Get Answers

Need help picking a good antenna or feedline for your new station?  Having trouble accessing our repeaters?  Do you need some help programming your radio, setting up common ham radio software, or installing an antenna?  Or perhaps you're looking for more detailed, one-on-one coaching and traditional Elmering?

The new RATS Elmer Program can connect you with volunteers who have offered to share their knowledge and experience with others.

Services for the Unlicensed

Our Elmer program can help you locate training materials, classes, and test sessions to help you get your amateur radio license.

If you're looking for radios for your family, hunt club, small business, community group, church, etc., amateur radio probably isn't what you're looking for.  We have folks who are knowledgeable in other radio services such as FRS, GMRS, CB, MURS, and business band radio.  They can point you in the right direction.

We can also provide limited advice for local shortwave and scanner listeners who aren't currently ham radio operators.  And when the bug finally bites, we can get you licensed, too.

For RATS Members

One-on-one technical assistance is available to newly licensed hams and to any active RATS member.  We can't guarantee we can diagnose every issue or solve every dilemma, but we know people who know things and we're good at digging up answers, so feel free to send us your questions.

Contact the RATS Elmer Program

To reach us, send an e-mail to helpdesk@rats.net.  Please allow up to 72 hours for an initial response. Another way is to use our Elmers Discussion Forum where any of our Elmers can answer your question and have it posted where others with the same question can see.

Other Great Resources

Take a look at our Get Involved page for ways to be active in the hobby, and our  Get Connected page for links to local clubs and online resources.