Elmer Reference Library – Amateur Radio Guides, Tutorials & Technical Resources
Welcome to the Elmer Reference Library — your on-site mentor for building, improving, and troubleshooting amateur radio stations.
Whether you’re a newly licensed Technician, upgrading to General, or fine-tuning an HF/VHF/UHF setup, this library provides clear, practical guidance
based on real-world operating experience. Each section includes tutorials, charts, diagrams, and printable resources designed to help you make the
right decisions for antennas, coaxial cable, grounding, connectors, and overall station performance.
This is a living resource that will continue to grow. Bookmark it, share it, and check back often as new guides and training materials are added.
📘 License Classes & Operating Privileges
Understand the structure of U.S. amateur radio licensing, including Technician, General, and Amateur Extra Class privileges.
These guides outline band allocations, permitted modes, exam requirements, and the basics of operating legally and effectively on HF, VHF, and UHF.
Perfect for new hams preparing for upgrade tests or returning operators refreshing their knowledge.
→ Technician Class Overview
→ General Class Privileges
→ Amateur Extra Class Privileges
→ HF/VHF/UHF Band Allocation Charts
📡 Coaxial Cable & Feedline Fundamentals
Feedline quality determines how much of your transmitted power actually reaches the antenna — and how much received signal makes it back to your rig.
These guides explain the differences between RG-Series coax, LMR low-loss cable, Heliax hardline, and flexible antenna wire options.
You’ll learn about attenuation, velocity factor, shielding types, outdoor durability, and how to select the correct coax for your frequency,
length, and environment.
→ How to Choose the Right Coax
→ Feedline Loss Charts & Tables
→ Weatherproofing & Installing Coax
→ Common Coax Cable Mistakes
→ Weatherproofing & Installing Coax
📶 Antennas & RF Components
Your antenna system is the heart of your station. These references cover dipoles, verticals, end-fed antennas,
multi-band solutions, matching networks, baluns, chokes, feedpoints, and performance considerations at HF, VHF, and UHF.
Learn how to build or select the right antenna for your operating goals.
→ Dipole Basics
→ Baluns, Chokes Explained
→ Antenna Installation & Safety Tips
🛡 Grounding, Bonding & Station Protection
Proper grounding is essential for both RF performance and safety. These guides explain RF grounding,
single-point bonding, lightning protection, dissipation paths, and common station grounding mistakes.
Learn how to reduce RFI, improve receive noise levels, and protect your equipment.
→ RF Grounding & Bonding Fundamentals
→ Lightning Protection for Amateur Stations
📄 Downloadable Charts, Tables & Quick References
Fast, accurate reference material you can print and keep in the shack. These tools support antenna design,
feedline selection, and band planning.
🔧 Station Building, Setup & Troubleshooting
From choosing your first radio to solving stubborn RFI problems, these practical guides help you build a station
that performs reliably. Includes grounding tips, choke placement, cable routing, SWR testing, ferrite selection,
and power distribution best practices.
→ Eliminating RFI in the Shack
→ First Amateur Radio Station Setup
DX Ham Radio Supply is committed to supporting the amateur radio community with training,
quality equipment, and reliable technical resources. If you need personalized help, check back soon for our
upcoming “Chat with Elmer” interactive support tool.
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