AMATEUR RADIO 73

Magazine Overview

Title: AMATEUR RADIO 73
Issue Date: December 1968
Price: 75¢

This issue of AMATEUR RADIO 73, published in December 1968, focuses heavily on the topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and the potential role of amateur radio operators in their investigation. The cover highlights several technical articles related to amateur radio, including an IC-designed monitor, an FM test set, H parameters, a JFET VFO, and a cumulative index for 1968. However, the lead story and significant discussion within the magazine center on UFOs.

UFOs and Scientific Investigation

The article "de W2NSD/1" begins by noting the increasing respectability of discussing UFOs, even among scientists. It suggests that many scientists who have investigated the subject become convinced of their extraterrestrial nature. Dr. James Harder, an Associate Professor at UC Berkeley, is quoted extensively, stating that over 20 years of accumulated evidence has proven the physical reality of UFOs beyond a reasonable doubt. He acknowledges the difficulty in accepting this on an emotional level, comparing it to the intellectual acceptance of one's own mortality.

Dr. Harder proposes the establishment of an early-warning network to facilitate the serious investigation of UFOs. He suggests that research teams should be ready to deploy with instruments immediately after a sighting, and that the Air Force should provide transportation for these teams.

Dr. Baker of UCLA is mentioned for explaining why current radar systems often ignore UFOs, suggesting modifications are needed for better detection. The article also references the House of Representatives Symposium on Unidentified Flying Objects, a hearing held on July 29, 1968, as a significant source of information that should dispel disbelief.

UFO Sightings and Witness Accounts

The magazine discusses that UFOs are seen by both isolated individuals and large groups. An example is given of three UFOs seen flying across the airport at Longview, Washington, during an Air Show, observed by over 150 people and announced via the public address system. Airline pilots are also mentioned as witnesses, though many are reluctant to report sightings due to potential ridicule from colleagues and employers.

The hope is expressed that the "curtain of laughter" surrounding UFOs can be lifted, allowing serious scientists to study them and observers to report sightings freely. The establishment of a worldwide communications network and the deployment of automated and instrument teams are seen as crucial for gathering more information.

Stanton Friedman, a physicist, is cited for criticizing those who try to make data fit pre-existing hypotheses rather than developing hypotheses based on the data. He concludes that the Earth is being visited by intelligently controlled vehicles of extraterrestrial origin.

Dr. McDonald of the University of Arizona, after two years of intensive study and interviewing hundreds of witnesses, has reluctantly concluded that UFOs are real and their nature is unknown, possibly representing advanced technology or surveillance from extraterrestrial sources. He takes the possibility of humanoid occupants in some UFOs very seriously.

Amateur Radio's Role in UFO Detection

A significant portion of the article calls upon amateur radio operators to play a key role in UFO investigation. It suggests that with minimal organization, an amateur radio network can provide nationwide alerting when UFOs are spotted. Readers are encouraged to send for a free 250-page book on the Congressional Symposium, which details numerous sighting cases and includes photographs.

The article makes a direct appeal for individuals interested in bringing the UFO problem into the open to contribute their time and interest. It aims to build a 24-hour amateur radio UFO network. Amateurs with substantial signals who can commit to about an hour of net operation each week are asked to contact Jim Sipprell (K2HYQ) in Kenmore, New York. The net operates on 14.3 MHz at 0200 GMT (9 PM EST). The goal is to have this network fully operational by the spring.

Technical Content

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

• First Ham designed IC: Likely discusses a new integrated circuit designed for amateur radio use.
• Circular Modulation Monitor: Details a device for monitoring circular modulation, a technique used in some radio communications.
• Versatile FM Test Set: Describes a multi-purpose test set for frequency modulation (FM) systems.
• H Parameters: This likely refers to the H-parameters (hybrid parameters) used in the analysis and design of electronic circuits, particularly transistors.
• JFET VFO: Covers the design and construction of a Variable Frequency Oscillator (VFO) using Junction Field-Effect Transistors (JFETs).
• 1968 Cumulative Index: Provides an index of all articles published in the magazine during 1968, allowing readers to easily find past content.

Advertisement

An advertisement for EAC Industries, Inc. offers a limited quantity of brand-new R-390A/URR radio receivers, manufactured in 1968 and meeting U.S. Government specifications. These receivers cover the range from 500 kc to 32 mc, feature digital readouts, and come with instruction books and spares, priced at $1,700.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the serious investigation of UFOs, moving beyond skepticism to empirical evidence. The editorial stance strongly supports the idea that UFOs are real, potentially extraterrestrial, and warrant scientific study. It advocates for open reporting and the establishment of organized networks, particularly leveraging the capabilities of amateur radio operators, to gather data and bring the phenomenon into mainstream scientific discourse. The magazine also continues its commitment to providing technical content for amateur radio enthusiasts.