How so very fortunate that many of us are here in the Ham radio ranks, early-on --- just as we were gallantly undertaking those very first formative steps in our respective lifelong amateur radio “...careers” --- that providence gifted us with an invaluable “Elmer” to guide us through each and every critical stage of what was an absolutely bewildering and seemingly endless array of questions and mysteries...heavens knows, only too well, all about that long hard bumpy road that each of us was forced to travel toward our finally achieving a license and call-sign. So thank heavens, too, that “...good ol' Elmer” made his appearance to us as early when he did, way-back-when...!
Just who, exactly, was your Elmer, anyway...? Your father...? Grandfather, maybe...? An older brother...? Perhaps it was the kindly neighborhood Ham whom you pigeon-holed after wondering what that “...highfalutin” and funny-looking rotary antenna was all about that he had mounted atop a tall tower in his back yard, that had occasion to spin around for some unknown reason. But maybe --- just maybe! --- your personal Elmer wasn't even a living breathing human being, at all. Perhaps the Elmer in your life was just exactly like the one that coached and coaxed me along, imparting invaluable lessons along the way: perhaps your Elmer was actually your radio receiver.
My Elmer here and I became acquainted in April of 1969, when my parents bestowed a third-hand “Hallicrafters S-77A” AC/DC communications receiver to this kid (at my insistence!), that cost them all of $40.00 back then. It was a thing of real beauty to me --- flat black in color, and all professional-looking, with so very many knobs and controls...and it actually had TWO dials gracing its serious and very business-like front face, too, no less. I wasted absolutely no time whatsoever in cruising the short-wave radio spectrum with its four-bands of general RF spectrum coverage. In due course, I became an adept and skilled (or so I thought!) purveyor of the SW BC bands, and an “...expert” on propagation, by frequency band. That old rig taught me a lot about what to expect from the short-wave world of radio, and it wasted absolutely no time in doing so, either.
One of the very first lessons that it imparted upon me was the critical importance of polarizing its AC plug just “...the right way” into the wall socket of my basement radio room --- failure to so while sitting on the cellar's concrete floor proved to be (literally!) quite a shocking experience whenever I reached for one of the radio's metal toggle switches. Extensive research in the matter of AC/DC receiver design deficiencies taught me that a 115 VAC to 115 VAC isolation power transformer installed in its power cord would forever rid me of the very real risk of inadvertent electrocution. Gone was the necessity of a painted stripe on the plastic plug's right side (courtesy of my older sister's pink nail polish), and the discipline of ensuring that this very same right side was inserted into the right of any AC receptacles in the house, too...
Sometime later, after my Elmer proved invaluable to me in learning the code by way of W1AW's 80-meter on-the-air code practice sessions (and at long last earning the call-sign of VE3CUI in April of 1971), I came to the awe-inspiring conclusion(!) that my S-77A's pre-set-and-broad-as-a-barn-door selectivity was most assuredly not conducive to otherwise leisurely CW QSOs in the then crowded U.S.A. 40-meter Novice sub-band. The solution...? I had read in an ad of QST magazine that something called a “Heathkit QF-1” Q-multiplier could well be the answer to my prayers --- and so I bought one, second-hand and fully assembled, for the then-princely sum of $5.00 from a want ad that I had placed in the pages of the “Radio Society of Ontario's” monthly membership magazine.

When the Q-multiplier finally arrived, I grew suddenly fearful and hesitant because I knew, full-well, that in order for it to function as advertised, I would have to actually get inside of the receiver to complete its installation. But install it I gamely did --- and it almost immediately elevated (once I mastered its controls, that is) the performance of both the S-77A, and VE3CUI, to previously unknown new, and stellar, heights...in short, the next level of Hamdom. “Wow...!” I thought to myself. “So THIS is how to enhance, improve, and otherwise 'hot-rod' what you've got...!” I was simply overjoyed and just oh-so-very-proud of myself at what I had accomplished. And my trepidation at getting “...into the innards” of the radio was considerably reduced from that point, on.
As time progressed, I grew tired and frustrated with the propagation limitations afforded me by remaining perennially parked on 40-meters --- I longed for some easy pickings, in the form of day-time DX. The only possibility in that pursuit was comfortable operation on either 20-, 15-, or 10-meters..and the already taxed local oscillator of the Hallicrafters S-77A made reception of CW and SSB signals a practical impossibility on any frequency much higher than about 13-MHz. So what to do...? Yes, it was “...hot-rod” time again...! The A.R.R.L. book, “Understanding Amateur Radio,” coupled with some crystals that I mail-ordered from “Jan Crystals” in Florida, yielded an absolutely amazing (well, to me at any rate) 6AU6 – 6U8A ultra-stable receiving converter, that essentially allowed me to successfully tune the three higher HF bands on the already perfectly satisfactory 80-meter band of my receiver. My Elmer taught me a most valuable lesson in both the design, and the execution, both, of double-conversion superheterodyne receivership...!

Of course, these “...out-of-necessity” tutorials did not simply end at that: there followed the construction of two RF pre-selectors, both regenerative, and otherwise...I imparted an automatic send-receive set-up incorporating the receiver's internal muting circuitry, controlled by simply one, single switch...I dove right into the rig one time and successfully trouble-shot, and replaced, a faulty IF transformer, and tried --- but admittedly, failed! --- to install an IF crystal lattice filter atop the steel chassis. In short, my personal confidence was bolstered to levels hitherto unknown to me, and I benefited from the innumerable lessons that my many sideline home-brewed projects taught me, as well: painting, construction, soldering, the importance of well-thought out parts lay-out and placement, electrical safety, etc. etc. etc.
The list is near-endless. In short, I have an imparted and genuine love of electronic creativity and home construction within me that has been a second-nature mainstay here for some 49 years of active and enthusiastic engagement in this rewarding, all-engrossing hobby...and to whom is it, again, that I owe all this debt of eternal gratitude to...? Yes --- to none other than my very own personal “...inanimate” Elmer, i.e. that incomparable Hallicrafters S-77A receiver of mine (which I still have here, too, by the way!), a steady lifelong companion and tireless inspirational friend to me, lo these many years...!
Edward “Eddy” Peter Swynar, VE3CUI – VE3XZ
| KM1H | 2020-12-24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Re: ...'Elmer' IS --- As 'Elmer' DOES...! | ||
| I never had an Elmer either, that was a construct by W9BRD at the ARRL who had a friend with that name. I think that is a ridiculous name to use as outsiders already think of hams as Loony Toons and the antics of Elmer Fudd. I had a MENTOR. His call was W2GK and one of my instructors at Bishop Loughlin HS in Brooklyn NY. He got me thru the Novice in 1955 and we had a little celebration when I passed the General and achieved the ARRL 30 wpm Morse Code proficiency test in 1956 and 57. He also had an interesting life, died in 2014, look him up; RIP Brother Pat. Ive had the pleasure of excellent MENTORS thruout my life in a huge range of endeavors and I also MENTOR a few in this area into ham radio and thru various technical areas I can help. Carl Reply to a comment by : G8FXC on 2020-09-20 I never had an Elmer - I think it it primarily an American concept. I studied for the exam from books and passed at the age of 15. This was, of course, long before the internet so forums like eham did not exist to give us access to remote Elmers! | ||
| WA7OPV | 2020-10-05 | |
|---|---|---|
| Re: ...'Elmer' IS --- As 'Elmer' DOES...! | ||
| No Elmer for me at all. Books, vinyl Code records, allied radio and heathkit catalogs, license manuals, ARRL Handbook. Code came slowly, until I finally was ready to take the test at 14. I was referred to one of the "Premiere Elmers" in our city and he gave me the novice test. He later setup a Heathkit store here in Salt Lake City and was well known by everyone. Erv Greene W7EU was a huge asset and help many hams here in Utah. Reply to a comment by : G8FXC on 2020-09-20 I never had an Elmer - I think it it primarily an American concept. I studied for the exam from books and passed at the age of 15. This was, of course, long before the internet so forums like eham did not exist to give us access to remote Elmers! | ||
| N2AYM | 2020-09-28 | |
|---|---|---|
| ...'Elmer' IS --- As 'Elmer' DOES...! | ||
| Before I graduated HS my elmer was my electronics teacher and got me started in ham radio. After graduation I had no access to him so I learned so much by going to the library and reading all i could on electronics with a lot of research I spent many days teaching myself which in those days was my early internet. That was in the 1970's and later in the early 1980's I attended Devry for the ET program. My electronics teacher was the best teacher and elmer I ever had.....DE Dan N2AYM | ||
| KD1JT | 2020-09-25 | |
|---|---|---|
| ...'Elmer' IS --- As 'Elmer' DOES...! | ||
| I've had many Elmers. Each taught me something about an aspect of amateur I hadn't learned yet. Bob,WS1J (SK), last call sign was W1CNY got me interested in taking the exams. Helped me set up my shack, gave me a J-38 and said "learn the code", despite the changes that were to come in the near future. Fred, W1CKV(SK) was my CW mentor, and taught me how to work a FD pileup on 40m CW, while consuming liberal quantities of fine Scotch. He was a remarkable person in many ways. Chuck, K1DFS, was the trustee of our clubs repeaters. Not much of an HF operator at the time, but at a FD he taught me the beauty of simple wire antennas ... "put as much wire as you can, as high as you can". Good advice. Jack, WK1S (SK), rode shotgun with me on our commute from Hartford to Stamford CT. I would work 20 and 40m CW while driving, and he would log for me. He got me into using 6m for radio-controlled airplanes. Milt Chaffee, W1EFW (SK), got me into NTS CW Traffic nets at the Section and Region levels, and introduced me to the ARRL CT Section leadership. All fine gents, never critical, always helpful. | ||
| VA3RR | 2020-09-25 | |
|---|---|---|
| ...'Elmer' IS --- As 'Elmer' DOES...! | ||
| My elmer was Dick, VE3IBV. He was the head of the shop department at our local high school. Much to the chagrin of the electrical shop instructor, Dick set up a club station, VE3LDS, in the back of the electric shop classroom. Drake twins, if I recall. He also helped me find an older receiver so I could listen to W1AW code practice. My exam was administered by the head DOC radio inspector, Hugh, VE3WM. When I passed, he mentioned that we had a local club in my town, which I was welcome to join. The meetings were held in Norm, VE3ETJ's basement. Norm always had "adult beverages" for the meetings, but I was too young to partake. We used to operate a station on field day, and at the local fair. Wonderful times indeed... | ||
| KE6SLS | 2020-09-23 | |
|---|---|---|
| ...'Elmer' IS --- As 'Elmer' DOES...! | ||
By the grace of all that is good, I was one very fortunate ham to of had an amazing Mentor--one Shally K6VHP (sk). I was told one afternoon to visit "Radio Ranch." Needless to say, my life has never been the same. Shally gave me great advice, Loaned my great boat anchors so I could seriously get my toes wet in the water of great QSO's. Another mentor gave me the contest bug--Mark AA6DX. Always willing to help me out and then always willing to allow me to assist him in later years. Every time we talk, I come away with a greater understanding of our local ham history and love of all that is HAMMING. Now, after more than 25 years being a ham, I find myself often mentored by newbies. Perhaps it is my age or wisdom, being able to learn something from them, even as I teach them the ropes. Lots of folks lean on me for advice, and I in turn lean on lots of others for my need for advice. I think mentoring is very cyclic. Swirling, churning, learning thing. Obviously, I am a very lucky ham. 73 Jaye | ||
| KE8G | 2020-09-22 | |
|---|---|---|
| ...'Elmer' IS --- As 'Elmer' DOES...! | ||
| I guess I come from a different era, but I had an Elmer. He was someone who was always there to answer some "silly" question or offer advice. Although he didn't give me my Novice test, he encouraged me to learn Morse code and the needed materials. He was a guy who loved ham radio and helped many area hams when it came time to install antennas. Best of all he was family, well by marriage anyway, and he was a great guy. He is no longer with us and someone grabbed his call sign before I upgraded to Extra. He was Hank Zimmermann, good old K4FU out of the Louisville, KY area. I miss him and his cheeky comments, but most of all, the ham world lost a guy who was a true Elmer. A lot of old timers will remember him, he was a fellow who did a pretty famous DXpedition way back and gave folks a new DXCC. 73 de Jim - KE8G | ||
| KT4EP | 2020-09-22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Re: ...'Elmer' IS --- As 'Elmer' DOES...! | ||
| Agree! Reply to a comment by : G8FXC on 2020-09-20 I never had an Elmer - I think it it primarily an American concept. I studied for the exam from books and passed at the age of 15. This was, of course, long before the internet so forums like eham did not exist to give us access to remote Elmers! | ||
| KT4EP | 2020-09-22 | |
|---|---|---|
| ...'Elmer' IS --- As 'Elmer' DOES...! | ||
| I didn't have an Elmer so far as studying for the tests; I did that on my on. In the early 90's I did have a lot of advice from a SK (AD4NN) at the ham radio store in Memphis and old CB guy living in Horn Lake, Mississippi. I was a trained NAVY communicator in the early 70's with experience in radio, HF, and satellite comms. I never found the ham radio tests to be very hard. I did get up to almost 20 wpm with CW; self taught with Gordon West tapes and listening to ARRL CW transmissions. | ||
| K6CRC | 2020-09-21 | |
|---|---|---|
| ...'Elmer' IS --- As 'Elmer' DOES...! | ||
| When I was in High School, the EL lab had a triband and a Swan setup. Teacher was a ham, but would never help us learn code or to pass the Novice test. I did meet an older guy who invited me to a Ham club. All I heard that night was complaints about how stupid kids were and that I needed a haircut. End of that idea, I figured all Hams were like that. Too bad I never had a real Elmer or met the right people. 40 years later, I picked up the hobby after attending a CERT class. Fun to get back into building things. Restored a couple of boat anchors, and built a transceiver from a kit. Tried a dozen different antennas designs, played around with software, etc. I got off to a bad start with the hobby. But, likely with college, then work travel, kids sports and music, and such I would not have had time for it in the middle of my life. Now, it is a fun hobby. Old car, ham radio, and a few other things pass my time. | ||
| G8FXC | 2020-09-20 | |
|---|---|---|
| ...'Elmer' IS --- As 'Elmer' DOES...! | ||
| I never had an Elmer - I think it it primarily an American concept. I studied for the exam from books and passed at the age of 15. This was, of course, long before the internet so forums like eham did not exist to give us access to remote Elmers! | ||