I was first licensed as an amateur radio operator in 1973 at age 14. Today, I’m an avid DX’er and QRP DX’er, and am #1 Honor Roll in the DXCC program, with over 200 countries confirmed on QRP, and DXCC confirmed on 80-10 meters.

As a kit-building enthusiast, I have built approximately 30 radios, and was one of the original field testers on the Elecraft K2, K1, KX1, and K3.  Other kits include the HW9, HW8, SB-1000 linear amplifier, Sierra, Cascade, Norcal 40, Norcal 20, Oak Hills OHR 500 and 100, and many other radios.  Recently, I've enjoyed building surface mount kits in improbably small boxes that include the SMK1, ATS3B and ATS4. 

I have also been a contributing author to QST over the years, with approximately a dozen articles that include: "Working RS-12--The Ultimate Stellite Primer" (February 1994 and winner of the Cover Plaque Award), "A Fishing Tackle Station To Go" (November 1994), "Build a Lightweight 20-Meter Vertical" (December 1995), "Build a One-Watt Transmitter in a Kodak Film Box" (October 1994), "Build a 12-Volt Junction Box" (August 1994, and also featured in the ARRL Handbook), "You Can Build A Compact Loop Antenna for 30 through 12 Meters" (May 1994), "A Solar Powered Field Day" (May 1995), "Harkers Island on the Air!" (February 1995), and "Build an HF Walking Stick Antenna" (December 1994).

The photo on the QSL shown on QRZ was taken on Harkers Island, NC (NA67) during the 2010 IOTA contest. I operated that contest with Paul Stroud, AA4XX, a friend for over 20 years and frequent DX’pedition buddy.

Look for me on other IOTA expeditions signing W3DX/NAXXX!

73 & DX,

Rob, W3DX