1999 05 00 73 Magazine - War of the Worlds

Magazine Overview

Title: 73 Amateur Radio Today
Issue: #463
Volume: 73
Date: May 1999
Publisher: 73 Amateur Radio Today
Country: USA
Price: $3.95 USA / $4.95 CANADA

This issue of 73 Amateur Radio Today focuses on practical amateur radio projects, space communications, and historical broadcasting events. The cover prominently features a photograph of an antenna array and lists several "To Build" projects, including antennas and a QRP transceiver, as well as a review of the Hamtronics T301 Exciter.

Jerry Skywalker: Amateur Radio in Space

The lead story, "Jerry Skywalker," details the involvement of amateur radio operator Jerry Ross (N5SCW) in space communications. Ross was part of the all-ham crew on mission STS-37 and later participated in a spacewalk on December 9th to attach antennas to the International Space Station's (ISS) Unity module. This was the second of three excursions for Ross and James Newman. The antennas are part of a system designed to provide a direct, uninterrupted communication link between Unity and NASA's Mission Control, bypassing the need for Russian ground stations for relay. Ross and Newman also performed other tasks, including prying open a stuck antenna on the Russian-built Zarya module and checking out the new space station. This issue notes that Ross has completed seven spacewalks, the most by any American. The article credits Newsline and its editor, Bill Pasternak (WA6ITF), for the information.

War of the Worlds: A Broadcast Panic

Another significant feature recounts the 60th anniversary rebroadcast of Orson Welles' famous "War of the Worlds" radio drama by the Portuguese station Antena 3 in Lisbon on October 30th. Although the station issued a warning at 7 a.m. about the rebroadcast, which began at 8 a.m., many listeners panicked. The broadcast described the landing of a UFO and the subsequent Martian advance on Lisbon, leading to hundreds of calls from concerned people. Some listeners fled their workplaces, and others with health issues reported deterioration. An organizer of the event commented on the enduring credulity of the public, stating, "One hundred years after the invention of the radio, there are still people who will believe anything." The article, sourced from Q-News via Newsline, suggests that some people in radio never learn from past events.

To Build Projects

The "To Build" section lists several projects for enthusiasts:

• 20m Shortie Antenna
• Triband Vertical Antenna
• Cantenna Load
• Card-File QRP Xcvr

Review: Hamtronics T301 Exciter

The magazine includes a review of the Hamtronics T301 Exciter, a piece of equipment for amateur radio operators.

Back Issues and The Pouch

Information is provided for purchasing back issues of 73 Magazine for $5.00 each via a phone number (800-274-7373). Additionally, "The Pouch," a protective carrying case for HTs made of neoprene and nylon, is advertised with pricing details and ordering information for Omega Sales in Jaffrey, NH.

Advertisements

The issue contains several advertisements for amateur radio equipment suppliers and products:

• Denver Amateur Radio Supply: Featuring Kenwood TH-D7A and TS-570D(G), Yaesu FT-100, FT-847, VX-5R, and Icom IC-706 MKIIG, T8A, and IC-746. They also list brands like Ameritron, Bencher, Butternut, MFJ, Cushcraft, Diamond, MAHA, Astron, Kantronics, Larsen, Mirage, and Lakeview, with contact information and a website.
• Omega Sales: Advertising "The Pouch" carrying case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reinforces the magazine's commitment to providing practical, hands-on information for amateur radio operators, evident in the "To Build" projects and equipment reviews. It also connects the hobby to broader technological and historical narratives, such as space exploration and the impact of radio broadcasting. The editorial stance appears to be one that values innovation, practical application, and historical context within the amateur radio community. The inclusion of the "War of the Worlds" story, while historical, serves as a cautionary tale about the power and responsibility of broadcast media, a theme relevant to radio enthusiasts.