Robert Hummel (WA9ZTY)

May 1, 2008

I am saddend to report my brother Rob, WA9ZTY, passed away on May 1, 2008. Rob was an active member of the AM ham community and was the Net control operator for the Midwest Classic Radio Net on 3.885 every Saturday morning.

Contributed by: Paul Hummel (K9BOJ)

My Condolences to Rob's family. You have lost a good man. Rob was a "Ham's Ham", always ready to give of himself to advance the cause, or just to help someone less fortunate. I only met Rob a few years ago through the Midwest Clasic Radio Net, but you felt as though he knew you forever, even on your first check-in. Rob, your "Big Signal" didn't pass with you, it continues on, in the legacy of your character. It was good to know you. See you some day on the other side..... 73- Greg Schippers, KC8HXO

Contributed by: Greg Schippers (KC8HXO)

With a deep sense of loss, we now place another dedicated amateur radio operator among the outstanding ones in that great ham shack up yonder. Rob & I crossed paths beginning in 1959 as " Paul's little brother" ( K9BOJ ) in Juneau, WI. I still have pictures of our old gang from the 1960 Field Day group in Millers woods. Those were great times. It did not take long for Rob to ignite his own shining star on his journey to begin to help us all. They both became members of the Rock River Radio Club in Dodge County, WI. As a member myself, I had the opportunity to know Rob quite well in those early days. His dedication to the hobby became abundantly clear very early on and it grew steadily. Years later, he became well known here in Madison professionally as well as our ham radio hobby. Rob will be missed, no doubt. Rest easy ole friend, you have earned your place up in that great ham shack up there. Hey Rob, could you check with Bruce - W9QAH when you have a minute & see if he has any 6146 tubes with him? 73, W9CAR Ralph, Madison, WI

Contributed by: RALPH H. HENES (W9CAR)

We've lost a good friend and ham buddy. Rob and I have been friends since high school back in 1970. We used to QSO on 75 meter SSB several times a week after school, Rob in Juneau and me in Watertown. Rob was either working or had contacts with some AM stations, and he had a large personal collection of noises and sounds from the radio station. He would often play those on 75 meters while we were in QSO. I remember laughing so hard at some of the stuff he played. It was all in good fun but eventually he got into a little hot water over that stuff. Rob has been instrumental in running the 3885 Midwest Classic AM Net and promoting the AM mode. Rob was there every Saturday morning for the net. For several years at the beginning of the net he would announce that it's time to zero beat his signal and everybody tune up. So for about 20 seconds there were 50-70 stations tuning up on 3885. It was glorious bedlam :> This net typically had 50-70 AM checkins each Saturday from around the Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan area. The number of participating AM stations each week always amazed me. While there were some modern solid state AM stations checking in, most were using vintage tube radios like Collins, Heathkit, Hallicrafters, Drake, Johnson, etc... It was always a treat to hear all that classic american made equipment on the air. Rob was one of the sharpest radio repair guys I knew. No matter what transmitter or receiver anyone mentioned, Rob had one or two, and would share some technical tidbit or restoration advice with us. I last saw Rob in person about 15 years ago at a hamfest where he was busy making ham callsign hats for people. It was the same ole Rob that I remembered in high school. I did not see him during his decline in health so I will always remember him as the young high school guy moving at the speed of light. 73, Scott WA9WFA

Contributed by: (WA9WFA)

My condolences to the Hummel family and to the amateur radio community. Another great friend and dedicated operator from our amateur radio fraternity. Rob's strong carrier, his dedication and most of all Rob's spirit will be lost each Saturday morning on 3885. Keep those filaments burning in his memory. Rob is and will be greatly missed. BOB HEIL, K9EID

Contributed by: BOB HEIL (K9EID)

I knew Rob only on the air. I never had the opportunity to meet him in person. We had many great AM QSOs regarding collecting, repairing, and operating vintage gear. He was always ready and willing to take the time to research a problem and discuss possible solutions. The hobby has lost a good ham. He will be missed. And, Rob, when you see Bruce W9QAH, tell him "Hi." for me!

Contributed by: Michael S. Sewell (K0CRX)

Rob ole buddy, We knew each other since the early 70's and always a pleasure to meet and chat ham radio or Sonys! Condolences to Roberta and the children.

Contributed by: Paul R Goemans (WA9PWP)

I'm very sorry to hear of Bob's passing.I remember him from the early 70's when he was in the Air Force out of Whiteman AFB and I worked for a radio & TV parts house in Sedalia MO.I never got to know him very well and at the time thought he was rather cocky (of course I was still wet behind the ears!!!).I will always remember the times when he and Garnett Bryan W0AZL would shoot the breeze and I would stand there and listen to them yak about ham radio.You will be sorely missed Bob!!!!!

Contributed by: (WB0CJB)

I was deeply saddened to learn of Rob's passing. He will be missed by all of those who check into to the Midwest Classic Radio Net. Rob was one of people who got me interested in operating AM. His depth of knowledge and willingness to share it with others will be greatly missed. I am glad I had the opportunity to visit with Rob on a couple of occasions at his QTH. Those visits were always filled with a lot of discussion on technical topics, mostly answering my many questions! The Amateur Radio community has lost a truly great operator.

Contributed by: Ron Grams (WB9IMR)

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