ACURA Elmer Match program featuring an experienced amateur radio operator mentoring a new ham while demonstrating an HF transceiver, with AG2NJ club branding.

Elmer Match: Find a Ham Radio Mentor

In ham radio, a mentor is called an Elmer. Getting your license is just the start. Programming a radio, putting up an antenna, or making your first contact is a lot easier with a friendly ham beside you. So tell us what you would like help with, and ACURA will match you with an experienced member near you who enjoys the same things. Best of all, it is free, and you do not need to be a club member.

Tell Us a Little About You

Thanks for Offering to Help!

Your email is only shared with the one person we match you with, never posted online.

Why a Ham Radio Mentor Helps

A ham radio mentor saves you hours of frustration. For example, a new handheld can take an evening to program alone, but a mentor can show you in ten minutes. Likewise, your first net check-in feels a lot easier when someone you know is listening. In addition, mentors help you pick an antenna, avoid common mistakes, and find the parts of the hobby you enjoy most.

The word Elmer goes back to the early days of the hobby, when experienced operators helped newcomers learn the ropes. Today, the ARRL still calls mentoring one of the best ways to grow amateur radio. At ACURA, we agree, and our Elmers volunteer their time because they remember who helped them. As a result, new members get on the air faster and stay with the hobby longer. Meanwhile, our Elmers enjoy passing along what they love.

How It Works

  1. Fill out the short form above with the topics you want help with.
  2. A club volunteer picks an Elmer whose interests match yours, usually within a few days.
  3. You both get one email introducing you to each other. From there, meet on the air, by phone, or at an ACURA meeting.

Not licensed yet? Try our free FCC Practice Exam, check the VE Testing Schedule, and visit the New Hams page.