Sun 23 Feb FISTS Eu Ladder
Wed 26 Feb FISTS Eu Day Hopper
Thu 05 Mar FISTS Eu Day Hopper
Sun 08 Mar FISTS Eu Ladder
Fri 13 Mar FISTS Eu Day Hopper
Sat 21 Mar FISTS Eu Day Hopper
Sun 22 Mar FISTS Eu Ladder
Sun 29 Mar FISTS Eu Day Hopper
Sun 12 Apr 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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  • 23 Jan 20: Please join us in the Ladder and Low Bands Day-hopper on-air activities (FISTS CW Club Europe):
    • Ladder Sunday 23 February 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 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.
    • Low Bands Day-hopper
      February: Wed 26.
      March: Thu 05, Fri 13, Sat 21, Sun 29.
      This has has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.

      The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air.  Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, & 2m.  Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
  • 09 Jan 20: Please join us in the Ladder and Low Bands Day-hopper on-air activities (FISTS CW Club Europe):
    • Low Bands Day-hopper
      February: Mon 10, Tue 18, Wed 26.
      March: Thu 05, Fri 13, Sat 21, Sun 29.
      This has has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.

      The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air.  Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, & 2m.  Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
    • Ladder Sunday 09 February 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 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.
  • 02 Feb 20: Please send in your logs and comments for the following activities that took place or finished in January 2020.  *** If you use FISTS Log Converter, please ensure you install version 3.8.1 first.

    Notes: You can send in logs at any time and more than once, but each log MUST include ALL QSOs (the most recent log replaces earlier ones).  In all the activities, even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs because it encourages others to join in.
  • 31 Jan 20: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder January 2020 newsletter written by David G4YVM, Activities Manager, is now available.

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

    TopIcs include the final results for the 2019 Ladder and Straight Key week activities, along with information about the upcoming activities.



     
  • 26 Jan 20: IMPORTANT: The latest version, 3.8.1, of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

    This version fixes a problem that was preventing sending in logs for FISTS Activities, FISTS Awards, and EuCW Activities.

    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.
     
  • 24 Jan 20: Please join us in the Ladder and Low Bands Day-hopper on-air activities (FISTS CW Club Europe):
    • Low Bands Day-hopper
      January: Sat 25.
      February: Sun 02, Mon 10, Tue 18, Wed 26.
      March: Thu 05, Fri 13, Sat 21, Sun 29.
      This has has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.

      The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air.  Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, & 2m.  Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
    • Ladder Sunday 26 January 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 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.
  • 17 Jan 20: The Autumn 2019 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:
    • Operation from "Down Under" - G3WZD.
    • Xiegu G90 Review - M0GSX.
    • FMT kit review - GI0BEY.
    • Marconi mystery key solved? - M6BRN.
    • A visitor to the National Radio Station - G4KLE.
    • Tools - For the use of.. - G3VBS.
    • RPP. Reverse protection polarity - M0BMN.

    ... and more besides!

     
  • 11 Jan 20: The latest version, 3.8.0, of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

    This version adds support for the FISTS CW Club Europe's Ladder and EuCW's Snakes & Ladders and QRS Week activities.

    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.

     
  • 09 Jan 20: Please join us in the Ladder and Low Bands Day-hopper on-air activities (FISTS CW Club Europe):
    • Ladder Sunday 12 January 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 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.
    • Low Bands Day-hopper
      January: Fri 17, Sat 25.
      February: Sun 02, Mon 10, Tue 18, Wed 26.
      March: Thu 05, Fri 13, Sat 21, Sun 29.
      This has has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.

      The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air.  Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, & 2m.  Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
  • 08 Jan 20: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder December 2019 newsletter written by David G4YVM, Activities Manager, is now available.

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

    This edition includes the results for the November 2019 Ladder activity and provides information about the upcoming activities.
     
  • 04 Jan 20: Please send in your logs and comments for the following activities that took place or finished in December 2019:

    Notes: You can send in logs at any time and more than once, but each log MUST include ALL QSOs (the most recent log replaces earlier ones).  In all the activities, even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs because it encourages others to join in.
  • 21 Dec 19: Please join us in the Ladder on-air activity (FISTS CW Club Europe):
    • Ladder Sunday 22 December 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      These are the final 2019 Ladder sessions ... but the Ladder will start afresh in 2020!
      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 Dec 19: Please join us in the Ladder on-air activity (FISTS CW Club Europe):
    • Ladder Sunday 8 December 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 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.
  • 03 Dec 19: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    DanielVK7DP#15248 DonnaWB9TFF#19625 JanLA7VV#19652
    GaryZL1FAB#15249 EricW0RLY#19626 MikeLX1ML#19654
    FulYD1AUI#15288 FranciscoPY2FRA#19627 PaulG4AIB#19655
    PeterM7PFB#19542 PhilKF0AX#19628 TorvaldLB1FI#19656
    WillyIT9GQH#19544 TimN8UH#19629 BobG4VSO#19657
    ShaunVK6BEK#19545 JohnK4JSK#19630 LouisPA3FTP#19658
    TedKI5AZX#19604 RonaldVE3FXX#19631 GerEI6DP#19659
    OwenK1OJ#19605 ChrisKC9UXC#19632 Felixstowe and District ARSGX4ZFR#19660
    GaryWB2RPW#19606 PaulWA2DII#19633 KeithG3WGE#19661
    RobbKC1LZX#19607 RobertN0RSN#19634 Martin2W0NKS#19662
    AdamW7MP#19608 DaveWB4NCT#19635 DeclanG4RGH#19663
    DavidKD6EOD#19609 MichaelKX6A#19636 AndreasLASWL53#19664
    FrankKB4VU#19610 GregKB9KLC#19637 JohnG4LTH#19665
    FabioPT7CA#19611 MichaelN6MST#19638 DamienGI0LDI#19666
    GregKF5OAS#19612 MarkWA1MD#19639 PeteGI0FZT#19667
    GeorgeAC3EA#19613 PaulK7VIQ#19640 Bill2E0FLT#19668
    JimmyWB5MET#19614 TerryW7AMI#19641 ColinG3TA#19669
    RussellKM4RSD#19615 HowardW4KTX#19642 JohnG7PXK#19670
    TravisKC3IJQ#19616 DavidW1BLU#19643 FredEA5IST#19671
    PeterKA6SGT#19617 GaryW6GVS#19644 JanPA5JW#19672
    WilliamK5KB#19618 StephenKJ6PZB#19645 DerekMM0OVD#19673
    KennethW4KAC#19619 CliffordN0LKC#19646 RAOTA Radio Amateur Old Timers AssociationG2OT#19680
    LaurentVE2WI#19620 MichaelVA3MD#19647 Yuma Desert ContestersWF7X#19700
    WilliamKD0WW#19621 JeffKE4FWE#19648 GregWA1JXR#19701
    ThomasAA3NA#19622 OttoK2BY#19649 TylerAG7SU#19702
    JohnKB0AQS#19623 MauroIZ2FLX#19650    
    RobertVA3RCX#19624 PhilM0PLB#19651    
  • 02 Dec 19: Please send in your logs and comments for the following activities that took place or finished in November 2019:

    Notes: You can send in logs at any time and more than once, but each log MUST include ALL QSOs (the most recent log replaces earlier ones).  In all the activities, even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs because it encourages others to join in.
  • 01 Dec 19: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    IanG4MLW#130 Millionaire 10 Million Endorsement
    CharlieNP3K#5110 Millionaire 5 Million Endorsement
    JohnKE6K#8549 Millionaire
    PhilK4NE#13030 Millionaire 3 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 40m
    FabioIK0IXI#14539 Millionaire 3 Million Endorsement
    JarmoOH2BN#16593 Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement
    RonDL5CL#17425 Spectrum 80m Endorsement
    AngelN4SNI#18388 Millionaire
    WilliamMI0WWB#18434 Spectrum 40m Endorsement, Prefix 150 Endorsement
    BernardON7ZH#18446 Silver Century
    VladoIU0HMB#18894 Millionaire
    MarioDD7CW#19528 Basic Century, Silver Century, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 3 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 40m

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 30 Nov 19: Straight Key Week (FISTS CW Club Europe), starts on Sunday 01 December and finishes on Saturday 07 December UTC. 

    DON'T FORGET to add SKW to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field and that the operating times are 1 hour periods starting at the following UTC times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100.
    If you are sending in a log, you must use straight keys or sideswipers (no bug keys, keyers, keyboards etc.)

    Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028 and 3.558 MHz.  Exchange a minimum of:
        Name, RST, QTH, & member number (if applicable).

    QSOs are friendly and conversational.  Submitting logs is not essential but very much appreciated.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with members of FISTS Europe.
  • 24 Nov 19: Please join us in the Ladder on-air activity (FISTS CW Club Europe):
    • Ladder Sunday 24 November 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
      Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz.  While conditions will be difficult due to contest activity, bear in mind that VHF (and even UHF and higher) bands can also be used in the Ladder.  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.
  • 14 Nov 19: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder November 2019 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

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

    This edition includes the results for the October 2019 Ladder activity and provides information about the upcoming activities.

     
  • 09 Nov 19: Please join us in the Ladder on-air activity (FISTS CW Club Europe):
    • Ladder Sunday 10 November 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 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.
  • 03 Nov 19: Please send in your logs and comments for the following activities that took place or finished in October 2019:

    Notes: You can send in logs at any time and more than once, but each log MUST include ALL QSOs (the most recent log replaces earlier ones).  In all the activities, even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs because it encourages others to join in.
  • 02 Nov 19: Graham G3ZOD writes:  The RSGB Marconi CW 2m Contest is this Weekend, 2 November 1400 UTC - 3 November 1400 UTC.  It is part of a Europe-wide contest and is the third out of three annual RSGB VHF CW contests (6m, 4m and 2m).

    NOTE: This year the rules concerning the 6 hour operating section have changed - see the rules!

    Unlike HF contests, QSOs are a bit more relaxed and don't expect to get 599 for each QSO!  The exchange is RST, serial number and 6 character locator.  Most activity centres around 144.050, with the primary CW band plan segment 144.025 - 144.110 MHz.

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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