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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 Sep 16: FISTS CW Club will be at the National Hamfest at Newark, UK, on Saturday 1st October 2016 - please come and visit us!

    The National Hamfest opens at 09:30 BST.  For more information, see http://www.nationalhamfest.org.uk.
  • 23 Sep 16: The next session of the new FISTS Americas Cumulatives takes place Sunday 25 September 1900-2100 UTC.  Listen out for the FISTS Club callsign KN0WCW during this session!

    This is a relaxed activity with minimum 5 minute QSOs.  Even if you don't want to send an entry in - and we hope you will - you can come along for some friendly QSOs and perhaps get some points towards FISTS Awards.

    The Cumulatives run on the 2nd and 4th Sundays in August - December 2016.  QSOs must be a minimum of 5 minutes long and bands allowed are 80m, 40m, & 20m.  The exchange is:
        RST, name, QTH or state, and member number (if applicable).

    Calling "CQ FISTS" is recommended.  Don't forget to log QSO end times!

    See the full details on the website.  The free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows can be used to create and submit logs at the end of each month.  Select the "Activities" tab, then the month, and then "Cumulatives".
  • 23 Sep 16: FISTS CW Club Europe Weekend activities 25 September 2016.
    Please join us in the Accuracy Challenge & Ladder:

    New!!  Accuracy Challenge: Sunday 25 September 1400-1600 UTC - the final session of the two session activity.  It runs concurrently with the afternoon Ladder.  Exchange a minimum of:
        RST, name, QTH, member number*, 3-letter word*, 3-digit number*.
    (*if available from your QSO partner.  Obtain your new word & number from http://fists.co.uk/mac )

    Ladder sessions: Sunday 25 September 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.
  • 21 Sep 16: The new FISTS CW Club Americas KeyNote newsletter Issue 3, 2016 is ready to download for all current FISTS members.

    As well as the regular features, this issue includes:
    • Ham Radio Kid.
    • Stamps for the Wounded.
    • How I Became an Old-Time Landline Telegrapher (for a day).
    • When All Else Fails Use a Straight Key!
    • CW Fun.
    • British RAF "Bathtub Key".
    • Morse Music.
    • World Time Buddy.
    • The Fun of Morse Code.

    Current members of FISTS Down Under, FISTS East Asia & FISTS Europe can use their FISTS Europe website password to get a copy.
  • 16 Sep 16: The FISTS CW Club Americas Cumulatives Report September 2016 is now available.

    It contains the monthly results and soapbox comments for the FISTS Americas Cumulatives on-air activity.




     
  • 16 Sep 16: The FISTS BrassPounder September 2016 newsletter has just been published.

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

    This edition includes details of the August 2016 FISTS Ladder and Two Metre 2016 activities.


     
  • 10 Sep 16: FISTS CW Club Europe Weekend activities 11 September 2016.
    Please join us in the Accuracy Challenge and & Ladder:

    New!!  Accuracy Challenge: Sunday 11 September 1400-1600 UTC - the first session of a 2 session activity.  These run concurrently with the afternoon Ladders in September.  Exchange a minimum of:
        RST, name, QTH, member number*, 3-letter word*, 3-digit number*.
    (*if available from your QSO partner. Obtain your word & number from http://fists.co.uk/mac )

    Ladder sessions: Sunday 11 September 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.
  • 10 Sep 16: The next session of the new FISTS Americas Cumulatives takes place Sunday 11 September 1900-2100 UTC.  Listen out for the FISTS Club callsign KN0WCW during this session!

    This is a relaxed activity with minimum 5 minute QSOs.  Even if you don't want to send an entry in - and we hope you will - you can come along for some friendly QSOs and perhaps get some points towards FISTS Awards.

    The Cumulatives run on the 2nd and 4th Sundays in August - December 2016.  QSOs must be a minimum of 5 minutes long and bands allowed are 80m, 40m, & 20m.  The exchange is:
        RST, name, QTH or state, and member number (if applicable).

    Calling "CQ FISTS" is recommended.  Don't forget to log QSO end times!

    See the full details on the website.  The free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows can be used to create and submit logs at the end of each month.  Select the "Activities" tab, then the month, and then "Cumulatives".
  • 04 Sep 16: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winner:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    JohnG4LRG#14873 Millionaire 2 and 3 Million Endorsements

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 01 Sep 16: FISTS CW Club will be at the Telford HamFest (UK) on Sunday 4th September 2016, so please come and say hello.

    The doors open at 10:15 BST and maps etc. are available from the Telford HamFest website.
  • 01 Sep 16: FISTS CW Club Americas G3ZQS Memorial Straight Key Contest starts on Friday 2nd September 23:00 UTC and runs until Sunday 4th September 23:00 UTC.

    Bands are: 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, and 10m.  Call "CQ FS".  The exchange is:
    RST, U.S. state/Canadian province/DXCC country, first name, FISTS number (or power output for non-FISTS).

    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.  Thanks to Les G4OGB for providing the UDC file.
  • 01 Sep 16: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    PaulVK3ZT#15202 MichaelKM4NNE#17913 MarkW7BZ#17922
    IanVK2GDI#15203 TimothyK5TGS#17914 EarlN4AAA#17923
    TonyVK3CAB#15204 RonW7SHA#17915 SteveM3YAW#18050
    Richard2W0RTJ#17698 ThomasKA4DQJ#17916 EgonPA3AAT#18051
    PatF8BON#17699 LawrenceKC8JCB#17917 MikeG4VQH#18052
    MarkKK4BYZ#17909 LeighWH6LC#17918 NevilleM0VSP#18053
    PhilN9TD#17910 RobertN3FJ#17919 AndyM0MUX#18054
    AlanWA3ZKI#17911 MichaelKE8CHP#17920    
    ThomasKI6BNL#17912 RobKA6JLT#17921    
  • 01 Sep 16: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following August 2016 activities:
    • Ladder (FISTS CW Club Eu) no later than 5 September.
    • Two Meter (FISTS CW Club Eu) no later than 10 September.
    • Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 September.
    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you can't win, it's really helpful to send in logs to encourage others to join in.

    See the Activity Calendar web page for details on sending in FISTS Eu activity logs.
    See the EuCW Snakes & Ladders web page for details of sending in logs for it.
  • 30 Aug 16: Please submit your August logs for the FISTS CW Club Americas Cumulatives by the end of September 5th UTC.  Even if you only had one QSO, it's very helpful to send in logs to encourage others to join in.

    Note: if using FISTS Log Converter to send in your log (recommended), please ignore the message saying that logs should already have been submitted (this will be fixed in the next version).
  • 27 Aug 16: The second session of the new FISTS Americas Cumulatives takes place Sunday 28 August 1900-2100 UTC.

    This is a relaxed activity with minimum 5 minute QSOs.  Even if you don't want to send an entry in - and we hope you will - you can come along for some friendly QSOs and perhaps get some points towards FISTS Awards.

    The Cumulatives run on the 2nd and 4th Sundays in August - December 2016.  QSOs must be a minimum of 5 minutes long and bands allowed are 80m, 40m, & 20m.  The exchange is:
        RST, name, QTH or state, and member number (if applicable).

    Calling "CQ FISTS" is recommended.  Don't forget to log QSO end times!

    See the full details on the website.  The free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows can be used to create and submit logs at the end of each month.  Select the "Activities" tab, then the month, and then "Cumulatives".
  • 27 Aug 16: FISTS CW Club Europe Weekend activities 28 August 2016.
    Please join us in the Ladder & Two Meter sessions:

    Ladder sessions: Sunday 28 August 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).

    2m CW Activity: Sunday 0800-0900 UTC - the last session until November!  Around 144.052 MHz (keep at least 1 kHz away from 144.050 MHz).  Exchange a minimum of:
        RST, name, 6-character locator, & member number (if available).

    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.
  • 24 Aug 16: The FISTS BrassPounder August 2016 newsletter has just been published.

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

    This edition includes details of the FISTS July 2016 Ladder and QRS Fifth Sundays 2016 activities.


     
  • 14 Aug 16: The first session of the new FISTS Americas Cumulatives takes place today, Sunday 14 August 1900-2100 UTC.

    This is a relaxed activity with minimum 5 minute QSOs.  Even if you don't want to send an entry in - and we hope you will - you can come along for some friendly QSOs and perhaps get some points towards FISTS Awards.

    The Cumulatives run on the 2nd and 4th Sundays in August - December 2016.  QSOs must be a minimum of 5 minutes long and bands allowed are 80m, 40m, & 20m.  The exchange is:
        RST, name, QTH or state, and member number (if applicable).

    Calling "CQ FISTS" is recommended.  Don't forget to log QSO end times!

    See the full details on the website.  The free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows can be used to create and submit logs at the end of each month.  Select the "Activities" tab, then the month, and then "Cumulatives".
  • 11 Aug 16: FISTS CW Club Europe Weekend activities 13/14 August 2016.
    Please join us in the Ladder & Two Meter sessions:

    Ladder sessions: Sunday 14 August 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).

    2m CW Activity: Saturdays and Sundays 0800-0900 UTC during August, around 144.052 MHz (keep at least 1 kHz away from 144.050 MHz).  Exchange a minimum of:
        RST, name, 6-character locator, & member number (if available).

    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.
  • 05 Aug 16: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    MikeVK4MIK#14199 DwightKB4WLF#17883 MichaelK5ESS#17897
    HideJR6HK#15186 DavidW8DSN#17884 TomKT4XN#17898
    JohnGM4SLV#17686 StevenK7EAU#17885 LynnKJ4RTE#17899
    ChrisG0TSQ#17687 GeorgeWA0FSE#17886 JamesKC9UNW#17900
    PauloC91PM#17688 LisaKC1YL#17887 FredNF1U#17901
    PhilG8SGB#17689 GeorgeWB2OLJ#17888 CharlesKM9N#17902
    Norfolk Amateur Radio Club (NARC)G4ARN#17690 MartinWB0VKL#17889 PaulKB4RGK#17903
    Steven2M0SKJ#17691 DavidWK0L#17890 DrennenAF9U#17904
    PeterDF5IN#17692 TedW6VXP#17891 BillKD9FSE#17905
    PadraighEI3GUB#17693 TomK9TYR#17892 SteveK9DY#17906
    GregDL3GJ#17694 VernW0VMP#17893 MichaelK1MRF#17907
    TrevorM0TVR#17695 AlbertW9ZJX#17894 MichaelWE2EEE#17908
    JohnZS1ZC#17697 DavidN3CKI#17895    
    JamesKE0GVW#17882 KirkW0KM#17896    
  • 05 Aug 16: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    SugiJK7UST#7178 Silver Century
    DavidAB0TO#9957 Basic Century
    JohnG4LRG#14873 Millionaire 2/3 Million Endorsements
    JarmoOH2BN#16593 Millionaire
    JoeDL4CF#16979 Basic Century, Silver Century, Gold Century, Millionaire, Millionaire 2/3/4/5/6/7/8 Million Endorsements, Spectrum 40m, Prefix, Prefix 50/100/150 Endorsements
    JoeW8JPF#17164 Basic Century

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 05 Aug 16: The FISTS CW Club Europe 2m CW Activity is back for the months of August & November.  During August, activity is on Saturdays and Sundays 0800-0900 UTC around 144.052 MHz (keep at least 1 kHz away from 144.050 MHz).

    Exchange a minimum of:
        RST, name, 6-character locator, & member number (if available).

    One QSO with an operator per day. 
  • 04 Aug 16: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following July 2016 activities:
    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you can't win, it's really helpful to send in logs to encourage others to join in.

    See the Activity Calendar web page for details on sending in FISTS Eu activity logs.
    See the EuCW Snakes & Ladders web page for details of sending in logs for it.
  • 29 Jul 16: The next FISTS CW Club Europe QRS Fifth Sunday is 31 July, 0001-2359 UTC - a whole day of QRS activity, maximum 14 wpm.

    The main idea is to have lots of QRS QSOs and, if you wish, send in a log too.  Please chat as much as you like during your QSOs, but do include these:
        Name, QTH, & RST.

    *** Don't forget to write QRS in your logbook's 'Comment' (or similar) field if you are sending in a log.
  • 23 Jul 16: Please join us in FISTS CW Club Europe Ladder sessions: Sunday 24 July 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 members of FISTS Europe.
  • 08 Jul 16: The FISTS BrassPounder July 2016 newsletter has just been published.

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

    This edition includes details of the FISTS June 2016 Ladder and Mechanical Key Days 2016 activities.  It also covers the new FISTS DXCC League web page and new FISTS Americas Cumulatives activity.

     
  • 08 Jul 16: Please join us in FISTS CW Club Europe Ladder sessions: Sunday 10 July 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 members of FISTS Europe.
  • 06 Jul 16: The FISTS CW Club Americas Summer Unlimited Sprint takes place on Saturday 09 July 0000-0400 UTC (note: this is Friday evening in the US) 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.
  • 02 Jul 16: There is a new FISTS CW Club Americas Yahoo Group - FISTS members and non-members are invited to join.  Please mention your callsign when signing up.

    Yahoo Groups provide access by email alone or by the web interface, and in addition to messaging, features include polls and libraries of links, photos, and files.
  • 01 Jul 16: The new FISTS CW Club Americas KeyNote newsletter Issue 2, 2016 is ready to download for all current FISTS members.

    As well as the regular features, this issue includes:
    • FISTS at Dayton, 2016.
    • FISTS Cumulatives.
    • FISTS Awards-The Easy Way.
    • Home-Brew Keys.
    • CW Island Hopping Trip to the Gulf of Texas.
    • The Romance of CW.
    • FISTS Photos.
    • FISTS Spring 2016 Sprint Results.

    Current members of FISTS Down Under, FISTS East Asia & FISTS Europe can use their FISTS Europe website password to get a copy.
  • 01 Jul 16: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following June 2016 activities:
    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you can't win, it's really helpful to send in logs to encourage others to join in.

    See the Activity Calendar web page for details on sending in FISTS Eu activity logs.
    See the EuCW Snakes & Ladders web page for details of sending in logs for it.
  • 01 Jul 16: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    DennisVK4OC#14197 RichardW8DUK#17866 StevenW3TAU#17875
    MichaelVK2CCW#14198 Jean-PaulKD9JPC#17867 DarrellAB2E#17876
    KazJN3IWE#15185 HowardW5AOP#17868 KirkK3KWB#17877
    ChrisMW6XFU#17681 ThomasW4TDV#17869 TomK7TLI#17878
    Mike5B4AIK#17682 CharlesNS7I#17870 HowardN3FEL#17879
    IanG4JQT#17683 DonWS4E#17871 GregN8GAS#17880
    SimonM0TRJ#17684 AndresN9HHT#17872 GaryN0XMS#17881
    GaryG4ZAD#17685 DonalK3CUU#17873    
    NathalieKK4FLA#17865 SteveN3FWE#17874    
  • 01 Jul 16: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    RienPA7RA#9819 Diamond Century Award
    RonDL5CL#17425 Millionaire 4 Million Endorsement

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 01 July 16: The FISTS CW Club Americas Summer Slow Speed Sprint (max. 13 wpm) takes place on Saturday 02 July 0000-0400 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.
  • 30 Jun 16: The "summer/autumn" EuCW Snakes & Ladders run starts on Friday July 1st and ends on December 31st.

    If you've not participated previously, now is a great time to start.  QSOs must take at least five minutes, stations 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.
  • 26 Jun 16: Please join us in FISTS CW Club Europe Ladder sessions: Sunday 26 June 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 members of FISTS Europe.
  • 16 Jun 16: The latest version (3.2.10) of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

    This version incorporates the new EuCW Snakes & Ladders rules for frequencies in the 30m and 80m bands for June 2016 onwards.

    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 test team: Alex PA1FOX, Peter G4LHI, and Richard G0ILN.
  • 12 Jun 16: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    RichardG0ILN#398 Millionaire 4 Million Endorsement
    JohnK1ESE#10466 Silver Century, Gold Century, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 to 8 Million Endorsements, Worked All States, Spectrum 40m, Spectrum 20m, Prefix, Prefix 50, 100 & 150 Endorsements
    CharlieN0CVW#16026 Basic Century, Spectrum 20m
    EmilI5EFO#17028 Basic Century
    RichW4RQ#17310 Basic Century, Prefix, Prefix 50 & 100 Endorsements

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 11 Jun 16: The FISTS BrassPounder June 2016 newsletter has just been published.

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

    This edition includes details of the FISTS May 2016 Ladder and Fifth Sunday activities.



     
  • 11 Jun 16: Please join us in FISTS CW Club Europe Ladder sessions: Sunday 12 June 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 members of FISTS Europe.
  • 11 Jun 16: If you haven't already, please submit your log for the FISTS CW Club Eu Mechanical Key Days 2016 activity no later than 30 June.

    Results will be published in the July 2016 edition of Brasspounder.
  • 07 Jun 16: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    TonyVK1VIC#14192 GeorgeAA4GT#17813 JeffreyN8NOE#17840
    RoyVK6RR#14193 DavidAK4IC#17814 JimKI4I#17841
    NigelVK2FNT#14194 EricN3DWS#17815 JohnNJ0U#17842
    DavidZL4LDY#14195 JeffKC6LTO#17816 ElliotAC6AC#17843
    BrianVK4BOW#14196 ThomasN5GP#17817 JohnK8YYZ#17844
    HalJE1REU#15182 MarkW9MNM#17818 JimKF9XK#17845
    KenJH0ILL#15183 MarkAG5AW#17819 DaleKC0SHX#17846
    YadoJP6TDI#15184 BruceWB2ADF#17820 StephenNZ4Z#17847
    BobG6TDR#17669 BillKK4QDZ#17821 CurtW0ALC#17848
    GiovanniIK0TWN#17670 AndrewND8D#17822 ThomasK4TIO#17849
    ColinM0JXS#17671 YoshiakiND1Y#17823 StephenK8BGR#17850
    Trev2E0JSJ#17672 TimAB0S#17824 JimKE4GVO#17851
    Owen2E0NWE#17673 RogerW0AJE#17825 MichaelWB0SND#17852
    SteveG0HCR#17674 DougKY4DAD#17826 KurtNI8K#17853
    DavidM0HJR#17675 ToddK3TAJ#17827 NicholasN4TAE#17854
    WalterAC4IM#17676 JamesKC3CSH#17828 TomKO5USA#17855
    RogerM0DOH#17677 JoeKC3CSI#17829 JohnKD2HEK#17856
    JackOZ4F#17678 LuisKB8PYT#17830 PaulKG5NKW#17857
    AndyM0VVA#17679 PaulVA3PDC#17831 RobertND2O#17858
    OnzoWW5OBA#17805 DavidK4MCG#17832 MarcusN5ZY#17859
    MarilynAF7BI#17806 CharlesWB9QQZ#17833 JamesW4UCA#17860
    WayneKC1AUM#17807 DavidN3DRL#17834 AlexanderW5YB#17861
    ScottK0LAR#17808 RandyW8FN#17835 FredNE2E#17862
    WillW0ZRJ#17809 ThomasK9VER#17836 Richard #17863
    AlKA1SOL#17810 BarclayWT4BT#17837 JerryKK6PA#17864
    JeffK9VEG#17811 CraigW5CCP#17838    
    ToddN7TWL#17812 DaleKC0QNS#17839    
  • 05 Jun 16: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following May 2016 activities:
    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you can't win, it's really helpful to send in logs to encourage others to join in.

    See the Activity Calendar web page for details on sending in FISTS Eu activity logs.
    See the EuCW Snakes & Ladders web page for details of sending in logs for it.
  • 05 Jun 16: FISTS CW Club Europe's new Mechanical Key Days 2016 on-air activity starts at 00:01 Monday 6th June and runs until 23:59 Friday 10th June UTC.

    Please dust off your bug key, sideswiper or straight key and join us.  QSOs don't have to be with stations also using mechanical keys, but if (hopefully) you are going to send in a log, you must use a mechanical key.

    Exchange a minimum of:
        Name, RST, QTH, & member number (if applicable).

    *** Don't forget to write MKD for each qualifying QSO in your logbook's 'Comment' (or similar) field.

    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.
  • 27 May 16: The next FISTS CW Club Europe QRS Fifth Sunday is 29 May, 0001-2359 UTC - a whole day of QRS activity, maximum 14 wpm.

    The main idea is to have lots of QRS QSOs and, if you wish, send in a log too.  Please chat as much as you like during your QSOs, but do include these:
        Name, QTH, & RST.

    *** Don't forget to write QRS in your logbook's 'Comment' (or similar) field if you are sending in a log.
  • 20 May 16: Please join us in FISTS CW Club Europe Ladder sessions: Sunday 22 May 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 members of FISTS Europe.
  • 14 May 16: The RSGB 4m (70 MHz) CW Contest 2016 is Sunday 15 May 0900-1200 UTC.

    The exchange is: RST, Serial Number (starting at 001) and a 6 character (e.g. IO92JL) locator and UK stations send the first 2 letters of their Postcode.

    This is one of three RSGB VHF CW contests (6m, 4m, & 2m).  These are more relaxed than HF contests and typically 'real' RSTs are exchanged, so have fun and listen carefully!
  • 13 May 16: The FISTS CW Club Americas Spring Unlimited Sprint takes place on Saturday 14 May 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.
  • 10 May 16: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    JohnGM0EPO#209 Spectrum 40m
    MikeG0POT#9875 Millionaire
    GeneW5GXV#11347 Millionaire 22 & 23 Million Endorsements
    PeteG0PNM#16592 Prefix 50 Endorsement

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 10 May 16: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    SteveAI6KX#15178 NeilGM7NYB#17665 JimKB5RK#17786
    PeterVR2VPH#15179 NickG0HFL#17666 CharlieNJ7V#17787
    ShunJJ1DJX#15180 DarrenM6GQQ#17667 BruceK8UDH#17788
    YoHS6ZBQ#15181 JohnG4DRS#17668 SteveKL7SRC#17789
    GraemeG0WCZ#17648 RonaldW8RJL#17770 PhilipWE7A#17790
    AndrewG8INV#17649 WilliamKM4NGV#17771 LloydKC5FM#17791
    JelleON6PJ#17651 WayneW4HG#17772 BrentKJ6PEH#17792
    SteveG4YGA#17652 FrankW1VER#17773 DavidK5FIG#17793
    ZebHB9FXW#17653 JamesKB9ON#17774 PaulKD9DAE#17794
    IanG4EVK#17654 DavidKN1SIX#17775 MichaelAE7XP#17795
    Joanne2E1BCF#17655 PhilKB5EBB#17776 FrankK5PHB#17796
    LeeG0DBE#17656 DonaldKG5DW#17777 GlennKO5TER#17797
    SteveM0PAV#17657 RobertAC9KJ#17778 StanleyWA6VJY#17798
    MarkM6KNM#17658 StevenN1TYH#17779 AlvaroHK5NLJ#17799
    CharlesG4JQX#17659 AndrewNB8F#17780 ConcettaWH6DZB#17800
    Chippenham and District Amateur Radio ClubG3VRE#17660 StuartKG5MCG#17781 RichardAH6NM#17801
    GarethG0MFR#17661 RobertKF4ILV#17782 GeneW4KLA#17802
    LawrieGM0TLM#17662 DavidKD2IIK#17783 MerleNM5MW#17803
    FilipON3FV#17663 AlfredWA2VJL#17784 TerryWB6TA#17804
    GrahamM3IME#17664 BrianAJ4RI#17785    
  • 08 May 16: The FISTS BrassPounder May 2016 newsletter has just been published.

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

    This edition includes details of the FISTS April 2016 Ladder.



     
  • 08 May 16: Please join us in FISTS CW Club Europe Ladder sessions: Sunday 08 May 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 members of FISTS Europe.
  • 06 May 16: The FISTS CW Club Americas Spring Slow Speed Sprint (max. 13 wpm) takes place on Saturday 07 May 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.
  • 02 May 16: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following April 2016 activities:
    Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you can't win, it's really helpful to send in logs to encourage others to join in.

    See the Activity Calendar web page for details on sending in FISTS Eu activity logs.
    See the EuCW/AGCW QRS Week and EuCW Snakes & Ladders web pages for details of sending in logs for them.

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 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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