Computer UFO Newsletter - Vol 1 no 5

Magazine Overview

Title: THE COMPUTER UFO NEWSLETTER
Issue: Volume 01, Number 05
Date: Undetermined, but likely mid-1980s based on content (e.g., Commodore 128, 1985 conference, June 1986 data).
Publisher: Italian Center for UFO Studies (C.I.S.U.)
Country: Italy
Language: English

This issue of "The Computer UFO Newsletter" (CUFON) delves into the burgeoning intersection of computer technology and ufological research. The newsletter itself is a testament to this theme, being entirely composed using software on a Commodore 128 personal computer and printed by an MPS 002 printer, with options for computerized form on floppy disk or tape.

Editor's Introduction: The Future of Ufology is in the Computer

The editor, Maurizio Verga, acknowledges that stating "the future of ufology is in the use of computer" might sound exaggerated, but asserts there is truth to it. While computers cannot solve the UFO mystery on their own, as human input remains essential, they offer a remarkable tool for managing the vast amounts of data generated by UFO research. However, the editor cautions against overestimating computer applications, which could be dangerous. CUFON's primary goal is to bring order to a field where individual ufologists often develop incompatible applications. By comparing different ideas and suggestions, the newsletter aims to foster the development of common standards and procedures, encouraging cooperation and data exchange among researchers using similar computer systems and programs.

The editor also touches upon the challenge of exchanging files between different computer types, noting that Dutch researcher H. Kampherbeek will contribute an article on this topic in a future issue. The incompatibility between computers is identified as a significant obstacle to data diffusion. The example of the Italian Center for UFO Studies is cited, where their magazine "UFO-Rivista di Informazione Ufologica" articles are composed on a Commodore 64 and then transferred to an Apple Macintosh.

Another application discussed is the creation of special "demo" programs for public conferences. These visual "shows" can capture visitor attention through colored screens displaying conference information, organizing groups, speaker details, and general UFO-related information, as well as descriptions of relevant books and magazines. A second type of "demo" is a continuously running database program that simulates case entry, correction, sorting, and display of UFO sightings without user intervention. The editor recounts a successful conference in November 1985 where such demos, including one with messages and a database program, generated significant interest and media coverage.

Computer UFO Network (CUFON) and Related Organizations

The newsletter highlights the activities of several organizations involved in computer-assisted ufology:

Rete Ufologica Computerizzata (RUC)

The Italian RUC has made significant progress, boasting over 40 participants, with fifteen actively using personal computers. Many articles for the C.I.S.U. magazine are now prepared as computer files, streamlining composition and reducing printing costs. RUC members are also building a database of Italian UFO casuistry. By the end of June 1986, approximately 25 provincial files (out of 92) were ready, containing around 1750 cases. The goal is to reach 3000 stored cases by the end of 1986. Members send completed files to a co-ordinator (M. Verga) to establish a common data-bank. These files are then made available to others after correction. Text files are also supplied to editors for publication in "UFO-Rivista di Informazione Ufologica" or CISU monographies. The RUC aims to expand its network and potentially establish a network of personal computers linked via modem in 1987.

Computer UFO Network (CUFON)

In the USA, the COMPUFOMNET has been replaced by a new organization named "Computer UFO Network" (CUFON), which shares the same acronym as the newsletter, leading to a potential for confusion. As of July 1986, CUFON had about 400 users and members, receiving thirty to forty calls daily and accessing 120 Megabytes of storage. The project is headed by Dale Goudie, who is collaborating with the newsletter's editor. CUFON facilitates national and international communication for exchanging reliable UFO information. It is based in Seattle, Washington, and works with the National UFO Reporting Center and the UFO Information Service. CUFON has also joined Interplay, Inc. and ProtoCall, a large computer system that will provide easier access to international telecommunications. The system offers various categories of information, including FOIA documents, AP New Articles, Fact Sections, International Cases, UFO Reports, and a Name Search Data Base. A significant effort is underway to cross-reference military documents with civilian sighting reports.

Reviewing Software: Horoscopes in Ufology?

This section, authored by Henry Kampherbeek, critically examines the usability of astrological software for preparing skymaps in ufology. Kampherbeek states his intention is not to practice astrology but to assess whether astrological programs can be repurposed for ufological needs. He outlines three ways to obtain skymap programs: writing one's own, finding one through software exchange, or typing one from a magazine. He then questions the relevance of astrological programs.

Kampherbeek breaks down the components of a horoscope:

1. Celestial Bodies Shown: Horoscopes typically show planets, the Sun, and the Moon. They may also include hypothetical bodies invented by astrologers, which are not visible or substantiated and thus irrelevant for ufology. Planets like Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are not visible to the naked eye and therefore unlikely to be involved in UFO sightings. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are considered potentially relevant. The Moon is known to have caused UFO sightings according to the "UFO-handbook" and remains relevant.
2. Connections Shown: These are primarily angles or "aspects" between planets, such as 0, 60, 90, 120, and 180 degrees. Kampherbeek concludes these connections are not relevant for ufology.
3. How Bodies are Shown: Horoscopes use a circle representing the sky, with positions measured along the zodiac. The article notes that the way "houses" (divisions of the sky) are depicted and the frequent lack of declination information make it difficult to estimate the exact location of a celestial body as seen from Earth.

Conclusion: Kampherbeek concludes that astrological programs have significant disadvantages for ufology. They typically omit stars, include irrelevant data (hypothetical planets, invisible points), and do not accurately represent celestial body positions in a way useful for ufological analysis. Therefore, astrological software is deemed of no use to ufology.

The Becassine File: Checkpoint Number Three

Authored by Denys Breysse, this section reviews the "Becassine" management software. The package includes several programs, each offering different functions. A table summarizes these functions across programs like BECASSIN, SAVEDON, TRAVAIL, STAT-FIC, and FACT-FIC, covering aspects such as coding cases, listing, recording, sorting, selecting, modifying, deleting, reading files, statistics, and factorial analysis. The "Listing of Coding Booklet" subroutine provides explanations for coding experiences, contained within eleven A4 pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the indispensable role of computers and networking in modern ufological research. The editorial stance strongly advocates for embracing technological advancements to manage data, facilitate communication, and standardize research methodologies. There is a clear emphasis on cooperation and the sharing of information among researchers, both within Italy and internationally. The newsletter itself serves as a platform for this exchange, showcasing how technology can enhance the study of UFO phenomena. The critical review of astrological software underscores the newsletter's pragmatic approach, focusing on tools that offer tangible benefits to scientific investigation rather than speculative or irrelevant applications.

This issue of "The Becassine File" (pages 9-18) focuses on the technical aspects of UFO data processing and management, particularly through the "BUFORA Case Report Database". The content delves into the methodologies and software used to collect, code, and analyze UFO sightings and related phenomena. The issue is dated April 1986 and is published by CUFON.

CODING AN EXPERIENCE

This section describes an interactive subroutine designed for coding UFO experiences. It highlights the use of 47 subheadings, each with a 120-character limit, covering aspects like Date, Location, Witnesses, UFO details, Beings, Relation, Effects, and Sources. Users can access details about subheadings via a '?' key and skip subheadings with no available information using '#'. The system allows for corrections before validation and calculates the quantity of data, asking for explanations for dubious cases before recording them with a preliminary file number.

RECORDING CASES

The "SAVEDON" program reads preliminary files recorded by "BECASSIN", sorts them by date, and writes them to a user-specified file.

WORKING ON CASES

Operations on recorded data are performed in "packs" of fifty cases due to the 42Kbytes RAM limit of the Amstrad CPC464. The theoretical file size limit is about 1500 events (disk capacity). To optimize operations, recorded files are divided into groups of fifty cases, and the time needed for read/write access limits file size to about 200 cases. This segmentation does not hinder statistical analyses, as partial results can be merged.

LISTING CASES

This program allows listing cases from a file, either all or selected ones. Currently, it prints only coded cases, optionally showing only Date, Location, and Witness headings. A complete listing of uncoded cases is simulated but not yet implemented.

SELECTING CASES

Cases can be selected based on up to ten criteria used simultaneously. For each criterion, three choices are available: specific values (e.g., effect of amnesia, Belgian cases, UFO color), intervals between values (e.g., time between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.), or limits for values (e.g., distance less than 30 meters, UFO size greater than five meters). After criteria are set, selection is automatic, and the selected sample can be listed, printed, recorded, or studied.

MODIFYING CASES

New information on a case can be added by providing the case number, then the heading and subheading to modify. The old value is displayed, and the new one can be input. The program also supports deleting cases.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

For a group of cases (whole file or selected sample), the routine prompts for the heading and subheading to analyze. For continuous data, it asks for grouping intervals. Results can be displayed graphically on screen, printed, or recorded for comparison or merging. Future plans include systematic and automatic analysis for all headings.

FACTORIAL ANALYSIS

This method analyzes two subheadings simultaneously, building a table of crossed results. Currently, graphic results cannot be displayed, only printed or recorded. The routines for this analysis are not yet written due to the need to code a large mass of cases and the undecided choice of factorial analysis method.

Offer of HARDWARE

This section advertises two hardware items for C-64/128 owners: a GRAPHIC EPROM for Commodore MPS-802/VIC 1526, which turns the printer into a graphic one compatible with EPSON FX-80, and a TURBO LOADER, a new EPROM that loads PRG files approximately six times faster than the normal DOS. Orders are to be sent via International Money Order.

BUFORA Case Report Database: UFO DATA PROCESSING

This article, by Mike Wootten, introduces the BUFORA Case Report Database project. It discusses the challenges of computerizing UFO casuistry, noting that while computers are logical and UFOs are not, the large diffusion of micro-computers makes such a project feasible. The aim is to create a national UFO casuistry database, similar to projects in Italy. The article highlights the work of British researchers, including Wootten, who used a Sinclair Spectrum 48K and the "Masterfile" database program to store British UFO casuistry from the '80s.

Preliminary Note by the Editor

The editor notes that a 1985/86 census of computer resources among BUFORA membership yielded discouraging results. However, the aim of developing common works, particularly storing casuistry on micro-computers, is seen as important due to the widespread use of these machines. The project aims to computerize a national UFO casuistry, with local casuistry assigned to members using common database programs. The Sinclair Spectrum is common among British researchers, though its international prevalence is a problem. The article emphasizes the importance of storing events in a computer file and exchanging data via a suitable interface.

Preamble

For nearly two years, BUFORA has been formulating and compiling the BUFORA Case Report Database, with limited discussion on its aims, structure, and expectations.

Introduction

The author cautions against believing computer technology will solve the UFO enigma, as computers are logical while UFOs are multifaceted. UFOs appear in various conditions and locations, with general patterns but no single solution. Evaluating results from a UFO database requires caution, as no statistical report has mirrored another, suggesting a random phenomenon. The author argues that unsolved UFOs might have hidden explanations and that patterns might be missed due to incorrect data or approach. Unlocking the UFO code will clarify the data, and computers can help overcome this problem. Sharing data among UFO groups is crucial for understanding the phenomenon.

Aims

The project's aim was not to create an "all singing all dancing" database due to financial constraints. The ZX Spectrum was chosen for its affordability. Before the database, researchers faced the arduous task of manually searching through reports. The database was conceived as an electronic card index system to house filed case reports, eliminating the time-consuming manual search through 15,000 reports. Upon completion, the database would provide an opportunity to analyze stored material statistically.

Structure

Despite the Spectrum's limitations (memory and slow access time), it was chosen for its initial inexpensiveness and available software. The "Masterfile" database package by Campbell Systems is highlighted as a flexible option for designing the database to user needs, offering full sorts, search facilities, and user-programmable routines.

#### DATABASE PARAMETERS

There are thirteen main "headings" for the database: BUFORA Reference, Level, Type, Date, Time, Locale, Duration, Apparent Size, Shape, Colour, Notes, Evaluation, and Investigator. The TYPE heading is split into EVENT TYPE and WITNESS TYPE. The DATE heading has four parameters (DAY, DATE, MONTH, YEAR), and TIME is split into TIME and TIME TYPE, resulting in eighteen sortable and searchable parameters.

• A. BUFORA Reference: Unique reference number, with the first two digits representing the year and the next four the number.
• B. Level: Standard classification from "A" (full on-site investigation) to "E" (third-hand investigation).
• C. Type: Event Type (e.g., V2R2E101 for an object in close proximity affecting the witness) and Witness Type (a modified BUFORA system, considered a weakness).
• D. Date: Self-explanatory, using DAY, DATE, MONTH, and YEAR.
• E. Time: Uses a twenty-four-hour clock and TIME TYPE for GMT, BST, or other time zones.
• F. Locale: Twenty-five characters for location (town/village, County, country).
• G. Duration: Coded in seconds, minutes, or hours (e.g., 0000-0009 seconds, > 2 hours).
• H. Apparent Size: Coded using terms like Pinhead, Pea, Penny, Golfball, Tennis ball, or Other, acknowledging witness unreliability in judging actual size.
• I. Shape: A twenty-six-character written description.
• J. Colour: A twenty-five-character space for describing the colour(s).
• K. Notes: Fifty-two characters for relevant points not covered elsewhere.
• L. Evaluation: Twenty-six characters for evaluating the case (UFO, insufficient data, aircraft, meteor, etc.), using the term UFO for memory efficiency.
• M. Investigator: Lists investigators involved in producing the report.

Typical printouts from the database are shown, including two examples: REF 830004 (Bradford, W. Yorks, grey/black object) and REF 830027 (Plymouth, Devon, red object).

CONCLUSION

The author concludes that the nature of UFOs remains unknown, with numerous theories and no single solution. The phenomenon is multifaceted and requires flexible investigative techniques, which can be challenging for rigid computer structures. While acknowledging the effort in past statistical analyses, the author notes their lack of mirroring, suggesting a random phenomenon. The article argues that unsolved UFOs may have hidden explanations and that patterns might be missed due to incorrect data or approaches. Computers are seen as a tool to overcome these problems, and sharing collated data among groups is essential for understanding. The BUFORA Case Report Database is presented as a start, enabling researchers to find cases in seconds rather than hours, thus accelerating the speed of solving the UFO enigma.

REFERENCES

The issue lists six references, including articles from "Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena", "BUFORA Bulletin", and books like "UFO Reality" by J. Randles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the application of computer technology to UFO research, the development of structured databases for case management, and the importance of systematic data collection and analysis. The editorial stance is that while computers are valuable tools for organizing and analyzing UFO data, they cannot fully capture the complex and multifaceted nature of the phenomenon. There is an emphasis on collaboration and data sharing among researchers to advance understanding. The articles advocate for a rigorous, scientific approach to UFO investigation, utilizing modern technology while acknowledging the inherent difficulties in studying such an enigmatic subject.

Title: Applications on commercial software
Issue: 5
Publisher: CUFON
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue features an article titled "USING "SUPERBASE"" by Maurizio Verga, which explores the application of the SUPERBASE database program on Commodore 64/128 microcomputers for managing UFO case files. It also includes an update to a "Census of Ufologists' Computers."

Using "SUPERBASE" for UFO Case Files

The article by Maurizio Verga proposes SUPERBASE as a standard database program for the Commodore 64/128. The author details how to use the C-128 version of SUPERBASE with an 80-column display to import external sequential files into a random file format readable by the program. By preparing a SUPERBASE record format that matches the original file, data can be efficiently transferred.

Specifically, the entire ITACAT file, generated by a program called CUFON 1, was implemented on SUPERBASE 128. This allowed for the insertion of eleven new fields into the record structure. In addition to the standard fields like date, place, province, classification, and evaluation parameters, the new fields include:

• Hour: (four characters)
• Reference code number: from the ITACAT manuscript (six characters)
• Sources of the events: (nine fields, each sixty-four characters long)

The entire record is presented as being displayed on two different screens, with a hardcopy of the record structure provided. The structure includes fields for DATA, ORA (Hour), LOCALITA (Location), Provincia (Province), CLASSIFICAZIONE (Classification), VALUTAZIONE (Evaluation), and NUMERO DI CODICE (Code Number).

The article also lists various sources of events, indicated by FONTE (Source) numbers, such as FONTE 81, FONTE 82, FONTE 83, etc., with associated publication details and page numbers. These sources appear to be from various UFO-related publications.

Using a print-out from this program, researchers can find specific Italian close encounter cases and locate their original source documents. However, the author notes a limitation in classifying events, particularly regarding specific collateral effects like "electromagnetic" effects, as no special code has been inserted into the "classification" field. The author suggests that a more comprehensive classification system might require a more powerful personal computer than the C-128.

The whole ITACAT file is approximately 100K and resides on a floppy disk. There are potential issues with exporting the random file to a sequential one due to limited disk space. The aim is to develop a version for the Commodore 64 as well. The original TRACAT and ITACAT N files have also been implemented on SUPERBASE 128, with added sources and fields. The author believes this structure represents a well-organized UFO reference file, providing fundamental information and serving as a starting point for researchers.

Census of Ufologists' Computers: A New Up-to-Date

Following previous listings in CUFON issues 1, 2, and 4, this section presents another update to the census of ufologists and amateurs who own computers. The listing is not restricted to those who actively use their machines for ufology but includes anyone owning a computer.

The magazine plans to publish a complete printout of this census in the first issue of CUFON Vol. 2. Readers are invited to submit names and addresses of individuals with computers not yet listed, along with their computer types.

The current listing includes:

• Michele Sisti (Italy, C-64)
• Mauro Iotti (Italy, C-64)
• Marco Mucci (Italy, C-64)
• Fabio Filippetti (Italy, C-64)
• Giuseppe Di Franc. (Italy, C-64)
• Daniella Cepparulo (Italy, C-64)
• Gianluca Chiarella (Italy, C-64)
• Alberto Lazzaro (Italy, C-128)
• Steven Gamble (England, Spectrum)
• Paul Fuller (England, Spectrum)
• Nigel Mortimer (England, Spectrum)
• Jenny Randles (England, Amstrad 6128)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the practical application of technology, specifically computer software like SUPERBASE, to the field of ufology. The magazine demonstrates a commitment to organizing and disseminating information related to UFO research, evidenced by the detailed database project and the ongoing census of ufologists' computing resources. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging data collection, organization, and sharing among researchers to advance the study of UFO phenomena. There is an emphasis on making information accessible and usable for researchers.