73 AMATEUR RADIO

Magazine Overview

Title: 73 AMATEUR RADIO
Issue Date: April 1977
Price: $2.00

This issue of 73 Amateur Radio delves into a variety of topics relevant to the amateur radio community, with a strong emphasis on the intersection of law, personal responsibility, and the hobby. It also touches upon the enduring interest in the UFO phenomenon and reports on a significant amateur radio event.

Letters to the Editor

Law and Order in Amateur Radio

Robert Oler WB5MZO of College Station, TX, writes a passionate letter addressing the importance of abiding by laws, drawing parallels to the American Revolution and the "long train of abuses and usurpations" cited in the Declaration of Independence. He argues that while Americans are justified in changing unjust laws through established channels, individuals who break laws they personally dislike, such as speeding or operating illegally on ham bands, demonstrate a misunderstanding of the nation's spirit. Oler expresses pride in those who fight social injustice legally but has "absolutely no pride" in those who break laws to achieve their aims. He criticizes individuals who disregard laws they deem unnecessary, citing the case of WR6ABE and the "Mobile Smokey Detector" as examples of people who may have been disregarding laws, leading to the shutdown of a repeater. Oler believes that such actions, if unchecked, could lead to chaos and the demise of ham radio, order, justice, and the country itself. He also touches upon the "one country, one vote" rule concerning WARC and expresses concern that promoting illegal activities to attract CBers could harm amateur radio's standing.

Ed., the editor, responds to Oler's comments on "The Mobile Smokey Detector," stating that many people are using it as a microwave receiver and questioning if there's an easier method for beginners to get into amateur microwave communication.

MUFON and the UFO Phenomenon

Walter H. Andrus, Jr., International Director of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network, Inc.), writes to clarify the organization's involvement following the article "The UFO Connection" by David L. Dobbs K8NQN in the January issue. Andrus confirms MUFON's interest in the UFO phenomenon and explains that the "spoof" address used in the article was a literary device, but the core information, including the Texas location and zip code, was correct. He provides the correct mailing address for MUFON and states that correspondence will be forwarded. Andrus details MUFON's activities, including two active UFO nets operating weekly: a 75-meter net on 3975 kHz each Saturday morning at 0800 CST, with Marshall Goins WA9ARG as net control, and a 40-meter phone net on 7231 kHz, also on Saturday mornings, with Joe Santangelo W1NXY as net control. He invites ham operators interested in the UFO phenomenon to check into these nets to share experiences and obtain news. Many participants in these nets are also state directors, section directors, and field investigators for MUFON. The organization publishes a 20-page monthly magazine, The MUFON UFO Journal, and has members in all fifty states and thirty-five foreign countries.

A Novice's Delight

A reader identifying as a "Hillbilly Novice" expresses immense satisfaction with his first copy of 73 Magazine, finding a delightful variety of information and subjects that he could understand. He appreciates that the articles seem to remember what it was like to be a beginner and requests that construction projects include as many illustrations and pictures as possible, as many novices want to start somewhere. He was particularly inspired by the article "A Vest Pocket QRP Rig" by K5JRN, which detailed working Tennessee from 500 miles away with a 569 signal report, prompting him to check his own log.

Encouraging Novice Operators

Mike Wechsler WA4SPX of Kingsport, TN, shares a memorable QSO with Milt W8TZ of Columbus, Ohio, who, at 70 years old, was operating QRP with a homebrew rig made 30 years prior. Wechsler reflects on the progress Milt had seen in his 56 years of experience. He encourages "Wayne" to get on the Novice bands and inspire others, emphasizing the enjoyment of the hobby.

Event Coverage

17th Annual Miami Hamboree

Albert H. Coya WB4SNC reports on the 17th Annual Miami Hamboree, which saw an attendance of over five thousand people and featured 64 display booths. Evelyn Gauzens W4WYR served as chairperson, and the event was sponsored by the Dade County Radio Club. The guest speaker was Armin H. Meyer W3ACE, Ambassador to Iran and Japan. Bill Halligan W4AK/W9AC, former owner of Hallicrafters, was present. 73 Magazine had an excellent and busy display. Larry Price W4RA delivered speeches representing his position as Southeast Director for the ARRL, and the ARRL booth was staffed by Terry Williams W1UED and Ellen White W1YL. The computer booth garnered significant attention and local TV coverage, leading Coya to admit he was "hooked for good" and that his budget would suffer. The event utilized an open parking lot for an enlarged swap meet, benefiting from good weather.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the importance of legal and responsible operation within the amateur radio hobby, the ongoing interest in UFO phenomena, and the promotion of amateur radio through events and accessible content for beginners. The editorial stance, as evidenced by Ed.'s response and the general content, appears to support the advancement of amateur radio while acknowledging and sometimes engaging with related fringe interests like UFOs. There is a clear emphasis on upholding the law and the spirit of the nation, contrasting legal avenues for change with illegal actions. The magazine also actively promotes its own content and events, aiming to educate and engage its readership, particularly novices.