My Elmers
JM (VE6HF)
on
January 30, 2006
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What is an Elmer?
An "Elmer" is the ham equivalent of a "Yoda." Many new hams are taught by other hams. Helping people is a common thread throughout the ham radio hobby. An Elmer shares their experience to help you maybe pass the exam, show you how to set up your equipment, or give operating tips, etc. Without Elmers the Ham radio hobby probably would not be as enjoyable for many new or aspiring Amateur Radio Operators.
My First Elmer:
I'll be honest. I started out with CB and heard noises from far away. I thought this is cool! I can work stations from all over the USA, Australia, England, Iceland, Canada, Canary Islands, etc. During my time using the CB I ran into a fellow by the name of Gary Kuhn. He was very knowledgeable about CB's, computers, operating practices and such. He told me about Ham Radio and encouraged me to get the books and study. I got my license in Oct 1990 around the same time he did with the call of VE6HIM (now VE6HF). He helped me with all of my exams Basic, Advanced and 5 WPM Morse Code. He even made me a practice Morse code tape and got me into Packet Radio!
Not only this but he taught me a lot about building computers! Thanks to him I am an IT Professional and I got my Diploma at NAIT in Computer Systems Technology in Edmonton.
Anyhow during this time I lost contact with Gary Kuhn (was VE6MAV now I think he is VE6DZ). I got out of the hobby being busy with school, family life, and such when I moved to Grande Prairie. I think that he got out of Ham radio because of the way some of the other hams treated him. What a shame he is such a nice fellow. I hope he reads this page to know how much I appreciate him and the things that he did for me! I still fondly think of him when I operate.
My Current Elmer:
I decided in late 2005 that I wanted to use my 10-meter rig (HTX-100) that I had NEVER used. So I purchased a Wilson 1000 antenna and cut it down for 10 meters.
I met Guyle on 10 meters in Grande Prairie when I was calling CQ and he answered. I chat with him all the time now and have a lot of fun.
He has informed me of so many activities that are going on the HAM community. You know nets, repeaters, etc. He even has an EchoLink/eQSO node that he operates and showed me how to use it. He has also loaned me a 2-meter antenna for my house! What a great guy. Guyle recently checked the match on my 10-meter antenna with his neat MFJ analyzer. Elmers are great to help you out with all sorts of issues with you equipment eh?
He also took a look at my 6-meter radio that was not working that I could not fix. He couldn't fix it be he tried damn hard I tell you. What a great HAM and friend. I hope to work him on 6 meters shortly...
I found out that we have a common interest in getting to use CW. He has his 12 WPM ticket and I have my 5 WPM ticket. He was my first CW contact on 10 meters. We also use a program called CW Communicator that we use to practice code on over the Internet. My code needs a lot of practice and he puts up with my poor code!
He also showed me his shack full of radios, antennas, and gadgets. He even showed me how his automatic antenna tuner works and we made a contact into the Russian Federation on 20 meters one day. I will be getting a full-blown station here soon and hope to work him on many bands.
One thing to note is that he has never made fun of me starting out on CB. He has never made fun at the lack of knowledge since I have been out of the hobby for several years. I've noticed in the past that Ham Radio people can sometimes be "clicky." They may look down on you for one reason or another. Not him, he treats other Hams with respect and patience. He has been willing to share his knowledge, tools, and be a friend to me. What a great ham! He is a good example for all hams on how to treat new people in the hobby or people that have been out of the hobby for a long time.
73 de VE6HF
Jeff
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My Elmers
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by ZS6VL on January 30, 2006
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Man, with all the "doom and gloom" comments on ham websites and forums, your post sure makes for some refreshing reading. I'm a fairly "new" ham and have had lots of support and encouragement from my Elmers. I choose to ignore the amateur radio politics brigade and to do my best to promote the positive aspects of our hobby. It is very rewarding to help others, and ham radio needs such support. We specifically need to target young hams and potential hams.
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RE: My Elmers
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by K0BG on January 30, 2006
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Very well spoken, Jeff. There are a lot of amateurs around the world who openly share their knowledge which is good. Some of it with an anecdotal flair, to be sure, but any help is good help if you learn from it.
I have a personal motto I do my best to follow, and I'll share it with you, and I'd bet most Elmers follow it, knowingly or not;
"Set the example, don't be one"
Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com
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My Elmers
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by AI2IA on January 30, 2006
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As you settle in to amateur radio, you find your own most rewarding activities if you explore as many areas as possible. For me, without setting out in that direction, I have found that my most rewarding ham activities are being a volunteer examiner, being an elmer, and putting up and tearing down antennas. This is just the way it turned out.
These activities are very rewarding in that you see the results of your efforts right before your eyes, and you also get to keep some happy memories, too!
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My Elmers
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by GM7CXM on January 30, 2006
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Well said, Jeff.
When I started out in radio I was helped by a great many people, without whose encouragement I would probably not have had nearly as much fun. Of all of these, I'd like to thank Brian GM4XQJ, Steve GM1DSK, and Bruce GM1KNP (now ZL1AAO) from my time in Scotland, and EA5DFV for all his help and encouragement when I came to Spain.
Thanks guys!
73 de Duncan EA5ON / GM7CXM
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RE: My Elmers
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by K8MHZ on January 30, 2006
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I get to talk to a real Elmer every day if I want.
K8ROH, Elmer Wood, can be found on the Bathrobe net each morning on 14.235.5 Mhz as well as our local repeater.
A great guy and a lot of fun.
Get on the Bathrobe net at 9 am Eastern, weekdays only, and let Elmer know that people (well, me) are talking about him on the Internet.
Great article!
73,
Mark K8MHZ
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RE: My Elmers
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by K8MHZ on January 30, 2006
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I get to talk to a real Elmer every day if I want.
K8ROH, Elmer Wood, can be found on the Bathrobe net each morning on 14.235.5 Mhz as well as our local repeater.
A great guy and a lot of fun.
Get on the Bathrobe net at 9 am Eastern, weekdays only, and let Elmer know that people (well, me) are talking about him on the Internet.
Great article!
73,
Mark K8MHZ
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My Elmers
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by VE5JCF on January 30, 2006
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I never liked the word "elmer". I always worry that people will catch the wrong idea when I say "he's my elmer". Perhaps I'm the only one that worries about it.
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My Elmers
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by KF6HCD on January 30, 2006
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Great post, om... It's good to see some positivity (if that is a word) on the boards.
I, myself, have had a variety of elmers, and have found a wealth of knowledge from them. I have even elmered a few new (and not-so-new) hams myself. It is amazing what can be learned from another. I think that the hobby needs people who are willing to impart the benefit of their skills to others, and your post reflects the best of the hobby. Pay it forward and our hobby/service will thrive.
Cheers.
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by N6AJR on January 30, 2006
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I don't know if my friends are exactly Elmers, but I have some great friends who have helped me a tremendous ammount along the way. Way back in 1978 I had a few hams who had just got their tickets and they helped me as much as they could , being new them selves.
After a relatively long absence form being active I got back in in 2001. Since then I became disabled. I have to thank a ton of my friend , all met on the air, who have helped, here. these guys built the station ( the actual counters and shelves) and wired it for me. they have put up my antennas, ( I can't climb at all any more) and have helped with mobile installs and more.
Bob/ K6ZOE, Jerry/ KG6TT, Reed/ KG6YAK, Ed/KG6NDO, Paul / KG6HXL, Dan / WD6EXL, and more, but guys, thanks
tom N6AJR
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My Elmers
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by K7VO on January 30, 2006
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While I have tried to help people in this hobby I am afraid I will never be a Yoda. I'm short enough already and green is definitely not my best color :)
Seriously, nice post. On the CB thing: it's not where you've been but where you are now and where you are going that count as far as I am concerned.
73,
Caity
K7VO/9
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RE: My Elmers
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by WA9SVD on January 30, 2006
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Actually, you have that subject line backwards. Yoda was a very good ELMER of the younger JEDI Knights...
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RE: My Elmers
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by WA9SVD on January 30, 2006
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I have a personal motto I do my best to follow, and I'll share it with you, and I'd bet most Elmers follow it, knowingly or not;
"Set the example, don't be one"
Alan, K�BG
www.k0bg.com
=====================
I almost agree with Alan, and I try to help whenever I can, if it's for honest, legitimate reasons.
But I'd add one small addition (or at least a footnote) to his quote: "Don't BE an example unless it is to exemplify the best performance or activity Amateur Radio has to offer."
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RE: My Elmers
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by KC8VWM on January 30, 2006
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Apparently, the use of the term "Elmer" as a role model toward others is not only restricted to ham radio:
http://www.safety-council.org/info/child/elmer/bully.html
73 Charles - KC8VWM
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RE: My Elmers
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by KC8VWM on January 30, 2006
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Perhaps this is the true origin of the term "Elmer" as a role model for others to follow? (Since 1947)
The term "Elmer" started showing up in QST articles in the 1960's
...Could there be a connection?
You decide:
http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-69-1754-12044/life_society/road_safety/clip1
73 Charles - KC8VWM
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RE: My Elmers
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by WL7CMG on January 30, 2006
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I'm sure if the truth be known....MANY hams started in CB. I don't feel there is anything wrong with saying that. Just because you started with CB doesn't mean you're a slime ball. I will never be ashamed to say that if it wasn't for CB I wouldn't be a ham today.....plain and simple. For that matter, CB has probably saved more lives, and helped more people out of so many tight spots that we have no idea of. When I started out all I knew about CB was that you could talk to people on it that were a couple towns over. Then an electrical tech. I met on the air modified an old 40 channel Royce for me and I heard people talking from all over the world. I had no idea what "skip" or DX was. From that time on I WAS HOOKED!!! A few years later I became a ham. So I guess I'd have to say that unknowingly, that guy that modified that old radio for me was my first elmer. So Thanks John (Sandman), for showing me DX, which led me to ham radio. 73s...
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My Elmers
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by KA3CTQ on January 31, 2006
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It is great to have someone to help you advance your knowledge in radio.
The person who has always helped me is my father. Dad would not appreciate being called Elmer or Yoda. He is just my teacher for 30 years.
Now that I have kids who are getting to the age that they ask questions about my radio adventures, I may be an Elmer. I look forward to the chance. But the question I cannot answer will always be forwarded to my dad.
The only thing that I wonder about is what to call the students? They are not novices like decades past. Are they newbies, rookies, “Young Skywalkers”, or what?
By the way, CB was a great stepping stone to Ham. I know a large number of CB’er who became Hams in the late 70s and early 80s. Some still talk about how it got them into radio.
73,
Dan
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by WA1RNE on January 31, 2006
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Dan, KA3CTQ;
You make a very good point. For me, "Dad" was not an "Elmer" in the direct technical sense of ham radio, but he was certainly the "enabler" for most everything else.
For example;
> Towers and large antennas would never have gone skyward without him - nor would they have been repaired after the Blizzard of '78.
> I would never have made it to hamfests, club meetings, etc. without his assistance;
> In my Novice and General days, my first rigs were funded by him;
He never became a ham, but enjoyed talking on the radio with me, especially when he heard a voice he recognized, say from a hamfest, Field Day, or one of many local ham aquaintances. One of his favorite activities was the Quanapowitt Radio Association's 6 meter AM net on Sunday mornings. (hasn't been run for years now).
By virtue of his extraordinary PATIENCE, enormous mechanical skills and the knowing that he was doing something worthwhile for his son, I am a ham radio operator today.
Chris, WA1RNE
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RE: My Elmers
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by K8MHZ on January 31, 2006
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Here is my theory about the origin of the word Elmer as we use it. In 1947 Borden invented the first consumer grade white glue. It was first named Cascorez Glue. Shortly after, the glue was named "Elmer's Glue-All" after Elmer, the husband of Elsie the Cow.
Hams started using the word Elmer as slang probably in the early 1950's for someone that would work, or 'stick' with you to teach you ham radio, coming from the phrase 'He stuck with me like glue'. So, an Elmer was someone that would stick with you like glue.
So, now we all know a bit of trivia, the answer to "Who is Elsie the Cow's husband?
Heck, until now I didn't even know the ol' gal was married.
73,
Mark K8MHZ
(Let the Bull jokes fly)
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RE: My Elmers
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by N2HBZ on January 31, 2006
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Hip (was N2FDJ now WB2HJK) has to be one of the best assets to amateur radio. When I lived in New York, I asked someone at Barry Electronics (the only ham store left in NYC in the late eighties) if they knew any elmers in my neighborhood, and they gave me Hip's number. I had just moved into a new apartment a few weeks earlier. I had noticed some HF and VHF antennas on the roof of the house right behind the one I was living in. I asked him if he knew the guy, but it was him!
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RE: My Elmers
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by KC8VWM on January 31, 2006
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I not buying that bullish huMOOr about Elmers glue.
Everyone knows and herd Elsie's story on Oprah when she claimed to be a horse trapped in a cow's body.
It's obvious Elsie was just another mad cow that rode around on a cow-asaki moo-torcycle in a circuis.
It's just simple math that's done on any cow-culator.
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My Yoda
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by KC8VWM on January 31, 2006
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I once had a Yoda.
He once handed me a Motorola Saber and asked me if I could feel the force.
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RE: My Yoda
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by KX8N on January 31, 2006
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I give you an A+ just for using the name Yoda.
A big Star Wars freak,
Dave
KX8N
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RE: My Elmers
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by NS6Y_ on January 31, 2006
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I'll have to speak up for Len Buckwalter and Bill Shrader. Len Buckwalter's book on ham radio, which I borrowed from the library, showed such enthusiasm and love for ham radio, I knew I was on the right track. How can you read such timeless prose as "Teamed with a two-tube transmitter, it made a simple rig that could work the world" and not itch to become a ham? If that won't do it, the phantasmagorical image of Len's childhood dentist, stepping out of the room while working on teeth to work on DX, making the lights dim in time to his CW, sure will!
Bill Shrader wrote, and re-wrote, and re-wrote, a book called Electronic Communication, which I got a copy of for $2 at a local swapmeet. Yes, you can see by this I was even more broke than most young aspiring hams! I did every problem in that baby, except some of the stuff near the end. It's more of a book to study for electronics in general, and it's an unequaled classic. In fact I want to find a copy again now, the one with a satellite on the cover. Great stuff!
I am very happy to see that Len Buckwalter and Bill Shrader are both still around, both still writing, and both still inspiring new aspiring hams.
Other than that I have to thank Dick Bash, Hal Sprague, KH6JJP, and a slew of others who were helpful and friendly when I was a new licensee. Actually getting the license was something I had to do on my own, due to being very poor, very busy working, etc., but no one gets into this game without several Elmers.
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RE: My Elmers
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by G5FSD on February 1, 2006
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re : "Set the example, don't be one"
A Yoda-y Elmer would say
"The example, set. One, be not"
:o)
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RE: My Elmers
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by WI7B on February 1, 2006
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This post...its all true. You start in radio a CBers, a plug, a ham. A Novice. You find an experienced amateur with good advice and with good equipment. Soon, you on your way. Then you hear a new voice on the bands. She needs your suggestion or your help. You become her "elmer".
The cycle of life continues... :-)
73,
--* Ken
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My Elmers
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by VA3GRV on February 4, 2006
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Very Good Jeff, very well said I feel the same way to all the elmers that have and continue to help me today.I have met a lot of Great people in this hobby and look forward to meeting more.Looking forward to lots of qso's on CW.
73 VA3GRV
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