The WTRA Elmering Program

Welcome to the Western Tidewater Radio Association’s Elmering Program page.  The Elmering Program is an effort by the WTRA to offer elmering (mentoring) in the finest traditions of Ham Radio to people who are interested in becoming hams, new hams, and “old-timers” alike.

The term "Elmer"--meaning someone who provides personal guidance and assistance to would-be hams--first appeared in QST in a March 1971 "How's DX" column by Rod Newkirk, W9BRD (now also VA3ZBB). Newkirk called them "the unsung fathers of Amateur Radio." While he probably was not trying to coin a term at the time, here's how Newkirk introduced "Elmer" in his column and, as it turned out, to the rest of the Amateur Radio world:

"Too frequently one hears a sad story in this little nutshell: 'Oh, I almost got a ticket, too, but Elmer, W9XYZ, moved away and I kind of lost interest.'"

Newkirk went on to say, "We need those Elmers. All the Elmers, including the ham who took the most time and trouble to give you a push toward your license, are the birds who keep this great game young and fresh."--Rick Lindquist, N1RL

As you can see, the term is not very old. Prior to the first use of Elmer as the one who guided and encouraged us, what were these folks called? I have received a lot of suggestions; teacher, mentor, tutor, guide, helper, sage? All are appropriate but my guess would be that first and foremost they were called friend.

In this day and age of instant information offered by the internet, many of the traditions of elmering have been lost.  In the “old days” (not so long ago, actually), the path of a new ham typically involved the newcomer finding (or being found by) an experienced ham, and being taken under the wing of the experienced ham to learn the basics of radio, traditions and good operating practices.  This program is an effort to return in some measure to this tradition.

The Elmering Program has four main components: (1) A group of volunteer hams willing to mentor newcomers on a one to one basis, (2) amateur radio license classes offered by club members to prepare newcomers for license exams, (3) a Volunteer Examiner Team sponsored by the club to give amateur radio exams and (4) a Practical Workshops program which offers hands-on practical workshop sessions for both newcomers and club members alike to expand their knowledge in a specific aspect of amateur radio.

The Elmers

Listed below are the WTRA Volunteer Elmers along with their areas of specialized knowledge and contact information.  Please use e-mail to contact these hams. (Club members wishing to be listed here should contact N4KIT.)

License Classes

Listed below are the upcoming amateur radio license classes offered by the club.

Click here for the WTRA VE Team webpage listing test dates and a link to the pre-registration form.

Technical Workshops

Listed below is the schedule of WTRA Technical Workshops. Click here for more information on the workshop.