73 Magazine: Computer-Related Articles and Influence

73 Amateur Radio Magazine (commonly known as 73) was founded by Wayne Green in October 1960 and published monthly until September 2003. As one of the leading ham radio publications, it had an enormous influence on the amateur radio community by providing construction articles, technical advice, and commentary on radio technology. Because many early microcomputer adopters were ham radio enthusiasts—who already had skills in electronics, digital circuits, and building projects—73 played a key role in bridging ham radio and computing. The magazine was full of construction articles that incorporated early microprocessor technology for radio control, data processing, and interfaces.

Wayne Green and the Magazine's Influence

Wayne Green, a ham radio operator (W2NSD/1), created 73 to focus on practical, hands-on content rather than theory. Under his editorship (1960–1978), it grew to over 100,000 subscribers and encouraged experimentation with new tech like microprocessors. Green's editorials often pushed for innovation, and the magazine's overlap with computing helped ham operators transition to personal computers. Many luminaries, like Bill Godbout (early S-100 boards) and Don Lancaster (TV Typewriter), contributed or were featured.

Computer-Related Articles in 73

73 published numerous articles on microprocessor projects, often applying them to ham radio applications like repeaters, RTTY (radioteletype), Morse code keyers, and packet radio. These were detailed with schematics, parts lists, and code. A list of significant computer-related articles from the 1970s and early 1980s includes:

• "Microprocessor-Controlled Repeater" (1976–1977 series) — Multi-part article on using the Motorola 6800 or Intel 8080 to build intelligent repeater controllers for ham radio networks.
• "ASCII to Baudot Converter Using Microprocessors" (1975) — Project to interface computers with RTTY equipment using early micros like the 8008.
• "Build a Morse Code Keyer with the 8080" (1976) — Construction article for a microprocessor-based CW (continuous wave) keyer, including assembly code listings.
• "Z80 Microprocessor for Ham Applications" (1977–1978) — Series on building Z80-based controllers for antenna tuners and frequency counters.
• "Computer-Controlled Transceiver Interface" (1978) — Using the IMSAI 8080 or similar micros to automate radio operations.
• "6800 Microprocessor Trainer for Hams" (1977) — A simple trainer board project with ham-specific examples like frequency synthesis.
• "Packet Radio with Microprocessors" (early 1980s) — Articles on early AX.25 packet radio using Z80 or 6502 micros for digital communications.
• "IMSAI 8080 Experiences" (May 1978) — Account by Paul Widelitz on using the IMSAI 8080 for ham projects.

These projects often included BASIC or assembly listings tailored for radio applications, blending computing with amateur radio.

Impact on the Community

73's construction articles were instrumental in introducing microprocessors to hams, who then became early computer adopters. The magazine's focus on practical builds helped demystify digital tech, leading to innovations in packet radio and computer-aided design for antennas. Wayne Green's outspoken style and promotion of new ideas made 73 a hub for thought leaders, many of whom went on to found computer companies or contribute to the PC revolution.

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