Delaware-based radio engineer and amateur radio operator Alan Waller died Nov. 30, after a battle with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. He was 80.
Michelle Bradley of the Riverton, Md.-based REC Networks described Waller as the “go-to” engineer for radio stations on the Delmarva peninsula. Waller met Bradley after she moved to the area in 2011.
“Delmarva, the broadcast engineering community, the amateur radio community and I have lost a good friend,” Bradley wrote on her Substack.
Waller founded the websites QSL.net and QTH.net in 1996, a novel concept for connecting amateur radio operators, which earned him the technical excellence award at the 2002 Dayton Hamvention.
Born and raised in Laurel, Del., Waller graduated from Wicomico High School’s Class of 1963, according to his obituary. Afterward, he became owner of Broadcast Engineering Services. He also served as chief engineer of Clear Channel’s Salisbury, Md., stations and performed contract-based engineering work for many other radio stations across the peninsula.
Waller also traveled worldwide in his role for EG&G Analytical Services, including performing geographical mapping from aircraft.
He obtained his amateur radio license in 1962 and remained active for the next 63 years, under his callsign K3TKJ. He operated from a 220-foot tower on his home property, where he also held the Delmarva Swapmeet — a hamfest — three times a year as part of the Delmarva Amateur Radio Club.
A visitation and celebration of life for Waller will be held on Dec. 12 at the Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury.
