1983 03 00 73 Magazine - Editorial

Magazine Overview

Title: 73 Amateur Radio's Technical Journal
Issue: #270
Date: March 1983
Publisher: A Wayne Green Publication

This issue of *73 Amateur Radio's Technical Journal* presents a diverse range of content for radio amateurs, blending practical construction projects, technical explanations, and editorial commentary. The cover highlights "8 New And Useful Projects!" and features several prominent articles, including a contest winner for RTTY tuning, equipment for OSCAR satellite communication, and a unique "Coffee-Can Cavity Filter." The magazine aims to provide valuable information for hobbyists looking to enhance their technical skills and explore new aspects of amateur radio.

Key Articles and Projects

RTTY Tuning: The New Solution This article details a simple tuning indicator that won first place in *73*'s Home-Brew II Contest. It offers a practical solution for improving RTTY signal reception.

Uncover Equipment for OSCAR Phase III This piece guides readers on finding and utilizing equipment from flea markets and junk boxes to work with OSCAR satellites. It emphasizes cost-effective methods for setting up satellite communication.

Up and Coming: Direct-Broadcast Satellites Part II of this series delves into the technical challenges associated with 12 GHz communications for direct broadcast satellites, exploring potential solutions and advantages.

The Fun-Vac: A Synthesis of Old and New This article presents a one-tube transmitter that combines vintage 1950s circuitry with modern technology. It's described as a functional transmitter that also serves a secondary purpose of keeping coffee warm.

Adventure in Sarawak This feature recounts the experiences of two DXpeditioners who traveled to Sarawak, a remote region known for its headhunting history, and successfully made contacts with the rest of the world.

Put 2 Meters in Your Shirt Pocket This article explains how to modify a Radio Shack Pocket Weatheradio into a functional 2-meter receiver, offering a compact and accessible solution for mobile operation.

The Secret Telemetry of OSCAR 8 This piece aims to demystify the telemetry data transmitted by the OSCAR 8 satellite, explaining what the numbers mean and their significance to amateur radio operators.

Scandinavia: The 2-Meter Dream Vacation This article covers licensing, frequencies, and procedures relevant to operating on 2 meters in Scandinavia, framing it as an attractive destination for amateur radio enthusiasts.

Twisted Remote Control A straightforward circuit that is easy to build and use, with the primary component likely already owned by many readers.

Take Your IC's Temperature Authored by W3KBM, this article provides a method for measuring the temperature of integrated circuits (ICs) to prevent overheating and ensure reliable performance.

The Q-Master Cavity Filter Another contribution from W3KBM, this describes a high-Q filter constructed using coffee cans and an ingenious design, avoiding the need for copper or silver plating.

Push Your Radar Detector to the Limit This article offers a modification for radar detectors, suggesting it will significantly enhance their performance and utility.

Personalize the M800 RTTY Program This piece provides instructions for users of the M800 RTTY software package, enabling them to design and save their own customized versions through POKE commands.

Editorials and Commentary

Never Say Die (Editorial by Wayne Green) Wayne Green's editorial addresses several critical issues facing amateur radio and the broader technological landscape. He argues for a more open-minded scientific approach to phenomena like UFOs, ESP, and memory, criticizing the tendency to dismiss data that doesn't fit current scientific frameworks. Green emphasizes the importance of hobbies like amateur radio in fostering the kind of 'twist of mind' necessary for developing good scientists. He strongly criticizes the DXCC (DX Century Club) award system and the Honor Roll, asserting that they have harmed the hobby by prioritizing QSL card collection over genuine communication and rag-chewing. He recounts his own experiences and those of other readers, highlighting the negative impact on operators in rare countries and the potential for DXpeditioners to exploit the system for financial gain. Green also touches upon the challenges facing American electronics manufacturing, attributing job losses and reduced competitiveness to government debt, high interest rates, and a lack of investment in domestic industries, contrasting this with more supportive environments in countries like Ireland.

Too Much Science? This section reflects on the author's background, blending mechanical and artistic influences, and discusses the perceived overemphasis on science at the expense of other ways of understanding the world. It touches upon the idea that a balance is needed to address complex mysteries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the practical application of technology in amateur radio, the importance of hands-on projects and experimentation, and a critical examination of the amateur radio hobby's structure and future. Wayne Green's editorial stance is consistently critical of bureaucratic or award-driven aspects of the hobby that he believes stifle genuine engagement and technical exploration. He advocates for a more open-minded approach to unexplained phenomena and a stronger emphasis on fostering scientific and technical talent through accessible hobbies. The magazine also expresses concern over the state of American industry and its competitiveness on a global scale, linking it to factors like government policy and investment.

Other Sections

The issue also includes regular columns such as "Ham Help," "Social Events," "Contests," "Review," "Awards," "Circuits," "Reader Service," "Satellites," "Fun!," "Corrections," "RTTY Loop," "DX," "New Products," "Letters," and "Dealer Directory."