Elmers corner and Newsletter
After the article below, you can sign up for the elmers newsletter. And above use the dropdown menu to view the archives.
What exactly is an elmer?
Say the word “Elmer” to a non-Ham and two thoughts spring to mind: glue for elementary craft projects and a bald-headed rabbit hunter who has trouble pronouncing his Rs (see Barber of Seville). In the Amateur Radio realm, Elmers holds a high place of esteem. The word means an operator who takes a novice under his or her wing, providing personal guidance and answers to the thousands of questions that confront the newbie. It can also be used as a verb, as in, “Elmering an aspiring operator is a cherished tradition that goes back to the early days of the hobby.”
We all have Elmers in this hobby through one medium or another. I’ve certainly been blessed with a number of them. I’ve tried to be an Elmer to a number of others, too. We get Elmering through other means besides in-person discussions, of course, as various social media platforms (especially Youtube) have exploded with how-to videos and such. Some Elmers are now charging for their premium educational services! But Elmering as an activity is rarely a monolithic endeavor as very few hams tend to “know it all,” although every reader can name a few on QRZ.com or eHam.net who seem to be legends in their own mind.
I’m talking here about one Elmer helping explain something about the hobby over a period of time where the learner becomes more competent in that subject matter within the scope of the hobby. It’s entirely likely that the learning ham can give back to specific Elmers on another aspect of the diverse hobby that is amateur radio. I’ve tried to do that in spots where it was clear that I could.
Elmers play a crucial role in preserving the knowledge and culture of amateur radio by offering guidance on everything from passing license exams to building antennas, operating effectively, and understanding regulations. Their support can significantly reduce the learning curve for new operators, fostering confidence and encouraging long-term engagement in the hobby. In an era where self-taught skills often dominate, Elmers embody the spirit of community, shared learning, and hands-on experience that continues to keep amateur radio vibrant and growing.
What exactly is the Elmers corner newsletter?
The elmers corner newsletter is a newsletter started on W8WE.org (InterCity Amateur Radio Club) and since the re-do of that site, it has been a sort of challange to send out the emails to those who wish to have it.
The newsletter is sent out every Monday morning before your first coffee or tea. and sometimes on Thursdays, again before the start of your day. It is filled with a lot of great information for those who wish to learn about, or even those in the hobby for awhile, would like to learn new things. in past newsletters I have kept it for articles. but the future will be filled with DIY projects, fun trivia, and much much more.
Sort of the reason I will be making a change to how and when the newsletters will be sent. As you have noticed, I have already changed the sent by email from my gmail account, to now my personal nu8v website. so make sure you add the email as a safe one. The changes will come in the way of the main Elmers corner to be sent out on Mondays. Then Thursdays will become the DIY projects newsletter.
So if the newsletter sounds good for you. then below sign up.
