Mon 23 Apr-Fri 27 Apr EuCW QRS Week
Sun 13 May RSGB 4m CW Contest
Sun 13 May FISTS Eu Ladder
Sun 27 May FISTS Eu Ladder
Sun 10 Jun FISTS Eu Ladder
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Welcome to FISTS CW Club

FISTS supports the use, preservation and education of Morse code.  The club is devoted exclusively to CW operators, CW operating and people who are passionate about Morse code.


NYE 320-001 Straight Key from Dennis K6DF's collection.  Click to go to a larger picture We have three straightforward goals:
  • Further the use of CW (Morse Code)
  • Engender friendships among members
  • Encourage newcomers to use CW (Morse Code)

FISTS CW Club in Europe is the founding chapter of the club.
Bencher BY-1 Paddle from Dennis K6DF's collection.  Click to go to a larger picture
Interested in becoming a member?

Find out more about our history.

Latest News:

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  • 22 Apr 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder April 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of the March 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 22 Apr 18: The 2018 EuCW QRS Week activity is Monday 23 April to Friday 27 April inclusive.

    Maximum speed is 14 wpm.

    Call 'CQ' or 'CQ QRS'.

    See the full details on the EuCW website.


     
  • 21 Apr 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 22 April 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
  • 07 Apr 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 08 April 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
  • 04 Apr 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    DiarmuidVK1FDHA#15224 DavidM6KSF#18586 WayneKK6ZPL#18604
    ChangBX2AK#15262 SteveM6KLR#18587 JoeKU5M#18605
    LeeBX2AB#15263 MarkM0MRX#18588 AlKC1IVZ#18606
    BoW4GHV#18541 GlynG7UQN#18589 JamesAD0YO#18607
    IanW9IAN#18542 JulianM0JCE#18590 AlexKK6ZLY#18608
    LeeKV5M#18543 TonyG6MEW#18591 JonathanKC4DEJ#18609
    RobertK4BKC#18544 PhilG8HTW#18592 JosephVE9OCR#18610
    CraigKD2NSP#18545 MattM6XHX#18593 ManuelKC6ZSY#18611
    JohnW4ZZY#18546 MarkM0LTG#18594 ClarenceK0JZ#18612
    HectorW1DEA#18547 PetrOK1LIX#18595 ThomasNS3U#18613
    EdKB7S#18548 SladeM6SQB#18596 HowardAE0Z#18614
    JohnWA1QDX#18549 JohnGSWL48#18597 BenK2CPU#18615
    PekkaOH7GYN#18580 AndreasDJ3EI#18598 RalphN4RLI#18616
    JohnG4SJY#18581 JoeIK2WAD#18599 JohnGW4LPB#18700
    Andrew9H4BA#18582 Los Alamos ArcW5PDO#18600 GrahameM0OSB#18701
    AndyDF1BV#18583 MaynardKC1IXM#18601 GavinG8XJR#18702
    NigelG8NYZ#18584 MichaelK9MB#18602 ColinG4RTJ#18703
    Matt2E0LJZ#18585 StephenKC3ANQ#18603    
  • 02 Apr 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    DaveG0DEB#380 1 X QRP
    RichardG0ILN#398 Millionaire 5 Million Endorsement
    MichaelW3QT#13724 Millionaire 3 Million Endorsement
    SteveVK7CW#14164 Millionaire 7 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 8 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 9 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 40m Endorsement
    JeanF6JOE#16177 Spectrum 20m Endorsement

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 02 Apr 18: Please send in your logs for the following March 2018 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.
  • 23 Mar 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 25 March 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe) runs throughout March and encourages QSOs with newer members who joined on or after 01 March 2017.

      QSOs can be at any time BUT it's recommended that newer members call CQ LFL on or around the centre of activity frequencies starting on the hour for up to 5 minutes at: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.  Bands 160/80/40/20/15/10/2m.  Minimum exchange is FISTS member number but otherwise talk about whatever you wish e.g. RST, Name, QTH, WX, transceiver, antenna, Morse key,...
  • 14 Mar 18: The February 2018 Key Note is now available to all current FISTS CW Club members.

    Please visit the Members' Area to get your copy:
    https://fists.co.uk/members/members.aspx

    Items in this issue include:
    • Getting the Hump over the Camelback Key
    • Jet Setting and a Sad Story to tell
    • QRP in Britagne
    • Samuel Finley Breese Morse
    • What makes a Good CW Operator?
    • Review: MTR3-B QRP Transceiver
    • Review: Palm Radio Palm Pico Single Key
    • Review: The 9A5N Solid State Paddle

    ... and more besides!

     
  • 13 Mar 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder March 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of the February 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 08 Mar 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 11 March 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe) runs throughout March and encourages QSOs with newer members who joined on or after 01 March 2017.

      QSOs can be at any time BUT it's recommended that newer members call CQ LFL on or around the centre of activity frequencies starting on the hour for up to 5 minutes at: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.  Bands 160/80/40/20/15/10/2m.  Minimum exchange is FISTS member number but otherwise talk about whatever you wish e.g. RST, Name, QTH, WX, transceiver, antenna, Morse key,...
  • 07 Mar 18: The latest version, 3.4.8, of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

    This version adds support for 2m in the new Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe).  Note that this works retrospectively; qualifying 2m QSOs starting from 01 March will be included when sending a log in at the start of April.  It also includes fixes for several issues.

    FISTS Log Converter can be used in conjunction with almost all amateur radio logbook programs -or- for anyone not currently using one, it includes its own optional, easy-to-use logbook.

    The program is available from the download web page.  Many thanks to the testers: Alex PA1FOX, Michael G0POT, Peter G4LHI, and Richard G0ILN.
  • 02 Mar 18: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following February 2018 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.
  • 02 Mar 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    GlennVK2GST#15223 RogerK5PE#18519 MarcKN4BKR#18538
    SunDS5PXJ#15261 CharlesK9DCC#18520 ScottW9VHE#18539
    JamesKF5KAQ#18502 DougKI7RZB#18521 MichaelN4IBG#18540
    GregK8ULT#18503 MarkKK7VP#18522 KarlSM3CNH#18564
    EdwardN7EDK#18504 BenVE1AHX#18523 AlexDJ0MDO#18565
    BrentVE1KF#18505 TabrenNO CALL 14#18524 Graham2E0XBA#18566
    AndrewWB7DKZ#18506 TonyVE2KM#18525 RichardM0HGL#18567
    LarryKJ1RE#18507 PatrickNO CALL 15#18526 MattM6NCQ#18568
    JamesKI5II#18508 FrankN5NI#18527 PieterON3PH#18569
    RobertKI4F#18509 ClaudeK5JTO#18528 Paul2E0IGL#18570
    DennisKK0DJ#18510 JohnKC3ARN#18529 ChrisGSWL47#18571
    KevinWA9VFD#18511 PhilipW1GEE#18530 CrisIZ3GAK#18572
    JohnAB5GQ#18512 RobertN3XKB#18531 PaulG7VKZ#18573
    GregoryKC1IVW#18513 KonstantinKZ4IG#18532 JoeIZ8AJU#18574
    MikeKC3GEM#18514 JohnAJ6BJ#18533 BrianG3LTM#18575
    Edmond ArsK5EOK#18515 CharlesN9VJ#18534 SteveG7JHU#18576
    ShelliK6SRJ#18516 TimothyKC3KUE#18535 HarryM0JFN#18577
    DanicaKC9W#18517 JamesK6JNX#18536 MarioIK2CMN#18578
    DanaK3DWC#18518 DavidW5FUY#18537 ChrisM0TCH#18579
  • 01 Mar 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    RichardG0ILN#398 Spectrum 80m Endorsement
    PeterG4LHI#2219 Millionaire 10 Million Endorsement
    KenG4RHR#2248 Gold Century, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 28 Feb 18: The new Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe) runs throughout March and encourages QSOs with newer members who joined on or after 01 March 2017.

    QSOs can be at any time BUT it's recommended that newer members call CQ LFL on or around the centre of activity frequencies starting on the hour for up to 5 minutes at: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.  Bands 160/80/40/20/15/10/2m.  Minimum exchange is FISTS member number but otherwise talk about whatever you wish e.g. RST, Name, QTH, WX, transceiver, antenna, Morse key,...

    See the Listen for Learners rules for full details.

    The latest version of FISTS Log Converter, 3.4.6, supports Listen for Learners for 160m-10m.  A newer version will be available within a few days that adds support for 2m.
  • 27 Feb 18: The latest version (3.4.6) of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

    This version adds initial support for the new Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe).  (There will also be a further version soon that adds 2m to Listen for Learners.)

    FISTS Log Converter can be used in conjunction with almost all amateur radio logbook programs -or- for anyone not currently using one, it includes its own optional, easy-to-use logbook.

    The program is available from the download web page.  Many thanks to the testers: Alex PA1FOX, Peter G4LHI, and Richard G0ILN.
  • 25 Feb 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 25 February 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
    • "Listen for Learners" starts on Thursday 01 March and runs throughout March - final details to be announced soon!
  • 11 Feb 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder February 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of the January 2018 Ladder results and the upcoming Listen for Learners Activity.

     
  • 11 Feb 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air Ladder activity:
    • Ladder Sunday 11 February 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
  • 08 Feb 18: The latest version (3.4.5) of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

    This version adds support for the new DXCC entity 'Republic of Kosovo'.

    FISTS Log Converter can be used in conjunction with almost all amateur radio logbook programs -or- for anyone not currently using one, it includes its own optional, easy-to-use logbook.

    The program is available from the download web page.  Many thanks to the testers: Alex PA1FOX, Peter G4LHI, and Richard G0ILN.
  • 04 Feb 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    TokuJP7MLT#15259 MarkW3DXG#18487 JosephN7WJ#18501
    KazuJR4GGT#15260 FoyWE0FC#18488 VagiVU2JXL#18551
    PhilW0NLK#18466 StephenK4OBL#18489 SteveG1TOL#18552
    TomKN4GPT#18476 JudithKD0TOT#18490 DavidM0WDD#18553
    KurtAD0WE#18477 PatrickKK6YK#18491 Brian2E0OET#18554
    DanN9WJ#18478 EricK0EAP#18492 Jim2E0HBV#18555
    HarryN3HWH#18479 BarryKA0DXB#18493 NilsDL3HR#18556
    RodWI8A#18480 ChrisK2HAE#18494 PeteM6VPH#18557
    RobertK4UYQ#18481 JimKI6KRO#18495 RichardGW0HDY#18558
    KenKD2KEH#18482 RickyKX4RC#18496 RichardG4TGJ#18559
    RichardK1CDX#18483 DennisN0SMX#18497 SimonM0ILR#18560
    RyanKB0RAH#18484 AndrewAB3U#18498 LucaIK1OWC#18561
    ThomasK4AEN#18485 DennisAD6DM#18499 RayM0DHP#18562
    JohnW9WN#18486 RichardWR4RW#18500    
  • 04 Feb 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    AndySP9NLI#3741 Prefix
    PeterM5ABN#6423 Millionaire 5 Million Endorsement
    PhilK4NE#13030 Silver Century, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement
    JeanF6JOE#16177 Millionaire 4 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 80m Endorsement, Spectrum 40m
    MikeWI5H#16705 Basic Century, 1 X QRP, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 3 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 20m
    EmilI5EFO#17028 Spectrum 40m
    FanisSV2BBK#18061 Millionaire

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 03 Feb 18: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following January 2017 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.
  • 03 Feb 18: The FISTS CW Club Americas Winter Slow Speed Sprint (max. 13 wpm) takes place on Saturday 3 February 1700-2100 UTC on 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m & 10m.

    Call "CQ FS".  The exchange includes:
    RST, U.S. state or Canadian province or DXCC country, first name, FISTS member number.
    Non-members send their power output in Watts instead of a member number.

    Members worldwide are invited to participate.

    For N1MM contest logger users, a User Defined Contest (UDC) file is available.  Go to the N1MM website, choose "FILES" then "User Defined Contests (UDC)" and look for the file G3ZQSmem.zip (can be used for Sprints despite the name).  A FISTS Call History File is also available.
  • 27 Jan 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air Ladder activity:
    • Ladder Sunday 28 January 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
  • 19 Jan 18: The final Cumulatives Report from FISTS CW Club Americas has been published by Dennis K6DF.

    This newsletter contains the results and soapbox comments for the Cumulatives on-air sessions during 2018.

    Please note that the Cumulatives have now finished and are not running in 2018.  Congratulations to the certificate and key winners and thank you to everyone who has participated.

     
  • 17 Jan 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder January 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

    BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

    This edition includes details of the final results for the 2017 Ladder and Straight Key Week.



     
  • 13 Jan 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air Ladder activity:
    • Ladder Sunday 14 January 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
          Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).

      QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
  • 08 Jan 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    HermanVK7HW#15220 TristanMW3VJN#18448 DonK6LPQ#18464
    KarenVK2AKB#15221 MikeG4TSQ#18449 ChristopherN0UK#18465
    BrettVK2CBD#15222 DerekN0GB#18453 PhilipWA0NLK#18466
    AngelN4SNI#18388 MelanieK0MBM#18454 JohnAF6HC#18467
    AndiDL5CG#18439 RobertNQ1A#18455 BobAF4OI#18468
    TrevorG0KIN#18440 CharlesWS6A#18456 QRU Radio ClubKX4S#18470
    AriOH2ECG#18441 DouglasK1CTR#18457 CurtisK4TL#18471
    JohnGW0RAD#18442 GeneW2BXR#18458 MartinKM6MFI#18472
    GrahamG4JBD#18443 DavidKM4QVM#18459 MarkVA6MPJ#18473
    JimGI4SZW#18444 MichaelNG0C#18460 MichaelKM6PCX#18474
    RobertG7IOC#18445 DavidKD9SU#18461 PaulK7AZT#18475
    BernardON7ZH#18446 ThomasWD5GBS#18462 Tony2E0FTF#18550
    MauIZ0GPP#18447 AaronKG6OVR#18463    
  • 02 Jan 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    AndySP9NLI#3741 Prefix
    PhilK4NE#13030 Silver Century, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 02 Jan 18: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following December 2017 activities:

    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.
  • 01 Jan 18: The "winter/spring" EuCW Snakes & Ladders run starts today, Monday 01 January, and finishes at the end of 30 June (UTC).

    If you've not participated previously, now is a great time to start.  QSOs must take at least five minutes, stations contacted must be European stations and the mode must be CW.  Each station may be contacted once per day, irrespective of the band.

    For more details, please see the comprehensive rules.

    Have a very Happy New Year from all at FISTS CW Club.

Please visit the News page for a full list of recent and older news items.

Interested in becoming a member?

FISTS HQ welcomes new members who have a passion for Morse Code.

1990 Vibroplex from Dennis K6DF's collection. Click to go to a larger picture Benefits of membership include:
  • Our popular Quarterly A5 News Booklet
  • Free use of the FISTS QSL Bureau
  • Access to our members-only area
  • Help and support from like minded people
The FISTS Club is one of amateur radio's fastest growing organisations.  It's a unique club, founded and maintained on solid principles using radio's oldest and yet most reliable communications mode - CW!  Why not join us?

FISTS History

The FISTS Club, (International Morse Preservation Society) was founded in 1987 by the late George "Geo" Longden G3ZQS of Darwen, Lancashire England, after recognising a need for a club in which veteran operators would help newcomers and less-experienced operators learn and improve CW proficiency.  During the first year, membership reached 300, most of whom were in Great Britain and Europe.  The original Introduction to FISTS by Geo holds as true today as it did when he wrote it.  Geo also explains how he chose the name FISTS.

Sideswiper ('cootie') Key Number 9 made by Bill NT9K.  Click for a large picture.

The North American Chapter (now known as FISTS Americas) was formed in 1990 to assist 11 members in the USA receive the newsletter and as a banking convenience.  Nancy Kott WZ8C of Hadley, Michigan was named US representative, a position she held until sadly she became a Silent Key in 2014.

The FISTS Down Under Chapter representing New Zealand and Australia, was formed in 1998 by Ralph Sutton ZL2AOH to provide a similar service to Australasian members.  From a ZL / VK membership of four including a JA and an FO, the FISTS Down Under Chapter has grown in strength to currently 118; 31 New Zealand members and 87 Australian members.

The East Asia Chapter was formed in 2004 by a few Taiwanese and Japanese members to provide East Asian members with various services in their native languages.

Why not join us?


Acknowledgements: Thank you to Dennis K6DF, Bill NT9K and Billy AB4RH for permission to use photographs from their key collections.

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