The ARRL Technical Information Service

   The ARRL Technical Information Service (TIS) is a valuable membership 
benefit. TIS can help you find answers to technical questions. 
   The first place to look for a technical answer is in ARRL 
publications. If you call or write ARRL TIS staff, they will usually 
refer you to our books or to a past QST article. It is usually easier 
and faster, and much more educational, to look up the answer yourself. 
Each issue of QST contains a catalog that describes our current 
publications. Each book contains a comprehensive index. An annual index 
appears in the December issue of QST and other magazines.
   The ARRL Field Organization is also part of TIS! Each ARRL section 
has a Technical Coordinator (TC) and/or one or more Technical 
Specialists (TS). These volunteers can help with local technical 
questions, often offering personal advice about antennas, interference 
problems or other questions that are best answered in person at the 
local level. Your ARRL Section Manager, listed on page 8 of any recent 
QST, can refer you to your TC or local TS.
   Local clubs are also an important technical resource. Most clubs have 
one or more friendly, experienced hams that can offer advice about 
antennas, rig selection or nearly any other topic. You might even find 
that one of the "old timers" has a QST or book collection that goes back 
many years, giving you ready access to a wealth of information. If you 
would like a list of local clubs, send an SASE to ARRL HQ with a request 
for a "Local Club State Printout".
   If you have a question about a specific technical article, the author 
of that article is usually the best person to contact. Write the author 
a friendly letter, asking your questions. (Always include an SASE!) Most 
authors will send you a prompt reply. If you offer feedback, try to be 
positive, even if you disagree with the author. 
   ARRL HQ can answer technical questions, too. Our TIS staff is a 
valuable source of information and research for questions that cannot be 
answered by the TC or an article author. TIS has information packages 
and bibliographies to answer many common technical questions. These are 
available on request. The TIS staff can also do research to locate an 
article on a particular subject, locate a company that sells "widgets" 
or explain a technical point in person by phone or letter.
   TIS can also supply photocopies of out-of-print articles or 
construction "templates" as mentioned in our articles. Contact the hard-
working Technical Department Secretary for information or help. Some 
back issues of QST are available from ARRL HQ for the current cover 
price.
   Nontechnical information is available from the League on request. For 
instance, you can obtain a number of operating aids, contest log sheets, 
W1AW schedules, award applications, maps and more.

For more info about the ARRL Technical Information Service, contact:

Michael Tracy, TIS Coordinator
American Radio Relay League, Inc.
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111

Tel: 203-666-1541
Email: mtracy@arrl.org (internet)

