1999 06 00 73 Magazine - War of the Worlds

Magazine Overview

Title: 73 Amateur Radio Today
Issue: #464
Volume: 73
Date: June 1999
Publisher: 73 Amateur Radio Today
Country: USA
Price: $3.95 (USA), $4.95 (Canada)

This issue of *73 Amateur Radio Today* offers a mix of practical construction projects, antenna theory and application, personal anecdotes, and reports on intriguing events.

Content Highlights

You Build It: Fun Regen Rx & Another Keyer

The magazine features DIY projects for amateur radio operators. One section focuses on building a 'Fun Regen Rx' (Regenerative Receiver), a classic type of radio circuit. Another project details the construction of a 'Keyer,' a device used in Morse code transmission.

Antennas Galore

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to antennas, covering a range of topics and designs:

• Telescoping Mast: Guidance on setting up and using telescoping masts for antennas.
• 10m Circular Quad: A specific design for a circular quad antenna for the 10-meter amateur radio band.
• A Reference Antenna: Discussion of a benchmark or standard antenna for comparison or general use.
• Satellite Antenna Saga: An exploration of the challenges and solutions related to antennas for satellite communications.
• Improving Mobile Antennas: Tips and techniques for enhancing the performance of antennas used in mobile amateur radio setups.

Personal Naval Experience: Cold War Story

Glenn W. Pladsen shares a personal account of his time serving on the USS Wood, a destroyer, during the Cold War. He recounts an incident where the ship found itself in a precarious situation in a major shipping lane due to equipment failure, with no power or communications. The story highlights the ship's isolation and the unexpected assistance from a Russian destroyer that circled them and ensured their safety until repairs could be made. Pladsen reflects on the camaraderie that could exist between navies even during tense geopolitical times.

DNA Conducts Electricity

This section reports on a scientific discovery by Swiss scientists Hans-Werner Fink and Christian Schoenenberger from the University of Basel. Their research suggests that DNA can function as an efficient semiconductor. The implications are that DNA could potentially be engineered to replace wires, chips, and transistors in future high-speed computers and other electronic devices, enabling the creation of extremely tiny electrical components.

War of the Worlds Broadcast Panic

The issue recounts an event where a Portuguese radio station, Antena 3, rebroadcast Orson Welles' famous 1938 'War of the Worlds' radio drama to commemorate its 60th anniversary. Despite a warning issued at 7 a.m., the broadcast, which began at 8 a.m. on October 30th, caused widespread panic in Lisbon. Listeners, hearing the dramatized Martian invasion, believed it was real, leading to people fleeing their workplaces and concerns from those with health issues. The incident underscored how readily some people still believe broadcast content, even decades later.

Advertisements

The issue includes advertisements for amateur radio safety equipment, such as ONV Safety Belts and Full-Body Harnesses, along with tower climbing lanyards. These products are promoted for their safety features and compliance with standards like OSHA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

*73 Amateur Radio Today* consistently focuses on practical, hands-on aspects of amateur radio, encouraging readers to build and experiment with their own equipment. The magazine also demonstrates an interest in broader technological advancements (like DNA conductivity) and historical or unusual events related to broadcasting and communication (the 'War of the Worlds' incident). The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting the hobby, sharing knowledge, and exploring the intersection of technology, history, and human experience within the radio community.