FISTS CW Club

Promoting Morse Code for 37 years 1987-2024

The European Chapter serves members in Europe and the UK

Sat 01 Jun-Mon 30 Sep FISTS G0AYD Memorial

Sat 01 Jun-Sun 30 Jun FISTS European Tour

Mon 01 Jul ICWC Top 9
Quarter 3 season starts

Mon 01 Jul EuCW Snakes & Ladders
summer/autumn season starts

Mon 01 Jul-Sat 30 Nov FISTS Call that an Aerial?

Sun 14 Jul FISTS Ladder

Sun 28 Jul FISTS Ladder

Sat 10 Aug FISTS Summer Sprint

Sun 11 Aug FISTS Ladder

Sun 18 Aug FISTS Summer Sprint

More...

Upcoming
events :

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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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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.
  Contact as many CW stations from as many European Countries (DXCC entities) as possible.
  - 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.
Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
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.
Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
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.
25 May 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS Ladder, FISTS European Tour and FISTS Dave Dixon G0AYD Memorial.
- FISTS Ladder Sunday 26 May 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.
  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.
Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
20 May 24: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following recent activities.
- Sunday Spring Sprint (FISTS CW Club) no later than 25 May.
- Top Gun 2024 (FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 June.
- QRS Week 2024 (EuCW) no later than 31 May.
13 May 24: The FISTS CW Club May 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.
11 May 24: Graham G3ZOD writes: The RSGB 4m (70 MHz) CW Contest 2024 is Sunday 12 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 a 2-letter code from the RSGB postcode list.

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 can count towards the FISTS Awards and on-air Activities.
10 May 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS Ladder, and FISTS Spring Sprints.
- FISTS Ladder Sunday 12 May 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 Spring Sprints Saturday 11 May 00:00-23:59 UTC + Sunday 19 May 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.
Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
01 May 24: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by the end of April 2024.
- Ladder (April, FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 May.
- Snakes & Ladders (April, EuCW) no later than 07 May.
- Top9 (April, ICWC) no later than 09 May.
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.
27 Apr 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS Ladder, EuCW QRS Week, FISTS Top Gun and FISTS Spring Sprints.
- FISTS Ladder Sunday 28 April 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 May.
- EuCW QRS Week Monday 29 April to Friday 03 May (inclusive) 24x7 UTC.
  - Maximum speed is 14 wpm.
  - Call 'CQ' or 'CQ QRS'.
  - Minimum QSO duration is 5 minutes.
  - Logs to be received no later than 31 May.
- FISTS Top Gun, Saturday 04 May - Monday 06 May (inclusive) 24x7 UTC.
  This is focussed on the Kanga Products Rooster kit as part of the FISTS club project. Highest points are for QSOs with members using Roosters and other homebrew/kit-built equipment.
  - Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, Rig, RST & if applicable, member number.
  - Typically around 7.0283 MHz but also licensed bands except for 12m, 17m, 30m, 60m and bands lower in frequency than 160m.
  - One category for entrants using a Rooster and one category for any other equipment.
  - If QSO partner is using a Rooster, add RIG_ROOSTER to QSO's 'Comment' or similar field.
  - If QSO partner is using homebrew/kit-built, add RIG_HOMEBREW to QSO's 'Comment' or similar field.
  - If you are using a Rooster, add MYRIG_ROOSTER to QSO's 'Comment' or similar field.
  - Logs to be received no later than 07 June.
  - FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.6.2 or later is needed.
- FISTS Spring Sprints Saturday 11 May 00:00-23:59 UTC + Sunday 19 May 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.
Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
17 Apr 24: FISTS will be attending the NARSA Rally at the Norbreck Exhibition Centre, Blackpool, UK on Sunday 21st April. We're on stand 59.

This is a lively event with a wide range of club and trade stands - well worth a visit. The entrance fee is £8. The doors open at 10:30 BST and maps etc. are available on the NARSA website.

IMPORTANT: For free parking in the venue's car park, write your car registration on the flip chart at the NARSA stand 57.
13 Apr 24: Please join us in these FISTS CW Club on-air activities: Ladder
- FISTS Ladder Sunday 14 April 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 May.
Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
09 Apr 24: The FISTS CW Club April 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 Apr 24: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by the end of March 2024.
- Win Copy of Roger So Far (FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 April. If you are current FISTS member and had any CW QSOs in March, you are eligible! If using FISTS Log Converter, just mark each of your QSOs in your best 100 minute period with WRSF in your logbook's '"Comment" / "Notes" field.
- Ladder (March, FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 April.
- Snakes & Ladders (March, EuCW) no later than 07 April.
- Top9 (March, ICWC) no later than 09 April.
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, please include in your log ALL your Ladder QSOs from the (up to) 4 sessions in the month. If you need to make changes, send in another log and it will replace the previous log you sent in.
23 Mar 24: If you haven't already decided on your 100 minutes' of QSOs for Win Copy of Roger So Far, Sunday's Ladder sessions are a good opportunity, so please join us in these FISTS CW Club on-air activities: Ladder and Win Copy of Roger So Far.
- FISTS Ladder Sunday 24 March 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 April.
- Win Copy of Roger So Far 100 minute period during Friday 01 March - Sunday 31 March 2024 UTC:
  An opportunity for members to win a copy of the book "Roger So Far - The first 100 years of the Royal Corps of Signals".
  - Highest number of CW QSOs in a 100 minute period wins.
  - No minimum exchange.
  - Any licensed band except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
  - FISTS Log Converter users MUST add WRSF to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field.
  - Logs to be received no later than 07 April.
Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
17 Mar 24: The FISTS CW Club March 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.
11 Mar 24: Please send in your logs, comments and photos for Straight Eight 2024 no later than 15 March 2024. The results will be published in the upcoming March 2024 BrassPounder newsletter.
09 Mar 24: Please join us in these FISTS CW Club on-air activities: Ladder and Win Copy of Roger So Far.
- FISTS Ladder Sunday 10 March 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 April.
- Win Copy of Roger So Far 100 minute period during Friday 01 March - Sunday 31 March 2024 UTC:
  An opportunity for members to win a copy of the book "Roger So Far - The first 100 years of the Royal Corps of Signals".
  - Highest number of CW QSOs in a 100 minute period wins.
  - No minimum exchange.
  - Any licensed band except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
  - FISTS Log Converter users MUST add WRSF to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field.
  - Logs to be received no later than 07 April.
Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
01 Mar 24: Please join us in these newly-started FISTS CW Club on-air activities: Straight Eight 2024 and Win Copy of Roger So Far.
- Straight Eight 2024 Friday 01 March - Friday 08 March 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 April.
- Win Copy of Roger So Far 100 minute period during Friday 01 March - Sunday 31 March 2024 UTC:
  An opportunity for members to win a copy of the book "Roger So Far - The first 100 years of the Royal Corps of Signals".
  - Highest number of CW QSOs in a 100 minute period wins.
  - No minimum exchange.
  - Any licensed band except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.
  - FISTS Log Converter users MUST add WRSF to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field.
  - Logs to be received no later than 07 April.
Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
01 Mar 24: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by the end of February 2024.
- Ladder (February, FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 March.
- Snakes & Ladders (February, EuCW) no later than 07 March.
- Top9 (February, ICWC) no later than 09 March.
- 60m Activation (FISTS CW Club). No logs needed BUT please email a report of your activity (e.g. condx, countries worked, number of QSOs, keys used, power, equipment ...) no later than 07 March.
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, please include in your log ALL your Ladder QSOs from the (up to) 4 sessions in the month. If you need to make changes, send in another log and it will replace the previous log you sent 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 (SK). 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 (SK) and Billy AB4RH for permission to use photographs from their key collections.