Jim Nitzberg Tells

                                    The WX3B Story

 

Revised:  December 22, 2009

 

 

I have been fascinated with all types of radios since I was a young child.  I worked my way up from transistor short wave radios, to tube FM broadcast receivers, to CB rigs to Amateur Radio.  You can read my progression on http://www.qrz.com/wx3b.

 

In 1998 I joined the Potomac Valley Radio Club PVRC:  http://www.pvrc.org  and became very interested in contesting.    My interest in Multi-Operator/Multi Transmitter contesting got started by operating at Bob Morris's Super Station, W4MYA in Goochland, VA.   Seeing a single room with 11 working radios connected to 11 amplifiers (and 11 networked computers) was just too much excitement to describe!

 

Bob invested many hours teaching, coaching, and helping me.  With the knowledge and experience gained at W4MYA - I decided it was time to begin an effort of building a competitive station at my own home.

 

Several friends have been instrumental in helping build and maintain WX3B.  Steve Beckman, N3SB is a major contributor in both time and equipment.   David Collingham, K3LP has been assisting with antenna installations, operations and general consulting regarding our contest efforts.  Steve Sluz, NY3A taught me how to handle the installation of our AB/577 towers and was at the center of our original Blizzard of 2000 AB/577 installation.   Clint, W3ARS did the framing on my new basement, with Mike N3VOP supplying the carpet.  John Chesley, AK3Z is a good friend and occasional operator and loans me his call sign so my QSL duty isn't too harsh.  Recently, Nathan King (W3ADX), John King (W3ADC), Bryan Dorbert (N3ST) and Kamal Sirageldin (N3KS) have been regular participants doing the hard work at my antenna parties

 

I have also drawn on the vast array of information from Frank Donovan, W3LPL - who runs what I would consider the best Multi-Operator, Multi-Transmitter contest station in the world.   His team is top notch, and his installation is second to none.  Although I have a long way to go before being able to compete with Frank - I have learned that some very simple antennas and modest heights do quite well in my installations.   

 

In November, 2004 I purchased a new home with a nice level acre+ of land.    I have completed  phase 1 of my installation:   4 Yagis,  plus wires for 80 & 160.   The four towers at WX3B are all AB/577 Military Masts.   The next wave of station building will require a substantial investment to bring tower heights to 100 feet and beyond.

 

Thanks to all of you who contact me in rag chew and contest modes. 

 

73 & see you in the pileups....

 

Jim Nitzberg and Team WX3B