Data-Net

History

Data-Net began in January 1967 with two ham radio stations: WB6RPL and WB6QZD. By its third report, published March 23, 1967, the network had grown to 22 members spread across California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. The net operated on 7255 KC (40 metres) on Wednesday evenings at 2000 PST, with WB6OTN serving as alternate net control. Michel M. Jaffe ran the operation from 24 Farley Street, Mt. View, California, later relocating to 7900 Harvard Drive, Ben Lomond, California 95005.

The concept was straightforward: use amateur radio to create a real-time UFO sighting reporting network across the western United States. Members checked in on the weekly net, reported local sightings, coordinated investigation responses, and exchanged research findings. Between net sessions, Jaffe compiled written reports that were mailed to all members. The network operated without funds. Members contributed postage; Jaffe had access to copy reproducers and help from persons attached to analytical laboratories. Two secretaries, Susan and Claudette, handled administrative work.

The reports grew in sophistication over the network's seven-year run. Early issues mixed sighting reports with Fortean material and speculative discussion. By the late period (1972 to 1973), Data-Net was publishing statistical analyses of UFO waves, chrono-geographic sighting studies, and coordinated multi-station observation programmes. Report No. 68 (February 1973) carried research papers including "Conclusions of the Statistical Analysis of the UFO Wave During 1968-69" by David Lopez and Felix Ares, and chrono-geographic analysis work. The network had evolved from an informal ham radio club into a distributed research organisation.

Members were identified by callsign and first name in the early reports: WB6TXK-Bob in San Jose, WB6CBW-Wayne in Fremont, WA7DGK-Ray in Everett, W7VYC-Jerry in Las Vegas, W7OFE-Earl in Tucson, K5UCW-Charles in Houston. This ham radio culture shaped the network's character. Members were technically minded, accustomed to precise observation and reporting, comfortable with equipment and measurement. When WA7DGK-Ray reported an eyewitness sighting, Jaffe's instinct was to cross-check it against other witnesses and official sources before publishing.

The network operated through the transition from the 1960s UFO wave into the quieter early 1970s. By Volume VII (1973), Data-Net had published 68 numbered reports and maintained communication centres (member stations willing to serve as regional contact points) across the western states. The final reports from 1973 show a mature network producing analytical work that would not have been out of place in a formal research journal.