73 Amateur Radio Today

Magazine Overview

Title: 73 Amateur Radio Today
Issue: #426
Date: March 1996
Publisher: 73 Amateur Radio Today
Country: USA
Price: USA $3.95, Canada $4.95
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of *73 Amateur Radio Today* delves into various aspects of amateur radio, technology, and broader societal topics. The cover prominently features "The Truth About Preamps" as the lead technical subject, alongside articles on building a "Tic-Tac Tester," "Freq.Standard," and "2 Preamps Capacity Meter." It also includes reviews of amateur radio equipment and antennas, such as the "Wilderness KC1," "Stealth 10-40m Antenna," "Hamtronics TD-4," and "Index Labs QRP-Plus."

Technical Content

The magazine highlights several build projects and reviews. The "Build" section introduces a "Tic-Tac Tester," a "Freq.Standard," and a "2 Preamps Capacity Meter." Reviews cover a range of equipment, including the "Wilderness KC1" and "Stealth 10-40m Antenna," the "Hamtronics TD-4," and the "Index Labs QRP-Plus." Advertisements also showcase various radio-related products and books, such as RF Industries' new 100-page catalog and a selection of antenna books from the Radio Bookshop.

Special Contacts and DX

The issue features several QSL cards and reports of special amateur radio contacts. Notably, there is a "Special Contact in The Country of JORDAN" commemorating the "First Anniversary of the Israel Jordan Peace Accord" with call sign JY74X. Other QSLs include contacts from Sardinia Island (ISØXPK), Masindi-Uganda (5X5B), and Estonia (Tallinn6).

'Never Say Die' Column by Wayne Green

Wayne Green's "Never Say Die" column, a regular feature, addresses a diverse range of topics beyond amateur radio. In this issue, he discusses the importance of prenatal education, recommending the book "Prenatal Classroom" by Van de Carr and Lehrer, and drawing parallels to his own experiences with Dianetics and Scientology. He also explores the concept of "Psychic Pets," sharing anecdotes about animal communication and psychic abilities, and referencing books like "Kinship of All Life" by J. Allen Boone and "Psychic Pets" by Wylder. Green also offers a critique of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), referencing a letter from Steven Morris K7LXC regarding an article that allegedly encouraged whipsawing ham dealers. He expresses distrust in government institutions like the IRS, FDA, and FBI, while acknowledging positive interactions with the FCC.

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Intelligence

Under the heading "Tapping ET's Phone," the magazine delves into the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and UFO sightings. The author argues that given the vastness of the universe and the rapid advancement of technology, it is probable that other intelligent life exists and is far more advanced than humanity. The article touches upon the scientific community's reluctance to seriously investigate UFO reports and contactee accounts, likening it to historical resistance to new scientific ideas. It mentions a specific UFO sighting characterized by a disk shape, silver color, hovering behavior, high altitude, fast speed, and electromagnetic interference, with physical trace evidence of scorched earth. The author suggests that advanced civilizations might visit Earth out of curiosity rather than a need to conquer, maintaining a low profile, which aligns with many UFO reports.

Other Content

The issue also includes sections for "Build" projects, "Reviews," and reader correspondence, such as the "HW101 in receiver has persistent above 1KH3 audio squeal" query. The "Radio Bookshop" section promotes various books related to amateur radio, including antenna handbooks and Wayne Green's own book, "We The People Declare War On Our Lousy Government."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of *73 Amateur Radio Today* reflects a consistent editorial stance that blends technical content with a critical, often contrarian, perspective on established institutions and conventional wisdom. Wayne Green's "Never Say Die" column champions unconventional ideas, from prenatal education and animal communication to skepticism towards government and even the ARRL. The inclusion of UFO discussions alongside amateur radio topics indicates a willingness to explore subjects outside the mainstream, appealing to a readership interested in a wide spectrum of phenomena and ideas. The magazine appears to encourage self-reliance, critical thinking, and exploration of both technological and speculative frontiers.