Sun 01 Mar FISTS Eu 2m
Sat 07 Mar FISTS Eu 2m
Sun 08 Mar FISTS Eu 2m
Sun 08 Mar FISTS Eu Ladder
Sat 14 Mar FISTS Eu 2m
Sun 15 Mar FISTS Eu 2m
Sat 21 Mar FISTS Eu 2m
Sun 22 Mar FISTS Eu 2m
Sun 22 Mar FISTS Eu Ladder
Sat 28 Mar FISTS Eu 2m
Sun 29 Mar FISTS Eu 2m
Sun 29 Mar FISTS Eu Fifth Sunday
Wed 01 Apr EuCW Snakes & Ladders
2015 monthly activity starts
Sat 04 Apr FISTS Eu 2m
Sun 05 Apr FISTS Eu 2m
Sat 11 Apr FISTS Eu 2m
Sun 12 Apr FISTS Eu 2m
Sun 12 Apr FISTS Eu Ladder
Sat 18 Apr FISTS Eu 2m
Sun 19 Apr FISTS Eu 2m
Sat 25 Apr FISTS Eu 2m
Sun 26 Apr FISTS Eu 2m
Sun 26 Apr FISTS Eu Ladder
Mon 27 Apr EuCW QRS Activity Week
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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 UK is the Headquarters of the FISTS Club (International Morse Preservation Society).
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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  • 19 Feb 15: The February 2015 Key Note is now available to all FISTS members.

    Please visit this link to get your copy:
    https://fists.co.uk/members/members.aspx

    Any problems with passwords etc., PLEASE send an email to Graham G3ZOD link text

    Items in this issue include:
    • Australian Gems: The Automorse
    • A Visit to 5B (Cyprus)
    • Review: Palm Single, a Paddle / Sideswiper Key
    • Review: EZKeyer II Kit
    • GPO Single and Double Current Telegraph Keys
    • The Z Codes
    • Rites and Rituals
    ... and more besides!
  • 19 Feb 15: FISTS Europe Weekend activities 21-22 Feb.

    Please join us in the Two Meter & Ladder sessions:

    Sat 15:00-16:00 & Sun 10:00-11:00 UTC:
    Two Metre Activity is around 144.058.  Exchange a minimum of RST, name, 6 character locator, & member number (if applicable).

    Sun 14:00-16:00 & Sun 18:00-20:00 UTC:
    Ladder 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.  Logs are welcome but not essential - the main objective is to enjoy the QSOs.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with members of FISTS Europe.
  • 16 Feb 15: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    LaurentF5OGJ#17037 RobM0KCP#17048 RaymondW4JOV#17154
    John2E0CWQ#17038 AndyN9NBC#17144 RobertKM4FPQ#17155
    IanG4KJD#17039 SteveWB6ZJD#17145 AlbertN7AL#17156
    MarttiOH4NV#17040 RichardKJ6VMY#17146 DocK5OSA#17157
    David2E0CQW#17041 JackWD0CFH#17147 ScottW9SRP#17158
    ZelezOK1OO#17042 ShaunVE6YA#17148 JimN0SJ#17159
    RobertSM0AFT#17043 TimWB7WFL#17149 BillAE7VU#17160
    DimitriON3RSK#17044 CraigK0CSL#17150 BrandonKF5QLM#17161
    RebekkaON3RM#17045 JackW3GY#17151 RobertKD8ZIM#17162
    FerEA4BL#17046 GlennKM4FXQ#17152    
    ErnstOE1EBC#17047 RobertN4OK#17153    
  • 13 Feb 15: Bananas for CW!

    Jari OH6DC has a video showing him using a paddle key made from bananas.

    The video not only demonstrates one of his highly unusual keys, but also showcases his excellent sending.  For more information, see the banana key web page.
  • 13 Feb 15: The FISTS Americas Winter Normal Speed Sprint takes place on Saturday 14th February 1700-2100 UTC on 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m & 10m.  The exchange includes:
    RST, U.S. state or Canadian province or DXCC country, first name, FISTS member number or power output in Watts for non-members.

    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.
  • 07 Feb 15: There is an interesting letter from Connie Hird to the Yorkshire Post recounting her experiences as a WWII Morse code wireless operator.
  • 07 Feb 15: SAQ extra transmission on World Radio Day.

    World Heritage GRIMETON RADIO/SAQ will, hopefully, have a transmission with the Alexanderson alternator on VLF 17.2 kHz on international UNESCO 'World Radio Day' (WRD) on Friday February 13th 2015.

    Tuning up from 14:30 UTC and a message will be sent at 15:00 UTC.

    The message concerning PEACE have been put together by over 200 citizens of Varberg via the "Varberg Calling for Peace" project, in Varberg, Sweden.

    No QSL-cards will be given this time and no List of Reports will be constructed but we accept shorter Listeners Report to e-mail link text
    Our amateur radio station (SK6SAQ) will be active with a special call sign for the day, "7S6WRD" where "WRD" stands for "World Radio Day".

    Frequencies : 7035 CW or 14035 CW, 3755 SSB.  QSL to 7S6WRD via SM bureau.

    The station will be open to visitors 14:00 to 16:00 UTC (15:00-17:00 SVT).  No entrance fee.

    Welcome!  Yours, Lars SM6NM
  • 06 Feb 15: The first ever FISTS Americas Winter Slow Speed Sprint takes place on Saturday 7th February 1700-2100 UTC on 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m & 10m.  Maximum speed is 13 wpm.

    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, the 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.
  • 06 Feb 15: FISTS Europe Weekend activities 07-08 Feb.

    Please join us in the Two Meter & Ladder sessions:

    Sat 15:00-16:00 & Sun 10:00-11:00 UTC (note the change in times for 2015):
    Two Metre Activity is around 144.058.  Exchange a minimum of RST, name, 6 character locator, & member number (if applicable).

    Sun 14:00-16:00 & Sun 18:00-20:00 UTC:
    Ladder 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.  Logs are welcome but not essential - the main objective is to enjoy the QSOs.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with members of FISTS Europe.
  • 02 Feb 15: The December 2014 FISTS Down Under newsletter is now publicly available.

    FISTS Down Under is the Australian & New Zealand Chapter of the FISTS CW Club.  If you are a current FISTS Member and would like a copy of the December newsletter, please send an email to FISTS Down Under link text.
  • 02 Feb 15: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    IanG4MLW#130 Spectrum 40 Metre Endorsement,
    Millionaire 6 Million Endorsement
    PeteWA6OEF#15666 Gold Century, Millionaire 8 Million Endorsement
    ChrisEI6KH#15966 Basic Century
    ChrisMI0AHH#15984 Millionaire
    ChrisG3XVL#16207 Basic Century
    FredG3YJQ#16276 Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement
    PeteG0PNM#16592 Silver Century

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 01 Feb 15: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    JimBW/G4TDS#15153 BazG7UFI#17030 MattM0ZMS#17031
    BarryM6USG#17032 MalG0BCP#17033 PhilM0BSJ#17034
    MichelFR4QS#17035 BillGM4AGL#17036 TedW5WAG#17131
    EdK1NUH#17132 FrankWB2TDT#17133 DonKB3VAX#17134
    RalphKD2EJR#17135 RickKD8ZYH#17136 CarlK4CHC#17137
    MarshallKA1CFP#17138 BenK4OD#17139 PatrickKE6DUY#17140
    DamonKE6BXY#17141 LesKB0MEF#17142 PaulWE2M#17143
  • 01 Feb 2015: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following January 2015 activities:
    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you can't win, it's really helpful to send in logs so that the organisers and other participants are aware of the levels of activity.  For all FISTS Eu Activities, logs can be submitted using the FISTS Log Converter program or may be in Excel, CSV or Cabrillo format or neatly reproduced on paper; see the Activity Calendar web page for details.

    See the EuCW Snakes & Ladders web page for details on submitting Snakes & Ladders logs.
  • EUCW logo.
    30 Jan 15: The latest version (3.1.2) of the free FISTS Log Converter program is now available.  This version supports the new season of EuCW Snakes & Ladders that starts in April 2015.

    FISTS Log Converter can read ADIF log files exported from logbook programs and create & submit entries for EuCW Snakes & Ladders, EuCW QRS Week, FISTS Awards, and FISTS Europe Activities.  For those not currently using a logbook program, it includes an optional logbook of its own.

    The program is available from the download web page.  Many thanks to Alex PA1FOX, Peter G4LHI, Robert DM4RW, and Richard G0ILN for helping with the design & testing.
  • 28 Jan 15: The BBC iPlayer video Trusadh Series 6: 2. The Wave Messengers is a look at the use of Morse Code at sea.  Former Radio Officer Hamish Taylor, of Harris, examines the importance of the seldom-mentioned sea messengers.
    Note: it will probably not be available outside the UK.

    The video, which is mostly in Scottish Gaelic with English subtitles, includes Morse code training, ship-to-shore radio, and a visit to the reconstructed ship's radio room at Sandford Mill Museum (Chelmsford).

    Many thanks to Phil M0BSJ for bringing this to our attention.
  • 23 Jan 15: FISTS Europe Weekend activities 24-25 Jan.

    Please join us in the Two Meter & Ladder sessions:

    Sat 15:00-16:00 & Sun 10:00-11:00 UTC (note the change in times for 2015):
    Two Metre Activity is around 144.058.  Exchange a minimum of RST, name, 6 character locator, & member number (if applicable).

    Sun 14:00-16:00 & Sun 18:00-20:00 UTC:
    Ladder 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.  Logs are welcome but not essential - the main objective is to enjoy the QSOs.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with members of FISTS Europe.
  • 17 Jan 15: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    KenZL3AA#14183 JohnM0HFH#17022 StephenGI0HHV#17023
    JohnG3HTA#17024 JohnG4VLF#17025 JaapM0HNY#17026
    CliffG4VJI#17027 EmilI5EFO#17028 John2M0JCG#17029
    ErnestK8EEE#17114 JohnKF7ICN#17115 DaveNJ4F#17116
    FloydW5FEC#17117 KurtWB9TZY#17118 DavidK8RXB#17119
    RonKD2HRN#17120 EdNR4CW#17121 GaryK7ORG#17122
    MikeWD5KCQ#17123 AugustWA2HTF#17124 EdN7NSL#17125
    AnthonyAB9YC#17126 DrewW3ZW#17127 DavidWA2WAP#17128
    EdKC8SBV#17129 JuanN5RGV#17130
  • 15 Jan 15: New EZKeyer 3 kit from Four State QRP Group: Building on the popular EZKeyer and EZKeyer II, this third generation very capable Morse Code keyer has some additional features - a beautiful new easy building enclosure, a smaller footprint, new PIC microcontroller, Speed Pot, larger message memories, new printed circuit board layout, and large push button switches.

    All connectors, switches, the speed pot, and components are board mounted, making the keyer completely self contained on the board.  No external parts or wires are required (excepting battery leads).

    See the kit's web page for more details and ordering information.
  • 10 Jan 15: FISTS CW Club member Mike G0CVZ from Czech Morse Keys reports:
    We now have only 3 Czech Morse keys with minor scratches and/or slight rust, however the internals are as new.  So if you want a key then please order by the 10th Jan 2015, after which the Paypal buttons will be removed.  In Feb 2015 we will then carry out a final stock check and put the remaining keys up for sale.  If you want any spare parts (springs, cables, etc), then now is the time to email and ask, thank you.

    I would like to thank all those who have purchased from us; and hope you continue to use your keys.  It has been a pleasure to bring these keys to hams all over the world and I have enjoyed meeting and communicating with many new found friends. Have fun with CW, enjoy it and long may it continue.
  • 10 Jan 15: FISTS Europe Weekend activities 10-11 Jan.

    Please join us in the Two Meter & Ladder sessions:

    Sat 15:00-16:00 & Sun 10:00-11:00 UTC (note the change in times for 2015):
    Two Metre Activity is around 144.058.  Exchange a minimum of RST, name, 6 character locator, & member number (if applicable).

    Sun 14:00-16:00 & Sun 18:00-20:00 UTC:
    Ladder 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.  Logs are welcome but not essential - the main objective is to enjoy the QSOs.  Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with members of FISTS Europe.
  • 07 Jan 15: FISTS Americas Members: You can now check if your dues are due on the website's new FISTS Expiration Date web page.

    If they are due, you can pay your dues online.

    (Note: FISTS Eu members can check their date in the website's Members' Area web page.)
  • 06 Jan 15: Morse Classes at Danbury Essex (UK)
    Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society (Essex, UK) invite you to join their Morse classes which will be starting at 7pm on Thursday, January 15 at the Danbury Village Hall CM3 4NQ.

    Newcomers will be made very welcome.  Start either as a complete beginner or the Morse team can help you to build up your confidence on the Morse and paddle key.  Contact Andrew, G0IBN, on 01621 868347 or email: g0ibn<at>kersey1.freeserve.co.uk

    Also starting January 15 is the Foundation training course.  To find out more speak to Clive G1EUC on
    Tel: 01245-224577,
    Mob: 07860-418835,
    E-mail: training2015 at g0mwt.org.uk,
    Web: http://g0mwt.org.uk/training/
  • 06 Jan 15: Kanga Products (Dennis G6YBC) is now selling plug-in band pass filter kits for the W1REX Texas Topper QRP/QRPP to 5 Watt amplifer.

    The kit includes parts and PCBs to build 3 filters for 80m, 30m, and 20m, enabling the amplifier to be used on these bands in addition to the supplied 40m band.
     
  • 06 Jan 15: The January 2015 edition of the "morsEAsia" newsletter from FISTS CW Club East Asia is available.

    This edition includes Japan's new Band Plans, effective on January 5, 2015.

    FISTS East Asia was formed in 2004 to provide East Asian members with various services in their native languages.
  • 06 Jan 15: Hendricks QRP Kits is closing temporarily.  Doug Hendricks writes:
    "Hendricks QRP kits will be closing for a short time.  I have to have some minor surgery done.  I am fine and it is not life-threatening but I need to take care of it and take care of my health.  We will be closed from now until March 1 which is the target reopening date.  Thank you for all of your past business.  All orders currently placed will ship in the next few days."
  • 04 Jan 15: Starting in 2015 the FISTS CW Club North America is adding four new Slow Speed Sprints to the Sprint Program line up.  Sprints will be held on the first and second Saturdays.  The first Saturday will be the Slow Speed Sprint and the second Saturday will be the usual Sprint with no speed limit.

    The Slow Speed Sprint is a great opportunity to introduce our newer members to the fun of operating FISTS Sprints and for our old hands maybe to brush off those straight keys, cooties, side swipers, bugs, etc. and also join in the fun!

    In the Slow Speed Sprint, all operators should send no faster than 13 WPM and if someone is calling you or CQing at a slower speed, you should QRS to match their speed.  That is the only change; all other rules, scoring, etc. will remain as for the usual Sprint!
  • 03 Jan 15: We're delighted to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    EdAF7BN#16896 ColinW5CCM#16897 MarkWD8NZP#16898
    JulianKE0CEB#16899 AshleyG0PFD#17019 CJM3AHT#17020
    ClaudeF6FAS#17021 ScottyK4RZR#17100 DavidAF5UO#17101
    JohnW9YX#17102 PeteWW3O#17103 AllanW4EAB#17104
    GlennK3SWZ#17105 BillVE3EBN#17106 HowardWB1AJX#17107
    ErikKD8RNF#17108 FrankWA2BQU#17109 JamesAC2IL#17110
    RickKX9DX#17111 JohnK0OT#17112 DavidN7XHX#17113
  • 03 Jan 2015: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following December 2014 activities:
    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you can't win, it's really helpful to send in logs so that the organisers and other participants are aware of the levels of activity.  For all FISTS Eu Activities, logs can be submitted using the FISTS Log Converter program or may be in Excel, CSV or Cabrillo format or neatly reproduced on paper; see the Activity Calendar web page for details.

    See the EuCW Snakes & Ladders web page for details on submitting Snakes & Ladders logs.

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 an 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 Down Under Chapter (New Zealand / Australia) was formed in 1998 to provide a similar service to Australasian members, with Ralph Sutton ZL2AOH as the VK/ZL representative.  From a VK/ZL membership of four, there are now over 100 members "Down Under", principally in New Zealand. The New Zealand membership is the largest in any country outside England, Wales and North America.

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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