Thu 25 Oct FISTS Eu Day Hopper
Fri 26 Oct FISTS Eu Day Hopper
Sun 28 Oct FISTS Eu Ladder
Wed 31 Oct FISTS Eu Day Hopper
Fri 02 Nov-Sat 03 Nov FISTS Eu Chirp 'n' Drift Day
Sat 03 Nov-Sun 04 Nov RSGB 2m CW Marconi Contest
Thu 08 Nov FISTS Eu Day Hopper
Sun 11 Nov FISTS Eu Ladder
Fri 16 Nov FISTS Eu Day Hopper
Mon 19 Nov FISTS Eu Day Hopper
Sun 25 Nov FISTS Eu Ladder
Tue 27 Nov FISTS Eu Day Hopper
Sun 02 Dec-Sat 08 Dec FISTS Eu Straight Key Week
Mon 03 Dec FISTS Eu Day Hopper
Sun 09 Dec FISTS Eu Ladder
Tue 11 Dec FISTS Eu Day Hopper
Wed 19 Dec FISTS Eu Day Hopper
More...

Upcoming
events:
Home

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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  • 14 Oct 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder October 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 Word Search 2018 and September 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 13 Oct 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 14 October 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.
    • Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.  Upcoming days are Wednesday October 17th, Thursday 25th, Friday 26th & Wednesday 31st.

      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, 20m, 15m, & 10m.  Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
  • 05 Oct 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    JohnVK5PF#15230 GaylonAD4WL#18820 GreggWX4K#18843
    DavidVK3GDM#15231 WillKD9KZ#18821 AsaW5FB#18844
    NilsVK3FLYS#15232 DavidAA5HL#18822 Chris2E1HTE#18852
    SimonVK2FK#15233 MiltonAC1BS#18823 DanG0DBI#18853
    KENJIYD3KNJ#15269 JasonK7III#18824 JanPA0SIM#18854
    RyuJR7UXB#15270 CarlaVE5YAK#18825 RickG3OPH#18855
    AkiJJ0SFV#15271 DanielW7RF#18826 DavidM0RIU#18856
    Kou7N1ICA#15272 DavidK5DEL#18827 MikePA7MDJ#18857
    AkiJK1OZS#15273 DonK9DRP#18828 PaulLA6IN#18858
    NobuJM7GTK#15274 GeraldWA5AFD#18829 Rob2W0BJR#18859
    AboJL1SJY#15275 JonathanN8YRE#18830 MikeDL4MGM#18860
    KenJA8CQU#15276 DavidN8MME#18831 BobM0CSV#18861
    Richard IanN2RIC#18770 BrentWB3KYJ#18832 GeoffG3YTX#18862
    LarryK4WLO#18810 RichN2NOW#18833 JohnM0LFX#18863
    TedAF4OV#18811 Southern CrossWX0UFO#18834 GrahamG3MFJ#18864
    TomNB5Q#18812 MikeKD5RJZ#18835 CliveGW4MBS#18865
    RichardN5RWF#18813 KenW7AHX#18836 FerM0HXC#18866
    RobertW7INF#18814 JerryKB2QIU#18837 BrianG4HIV#18867
    WilliamK7PK#18815 MichaelW6JN#18838 FredG4HNQ#18868
    BradN1BTC#18816 JamesKC0YJD#18839 SeanG0UVM#18869
    RobertAA5OY#18817 PaulW4GOT#18840 PauloM6NGZ#18870
    DaveKM6MYF#18818 MichaelAC2MV#18841 SteveM0HQL#18871
    AlexK6MAA#18819 JohnK0IP#18842 MartinM0XMP#18872
  • 02 Oct 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    ChuckK9IA#12732 Basic Century, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement, Worked All States, Prefix, Prefix 50 Endorsement
    JohnG4LRG#14873 Millionaire 5 Million Endorsement
    KepaEA6BB#18080 Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement
    WilliamMI0WWB#18434 Millionaire
    Rif9A9CW#18749 Basic Century

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 01 Oct 18: Please send in your logs for the following activities:
    • Word Search (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 October.  Please send a log even if you didn't complete the words - you will then be able to see your position(/s) in the results tables!
    • Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 October.
    • Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 October.

    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.
  • 29 Sep 18: This year's Essex CW Amateur Radio Club (ECWARC) Boot Camp is on schedule for Saturday 27th October 2018.

    Venue address:
        3rd Witham Scout & Guide HQ,
        Rear of Spring Lodge Community Centre,
        Powers Hall End,
        Witham,
        Essex,
        CM8 2HE.

    The doors will open at 08:30 for registration.  The meetings begin at 09:00; please be sure to arrive in plenty of time to register.  The day finishes at approximately 16:30.

    Your main decision is to decide which group you want to work with: under 10 wpm, up to 24 wpm, and 25 wpm up.  Within each group, the aim is to show you how to progress to the top of that group and eventually move into the next group.  Note that at times all groups are combined for a number of talks and group CW activities.

    This is quite an intensive day.  If you become tired or don't want to do a particular activity, you can opt out.  Have a coffee, or sit in on the station we'll have on the air.  There will be someone to talk to about setting up and operating.  You will be able to use the station yourself, supervised or not as you wish.

    If you plan to take the RSGB Morse test, please practice up to a speed of at least 2 wpm faster than the test speed you have nominated.  It will also help the examiner if you can have your name, address, and call sign written out on a piece of paper in advance.  We have only planned an hour for this activity as the number of delegates indicating interest was low.  If the numbers swell on the day, it will have to be first-come-first-served.

    Finally, what to bring?  All of the following:
    • Morse key with 3.5 mm jack and 3.5/6.0 mm adaptor.
    • High impedance headphones, same jack requirements.
    • Writing pad and pencil/pen.
    • Name badge with call sign.
    • Registration Fee £10.00  please bring correct amount (cash only).

    Plastic cups will be available.  If you prefer something more solid, please bring your own mug.

    We will provide plenty of drinks, cakes, biscuits, and nibbles.  If you require a more substantial lunch, please bring your own.  Bear in mind we are only taking a 30-minute lunch break.

    This is going to be a very enjoyable and rewarding day.  You will be able to put faces to names and call signs and meet new fellow-enthusiasts.  But, most importantly, you will have a clear picture of your CW strengths and weaknesses and know how to fix and exploit those to improve your operating speed and technique.

    You will also be able to obtain information and answers about things that puzzle and confuse you:  should I use a paddle key?  What are all those different types for?  How do I set up my straight key?  What is the correct procedure for contesting versus regular QSOs?  Which is the best CW software?  And many more.

    Looking forward to meeting with you all and to a great day.

    73 Dean G4WQI ECWARC Chairman.
  • 27 Sep 18: New FISTS Collection disc with Morse courses and Key Notes from FISTS CW Club Europe!

    We now have a replacement for the Morse training CDs we have offered for a number of years, the new FISTS Collection disc.  This disc (DVD) contains:
    • Beginners' training course by K7QO (MP3 format) with its read-back texts.
    • G0NZA improvers' course (MP3 format).
    • Complete archive collection of our magazine Key Note up to February 2018.
    • Software, training videos and much more too.

    The disc comes with a 40 page A5 booklet giving advice for the newcomer to the hobby and the full text of the G0NZA training course.

    The prices are �4.50 (GBP) including postage to the UK, or for outside the UK, �5.50 (GBP).  The package can be obtained from the club sales web page.

    Note: The old single discs are no longer available and all outstanding orders will receive this new package.
  • 26 Sep 18: Straight Key Week from FISTS CW Club Europe, has returned for 2018 and starts on Sunday 02 December and finishes on Saturday 08 December UTC.

    **If you use FISTS Log Converter program to send in entries, you will need to download the newly-released Version 3.5.3

    DON'T FORGET to add SKW to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field and that operating times are 1 hour periods starting at the following UTC times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100.
    Entrants 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.
  • 23 Sep 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Word Search runs during the whole of September, 24x7.  It's not too late to join in and even if you haven't completed the phrase, you can still submit your log and see how well you did in the results table in October.
      Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
      Minimum exchange is member number.  Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m.  Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
    • Ladder Sunday 09 September 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.
    • Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.  The first day for 2018 is Monday 01 October.

      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, 20m, 15m, & 10m.  Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
  • 23 Sep 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe Day-hopper 2018 sessions start on Monday 1st October 2018 and continue through into November & December.  There are three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day.  The October sessions are:

    * Monday 1st October.
    * Tuesday 9th October.
    * Wednesday 17th October.
    * Thursday 25th October.
    * Friday 26th October.
    * Wednesday 31st October.

    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, 20m, 15m, & 10m.

    Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.  Members can submit reports of numbers worked, soap-box comments etc. etc. as a "Round-up news" at the end of the sessions (by the end of January 2018, please), and also send any questions, to: .
  • 15 Sep 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder September 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 August 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 08 Sep 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    StuartG4XSH#18730 RichardKB3MBM#18770 IsmaelYV6BXN#18790
    JanPA3GSV#18731 TomKS5X#18771 TravisW0MUD#18791
    TrevG1AHW#18732 NicholasVE2NGO#18772 JamesKC3LKG#18792
    SteveG8XEV#18733 BertKC2ABB#18773 DavidW9FOG#18793
    PaulM6OFV#18734 JoseWP3PW#18774 AdrianW2ADW#18794
    KeithG0RQQ#18735 PaulK4DXX#18775 RobertKM4WYJ#18795
    AndyIW0HK#18736 WayneKE8ISD#18776 TommyK4RCW#18796
    WillyON7TW#18737 CarltonKF7Y#18777 JasonAJ6EV#18797
    MarcM0IMG#18738 RichardW5TFW#18778 MikeAA6MK#18798
    MarkG1YWY#18739 JimW8LGZ#18779 MaxKE8DON#18799
    JohnEI5KN#18740 CarlW1WJ#18780 RoyAF5XB#18800
    ChrisM0XTE#18741 WilliamKC9BNW#18781 RobertNB4F#18802
    LeslieG4ZBC#18742 KeithKC5NAV#18782 MarkAC5RN#18803
    Darren2E0EVU#18743 MatthewNB0X#18783 PaulK4JAZ#18804
    JanPA0JED#18744 TimothyWB8HRO#18784 RichardW9REA#18805
    PhilG0BVD#18745 DavidNM5Z#18785 RobertKK4SER#18806
    JimM6URD#18746 JohnW6IET#18786 JamesKJ4J#18807
    PeterPA4PK#18747 CharlesKG4WAE#18787 WilliamKN4GYS#18808
    RufusM0RUF#18748 JerryAG5AY#18788 AlexWA4WDV#18809
    Rif9A9CW#18749 ScottN1CWV#18789 KonSQ6GIT#18851
  • 08 Sep 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Word Search runs during the whole of September, 24x7.  It's not too late to join in and even if you haven't completed the phrase, you can still submit your log and see how well you did in the results table in October.
      Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
      Minimum exchange is member number.  Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m.  Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
    • Ladder Sunday 09 September 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.
  • 01 Sep 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    RichardG0ILN#398 Rag Chewers
    MichaelKK7H#18765 Basic 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.
  • 01 Sep 18: Please send in your logs for the following August 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.
  • 18 Aug 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder August 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 July 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 10 Aug 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

    NameCallNo. NameCallNo. NameCallNo.
    GaryKB0KDX#18682 MauriceKA1S#18699 BobK4FA#18755
    DavidNG9F#18683 JeremyM0RNX#18719 TomKC3TOM#18756
    JosephKI5AAI#18684 JulianG4ETS#18720 EricKE0FZA#18757
    DanielKE8FHF#18685 FabianDJ1YFK#18721 PaulK4XRA#18758
    BrianWD8DCS#18686 NickG0AWH#18722 ScottKI5ANQ#18759
    TomK4THL#18687 BrianG4IYC#18723 CharlesAA4LS#18760
    JeffKC3HWU#18688 PatrickON4BCA#18724 MichaelAD8BE#18761
    MichaelW5KSU#18689 RenePA3GJA#18725 RonaldW1VET#18762
    MichaelVA7MN#18690 SteveM3FGU#18726 DettleffKD8EFM#18763
    KeithWD9GET#18691 BarryG4GMP#18727 DonaldKA0FDY#18764
    BennettNC1WX#18692 MarkG6PMN#18728 MichaelKK7H#18765
    RichW9RJK#18693 PistaHA2EBA#18729 StevenW0GSQ#18766
    PatrickAC0I#18694 MichaelN6MKW#18750 HaywardK5HMG#18767
    MichaelKD6KA#18695 RonaldNB3W#18751 MikeKI7SDQ#18768
    MatthewKD8CWV#18696 BruceKC9HTC#18752 RichardKA2DOV#18769
    RyanK9RL#18697 RobertKD0OJB#18753    
    RobertKM4WUU#18698 ThomasW2PIX#18754    
  • 10 Aug 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

    NameCallsignMemberAwards
    MilanOK1KW#4827 Spectrum 40m, Spectrum 30m Endorsement, Spectrum 20m Endorsement, Spectrum 17m Endorsement, Prefix 50 Endorsement, Prefix 100 Endorsement, Prefix 150 Endorsement
    PeteG0PNM#16592 Spectrum 20m Endorsement
    WilliamMI0WWB#18434 Basic Century
    EdwardN7EDK#18504 Basic Century

    For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.
  • 10 Aug 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 12 August 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.
    • Word Search started on 01 June and runs until Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
      Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
      Minimum exchange is member number.  Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m.  Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
  • 02 Aug 18: Please send in your logs for the following July 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.
  • 29 Jul 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder July 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 June 2018 Ladder results.


     
  • 21 Jul 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 22 July 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.
    • Word Search started on 01 June and runs until Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
      Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
      Minimum exchange is member number.  Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m.  Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
  • 08 Jul 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe and EuCW on-air activities:
    • Ladder Sunday 08 July 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.
    • EuCW Snakes & Ladders new "summer/autumn"run started on 01 July and ends on 31 December UTC.
      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.
    • Word Search started on 01 June and runs until Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
      Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
      Minimum exchange is member number.  Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m.  Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
  • 06 Jul 18: Please send in your logs for the following June 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.

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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