Sun 22 Dec FISTS Ladder
Wed 01 Jan ICWC Top 9
Quarter 1 season starts
Wed 01 Jan EuCW Snakes & Ladders
winter/spring season starts
Sun 12 Jan FISTS Ladder
Sun 26 Jan FISTS Ladder
Sun 09 Feb FISTS Ladder
Mon 10 Feb-Mon 24 Feb FISTS 60m Activation
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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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  • 09 Dec 24: The FISTS CW Club December 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 Dec 24: The December 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:
    • Radio at sea (1891 - 1922) - M0BPT
    • The GECoPhone - GW0WEE
    • Drama in the radio room - Gi4ZAH
    • Marconi museum at the Lizard - G0DJA
    • Oh No! Another practice oscillator - G8LHD
    • 2M Tuesdays & 70CMs Fridays - M0GSX
    • The Strawberry Basket - M0BPT

    ... and more besides!



    Note: If you don't know your password:
  • 07 Dec 24: Please join us in this on-air activity:
    • FISTS Ladder Sunday 08 December 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 December.
    Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
  • 30 Nov 24: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by the end of October 2024. 
    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. 
  • 23 Nov 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS Ladder and Call that an Aerial?.
    • FISTS Ladder Sunday 24 November 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 December.
    • 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.
    Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
  • 12 Nov 24: The FISTS CW Club November 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 Nov 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS Fall Sprints, Bonfire Night Valves, Ladder, and Call that an Aerial?.
    • FISTS Fall Sprints Saturday 09 November 00:00-23:59 UTC + Sunday 17 November 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 Bonfire Night Valves Friday 01 - Sunday 10 November (inclusive) UTC.
      A time to dust off the valve gear, or try to work as many valve sets as you can.  “Valve gear” can be a separate TX, separate RX or transceiver that contains at least one valve.
      • 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.
      • If only you -OR- only your QSO partner is using valve gear, add this to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: BNV  1
      • If both you and your QSO partner are using valve gear, add this to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: BNV  4
      • Logs to be received no later than 07 December.
      • FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.7.3 or later is needed.
    • FISTS Ladder Sunday 10 November 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 December.
    • 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.
    Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
  • 01 Nov 24: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by the end of October 2024. 
    • Vintage Chirp n Drift Week 2024 (FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 November.  Note - logs not required - just soapbox comments and total number of QSOs, please. 
    • Ladder (October, FISTS CW Club) no later than 07 November.
    • Snakes & Ladders (October, EuCW) no later than 07 November.
    • Top9 (October, ICWC) no later than 09 November.

    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. 
  • 31 Oct 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS Bonfire Night Valves, Ladder, and Call that an Aerial?.
    • Bonfire Night Valves Friday 01 - Sunday 10 November (inclusive) UTC.
      A time to dust off the valve gear, or try to work as many valve sets as you can.  “Valve gear” can be a separate TX, separate RX or transceiver that contains at least one valve.
      • 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.
      • If only you -OR- only your QSO partner is using valve gear, add this to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: BNV  1
      • If both you and your QSO partner are using valve gear, add this to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: BNV  4
      • Logs to be received no later than 07 December.
      • FISTS Log Converter users: version 4.7.3 or later is needed.
    • FISTS Ladder Sunday 10 November 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 December.
    • 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.
    Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
  • 31 Oct 24: Graham G3ZOD writes:  The RSGB Marconi CW 2m Contest is this weekend, 02 November 1400 UTC - 03 November 1400 UTC.  It is part of a Europe-wide contest and is the third out of three annual RSGB VHF CW contests (6m, 4m and 2m).

    Unlike HF contests, QSOs are a bit more relaxed and don't expect to get 599 for each QSO!  The exchange is RST, serial number and 6 character locator.  Most activity centres around 144.050, with the primary CW band plan segment 144.025 - 144.100 MHz.
  • 25 Oct 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS Ladder and Call that an Aerial?.
    • FISTS Ladder Sunday 27 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 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.
    Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
  • 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.
    Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
  • 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. 
    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.
    Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
  • 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.
    Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
  • 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:
  • 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.
    Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
  • 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.
    Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the BrassPounder newsletter.
  • 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.

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.

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