The
HANDI-HAM System's Equipment Loan
Program
FAQ's - Frequently Asked
Questions
This program is available to members with disabilities only who attend a radio
camp session and are willing to take possession of the equipment at camp
and return home with it. We do not pack & ship equipment unless it is
during radio camp week and we have the equipment and volunteers to
help.
You must be current in our database to request this service.
You cannot join HANDI-HAMS just to request equipment.
Requests are general in nature; for example, you can request an HF
transceiver with speech output and an automatic antenna tuner, but you may
not get a specific rig that you have requested, such as a Kenwood
TS-440SAT, unless we have one.
We do not answer equipment requests by phone, though staff can help you to
fill out an equipment request form over the phone. For example, you
cannot call and ask if we have the equipment; you can only ask to fill out
the request form. The reason for this is that when you call us, you
are talking to a person in an office that is not located near the equipment
shop, and there is no way the staff member can tell you what is available.
We do not maintain a list of equipment, so don't ask for a list!
How do I know if I am a current member? You may call HANDI-HAM
Secretary Nancy at 763-520-0512. If you get voice mail, leave
your name, callsign, and complete phone number with area code, plus a short
message requesting your current membership status, and she will return your
call.
What number should I call if I want to fill out a request by phone? Call
Nancy at 763-520-0512. You may also email Nancy and request that she
call you. Her e-mail is: hamradio@couragecenter.org.
Will I get the equipment I request? Maybe. It depends on what folks
give us!
Can I purchase the equipment outright instead of borrowing it? Yes, but
you must make special arrangements to do this. Money we gain this way gets
plowed back into the program.
Can I borrow several items? Yes, if they are related, such as a rig
and a power supply. We know how to put these packages
together.
Can I keep borrowed items? Not forever, because they are on
loan. You must keep up your Handi-Ham membership while borrowing
gear.
Can I sell or trade borrowed items? No, they belong to The Courage
HANDI-HAM System unless you purchase them outright.
What do I do with a borrowed item when I am through using it? Send it back
to us with a short note of explanation in the box or bring it back to radio
camp. We will then loan
it to another member.
What do I do if a piece of borrowed equipment breaks? Please email us
for instructions: hamradio@couragecenter.org.