1968 06 00 73 Magazine - UFO Net

Magazine Overview

This is the July 1965 issue of "73 SURPLUS" magazine, a publication focused on amateur radio, surplus electronics, and related phenomena. The cover prominently features the number "73" and the word "SURPLUS" alongside a collage of advertisements for electronic equipment. The issue delves into topics ranging from UFO encounters to regulatory proposals affecting amateur radio operators.

UFO Network and Alien Contact

The article "de W2NSD" discusses an idea for a UFO Network that emerged from conversations with Noel Nelson W3SSB. This led to contact with Harold Salkin in Washington D.C., who had been following UFO news for years and provided leads on UFO photos and bulletins. Salkin later introduced the author to Woody Derenberger, a "contactee" who claimed to have visited an alien planet and spoken with UFO people. Derenberger suggested that these beings, whose telepathic abilities meant they never needed radio, were now preparing to use radio for communication with Earth, potentially contacting amateur radio operators first. The author speculates on the call signs these extraterrestrials might use, considering ITU allocations and the possibility of using local prefixes.

The EIA and Amateur Radio Regulations

Another section addresses the formation of the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) as a section of the Electronic Industries Association. The author notes that the EIA was formed out of frustration with the League over Incentive Licensing proposals. The EIA has submitted several proposals to the FCC concerning Novice licenses:

1. Code Speed Reduction: To reduce the code speed requirement to the minimum consistent with the Geneva Convention of the ITU, essentially recognizing Morse characters and the ability to send them.
2. Phone Band Restoration: To restore phone operation in the 145-147 MHz band.
3. Novice Phone/CW Band: To establish a dedicated phone/CW band for Novices on 29.4-29.6 MHz.
4. License Duration: To make the Novice license a five-year renewable license.
5. Previous License Holders: To permit the Novice license to be issued to individuals who have previously held licenses.

The article expresses anticipation regarding the ARRL's reaction to these proposals and whether they will be published in QST. The issue of code speed is highlighted as a significant point of discussion.

Surplus Electronics Advertisements

The magazine is heavily populated with advertisements from various surplus electronics dealers. These ads offer a wide array of equipment and components, including:

• C & H SALES CO.: Offering various electronic items and buying surplus equipment.
• ALLTRONICS-HOWARD CO.: Advertising surplus bargains.
• MESHNA SURPLUS BARGAINS: Featuring items like Geiger counters, analog timers, and reflex cameras.
• Lewispaul Electronics, Inc.: Selling tubes and other electronic parts.
• MILITARY ELECTRONICS: Offering integrated circuits and computer parts.
• J. J. Glass Electronics Co.: Selling computer parts and power supplies.
• THE R. & C. WILSON: Advertising government surplus items.
• POLY PAKS: Offering semiconductors and other components.
• ARROW SALES-CHICA: Specializing in radio teletype equipment.
• TRI RIO Electronics: Buying tubes and semiconductors.
• LIBERTY ELECTRONICS: Seeking surplus equipment and offering payment.
• UNITY ELECTRONICS: Buying tubes for cash.
• SLEP ELECTRONICS COMPANY: Advertising a catalog of surplus electronic and statistical equipment.

These advertisements cater to amateur radio operators, experimenters, and those looking for discounted electronic parts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential for extraterrestrial communication via amateur radio, the business of buying and selling surplus electronic equipment, and the ongoing regulatory landscape of amateur radio. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards unconventional ideas like UFO contact, coupled with a practical interest in the commercial aspects of surplus electronics and a critical eye towards regulatory bodies like the ARRL and FCC, as evidenced by the coverage of the EIA's proposals.