SETI League Press Release

LITTLE FERRY, NJ.., 14 September 2005 -- The SETI League, Inc., grassroots leader in the privatized Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence, has received both a unique piece of electronics equipment and a substantial cash contribution, in an unusual charity auction sponsored by a leading manufacturer of electronics test equipment.

Bird® Electronic Corporation of Solon, OH.(a division of Bird Technologies Group), has reached the 300,000 unit mark on the production of its Model 43 Thruline® Wattmeter. In production since 1952, this instrument has become the industry standard for radio frequency (RF) power measurement. To commemorate this milestone, meter number 300,000 was manufactured with a special gold-plated finish. The company then decided to auction off this unique piece of electronics industry history, with the cash amount of the winning bid being contributed to the charity of the successful bidder's choosing.

The auction closed on August 31, 2005, with the winning bidder naming The SETI League as his designated charity. Thus, The SETI League has received a check for the bid price. Then, in a move that surprised and pleased SETI League officials, the anonymous donor contributed the milestone meter itself to the nonprofit science group. "We will use this impressive piece of test equipment to monitor the operation of our Lunar Reflective Calibration Beacon, which bounces microwave signals off the surface of the Moon, to be received by radio astronomy facilities around the world," stated SETI League executive director Dr. H. Paul Shuch.

Bird® Technologies Group provides technology solutions for semiconductor, public safety, wireless, broadcast, government, and military applications. Since 1942, they have provided comprehensive RF equipment diagnostic and testing solutions. With a worldwide network of partners, Bird offers the latest technology and most reliable customer care to all of the markets they serve.

Largely using radio telescopes and optical telescopes, SETI scientists seek to determine whether humankind is alone in the universe. Since Congress terminated NASA's SETI funding in 1993, The SETI League and other scientific groups have privatized the research. Amateur and professional scientists interested in participating in the search for intelligent alien life, and citizens wishing to help support it, should email join_at_setileague_dot_org, check the SETI League Web site at http://www.setileague.org/, send a fax to +1 (201) 641-1771, or contact The SETI League, Inc. membership hotline at +1 (800) TAU-SETI. Be sure to provide us with a postal address to which we will mail further information. The SETI League, Inc. is a membership-supported, non-profit [501(c)(3)], educational and scientific corporation dedicated to the scientific Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence.

Photo Editors Note: the following pictures are available from The SETI League website. Click on the thumbnail to download the full-sized image.

The SETI League has won twice, acquiring both this unique gold-plated Bird® Model 43 Thruline® power meter, and a substantial cash contribution, in an unusual Charity Auction. Bird Electronic Corp. photo

Jim Bird (right), Market Research Specialist with Bird Electronic Corporation, presents SETI League president Richard Factor with the unique gold-plated Bird® model 43 Thruline® power meter, the prize in an equally unique Charity Auction which marked the 300,000th unit produced by Bird since 1952. SETI League photo

During presentation of the gold-plated Bird® model 43 Thruline® power meter, SETI League president Richard Factor (left) also had an opportunity to meet Jim Bird's father Bruce Bird, who serves on the company's Board of Directors. SETI League photo

P.S. Tearsheets are always appreciated. Thank you.

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