from the "HILLARY EXPEDI" on a snowy mountain. The cover headline is "An Abominable".

Advertisements and Product Information

The magazine includes advertisements for amateur radio equipment:

• TWOER LINEAR AMPLIFIER: A 25-watt modulated output linear amplifier designed to fit under a Twoer radio, boosting its output to up to 75 watts. It is available wired and tested for $49.50, with an optional power supply (LIN-AMP PS1) for $34.50.
• ABSORPTION UHF WAVEMETERS: Hand-calibrated wavemeters by K1CLL are offered for finding frequencies on VHF-2 (140-355 mc), UHF-1 (350-675 mc), UHF-2 (600-1100 mc), and UHF-3 (950-1400 mc). A single meter costs $9.75, and all four can be purchased for $35.
• Hoisington Research Company: Located in Peterborough, N. H., they offer these products.

VHF and Back Issues

• Interested in VHF?: A promotion for "The VHF'er Magazine," which is devoted to serious VHF and UHF hamming, offering articles by experienced individuals. Subscriptions are $2 per year ($3 foreign). The magazine is published by Parks Laboratories in Beaverton, Oregon.
• BACK ISSUES: An offer for assorted back issues of "73" magazine, with options for 20 issues for $5 or 8 issues for $2. Individual back issues are 50¢, with some exceptions priced at $1. Bound volumes for 1962 and 1963 are available for $15.
• Binders: Binders are available for various years from 1960-61 through 1966, priced at $3 each.

Letters to the Editor

Letter from Craig Smith W2BHP

Craig Smith of Endicott, New York, writes to "Wayne" (presumably the editor) expressing his agreement with the January editorial's discussion of UFO communication. He identifies as a firm believer in UFOs and suggests that their peaceful intentions are indicated by their long-term presence. Smith proposes that instead of avoiding the topic on the air, hams should express interest and invite UFOs to visit, potentially leading to the first recorded "QSO" with an UFO.

Letter from Richard Factor WA2IKL

Richard Factor of New York, N.Y., comments on the UFO discussion, referencing possibly Heinlein's "The Day After Tomorrow" or John Campbell's influence. He expresses interest in trying the Biefeld-Brown effect experiment and speculates about the cause, suggesting magnetic dipole moments of dielectric molecules. Factor also discusses the physics of electrons, the gravitational charge-to-mass ratio, and the possibility of communicating via an unexplained nuclear force. He critiques the idea of hiding information, particularly regarding UFOs, arguing that advanced beings would not rely solely on short-wave radio for intelligence. Factor concludes by questioning the necessity of bureaucratic secrecy, using the example of trying to get information about telephone handsets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue touches upon themes of amateur radio technology, the exploration of VHF/UHF frequencies, and the burgeoning interest in UFO phenomena and potential extraterrestrial communication. The editorial stance, as reflected in the letters, appears to encourage open discussion and investigation into unconventional topics, challenging secrecy and promoting a spirit of inquiry within the amateur radio community. The inclusion of physics discussions suggests an interest in the scientific underpinnings of unexplained phenomena.