There is also a tribute that his longtime employer WGN made for him.

Bill "Butterball" Ford Crane - W9ZN

https://youtu.be/Znyqq9f93r0

Bill Crane, W9ZN at WGN TV

Rest in eternal peace, my dear friend, Bill.

73

DR

On 12/2/2023 2:21 AM, David J. Ring, Jr. wrote:
I understand Bill Crane, W9ZN (SK October 26, 2023) built several kW sets that he rack mounted and he pre-tuned them into the dedicated antenna for that particular band. 

His exciter was crystal controlled, that's why you always heard him calling CQ. 

He used:

7035
10114
14034
18079

The reason he could shift frequently so quickly was because just like a commercial station he had a dedicated transmitter and antenna all warmed up and prep tuned. 

He operated his station just like a commercial radio station.

I forgot the relationship Bill had with the original W9ZN the amateur radio station of the founders of Z-Nith (later Zenith) radio sales agency for Chicago Radio Laboratory.

https://www.madeinchicagomuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Zenith20Story20A20History20From201919.pdf

Interesting reading for sure.

73
DR
N1EA




 perhaps it was. A quick look a