Elmer Program

Amateur radio can be a complicated hobby and you may have questions about the technology and operating procedures.  An “Elmer” is someone who can help answer those questions and help you avoid some of the pitfalls of the hobby.

In the Amateur Radio world, Elmers hold a high place of esteem.  They serve as teachers, mentors, and guides.  The term first appeared in a 1971 QST article by Rod Newkirk, W9BRD.  Newkirk called them “the unsung fathers of Amateur Radio.”

As a service to our local ham radio community, WAARC has developed a list of local hams that have volunteered to be resources to our local ham radio operators.  If you would like to find an Elmer, send an email to elmer@K4RC.net and identify the area(s) where you need help and include your name and callsign.  Elmers are available in the following areas and will respond to your request:

Antenna Construction/TheoryHam Shack Set UpQRP (Low Power Transmission)
Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS)Kit BuildingRadio Theory
Boat Anchor RadiosLinuxRemote Operations
CW (Morse Code)Logbook of the World (LoTW)RFI (Radio Frequency Interference)
ContestingLogging SoftwareSafety
Digital programs (fldigi, WSJT-X) & modes (FT-8, RTTY, PSK-31)Microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi)Satellite Operations
Digital Voice (DMR,D-Star, Fusion)Mobile InstallationSolar
Digital HotspotsNet Control StationsSoftware Define Radio
Echolink, IRLP, WinlinkOperating on 2 MetersSoldering
Emergency Communications (CERT/ARES)PVRC (Potomac Valley Radio Club -Contesting Club)Test Equipment
Grounding & BondingParks on the Air (POTA)Trouble Shooting
HF OperatingPortable OperationsVHF & UHF (6 Meters, EME, Meteor Scatter)
Ham Classes – questions about licensing/upgrade Manual TopicsPower Supplies, Batteries, Battery ChargingYLs
Ham Radio Direction Finding (Fox Hunting)]Programming Your First Radio (HT)Youth Programs (JOTA/BSA/4H Clubs)