73 FM ANNUAL

Magazine Overview

Title: 73 FM ANNUAL
Issue: April 1975
Publisher: 73 Magazine
Country: USA
Price: One Dollar

This issue of 73 FM ANNUAL is a special edition focusing on amateur radio technology and phenomena. The cover prominently features a "Buyer's Guide to HTs" (Handheld Transceivers), along with articles on "Synthesizer Scanner," "Under $50 HT!", "Repeater Control Unit," and comparisons related to "Ma Bell" services, including "vs Attachments," "vs Blue boxes," and "Her couplers."

Technical Articles and Projects

The "73 in the works" section on page 2 lists several technical projects and articles for radio enthusiasts. These include a "Fantastic 2m Converter from K1CLL," "Solid State Burglar Alarm System," "W2A00's Fat Nixie Clock," "Slow Scan Hard Copy Machine," "More K20AW digital stuff," "Postage Stamp IC Squelch," "Simple Approach to Satellite Communications," "ID Timer," "Mini-repeater," "TT-63A Regenerative Repeater," "Rock Solid Tone Encoder... simplified," and "Mother's Day Special: LED Violet Checker."

"Again QRZ... QRZ... at Hattingspruit" UFO Report

A significant feature of this issue is the detailed report of a UFO sighting that occurred on the morning of June 13, 1974, in Hatting spruit, South Africa. The witness, Mr. I. McCallum, an engineering draughtsman, described seeing an intense bright white light in the sky. Upon closer inspection with binoculars, he observed a cylindrical object, estimated to be the size of a Boeing 737, without wings or tail-fins. The object had square portholes from which strong white light beams were directed towards the ground. For the first hour, the UFO moved in a leisurely, zigzagging manner at a low altitude, appearing to 'look for something.' After 6 a.m., the craft began to ascend, exhibiting a strange ascent pattern where red lights flashed upwards, and the object moved in the direction of these flashes. The ascent continued until after sunrise, and the object remained visible in sunlight for a period. Mr. McCallum's wife and three other witnesses also observed the phenomenon. The intensity of the light caused Mrs. McCallum to develop 'arc eyes.'

The report connects this sighting to broader discussions about extraterrestrial life and potential contact. It references Professor Carl Sagan's views on the possibility of life on other planets and the potential for receiving messages via radio telescopes. It also mentions Uri Geller's predictions of large-scale contact with extraterrestrials within three years.

Readers are encouraged to report any unusual aerial or sky happenings to ZS5GZ, P.O. Box 15, Wandsbeck, Westville 3631, Natal, for evaluation by MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) in the USA.

Discussion on FM vs. AM/SSB

In a letter or commentary signed "WODKU," the author defends the usability of FM mode in amateur radio, particularly for weak signal work. The author argues that FM is superior, defined by a 10 dB or better signal-to-noise ratio at the loudspeaker, and claims it outperforms both SSB and CW in certain contexts. The author also mentions FSK RTTY as a form of FM that can outperform SSB and CW. The commentary addresses an unfair claim of a "stacked deck" situation in the FM vs. AM conflict and briefly touches on issues of BCI (Broadcast Interference) and power output efficiencies.

Other Content

An advertisement for a "Big Auction Near Boston" is included, scheduled for Saturday, April 12th, at Eagles Hall in South Leominster. It highlights the availability of a large amount of ham gear and electronics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes practical, accessible amateur radio projects and technology, as evidenced by the "Buyer's Guide to HTs" and the various technical articles. There is also a clear interest in exploring unexplained phenomena, such as the detailed UFO report, suggesting an editorial stance that is open to both scientific inquiry and the investigation of unusual events. The defense of FM mode indicates a focus on technical performance and user experience in radio communications.