OZ6OL Hans Oldenborg

OZ6OL Hans (OZ4MM photo)

Hans passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026 at the age of 82.

Hans was a pioneer in amateur radio—not only in Denmark, but on the global stage as well. His first recorded mention appears in QST in 1967, which describes experiments he and OZ9OR conducted using rhombic antennas for EME (Earth-Moon-Earth) communication.

In 1975, OZ6OL became the first person to complete an EME QSO on 144 MHz from OZ, making contact with W6PO using an array of four 14-element antennas and a pair of 4CX250s. His interest in EME persisted throughout the years, and upon moving from Farendløse to Stevns, he began pursuing EME in earnest on the higher frequency bands with dishes from 3 m to 8 m.

OZ6OL was a gifted engineer and technician. Hans built his own stations, power amplifiers, antennas, antenna control systems, and much more. Not only did his equipment work, but it was often among the best that the available components and technology allowed for.

Throughout the 1970s, OZ6OL held the number one spot on the locator leaderboards for both 144 MHz and 1296 MHz. He is credited with no fewer than 24 “first” contacts from Denmark across the spectrum from 50 MHz to 3.4 GHz. He achieved the first-ever QSOs to the USA not only on 144 MHz, but also on 50 MHz and 3.4 GHz. What is most impressive is not merely the number of these “firsts” but the fact that Hans was frequently the very first to become active on new bands, whether following the issuance of new operating licenses or, more commonly, as soon as technology and components made it possible to construct equipment for them.

Many of us have learned from OZ6OL, not only from his technical expertise but also from his extensive experience with operating techniques. OZ6OL was and remains held in high regard. His achievements and dedication helped shape the very best of amateur radio, both within Denmark and beyond. He was a mentor to many, always ready with advice and assistance. His door was always open, and many amateurs visited Hans with a “project” they couldn’t get to work. Problems that others had spent weeks or months struggling with, Hans would often solve in the time it took to chat over a cup of coffee.

OZ6OL is no longer with us, and he will be missed by many. The bands will be a little quieter now. His legacy and his contributions to the worlds of technology, science, and amateur radio will endure for a long time to come. The first EME (Earth-Moon-Earth) signals sent by OZ6OL are still traveling through space and will be among the first to reach the stars—fittingly, in the true spirit of the man himself.

(Contributed by Svend OZ7UV)

OZ6OL Antenna (OZ4MM photo)