73 AMATEUR RADIO

Magazine Overview

Title: 73 AMATEUR RADIO
Issue Date: May 1968
Price: 60¢
Publisher: 73 Magazine
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "73 Amateur Radio" is a "SPECIAL ANTENNA ISSUE" with a prominent focus on antenna theory and design, alongside a significant feature on "THE UFO NET." The cover art depicts a man with an antenna setup, highlighting the dual themes of the publication.

Articles and Features

Special Antenna Issue Content:

The magazine dedicates a substantial portion to amateur radio antennas, listing several key articles on the cover:

• 40M Diamond Array: Likely a detailed look at constructing or utilizing a diamond antenna for the 40-meter band.
• New Gamma Match: Discusses a novel approach to gamma matching, a common impedance matching technique for antennas.
• Using Matching Stubs: Explores the application and theory of matching stubs in antenna systems.
• Duo Vee Beam: Focuses on the Duo Vee beam antenna, a popular design in amateur radio.
• Basic Antenna Theory: Covers fundamental principles of antenna operation.
• Triangular Loop Beams: Details the construction or use of triangular loop antennas.
• IC RTTY Stunt Box: A technical article likely related to RTTY (Radioteletype) operation and specialized equipment.
• Computer Design of Beams: Explores the use of computers in designing beam antennas.

These articles suggest a comprehensive guide for radio amateurs looking to improve their antenna systems, ranging from basic theory to advanced design techniques. The mention of older handbooks (pre-1950) for antenna information and the ARRL Antenna Handbook indicates a blend of historical and contemporary knowledge.

The UFO Net:

A significant section is dedicated to the establishment and purpose of "The UFO Net," an initiative spearheaded by Wayne Green (W2NSD/1). The editorial and subsequent articles outline the rationale and operational plan for this network.

Rationale and Goals:

• Speeding UFO Solution: The primary goal is to leverage amateur radio's widespread presence to accelerate the solution of the UFO mystery. The short duration of most UFO sightings makes immediate reporting crucial.
• Advanced Warning: The network aims to provide advanced warning of approaching UFOs, enabling individuals to prepare for adequate picture-taking and scientific investigations.
• Community Involvement: Amateurs are encouraged to alert local authorities (police, sheriff's departments), taxi services, doctors, road crews, and media outlets (newspapers, radio stations) to their participation, ensuring a broad base of reporting.

Operational Details:

• Effective Stations: Participants should have effective stations on 80, 40, or 20 meters.
• Suggested Frequencies: 3900 kHz (80m), 7250 kHz (40m), and 14,250 kHz (20m) are proposed.
• Informal Start: The net will be informal initially, with a call for operators interested in serving as net control.
• Coordination: A discussion for organization and plans is suggested at 0000 GMT.
• Cooperation: The project has secured mutual cooperation from the Air Force and is interested in NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena). Photographs provided by NICAP are featured.
• Reporting System: The net is also tied into a 24-hour reporting system at Franklin Pierce College.

Editorial Stance:

Wayne Green expresses strong enthusiasm for the UFO Net, believing amateur radio is uniquely positioned to contribute significantly to UFO research. He emphasizes the potential for amateur radio to be at the forefront of "PICON" (presumably a term related to public information or communication) if UFOs are real. The editorial also touches upon the serious global interest in UFOs, contrasting it with what is perceived as the US government's dismissive stance. It references an article in "Soviet Life" about UFO investigations in Russia as an example of a more proactive approach by other nations.

Key Incident Highlighted:

The issue features a photograph and description of a UFO sighting by Rex Heflin in Orange County, California, in August 1965. The object approached from the left, hovered, moved right, hovered again, and then accelerated out of sight within approximately 20 seconds. This sighting is presented as an example of the type of event the UFO Net aims to document.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the intersection of amateur radio technology and the investigation of unexplained phenomena, specifically UFOs. The editorial stance, primarily articulated by Wayne Green, is one of proactive engagement and belief in the potential of amateur radio to contribute meaningfully to scientific and public understanding of UFOs. There's a clear call to action for radio amateurs to participate in "The UFO Net," positioning it as a potentially historic endeavor for the field. The magazine also champions technical advancement in antennas, providing practical guidance for its readership. The editorial implicitly criticizes a lack of serious investigation into UFOs by the US government, contrasting it with efforts in other countries.