73 Amateur Radio

Magazine Overview

Title: 73 Amateur Radio
Issue: #308
Date: May 1986
Publisher: WGE Publication
Country: USA

Feature Article: The Day the Aliens Landed in Limerick, Maine

This issue's cover story details an extraordinary encounter experienced by C. Jim Williams (WIROM) in Limerick, Maine. One early morning, while operating his ham radio, Williams' receiver went dead. He then noticed a bright light outside his window and witnessed a large, hovering craft descend into his field. Two beings, Douga and Billo, emerged from the craft and approached him. They identified themselves as being from the planet Prado in the galaxy of Volar and explained they had been monitoring Earth's radio signals, finding Williams' to be particularly strong.

Douga and Billo claimed their radio technology was significantly more advanced than Earth's, estimating it to be 75 to 100 years ahead. They introduced the concept of 'Additive Radiation Technology' (ART), which they explained as a method of increasing signal strength by having subsequent radio waves catch up to and strengthen the initial wave. They demonstrated this principle by stating that 100 Watts into a specific device could radiate 1,420,000,000 Watts on a given frequency, though they cautioned this could burn out receivers.

Williams invited the aliens into his shack, where they examined his equipment. They expressed interest in his TS-830 transceiver and L4B linear amplifier. The aliens also inquired about his 'radiator' (meaning his equipment) and its 'radiator path' (schematic). They showed particular interest in his antennas, with Billo demonstrating 'anti-gravitational thrust' by flying up to examine the tribander.

Douga offered Williams a device called the 'Starbeam Mark V,' which he claimed was the 'latest' in their technology. He explained that it could take a signal of 1/1000 of a Watt and boost it to 30,000 Watts in space, and that its 'Hallis discriminator' would destroy any other signals within 5 kHz of the transmitted frequency. The aliens also mentioned that their receiver signals were amplified similarly.

Williams was impressed and asked if he could keep the device. Douga agreed, stating it was his for one year, after which they would return. They also requested some of Williams' tea to take back to their planet. Before leaving, they scheduled a monthly meeting on 9,555 GHz for the last Sunday of each month at 2315Z.

Three months later, Douga and Billo informed Williams that they would not be returning to Earth. They told him the Starbeam Mark V was his to keep and that if he removed the top cover, he would find a message for all hams, which they asked him not to reveal until 1990. Williams, however, decided to reveal the message sooner.

Other Articles and Columns

• Quick-Charge Your TH-21: This article, on page 32, likely discusses methods or devices for rapidly charging the TH-21 radio equipment.
• CIA CW: Featured on page 36, this article probably delves into the use of Continuous Wave (CW) communication by or related to the Central Intelligence Agency.
• Lid Alert!: On page 28, this piece likely addresses common mistakes or undesirable practices among amateur radio operators, often referred to as 'lids.'
• Did You Make the List?: The topic of this article is not detailed, but it appears on page 28.
• New Column: NK6K On Packet: Beginning on page 86, this introduces a new regular column focused on packet radio, a digital communication mode used by amateur radio operators.
• Build a Universal Frequency Display: This article, on page 54, provides instructions for constructing a versatile display unit for showing radio frequencies.
• Plus: Several smaller items are highlighted: 'Plugging Into the Sun,' 'Add-on Agc,' and '60-Hz Ac Debunked.'

Advertisements

The issue includes advertisements for:

• Kenwood TM-2570A: Promoted with a chance to win one by visiting page 97.
• Barker & Williamson: Offering six 'Limited Antenna Space' solutions, including multiband trapped dipoles.
• Grove: Advertising their products and publications, including 'Monitoring Times.'
• RF Parts: Listing a wide variety of RF transistors, including those for 2-30 MHz and VHF/UHF applications, with pricing and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on amateur radio technology, practical applications, and news within the ham community. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring unusual phenomena, as evidenced by the prominent feature on an alien encounter. The inclusion of technical articles on building equipment, improving operations, and new technologies suggests a commitment to advancing the hobby. The magazine also seems to encourage reader interaction and sharing of experiences, as demonstrated by the detailed personal account in the cover story.