1968 09 00 73 Magazine - UFO Net

Magazine Overview

Title: 73 AMATEUR RADIO
Issue: SEPTEMBER 1968
Date: September 1968
Publisher: 73 MAGAZINE
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of 73 Amateur Radio, dated September 1968, prominently features the confession of a significant hoax related to amateur radio operations. The cover story, "Miller Confesses!", details the admission by an individual named Miller regarding the falsification of his expedition to St. Peter and Paul Rocks. The magazine also includes information on the UFO Reporting Net, amateur radio equipment advertisements, and general news for radio enthusiasts.

Miller Confesses!

The lead article, "Miller Confesses!", written by de W2NSD/1, reveals that Miller has admitted to faking his expedition to the St. Peter and Paul Rocks. The author expresses relief at the confession, noting that the League had gathered substantial evidence against Miller concerning this and about twenty other operations. The PYØXA trip is highlighted as particularly important because it was the only one where Miller had a surviving accomplice, suggesting that the accomplice's unwillingness to lie under oath led to Miller's confession.

Miller's actual operating location for the PYØXA trip was not St. Peter and Paul Rocks, but rather off the coast of Venezuela, likely near Trinidad, aboard a ship. This location was approximately 1800 miles from the claimed destination. The article states that Miller has withdrawn his suit against the League and Huntoon, and it is expected that his suit against "73" and the author will also be withdrawn.

The author acknowledges that Miller is a convincing and audacious individual, and that none of those intimately involved have been able to understand his motivations. Explanations for other questioned expeditions by Miller were reportedly vague, contradictory, and evasive. Records of proof have allegedly been lost or stolen, including Miller's passport.

The article questions the implications of Miller's confession for "CQ" magazine, which had published a fictional series by Miller, and for a "Miller DX book" that was promised. It asks whether "CQ" will proceed with publishing the book given Miller's "disgrace" and if they will issue a public apology for what the author describes as a "libelous attack" published for Miller.

The author encourages readers to inform friends who may have stopped reading "73" because of negative comments about Miller, their "hero."

UFO Net Schedule and Operations

The issue provides details for the UFO Reporting Net, which is experiencing significant growth. The net meets on 14.3 MHz every Wednesday night at 0200 GMT and on 3950 kHz every Thursday at 0200 GMT.

Jim Sipprell K2HYQ has taken on the role of organizing net controls for the nightly operation. The frequency and time remain the same. Interested individuals are asked to contact Jim if they wish to serve as a net control one or two nights a week, provided they have a good signal and are dependable. The goal is to have net controls positioned in different geographical areas (east, south, west) to cover all check-ins.

Net participants are encouraged to call into the net whenever possible, even if they cannot commit to a regular net control slot. Net control stations will provide updates on the net's progress and are interested in any reports participants have to share.

Participation in the UFO Reporting Net involves setting up communications with local agencies that might receive sighting reports or be interested in nearby sightings. Readers are advised to talk with local and state police, local newspapers, and television stations, as well as CB groups and other mobile radio users (doctors, power companies, road crews, taxis, telephone companies) to spread the word.

The UFO Reporting Net is coordinated with NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena), described as the most energetic organization investigating UFO reports. Net members and controls are expected to connect with local NICAP investigating groups. Membership in NICAP is $5 and is considered well worth the cost.

The establishment of the net is seen as a way to provide a useful service for emergencies and to improve public relations for amateur radio. The author hopes for local newspapers to cover participation in the net and for radio stations to interview participants about amateur radio.

There is a humorous note about the decrease in UFO sightings, speculating if it's a boycott over the "University debacle" or concern over the UFO reporting net. The author expresses a desire to be ready with a tape recorder for the first UFO report received by the net.

Chuck W5GDQ from Dallas is thanked for his consistent net control work with the UFO net since its inception.

Advertisements and Other Content

X LINE TUNAVERTERS: An advertisement for Herbert Salch & Co. showcases "X LINE TUNAVERTERS," described as versatile and usable solid-state converters that can turn auto and home radios into sensitive, selective, calibrated VHF receivers. They offer tunable and crystal-controlled models for various bands, including CB, 10M, 6 meters, 2 meters, Police/Fire/Marine, and Aircraft. Prices range from $19.95 to $32.95, with options for coupling loops and external antennas.

ATV RESEARCH: Another advertisement promotes "ATV RESEARCH" for those interested in televising family and relatives with their own TV camera. They offer various models, from starter kits ($18.95 up) to complete transistorized and printed circuit kits ($149.50 up). They also provide major components and a new 1968 catalog detailing kits, lenses, vidicon tubes, tripods, and more.

Auto-Call Wanted: A section notes the growing need for a system to alert operators when something is reported anywhere in the country, as operators cannot constantly monitor frequencies. The author suggests a "fool-proof calling system," possibly a tone system.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the integrity of amateur radio operations, the potential for hoaxes, and the importance of accurate reporting. The editorial stance is critical of deceptive practices, as evidenced by the detailed coverage of the Miller hoax and the call for accountability from associated publications. There is also a strong emphasis on community engagement and public relations for amateur radio, particularly through initiatives like the UFO Reporting Net and encouraging local media coverage. The magazine actively promotes participation in these nets and encourages readers to be proactive in reporting and disseminating information.

The issue highlights the intersection of amateur radio with other interests, such as UFO investigations, and positions amateur radio operators as potential key communicators in broader societal events. The advertisements reflect the technological interests of the readership, focusing on specialized radio equipment and emerging technologies like amateur television.