Mon 18 May-Fri 05 Jun FISTS Eu Dunkirk Memorial
Sun 14 Jun FISTS Eu Ladder
Sun 28 Jun RSGB 6m CW Contest
Sun 28 Jun FISTS Eu Ladder
Wed 01 Jul EuCW Snakes & Ladders
summer/autumn season starts
Sun 12 Jul FISTS Eu Ladder
Sun 26 Jul FISTS Eu Ladder
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:

    Also available via RSS Subscribe to RSS news feed  Twitter Go to FISTS_CW_Club on Twitter  Facebook Go to FISTS CW Club on Facebook
  • 01 Jun 20: Please send in your logs and comments for the following activities that took place or finished in May 2020.  *** If you use FISTS Log Converter, please ensure you have installed version 3.8.1 or later first.

    Notes: For the Ladder, please include in your log ALL your Ladder QSOs from the (up to) 4 sessions in the month.  If you need to make any changes, you can send in another log and it will replace the previous log you sent in.  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 May 20: Please join us in the Ladder and Dunkirk Memorial on-air activities (FISTS CW Club Europe):
    • Ladder Sunday 24 May 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.
    • Dunkirk Memorial Monday 18 May - Friday 05 June (inclusive) UTC.
      Work as many stations around Dunkirk and Dover as you can.  1 point for stations further than 50 miles from Dunkirk or Dover, 3 points for stations within 50 miles of them, and a special 10 points for a QSO with GB4DLS.

      Maximum of one QSO per station during the activity.  No required details to exchange.  For Belgium, England, France, and Netherlands stations, log 6-character locators (no need to exchange locators over the air).
  • 17 May 20:  FISTS Dunkirk Memorial Activity Monday 18 May - Friday 05 June 2020 UTC: During this period, which date covers both the memorial event and the actual operation dates, this activity is to simply work as many stations around Dunkirk and Dover (the operation was run from Dover) as you can.

    Remember it is FUN. Exchanges should be normal but more points will be awarded for stations within 50 miles of Dover or Dunkirk. Distances will be based on Locator distances.  Locators do NOT need to be exchanged but for stations in Belgium, England, France, & Netherlands, you MUST enter the locator of the station into your log to claim "within 50 miles" bonus points.  If you are not given the locator over the ear, it is often shown as the Grid Square in QRZ.com.  If it's not there, you can find it using the postal address from QRZ.com on this Maidenhead Grid Square Locator Map web page.

    If you wish, you can use the new version of the FISTS Log Converter, 4.0.0 program for Windows to see your progress and send in an entry.

    The scores are 1 point per qso, 3 points per qso within 50 miles of either Dunkirk or Dover castle, and 10 points for the Andover club special event callsign GB4DLS.

    For full details, please see FISTS Dunkirk Memorial Activity web page.
  • 16 May 20: The latest version, 4.0.0, of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

    This version adds the following 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, Phil M0PBZ, and Richard G0ILN.
     
  • 14 May 20: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder May 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 results for the Ladder in April 2020 along with information about the upcoming activities.



     
  • 09 May 20: Please join us in the Ladder on-air activity (FISTS CW Club Europe):
    • Ladder Sunday 10 May 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.
  • 09 May 20: Graham G3ZOD writes: The RSGB 4m (70 MHz) CW Contest 2020 is Sunday 10 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!  If you have QSOs with FISTS CW Club members, these count towards the FISTS Awards.
  • 04 May 20: Please send in your logs and comments for the following activities that took place or finished in April 2020.  *** If you use FISTS Log Converter, please ensure you have installed version 3.8.1 first.

    Notes: For the Ladder, please include in your log ALL your Ladder QSOs from the (up to) 4 sessions in the month.  If you need to make any changes, you can send in another log and it will replace the previous log you sent in.  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 May 20: The March 2020 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:
    • The GHD GD907WS Key - IK0IXI.
    • Worn out, useless and kaput - G3VBS.
    • M0AVW Silent Key - M0CDL.
    • The FISTS Pentagon Iambic Key - G0KOK.
    • A simple cheap cover idea - G3YZZ.
    • Restored keys - GW0VSW.
    • Encouraging newcomers - G3KMG.
    • CW on a Northern bound train - M0AEP.

    ... and more besides!


    Notes:
    1. It may take longer than usual for members to receive a paper copy due to postal delays caused by the Post Office and Royal Mail.
    2. If you have forgotten your password:
  • 26 Apr 20: The 2020 EuCW QRS Week activity is Monday 27 April to Friday 01 May UTC (inclusive).

    (*** If you use FISTS Log Converter, please ensure you have installed version 3.8.1 BEFORE sending in your log.)

    Maximum speed is 14 wpm.

    Call 'CQ' or 'CQ QRS'.

    See the full details on the EuCW website.
  • 25 Apr 20: Please join us in the Ladder on-air activity (FISTS CW Club Europe):
    • Ladder Sunday 26 April 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.
  • 20 Apr 20: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder April 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 results for the Ladder in March 2020 along with information about the upcoming activities.



     
  • 11 Apr 20: Please join us in the Ladder on-air activity (FISTS CW Club Europe):
    • Ladder Sunday 12 April 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.
  • 04 Apr 20: Please send in your logs and comments for the following activities that took place or finished in March 2020.  *** If you use FISTS Log Converter, please ensure you have installed version 3.8.1 first.
    • Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 April.
    • Low Bands Day Hopper (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 April.  Note: As a non-competitive activity, comments on this one, please - logs are optional.
    • Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 April.

    Notes: For the Ladder, please include in your log ALL your Ladder QSOs from the (up to) 4 sessions in the month.  If you need to make any changes, you can send in another log and it will replace the previous log you sent in.  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.
  • 22 Mar 20: Please join us in the Ladder and Low Bands Day-hopper on-air activities (FISTS CW Club Europe):
    • Ladder Sunday 22 March 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
      March: 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.
  • 12 Mar 20: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder March 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 results for the Ladder in February 2020 along with information about the upcoming activities.



     
  • 07 Mar 20: Please join us in the Ladder and Low Bands Day-hopper on-air activities (FISTS CW Club Europe):
    • Ladder Sunday 08 March 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
      March: 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.
  • 05 Mar 20: Please send in your logs and comments for the following activities that took place or finished in February 2020.  *** If you use FISTS Log Converter, please ensure you have installed version 3.8.1 first.

    Notes: For the Ladder, please include in your log ALL your Ladder QSOs from the (up to) 4 sessions in the month.  If you need to make any changes, you can send in another log and it will replace the previous log you sent in.  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.

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.

Nochex - Online Payment Services