Dr. Max C. de Henseler
Founder and President Emeritus of the United Nations
Headquarters amateur radio station, 4U1UN.
Dr. Max C. de Henseler passed away on Monday,
December 30, 2013, at the age of 80 in Montreux,
Switzerland. He was born in Geneva, Switzerland.
His life combined distinguished service to the
United Nations with an extraordinary commitment
to international amateur radio and the preservation
of radio history.
Academic Qualifications
École Supérieure de Langues et de Commerce Tamé
Fribourg, Switzerland
University of Fribourg, Switzerland
George Washington University
Washington, D.C., USA
Harvard University, Graduate School of Design
Laboratory for Computer Graphics
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Eötvös Loránd University
Budapest, Hungary
Professional Career
Research Assistant in Experimental Physics
Geneva, Switzerland
Technical Assistant
Geneva, Switzerland
Statistical Computer-Cartographer
Geneva, Switzerland
After 30 years of service.
Chief, Cartographic Section
Natural Resources and Energy Division
Department of Technical Co-operation for Development
United Nations, New York
A Lifetime Dedicated to Amateur Radio
Max de Henseler devoted more than 50 years to the
promotion of international amateur radio and the
preservation of its history.
His first amateur radio callsign was
HE9RHP, held from 1947.
He became HB9RS in 1955.
Max played a central role in establishing and
supporting amateur radio operations from the
United Nations Headquarters in New York.
International Amateur Radio Operations
Throughout his life, Max held amateur radio
licenses in numerous countries.
- HE9RHP and HB9RS, Switzerland
- ET3RS, Ethiopia
- XW8HB, Laos
- 5W1BK, Samoa
- 5Y4RS, Trinidad and Tobago
- EL2DX, Liberia
- HB9RS/W2, United States
- HP1HN, Panama
- 3D2RS, Fiji
- FO0RSM, Tahiti
- DJ0AB, Germany
A Remarkable Operating Achievement
Max was the first amateur radio operator to
communicate with all continents from all continents,
an achievement known as WAC/WAC.
Honors and Memberships
Max received recognition from numerous amateur radio
organizations for his leadership and contributions.
Honorary Memberships
- Long Island DX Association
- New Jersey DX Association
- Northern California DX Foundation
- Swiss USKA
- HB4FR
- Swiss DX Foundation
Professional and Amateur Radio Organizations
- Fellow of the Radio Club of America
- Recipient of the Ralph Batcher Memorial Award
- Antique Wireless Association (AWA)
- Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA)
- Society of Wireless Pioneers (SOWP)
- Morse Telegraph Club (MTC)
- A-1 Operator’s Club
Preserving Radio History
In addition to his amateur radio activities,
Max was an accomplished radio historian,
collector, and author.
He wrote numerous articles for technical and
historical radio publications.
In 1991, he authored
The Hallicrafters Story:
When the Sky Was the Limit,
published by the Antique Radio Club of America,
now the Antique Wireless Association.
Max also served as Director and Curator of the
Swiss National Audiorama Museum.
He founded the QCWA
Helvetia Chapter 209.
In Memory of Max, HB9RS
His dedication to amateur radio, international
friendship, and the preservation of radio history
remains an important part of the legacy of 4U1UN.
Original biographical information compiled by
Herbert, HB9BOU.