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.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.
Interested in becoming a member?
Find out more about our history.
Latest News:
Also available via RSS X Facebook-
11 Oct 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS
Ladder,
Vintage Chirp n Drift Week, and
Call that an Aerial?.
-
FISTS Ladder
Sunday 13 October 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:
Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.
- One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.
- Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz but any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 November.
-
FISTS Vintage Chirp n Drift Week
Sunday 06 - Sunday 13 October (inclusive) UTC.
All old, valve, vintage or modern rebuilds welcome. No commercial equipment built nor home made kit from designs after 1985. CW QSOs just for fun – no points or results tables. However, afterwards please do send reports and photos. -
FISTS Call that an Aerial?
Monday 01 July - Saturday 30 November (inclusive) UTC.
Have QSOs using using your unusual / unconventional aerials only.
- Exchange a minimum of RST, Name QTH, & QTH.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Add this to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: CTA
- Logs to be received no later than 07 December.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Ladder
Sunday 13 October 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:
-
08 Oct 24: The FISTS CW Club October 2024 monthly
BrassPounder
newsletter is now available in the Members' Area.
BrassPounder is written by David G4YVM, Activities Manager and its focus is on on-air activities provided by FISTS CW Club.
-
01 Oct 24: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by the end of September 2024.
- Straight Eight Reprise 2024 (FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 October.
- Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial (FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 October.
- Ladder (September, FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 October.
- Snakes & Ladders (September, EuCW) no later than 07 October.
- Top9 (September, ICWC) no later than 09 October.
Notes:- FISTS CW Club results will be published in the BrassPounder newsletter, normally available mid-month.
- Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do support the activities by sending in logs.
- For the Ladder, if you are taking part on both Sundays in the month, please send in a single log towards the end of the month.
-
20 Sep 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS
Ladder,
Call that an Aerial? and
Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial.
-
FISTS Ladder
Sunday 22 September 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:
Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.
- One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.
- Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz but any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 October.
-
FISTS Call that an Aerial?
Monday 01 July - Saturday 30 November (inclusive) UTC.
Have QSOs using using your unusual / unconventional aerials only.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Add this to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: CTA
- Logs to be received no later than 07 December.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial
Saturday 01 June - Monday 30 September (inclusive) UTC.
Category 1: Portable (/P) stations running no more than 15 Watts and not using mains electricity can earn points from contacting any station on CW.
Category 2: Those unable to go out portable can earn points from contacting portable (/P) stations on CW.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 October.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Ladder
Sunday 22 September 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:
-
16 Sep 24: Memorial Day QSO Party (MDQP) is an activity providing participants with an opportunity to honour amateur radio operators who are now Silent Key.
MDQP is being sponsored and managed by FOC and is open to all licensed amateurs: the idea is for each participant to honour a silent key. They might have a special memory to share, along with the callsign and name of one who went before us.
MDQP begins at 09:00 UTC on 1 November 2024, ending at 08:59 UTC on 2. November 2024.
Certificates will be available for all participants submitting an ADIF log and there will be awards for the highest number of QSOs made, the runner-up with the second highest number of QSOs and the participant sharing the most highly-regarded detail about their chosen Silent Key.
Of course, this is a CW-only event (suggested CW Speed is 15 up to 30 WPM).
At a minimum, each exchange must include RST, QTH and name of operator, together with the callsign of the Silent Key being honoured; additionally, sharing the name and at least one item of interest about the SK operator is encouraged. A participant may honour more than a single SK but only one SK call per band.
QSOs may be on the 6, 10, 15, 20, 40, 80, and 160 meter bands only. MDQP QSOs are not permitted on WARC bands (30m, 17m, 12m) or 60m. Stations may be worked once per band.
There are two sections, Single Operator Low Power (SOLP) using 100 Watts or less and Single Operator High Power (SOHP) running more than 100 Watts up to their local legal limit.
More information on the event is available on the FOC website or contact IZ2FME at MDQP [at] g4foc.org, or at michelecarlone [at] yahoo.it
Many thanks in advance and good luck!
73 de Michele IZ2FME – MM0FME – N2FME FISTS #18103. -
10 Sep 24: The FISTS CW Club September 2024 monthly
BrassPounder
newsletter is now available in the Members' Area.
BrassPounder is written by David G4YVM, Activities Manager and its focus is on on-air activities provided by FISTS CW Club.
-
06 Sep 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS
Straight Eight Reprise,
Ladder,
Call that an Aerial? and
Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial.
-
FISTS Straight Eight Reprise 2024
Sunday 08 September - Sunday 15 September 2024 UTC:
Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.- If you are sending in a log, you must use straight keys or sideswipers (no bug keys, keyers, keyboards etc.)
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.
- QSOs at any time but operating around these UTC times is recommended: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800 & 2100.
- Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz but any licensed band except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- FISTS Log Converter users MUST add SK8 to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 October.
-
FISTS Ladder
Sunday 08 September 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:
Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.
- One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.
- Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz but any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 October.
-
FISTS Call that an Aerial?
Monday 01 July - Saturday 30 November (inclusive) UTC.
Have QSOs using using your unusual / unconventional aerials only.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Add this to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: CTA
- Logs to be received no later than 07 December.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial
Saturday 01 June - Monday 30 September (inclusive) UTC.
Category 1: Portable (/P) stations running no more than 15 Watts and not using mains electricity can earn points from contacting any station on CW.
Category 2: Those unable to go out portable can earn points from contacting portable (/P) stations on CW.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 October.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Straight Eight Reprise 2024
Sunday 08 September - Sunday 15 September 2024 UTC:
-
04 Sep 24: The
September 2024 Key Note
is now available to all current FISTS CW Club members as PDF and audio (.mp3) files.
Please visit the Members' Area to get your copy:
https://fists.co.uk/members
Items in this issue include:
- Signal reports - G5VZ.
- Morse memories - G3XIZ.
- A journey oft interrupted - MI0PYN.
- Keys that tell a story - PA9RZ.
- Kent KT1 key refurbishment - 2E0WRW.
- Essex Boot Camp 2023 - G0IBN.
- The Strawberry basket - M0BPT.
... and more besides!
Note: If you don't know your password:
- FISTS Americas members ONLY: you can reset it at https://fistsna.org/memresetpw.php .
- FISTS Europe, East Asia, & Down Under members: please send an email using the 'Membership' address on the Contact Us web page.
-
01 Sep 24: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by the end of August 2024.
- Mechanical Key Week 2024 (FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 September.
- 30m Activation (FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 September. Note - logs not required - just soapbox comments and total number of QSOs please.
- Ladder (August, FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 September.
- Snakes & Ladders (August, EuCW) no later than 07 September.
- Top9 (August, ICWC) no later than 09 September.
Notes:- Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do support the activities by sending in logs.
- For the Ladder, if you are taking part on both Sundays in the month, please send in a single log towards the end of the month.
-
28 Aug 24: Please join us in the
FISTS 30m Activation:
Sunday 25 - Saturday 31 August (inclusive) 24x7 local time.
A social gathering just for fun – no scores, no result tables, no logs, no minimum exchange – just CW QSOs with anyone on 30m.- Any frequency; note that FISTS centre of activity frequencies are 10.118 & 10.128 MHz.
- Any time but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at the following local times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100.
Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter. -
23 Aug 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS
Ladder,
Straight Eight Reprise,
Call that an Aerial? and
Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial.
-
FISTS Ladder
Sunday 25 August 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:
Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.
- One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.
- Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz but any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 September.
-
FISTS Straight Eight Reprise 2024
Sunday 08 September - Sunday 15 September 2024 UTC:
Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.- If you are sending in a log, you must use straight keys or sideswipers (no bug keys, keyers, keyboards etc.)
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.
- QSOs at any time but operating around these UTC times is recommended: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800 & 2100.
- Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz but any licensed band except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- FISTS Log Converter users MUST add SK8 to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 October.
-
FISTS Call that an Aerial?
Monday 01 July - Saturday 30 November (inclusive) UTC.
Have QSOs using using your unusual / unconventional aerials only.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Add this to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: CTA
- Logs to be received no later than 07 December.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial
Saturday 01 June - Monday 30 September (inclusive) UTC.
Category 1: Portable (/P) stations running no more than 15 Watts and not using mains electricity can earn points from contacting any station on CW.
Category 2: Those unable to go out portable can earn points from contacting portable (/P) stations on CW.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 October.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Ladder
Sunday 25 August 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:
-
12 Aug 24: The FISTS CW Club August 2024 monthly
BrassPounder
newsletter is now available in the Members' Area.
BrassPounder is written by David G4YVM, Activities Manager and its focus is on on-air activities provided by FISTS CW Club.
-
09 Aug 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS
Summer Sprints,
Ladder,
Mechanical Key Week,
Call that an Aerial? and
Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial.
-
FISTS Summer Sprints
Saturday 10 August 00:00-23:59 UTC + Sunday 18 August 00:00-23:59 UTC.
Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.- Exchange a minimum of RST, member number (if available), US State -or- Canadian Province -or- DXCC number (for non US/Canadian stations).
- One QSO per station on one of 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m.
- Logs to be received no later than 7 days after the Sprint.
-
FISTS Ladder
Sunday 11 August 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:
Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.
- One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.
- Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz but any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 September.
-
FISTS Mechanical Key Week
Thursday 01 - Sunday 11 August (inclusive) 24x7 UTC:
Call CQ and have QSOs using mechanical keys (straight keys, side-swiper ('cootie') keys & fully- or semi-automatic ('bug') keys).- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST, & if applicable, member number.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz but any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at the following times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Add this to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: MKW
- Logs to be received no later than 07 September.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.7.1 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Call that an Aerial?
Monday 01 July - Saturday 30 November (inclusive) UTC.
Have QSOs using using your unusual / unconventional aerials only.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Add this to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: CTA
- Logs to be received no later than 07 December.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial
Saturday 01 June - Monday 30 September (inclusive) UTC.
Category 1: Portable (/P) stations running no more than 15 Watts and not using mains electricity can earn points from contacting any station on CW.
Category 2: Those unable to go out portable can earn points from contacting portable (/P) stations on CW.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 October.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Summer Sprints
Saturday 10 August 00:00-23:59 UTC + Sunday 18 August 00:00-23:59 UTC.
-
02 Aug 24: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by the end of July 2024.
- Ladder (July, FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 August.
- Snakes & Ladders (July, EuCW) no later than 07 August.
- Top9 (July, ICWC) no later than 09 August.
Notes:- Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do support the activities by sending in logs.
- For the Ladder, if you are taking part on both Sundays in the month, please send in a single log towards the end of the month.
-
26 Jul 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS
Mechanical Key Week,
Call that an Aerial?,
Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial
and
Ladder.
-
FISTS Mechanical Key Week
Thursday 01 - Sunday 11 August (inclusive) 24x7 UTC:
Call CQ and have QSOs using mechanical keys (straight keys, side-swiper ('cootie') keys & fully- or semi-automatic ('bug') keys).- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST, & if applicable, member number.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz but any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at the following times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Add this to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: MKW
- Logs to be received no later than 07 September.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.7.1 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Call that an Aerial?
Monday 01 July - Saturday 30 November (inclusive) UTC.
Have QSOs using using your unusual / unconventional aerials only.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Add this to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: CTA
- Logs to be received no later than 07 December.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial
Saturday 01 June - Monday 30 September (inclusive) UTC.
Category 1: Portable (/P) stations running no more than 15 Watts and not using mains electricity can earn points from contacting any station on CW.
Category 2: Those unable to go out portable can earn points from contacting portable (/P) stations on CW.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 October.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Ladder
Sunday 14 July 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:
Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.
- One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.
- Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz but any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 June.
-
FISTS Mechanical Key Week
Thursday 01 - Sunday 11 August (inclusive) 24x7 UTC:
-
13 Jul 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS
Call that an Aerial?,
Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial
and
Ladder.
-
FISTS Call that an Aerial?
Monday 01 July - Saturday 30 November (inclusive) UTC.
Have QSOs using using your unusual / unconventional aerials only.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Add this to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: CTA
- Logs to be received no later than 07 December.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial
Saturday 01 June - Monday 30 September (inclusive) UTC.
Category 1: Portable (/P) stations running no more than 15 Watts and not using mains electricity can earn points from contacting any station on CW.
Category 2: Those unable to go out portable can earn points from contacting portable (/P) stations on CW.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 October.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Ladder
Sunday 14 July 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:
Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.
- One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.
- Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz but any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 June.
-
FISTS Call that an Aerial?
Monday 01 July - Saturday 30 November (inclusive) UTC.
-
11 Jul 24: The FISTS CW Club July 2024 monthly
BrassPounder
newsletter is now available in the Members' Area.
This edition includes the results of the FISTS European Tour on-air activity.
BrassPounder is written by David G4YVM, Activities Manager and its focus is on on-air activities provided by FISTS CW Club.
-
01 Jul 24: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by the end of June 2024.
- Ladder (June, FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 July.
- European Tour 2024 (FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 July.
- Snakes & Ladders (June, EuCW) no later than 07 July.
- Top9 (June, ICWC) no later than 09 July.
Notes:- Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do support the activities by sending in logs.
- For the Ladder, if you are taking part on both Sundays in the month, please send in a single log towards the end of the month.
-
22 Jun 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS
Ladder,
European Tour,
Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial
and
Call that an Aerial?
-
FISTS Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial
Saturday 01 June - Monday 30 September (inclusive) UTC.
Category 1: Portable (/P) stations running no more than 15 Watts and not using mains electricity can earn points from contacting any station on CW.
Category 2: Those unable to go out portable can earn points from contacting portable (/P) stations on CW.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 October.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS European Tour
Saturday 01 June - Sunday 30 June (inclusive) UTC.
Contact as many CW stations from as many European Countries (DXCC entities) as possible.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 July.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.2 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Ladder
Sunday 23 June 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:
Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.
- One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.
- Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz but any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 June.
-
FISTS Call that an Aerial?
Monday 01 July - Saturday 30 November (inclusive) UTC.
Have QSOs using using your unusual / unconventional aerials only.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Add this to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: CTA
- Logs to be received no later than 07 December.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial
Saturday 01 June - Monday 30 September (inclusive) UTC.
-
21 Jun 23: Graham G3ZOD writes:
UK amateurs, the annual
RSGB 6m CW contest
is Sunday 23 June, 0900-1200 UTC.
The exchange is RST, serial number and 6 character locator, with most European CW activity between 50.080-50.100 MHz. Unlike HF contests, though, don't expect to get 599 for each QSO! This should be interesting with the added likelihood of sporadic E propagation.
QSOs with FISTS CW Club members count towards FISTS Awards such as the Century and Millionaire. -
09 Jun 24: The FISTS CW Club June 2024 monthly
BrassPounder
newsletter is now available in the Members' Area.
BrassPounder is written by David G4YVM, Activities Manager and its focus is on on-air activities provided by FISTS CW Club.
-
07 Jun 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS
Ladder,
European Tour
and
Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial.
-
FISTS European Tour
Saturday 01 June - Sunday 30 June (inclusive) UTC.
Contact as many CW stations from as many European Countries (DXCC entities) as possible.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 July.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.2 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial
Saturday 01 June - Monday 30 September (inclusive) UTC.
Category 1: Portable (/P) stations running no more than 15 Watts and not using mains electricity can earn points from contacting any station on CW.
Category 2: Those unable to go out portable can earn points from contacting portable (/P) stations on CW.
- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH & RST.
- One QSO per day with a station.
- 24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.
- Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 October.
- FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.3 or later is needed.
-
FISTS Ladder
Sunday 09 June 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:
Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.- Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.
- One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.
- Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz but any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
- Logs to be received no later than 07 June.
-
FISTS European Tour
Saturday 01 June - Sunday 30 June (inclusive) UTC.
-
01 Jun 24: The
June 2024 Key Note
is now available to all current FISTS CW Club members as PDF and audio (.mp3) files.
Please visit the Members' Area to get your copy:
https://fists.co.uk/members
Items in this issue include:
- The Mechograph - GW0WEE.
- The Electric Telegraph - M0BPT.
- There is no Unicorn! - G3VBS.
- The NATO Morse Key - VE2KM.
- The Morse-Vail correspondent key - M0BPT.
- More on Morse courses - M0CDL.
- The Strawberry basket - M0BPT.
... and more besides!
Note: If you don't know your password:
- FISTS Americas members ONLY: you can reset it at https://fistsna.org/memresetpw.php .
- FISTS Europe, East Asia, & Down Under members: please send an email using the 'Membership' address on the Contact Us web page.
-
01 Jun 24: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by the end of May 2024.
- Ladder (May, FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 June.
- Top Gun 2024 (FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 June.
- Snakes & Ladders (May, EuCW) no later than 07 June.
- Top9 (May, ICWC) no later than 09 June.
Notes:- Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do support the activities by sending in logs.
- For the Ladder, if you are taking part on both Sundays in the month, please send in a single log towards the end of the month.
Interested in becoming a member?
FISTS HQ welcomes new members who have a passion for Morse Code.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
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.
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 (SK) and Billy AB4RH for permission to use photographs from their key collections.