1968 10 00 73 Magazine - UFO Net

Magazine Overview

Title: AMATEUR RADIO
Issue: 73
Volume: 73
Date: October 1968
Publisher: 73 MAGAZINE
Price: 73¢

This issue of AMATEUR RADIO prominently features "UFO" on its cover, suggesting a significant focus on the topic. The cover also lists several articles related to receivers, including "Thoughts on Receiver Design," "3 Tube Super Het Receiver," "Midnight Oil Receiver," "High Performance Receiver for 2," "Mobile Noise Suppression," "AVC Circuits," and "Regen Detector."

UFO Investigation and Amateur Radio's Role

The lead article, titled "UFO," discusses the growing interest in UFO investigations, spurred by recent headlines, notably from Dr. McDonald, a senior physicist at the University of Arizona's Institute of Atmospheric Physics, who suggested a connection between UFOs and power blackouts. This theory is further supported by Fuller's book, "Incident at Exeter."

The article emphasizes that now is the time for an increased effort in UFO investigation, noting that Russia is actively pursuing such investigations. It posits that amateur radio operators are uniquely positioned to contribute significantly to this effort due to their reach into every community and their ability to provide fast communications.

A proposal is put forth to establish a comprehensive amateur radio network for UFO alerting. This network would integrate with all other communication systems, including mobile radio, marine radio, aircraft radio, fixed stations, military services, government services, UFO watching groups, fire tower watchers, and radio and television stations. The goal is to create a system where each amateur radio operator sets up a liaison in their area to receive and forward UFO reports, thereby achieving a vast communication system.

The article encourages readers to get involved by checking in on 14.3 MHz at 0200 GMT (10 pm EDT) nightly to express interest. It also advises contacting NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena) at 1536 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington 20036, to find local contacts interested in UFOs. Alternatively, individuals can directly contact local newspapers and radio/television stations to inform them about the net and offer cooperation in relaying UFO reports.

The initiative aims to provide a public service and enhance the image of amateur radio. It is suggested that a successful UFO investigation network could lead to national promotion, increased interest in amateur radio, and potentially more favorable attention from Congress and the FCC.

Personal Investigation and Field Observations

The article "UFO from page 4" details a personal experience investigating a UFO sighting. The author recounts being called by a farmer in Francistown who had discovered two circular, almost bare spots in his field, approximately 50 feet apart, with smaller bare spots nearby. The farmer claimed these marks had not been present before that summer.

The author and an associate, Lin, visited the site and confirmed the existence of these peculiar marks. They noted that the spots looked as if something about three feet thick and 21 feet in diameter had landed there. The proximity of a microwave repeating tower to the site is mentioned as a point of interest.

This report was shared with the local NICAP investigator and Dean Coles at Franklin Pierce College, who planned to conduct radioactivity tests on the spots. The author expresses that involvement in such investigations can be a lot of fun.

UFO Net Schedule

A UFO Net Schedule is provided for communication and coordination:

• Wednesdays: 0200 GMT on 14.300 MHz
• Thursdays: 0200 GMT on 3950 MHz

Technical Content: Receivers and Components

Beyond the UFO theme, the magazine includes technical articles relevant to amateur radio enthusiasts:

• Thoughts on Receiver Design: This likely delves into the principles and considerations for building effective radio receivers.
• 3 Tube Super Het Receiver: A practical design for a receiver using a three-tube superheterodyne circuit.
• Midnight Oil Receiver: Suggests a receiver built or modified during late hours, possibly a challenging or experimental project.
• High Performance Receiver for 2: Details a receiver designed for operation on the 2-meter band.
• Mobile Noise Suppression: Offers solutions for reducing radio noise encountered in mobile installations.
• AVC Circuits: Explains Automatic Volume Control circuits, crucial for maintaining consistent audio levels.
• Regen Detector: Covers the design and use of regenerative detectors, a common circuit in simpler receivers.

Additionally, the issue features a catalog of electronic components, primarily silicon diodes and transistors, from "JOHN MESHNA JR.", offering various types for sale with prices and specifications. This section includes a wide array of components like PIV/AMP rated diodes, specific transistor types (e.g., 2N670, 2N424, CK-722), varactors, FETs, and specialized components like IBM memory cores and Geiger counter chassis.

Subscriber Information

A note to subscribers emphasizes that the 73 mailing list is not rented out. Subscribers are asked to report any mail received addressed in a distinctive way, possibly indicating misuse of the list, by sending the envelope or wrapper.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of encouraging active participation and public service within the amateur radio community. The UFO articles promote a proactive approach to investigation, leveraging the unique capabilities of amateur radio operators. The inclusion of detailed technical articles on receivers and a component catalog demonstrates a commitment to providing practical, hands-on information for radio enthusiasts. The editorial tone is informative and action-oriented, urging readers to engage with both technical projects and community-based initiatives like the UFO investigation network.