It is with great sadness I share that K3TKJ, Al Waller passed away Nov 30 Founder of qsl.net back in 1996, Technical Excellence Award at the Dayton Hamvention in 2002, A strong signal up in the six-meter band and an accomplished collector of Collins equipment. In the past twenty years I have worked with him on many Broadcasts and Ham related projects. A short video of Al and I moving an old RCA Broadcast transmitter back in 2010
Ray, I am sorry to read that Al has passed away, and I thank you for posting. You and I met at Salisbury State many years ago, when you too, were getting rid of some surplus gear. Al was another one, like yourself, generous with things that needed good homes, and kindly making the effort to connect with people who appreciate such gear. Here is a 2009 note he sent me, that I believe sums up the sense of loss. "Yes I am a fan of AM especially BC transmitters. We have chatted in the past after I rescued the 20V-2 from Winchester. I also have a Gates BC-1E and an RCA BTA-1R on my list of transmitters I have saved. I know we are of like minds on the old BC stuff. The Gates and RCA are now the property of WA3GGM who lives about a mile from me and we are working together to get the beasts going. Bob/GGM and I have different ideas on what a restoration means. He has totally disassembled the Gates and had the cabinet professionally repainted and silkscreened. I on the other hand like the few dents and scratches my 20V has as it sort of gives it character and shows it has earned the right to avoid a scrap yard and live for another 50 years. I might have told you before I am the station engineer for the Clear Channel Cluster in Salisbury/Ocean City. I have 6 FM's and 2 AM's to play with every workday. Retired from NASA in 2003 but I need to stay busy so the radio station gig is just right for me. Maybe another year or two if the cycle 24 starts to warm up I will quit there and be a full time ham. I would love to sked with you and also meet you sometime. You are sure welcome here anytime and would be happy to show you my station and get your advice on ideas I have. My good friend N3DB lives in Shadyside and I can be at his house in 2 hours if traffic allows. That should give you and idea how close we are. I am on 1885 with a "Rice Box" and a KW with a pretty decent antenna now so we can hook up there anytime. Looking forward to it. 73, Al"
Very sad to hear this, Ray. He will be missed around the table at Hamvention time as well as by the ham community, which he brought closer together through the internet. I'm grateful to have made many friends around the world because of his efforts. 73 and RIP, Al.
