FISTS CW Club

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The European Chapter serves members in Europe and the UK

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News 2018

December 2018

31 Dec 18: The latest version, 3.6.0, of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

This version adds support for these on-air 2019 Activities:
- Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe).
- Snakes & Ladders (EuCW).
- QRS Week (EuCW).
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, Michael G0POT, Peter G4LHI, and Richard G0ILN.
29 Dec 18: Please send in your logs for the following December 2018 activities:
- Straight Key Week (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 31 December.
- Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 January.
- Snakes & Ladders (EuCW; note S&L 2018 finishes on 31 December) no later than 7 January.
Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.
22 Dec 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 23 December 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
  Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
  Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).
  
  QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
- Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day. Upcoming days in December are Thursday 27th, Friday 28th.
  
  The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air. Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m. Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
20 Dec 18: The Autumn 2018 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:
- Ship's Radio Room Clocks - A Little History
- Morse Code Sending Bars
- Review: Hamshop.cz CW Touch Paddle
- Keys that are out of this World
- QUA
- New "FISTS Collection" Disc from Club Sales
- QRP operation from Malta 9H3FC/G4UDG
- "Hunting for the Unicorn" G3VBS
... and more besides!

Small image of a FISTS CW Club Century Award certificate.

13 Dec 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

Name	Callsign	Member	Awards
Dennis	K6DF	#3076	Prefix
Preston	WA6OEF	#15666	Millionaire 12 Million Endorsement
Vanni	I5ECW	#16505	Diamond Century, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 3 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 4 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 5 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 6 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 40m, Spectrum 20m Endorsement, Prefix, Prefix 50 Endorsement
Joe	IK2WAD	#18599	Basic Century
Danny	ON4VT	#18890	Basic Century, Millionaire, Prefix, Prefix 50 Endorsement, Prefix 100 Endorsement, Prefix 150 Endorsement

For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.

12 Dec 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.
Toto	YD9DRB	#15277	Edward	W4EMM	#18938	Stephen	KC1KCV	#18968
Ken	N7KO	#18836	Scottie	AB8TI	#18939	George	WB2BNB	#18969
Saki	DD5XX	#18874	Norman	KN4GSL	#18940	Tim	KF7WJY	#18970
Eriks	YL3AKE	#18881	Eli	N2ELI	#18941	Stephen	WB0UWE	#18971
Sandro	IW2EAB	#18882	Bob	KI5CDC	#18942	Bill	W5HWZ	#18972
Mui	M0MUI	#18883	Karl Heinz	K5KHK	#18943	David	W0DCX	#18973
Les	G4JDS	#18884	Jim	KA3LXM	#18944	Carl	W1AGE	#18974
Jean Claude	F6EJU	#18885	Ken	AA5CF	#18945	Tom	N0TLW	#18975
Ivan	9H1PI	#18886	Bryan	KO4YB	#18946	Michael	AB7RU	#18976
Paul	M0PLA	#18887	Bill	N3EDO	#18947	Steve	K9ZW	#18977
Peter	GM0EUL	#18888	Michael	KD2IYI	#18948	Ira	KB2DJJ	#18978
Ed	M0TZX	#18889	Bill	KK4LYQ	#18949	Mike	VE3WDM	#18979
Danny	ON4VT	#18890	Justin	KN4PRB	#18950	Richard	N4BC	#18980
Steve	G6SGA	#18892	Robert	K6ZLU	#18951	Brian	AA9KG	#18981
Geoff	G0UVX	#18893	David	KA9KOJ	#18952	Beverlin	KH7LM	#18982
Vlado	IU0HMB	#18894	Bill	N2NDF	#18953	Gordon	N8GMM	#18983
Chris	G0WUS	#18895	Wayne	W5EGT	#18954	Bill	W2IIT	#18984
Tom	GM3ZLC	#18896	Roger	N3GE	#18955	Jerry	WA5RAF	#18985
Adam	G0ORY	#18897	Walter	KC3CEY	#18956	Robert	KN4IXU	#18986
John	2E0GUA	#18898	Al	N1SMB	#18957	Pierre	VA4PM	#18987
Rod	G3RTB	#18899	Alfred	N3BXZ	#18958	Jim	K2PHD	#18988
Mac	G3ZHZ	#18900	Brent	KF7IIG	#18959	Bill	W4OM	#18989
Ted	W1HGY	#18930	David	NN4E	#18960	Steve	KB3JC	#18990
Enzo	VE3VTG	#18931	Marvin	W8MLL	#18961	Jerry	N5EKO	#18991
Todd	N7TMS	#18932	James	WZ9Q	#18962	Thomas	KE8HUM	#18992
David	ND4K	#18933	Kevin	KW0KW	#18963	Rudi	DF1ZA	#19000
Ron	K3SEW	#18934	Phil	N4KEZ	#18964	Sean	G0OOQ	#19001
Charles	KN4QEH	#18935	Dennis	K6DS	#18965	Tony	G0JYI	#19002
Tony	KV6DC	#18936	Michael	W4MDV	#18966	Cliff	GI4CZW	#19003
Wes	K4WDB	#18937	Cleon	WA7RCT	#18967	Paul	G0DJF	#19004

09 Dec 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 09 December 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
  Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
  Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).
  
  QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
- Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day. Upcoming days in December are Tuesday 11th, Wednesday 19th, Thursday 27th, Friday 28th.
  
  The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air. Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m. Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
03 Dec 18: Please send in your logs for the following November 2018 activities:
- Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 December.
- Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 December.
Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

November 2018

01 Dec 18: Straight Key Week (FISTS CW Club Europe), starts on Sunday 02 December and finishes on Saturday 08 December UTC.

DON'T FORGET to add SKW to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field and that the operating times are 1 hour periods starting at the following UTC times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100.
Entrants must use straight keys or sideswipers (no bug keys, keyers, keyboards etc.)

Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028 and 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
Name, RST, QTH, & member number (if applicable).

QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is not essential but very much appreciated. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with members of FISTS Europe.
24 Nov 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 25 November 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
  Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
  Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).
  
  QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
- Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day. Upcoming day in November is Tuesday 27th. Upcoming days in December are Monday 3rd, Tuesday 11th, Wednesday 19th, Thursday 27th, Friday 28th.
  
  The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air. Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m. Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
14 Nov 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder November 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

This edition includes details of the upcoming FISTS Winter Sports and the October 2018 Ladder results.
09 Nov 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 11 November 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
  Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
  Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).
  
  QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
- Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day. Upcoming days in November are Friday 16th, Monday 19th, Tuesday 27th. Upcoming days in December are Monday 3rd, Tuesday 11th, Wednesday 19th, Thursday 27th, Friday 28th.
  
  The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air. Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m. Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.

04 Nov 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

Name	Callsign	Member	Awards
Dennis	K6DF	#3076	Millionaire 6 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 7 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 8 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 9 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 10 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 11 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 12 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 13 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 20m
Gary	AB0BM	#13663	Diamond Century, Millionaire 8 Million Endorsement
Nils	DL3HR	#18556	Basic Century

For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.

03 Nov 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.
Graeme	VK3TUX	#15234	Gene	AC0ZU	#18901	Butch	WA0CIE	#18916
Rob	VK4FRMZ	#15235	Patrick	WX2PAT	#18902	Mike	W7ACP	#18917
James	WD0JB	#18839	Chuck	K0XM	#18903	Christopher	KB0CSA	#18918
Stephen	KC5TTY	#18845	Horace	KI5WA	#18904	David	N5DJH	#18919
Josh	AF0U	#18846	Bob	AD4PM	#18905	Randy	W7RAN	#18920
Ron	K3OLN	#18847	Kevin	W9YAP	#18906	Don	AE4DD	#18921
Jody	KE8GKO	#18848	George	KA2DDI	#18907	Allen	KM5VJ	#18922
Rc	WH6FQE	#18849	Giselda	KB2RWC	#18908	Joseph	KX4ND	#18923
John	K0AE	#18850	Clinton	KB2RBA	#18909	Charles	VE3CQH	#18924
Steve	G3ZPS	#18875	John	N8KIJ	#18910	Matt	AA4MB	#18925
Guy	ON4KLG	#18876	Dave	AD8WR	#18911	Art	N9HTL	#18926
Ivan	G0BON	#18877	Joseph	WX1E	#18912	Glenn	WN4T	#18927
Mark	G0TMT	#18878	Bob	N5BXN	#18913	Steve	KO6ZC	#18928
Francis	EI5GOB	#18879	Kathleen	W0UM	#18914	Gwen	NG3P	#18929
Mark	M0RKA	#18880	Randall	N4LCV	#18915

03 Nov 18: Graham G3ZOD writes: The RSGB Marconi CW 2m Contest is this Weekend, 3 November 1400 UTC - 4 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 - 144.110 MHz.
01 Nov 18: Please send in your logs for the following October 2018 activities:
- Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 November.
- Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 November.
Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

October 2018

27 Oct 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities (***Don't forget that daylight savings time ends in Europe on 27 October!!) :
- Ladder Sunday 28 October 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
  Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
  Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).
  
  QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
- Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day. Upcoming days in October are Wednesday 31st. Upcoming days in November are Thursday 8th, Friday 16th, Monday 19th, Tuesday 27th.
  
  The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air. Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m. Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
- Chirp 'n' Drift Day runs from Friday 02 November 18:00 to Saturday 03 November 01:00 UTC. This is a short event for all those radios that are a tad embarrassing or quirky for everyday use ... they drift, they chirp, they do what they feel like ... yet they are fun or iconic. Parasets, T1154s, anything you fancy! No points, scores, or logs - just come on and enjoy the nostalgia. Exchange:
  RST, Name, QTH, transmitter/receiver type, and FISTS member number (if applicable).
  Any band.
14 Oct 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder October 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

This edition includes details of Word Search 2018 and September 2018 Ladder results.
13 Oct 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 14 October 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
  Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
  Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).
  
  QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
- Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day. Upcoming days are Wednesday October 17th, Thursday 25th, Friday 26th & Wednesday 31st.
  
  The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air. Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m. Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.

05 Oct 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.
John	VK5PF	#15230	Gaylon	AD4WL	#18820	Gregg	WX4K	#18843
David	VK3GDM	#15231	Will	KD9KZ	#18821	Asa	W5FB	#18844
Nils	VK3FLYS	#15232	David	AA5HL	#18822	Chris	2E1HTE	#18852
Simon	VK2FK	#15233	Milton	AC1BS	#18823	Dan	G0DBI	#18853
KENJI	YD3KNJ	#15269	Jason	K7III	#18824	Jan	PA0SIM	#18854
Ryu	JR7UXB	#15270	Carla	VE5YAK	#18825	Rick	G3OPH	#18855
Aki	JJ0SFV	#15271	Daniel	W7RF	#18826	David	M0RIU	#18856
Kou	7N1ICA	#15272	David	K5DEL	#18827	Mike	PA7MDJ	#18857
Aki	JK1OZS	#15273	Don	K9DRP	#18828	Paul	LA6IN	#18858
Nobu	JM7GTK	#15274	Gerald	WA5AFD	#18829	Rob	2W0BJR	#18859
Abo	JL1SJY	#15275	Jonathan	N8YRE	#18830	Mike	DL4MGM	#18860
Ken	JA8CQU	#15276	David	N8MME	#18831	Bob	M0CSV	#18861
Richard Ian	N2RIC	#18770	Brent	WB3KYJ	#18832	Geoff	G3YTX	#18862
Larry	K4WLO	#18810	Rich	N2NOW	#18833	John	M0LFX	#18863
Ted	AF4OV	#18811	Southern Cross	WX0UFO	#18834	Graham	G3MFJ	#18864
Tom	NB5Q	#18812	Mike	KD5RJZ	#18835	Clive	GW4MBS	#18865
Richard	N5RWF	#18813	Ken	W7AHX	#18836	Fer	M0HXC	#18866
Robert	W7INF	#18814	Jerry	KB2QIU	#18837	Brian	G4HIV	#18867
William	K7PK	#18815	Michael	W6JN	#18838	Fred	G4HNQ	#18868
Brad	N1BTC	#18816	James	KC0YJD	#18839	Sean	G0UVM	#18869
Robert	AA5OY	#18817	Paul	W4GOT	#18840	Paulo	M6NGZ	#18870
Dave	KM6MYF	#18818	Michael	AC2MV	#18841	Steve	M0HQL	#18871
Alex	K6MAA	#18819	John	K0IP	#18842	Martin	M0XMP	#18872

02 Oct 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

Name	Callsign	Member	Awards
Chuck	K9IA	#12732	Basic Century, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement, Worked All States, Prefix, Prefix 50 Endorsement
John	G4LRG	#14873	Millionaire 5 Million Endorsement
Kepa	EA6BB	#18080	Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement
William	MI0WWB	#18434	Millionaire
Rif	9A9CW	#18749	Basic Century

For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.

01 Oct 18: Please send in your logs for the following activities:
- Word Search (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 October. (Please send a log even if you didn't complete the words - you will then be able to see your position(/s) in the results tables!)
- Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 October.
- Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 October.
Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

September 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finally, what to bring? All of the following:
- Morse key with 3.5 mm jack and 3.5/6.0 mm adaptor.
- High impedance headphones, same jack requirements.
- Writing pad and pencil/pen.
- Name badge with call sign.
- Registration Fee £10.00 please bring correct amount (cash only).
Plastic cups will be available. If you prefer something more solid, please bring your own mug.

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

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

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

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

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

We now have a replacement for the Morse training CDs we have offered for a number of years, the new FISTS Collection disc. This disc (DVD) contains:
- Beginners' training course by K7QO (MP3 format) with its read-back texts.
- G0NZA improvers' course (MP3 format).
- Complete archive collection of our magazine Key Note up to February 2018.
- Software, training videos and much more too.
The disc comes with a 40 page A5 booklet giving advice for the newcomer to the hobby and the full text of the G0NZA training course.

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

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

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

DON'T FORGET to add SKW to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field and that operating times are 1 hour periods starting at the following UTC times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100.
Entrants must use straight keys or sideswipers (no bug keys, keyers, keyboards etc.)

Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028 and 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
Name, RST, QTH, & member number (if applicable).

QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is not essential but very much appreciated. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with members of FISTS Europe.
23 Sep 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Word Search runs during the whole of September, 24x7. It's not too late to join in and even if you haven't completed the phrase, you can still submit your log and see how well you did in the results table in October.
  Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
  Minimum exchange is member number. Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m. Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
- Ladder Sunday 23 September 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
  Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
  Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).
  
  QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
- Day-hopper has three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day. The first day for 2018 is Monday 01 October.
  
  The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air. Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m. Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended.
23 Sep 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe Day-hopper 2018 sessions start on Monday 1st October 2018 and continue through into November & December. There are three, 1-hour sessions per day starting at 0800, 1300, & 1800 UTC on each day. The October sessions are:

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

The idea is absolutely NOT a contest but a means of enabling us to meet each other on air. Operation is on 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m.

Calling 'CQ FISTS' on or around the FISTS centre of activity frequencies is recommended. Members can submit reports of numbers worked, soap-box comments etc. etc. as a "Round-up news" at the end of the sessions (by the end of January 2018, please), and also send any questions, to: .
15 Sep 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder September 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

This edition includes details of the August 2018 Ladder results.

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

Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.
Stuart	G4XSH	#18730	Richard	KB3MBM	#18770	Ismael	YV6BXN	#18790
Jan	PA3GSV	#18731	Tom	KS5X	#18771	Travis	W0MUD	#18791
Trev	G1AHW	#18732	Nicholas	VE2NGO	#18772	James	KC3LKG	#18792
Steve	G8XEV	#18733	Bert	KC2ABB	#18773	David	W9FOG	#18793
Paul	M6OFV	#18734	Jose	WP3PW	#18774	Adrian	W2ADW	#18794
Keith	G0RQQ	#18735	Paul	K4DXX	#18775	Robert	KM4WYJ	#18795
Andy	IW0HK	#18736	Wayne	KE8ISD	#18776	Tommy	K4RCW	#18796
Willy	ON7TW	#18737	Carlton	KF7Y	#18777	Jason	AJ6EV	#18797
Marc	M0IMG	#18738	Richard	W5TFW	#18778	Mike	AA6MK	#18798
Mark	G1YWY	#18739	Jim	W8LGZ	#18779	Max	KE8DON	#18799
John	EI5KN	#18740	Carl	W1WJ	#18780	Roy	AF5XB	#18800
Chris	M0XTE	#18741	William	KC9BNW	#18781	Robert	NB4F	#18802
Leslie	G4ZBC	#18742	Keith	KC5NAV	#18782	Mark	AC5RN	#18803
Darren	2E0EVU	#18743	Matthew	NB0X	#18783	Paul	K4JAZ	#18804
Jan	PA0JED	#18744	Timothy	WB8HRO	#18784	Richard	W9REA	#18805
Phil	G0BVD	#18745	David	NM5Z	#18785	Robert	KK4SER	#18806
Jim	M6URD	#18746	John	W6IET	#18786	James	KJ4J	#18807
Peter	PA4PK	#18747	Charles	KG4WAE	#18787	William	KN4GYS	#18808
Rufus	M0RUF	#18748	Jerry	AG5AY	#18788	Alex	WA4WDV	#18809
Rif	9A9CW	#18749	Scott	N1CWV	#18789	Kon	SQ6GIT	#18851

08 Sep 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Word Search runs during the whole of September, 24x7. It's not too late to join in and even if you haven't completed the phrase, you can still submit your log and see how well you did in the results table in October.
  Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
  Minimum exchange is member number. Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m. Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
- Ladder Sunday 09 September 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
  Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
  Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).
  
  QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.

01 Sep 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

Name	Callsign	Member	Awards
Richard	G0ILN	#398	Rag Chewers
Michael	KK7H	#18765	Basic Century, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement

For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.

01 Sep 18: Please send in your logs for the following August 2018 activities:
- Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 September.
- Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 September.
Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

August 2018

18 Aug 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder August 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

This edition includes details of the July 2018 Ladder results.

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

Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.
Gary	KB0KDX	#18682	Maurice	KA1S	#18699	Bob	K4FA	#18755
David	NG9F	#18683	Jeremy	M0RNX	#18719	Tom	KC3TOM	#18756
Joseph	KI5AAI	#18684	Julian	G4ETS	#18720	Eric	KE0FZA	#18757
Daniel	KE8FHF	#18685	Fabian	DJ1YFK	#18721	Paul	K4XRA	#18758
Brian	WD8DCS	#18686	Nick	G0AWH	#18722	Scott	KI5ANQ	#18759
Tom	K4THL	#18687	Brian	G4IYC	#18723	Charles	AA4LS	#18760
Jeff	KC3HWU	#18688	Patrick	ON4BCA	#18724	Michael	AD8BE	#18761
Michael	W5KSU	#18689	Rene	PA3GJA	#18725	Ronald	W1VET	#18762
Michael	VA7MN	#18690	Steve	M3FGU	#18726	Dettleff	KD8EFM	#18763
Keith	WD9GET	#18691	Barry	G4GMP	#18727	Donald	KA0FDY	#18764
Bennett	NC1WX	#18692	Mark	G6PMN	#18728	Michael	KK7H	#18765
Rich	W9RJK	#18693	Pista	HA2EBA	#18729	Steven	W0GSQ	#18766
Patrick	AC0I	#18694	Michael	N6MKW	#18750	Hayward	K5HMG	#18767
Michael	KD6KA	#18695	Ronald	NB3W	#18751	Mike	KI7SDQ	#18768
Matthew	KD8CWV	#18696	Bruce	KC9HTC	#18752	Richard	KA2DOV	#18769
Ryan	K9RL	#18697	Robert	KD0OJB	#18753
Robert	KM4WUU	#18698	Thomas	W2PIX	#18754

10 Aug 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

Name	Callsign	Member	Awards
Milan	OK1KW	#4827	Spectrum 40m, Spectrum 30m Endorsement, Spectrum 20m Endorsement, Spectrum 17m Endorsement, Prefix 50 Endorsement, Prefix 100 Endorsement, Prefix 150 Endorsement
Pete	G0PNM	#16592	Spectrum 20m Endorsement
William	MI0WWB	#18434	Basic Century
Edward	N7EDK	#18504	Basic Century

For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.

10 Aug 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 12 August 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
  Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
  Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).
  
  QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
- Word Search started on 01 June and runs until Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
  Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
  Minimum exchange is member number. Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m. Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
02 Aug 18: Please send in your logs for the following July 2018 activities:
- Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 August.
- Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 August.
Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

July 2018

29 Jul 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder July 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

This edition includes details of the June 2018 Ladder results.
21 Jul 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 22 July 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
  Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
  Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).
  
  QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
- Word Search started on 01 June and runs until Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
  Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
  Minimum exchange is member number. Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m. Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
08 Jul 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe and EuCW on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 08 July 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
  Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
  Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).
  
  QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
- EuCW Snakes & Ladders new "summer/autumn"run started on 01 July and ends on 31 December UTC.
  If you've not participated previously, now is a great time to start. QSOs must take at least five minutes, stations must be European stations and the mode must be CW. Each station may be contacted once per day, irrespective of the band.
- Word Search started on 01 June and runs until Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
  Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
  Minimum exchange is member number. Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m. Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
06 Jul 18: Please send in your logs for the following June 2018 activities:
- Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 July.
- Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 July.
Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

June 2018

24 Jun 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 24 June 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
  Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
  Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).
  
  QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
- Word Search started on 01 June and runs until Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
  Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
  Minimum exchange is member number. Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m. Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
22 Jun 18: UK amateurs: The annual RSGB 6m CW contest is Sunday 24th 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 other FISTS CW Club members count towards FISTS Awards such as the Millionaire.
21 Jun 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder June 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

This edition includes details of the May 2018 Ladder results.

13 Jun 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

Name	Callsign	Member	Awards
Ian	G4MLW	#130	Millionaire 9 Million Endorsement
Colin	G0XCF	#2296	Silver Century
Milan	OK1KW	#4827	Millionaire 17 Million Endorsement
Gary	AB0BM	#13663	Worked All States
Phil	M0PBZ	#15583	Basic Century
Merv	G4KLE	#16273	Millionaire 4 Million Endorsement
Alan	MW0BGL	#16507	Millionaire, Rag Chewers 80m Endorsement
Bernard	ON7ZH	#18446	Basic Century
Dan	K0FD	#18660	Basic Century, Spectrum 40m

For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.

13 Jun 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.
Ian	VK5IP	#15225	Timothy	KA5GEX	#18645	Ron	AA0W	#18668
Adam	VK2FNHT	#15226	Chris	NW6V	#18646	Nick	KD8QLS	#18669
Kiyo	JA1SKM	#15266	Steven	W3SPC	#18647	David	KA8OHV	#18670
Jun	JH1EGX	#15267	Kerry	K7KRY	#18648	Michael	KG5NUX	#18671
Kenneth	W4KDK	#18626	Albert	K5FFO	#18649	Brad	KD8LWZ	#18672
James	KG4B	#18627	Stephen	KL3MM	#18650	Mackenzie	SWL91	#18673
Michael	N2EJI	#18628	Jerry	WA0H	#18651	Kenneth	K8KCH	#18674
William	K1UFO	#18629	Gary	N3OS	#18652	David	W4NWL	#18675
Eric	K5EJB	#18630	Carl	W8WZ	#18653	David	WA6DH	#18676
John	K8DZR	#18631	Bob	K0FHG	#18654	Gail	N4YAK	#18678
Thomas	W5XNA	#18632	Bob	WA8ZKB	#18655	Stan	W6SMF	#18679
Ed	WR2D	#18633	Jerry	K8VGL	#18656	Thomas	WD9IGY	#18680
Konstantin	WT5NA	#18634	Norman	KA8ITF	#18657	William	AA2YV	#18681
Wayne	NC4B	#18635	Timothy	W8JJ	#18658	Roger	G4CGU	#18710
Jay	KI7JS	#18636	David	KB8ZOC	#18659	Rick	G1WYA	#18711
Jeffrey	N4VEJ	#18637	Dan	K0FD	#18660	Ken	GM4JMU	#18712
Thomas	W9TPB	#18638	Donald	SWL90	#18661	Cees	PA1CA	#18713
Bill	KG7GMR	#18639	Jim	AJ3DI	#18662	Iain	G4YBN	#18714
David	VE2DEE	#18640	Gary	NU0W	#18663	Mark	G0MGX	#18715
Michael	N5MAJ	#18641	Susan	KN4MDC	#18664	Analogue Bob	G0CHK	#18716
Richard	WA5ED	#18642	Dick	W9XW	#18665	Dale	G4DKR	#18717
Oliver	WB3KLI	#18643	Ed	N3OB	#18666	Jan	PA2JS	#18718
Richard	NS3C	#18644	Mardy	VE3QEE	#18667

09 Jun 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 10 June 14:00-16:00 & 18:00-20:00 UTC.
  Activity is typically around 14.058, 7.028, & 3.558 MHz. Exchange a minimum of:
  Name, QTH, RST, & member number (if applicable).
  
  QSOs are friendly and conversational. Submitting logs is very much appreciated but not essential. Members from all FISTS Chapters are encouraged to join in; QSOs do not have to be with FISTS members.
- Word Search started on 01 June and runs until Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
  Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
  Minimum exchange is member number. Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m. Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
07 Jun 18: Please send in your logs for the following May 2018 activities:
- Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 14 June.
- Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 June.
Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.
01 Jun 18: Today is the start of the Word Search activity from FISTS Europe. It runs from 00:01 to Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7. Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".

This is a 'first past the post' activity, so the sooner you start having QSOs for it, the higher you are likely to appear in the final results table.

Minimum exchange is member number. Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m. Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for either or both in your log. For more information, please see the Word Search rules.

May 2018

27 May 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 27 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.
- Word Search Friday 01 June 00:01 to Sunday 30 September 23:59 UTC, 24x7.
  Have QSOs with other members and use a letter from their callsigns to build up the phrase "ALFRED VAIL SPEEDWELL".
  Minimum exchange is member number. Bands are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 & 2m. Two sections: QRP and Open - you can include QSOs for both in your log.
21 May 18: The latest version, 3.5.1, of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

This version adds support for the new Word Search activity (FISTS CW Club Europe).

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, Michael G0POT, Peter G4LHI, and Richard G0ILN.
19 May 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder May 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

This edition includes details of the April 2018 Ladder results.
11 May 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 13 May 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 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.
11 May 18: The RSGB 4m (70 MHz) CW Contest 2018 is Sunday 13 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.

03 May 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

Name	Callsign	Member	Awards
Richard	G0ILN	#398	Prefix 50 Endorsement
Peter	G4LHI	#2219	Spectrum 80m Endorsement
Fritz	DL4FDM	#2225	Gold Century, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 3 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 40m, Prefix 50 Endorsement, Prefix 100 Endorsement, Prefix 150 Endorsement
John	G4LRG	#14873	Gold Century
Jean	F6JOE	#16177	Gold Century, Millionaire 5 Million Endorsement
Mike	DF2OK	#16604	Basic Century
Steve	G4HXY	#16937	Basic Century

For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.

02 May 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.
Benedict	VR2VVR	#15264	Donald	KC0DE	#18621	David	M0ILX	#18705
Aki	JO1DGE	#15265	Rich	KD0ZV	#18622	Stephen	2E0AAO	#18706
Malcolm	NB3T	#18617	Robert	K4MDF	#18623	Nigel	M0ICH	#18707
Joe	KA9QAT	#18618	Matt	K2MFW	#18624	Gareth	GM7WFT	#18708
Joseph	KI7LDI	#18619	Bryan	N3FZ	#18625	Ken	G0OBK	#18709
Ronald	K4FET	#18620	Chris	HB9AJP	#18704

01 May 18: Please send in your logs for the following April 2018 activities:
- Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 May.
- Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 May.
- QRS Week (EuCW) no later than 31 May.
Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

April 2018

22 Apr 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder April 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

This edition includes details of the March 2018 Ladder results.
22 Apr 18: The 2018 EuCW QRS Week activity is Monday 23 April to Friday 27 April inclusive.

Maximum speed is 14 wpm.

Call 'CQ' or 'CQ QRS'.

See the full details on the EuCW website.
21 Apr 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 22 April 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 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.
07 Apr 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 08 April 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 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 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.
Diarmuid	VK1FDHA	#15224	David	M6KSF	#18586	Wayne	KK6ZPL	#18604
Chang	BX2AK	#15262	Steve	M6KLR	#18587	Joe	KU5M	#18605
Lee	BX2AB	#15263	Mark	M0MRX	#18588	Al	KC1IVZ	#18606
Bo	W4GHV	#18541	Glyn	G7UQN	#18589	James	AD0YO	#18607
Ian	W9IAN	#18542	Julian	M0JCE	#18590	Alex	KK6ZLY	#18608
Lee	KV5M	#18543	Tony	G6MEW	#18591	Jonathan	KC4DEJ	#18609
Robert	K4BKC	#18544	Phil	G8HTW	#18592	Joseph	VE9OCR	#18610
Craig	KD2NSP	#18545	Matt	M6XHX	#18593	Manuel	KC6ZSY	#18611
John	W4ZZY	#18546	Mark	M0LTG	#18594	Clarence	K0JZ	#18612
Hector	W1DEA	#18547	Petr	OK1LIX	#18595	Thomas	NS3U	#18613
Ed	KB7S	#18548	Slade	M6SQB	#18596	Howard	AE0Z	#18614
John	WA1QDX	#18549	John	GSWL48	#18597	Ben	K2CPU	#18615
Pekka	OH7GYN	#18580	Andreas	DJ3EI	#18598	Ralph	N4RLI	#18616
John	G4SJY	#18581	Joe	IK2WAD	#18599	John	GW4LPB	#18700
Andrew	9H4BA	#18582	Los Alamos Arc	W5PDO	#18600	Grahame	M0OSB	#18701
Andy	DF1BV	#18583	Maynard	KC1IXM	#18601	Gavin	G8XJR	#18702
Nigel	G8NYZ	#18584	Michael	K9MB	#18602	Colin	G4RTJ	#18703
Matt	2E0LJZ	#18585	Stephen	KC3ANQ	#18603

02 Apr 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

Name	Callsign	Member	Awards
Dave	G0DEB	#380	1 X QRP
Richard	G0ILN	#398	Millionaire 5 Million Endorsement
Michael	W3QT	#13724	Millionaire 3 Million Endorsement
Steve	VK7CW	#14164	Millionaire 7 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 8 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 9 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 40m Endorsement
Jean	F6JOE	#16177	Spectrum 20m Endorsement

For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.

02 Apr 18: Please send in your logs for the following March 2018 activities:
- Listen for Learners (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 April.
- Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 April.
- Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 April.
Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

March 2018

23 Mar 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 25 March 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 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.
- Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe) runs throughout March and encourages QSOs with newer members who joined on or after 01 March 2017.
  
  QSOs can be at any time BUT it's recommended that newer members call CQ LFL on or around the centre of activity frequencies starting on the hour for up to 5 minutes at: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC. Bands 160/80/40/20/15/10/2m. Minimum exchange is FISTS member number but otherwise talk about whatever you wish e.g. RST, Name, QTH, WX, transceiver, antenna, Morse key,...
14 Mar 18: The February 2018 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:
- Getting the Hump over the Camelback Key
- Jet Setting and a Sad Story to tell
- QRP in Britagne
- Samuel Finley Breese Morse
- What makes a Good CW Operator?
- Review: MTR3-B QRP Transceiver
- Review: Palm Radio Palm Pico Single Key
- Review: The 9A5N Solid State Paddle
... and more besides!
13 Mar 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder March 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

This edition includes details of the February 2018 Ladder results.
08 Mar 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 11 March 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 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.
- Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe) runs throughout March and encourages QSOs with newer members who joined on or after 01 March 2017.
  
  QSOs can be at any time BUT it's recommended that newer members call CQ LFL on or around the centre of activity frequencies starting on the hour for up to 5 minutes at: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC. Bands 160/80/40/20/15/10/2m. Minimum exchange is FISTS member number but otherwise talk about whatever you wish e.g. RST, Name, QTH, WX, transceiver, antenna, Morse key,...
07 Mar 18: The latest version, 3.4.8, of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

This version adds support for 2m in the new Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe). Note that this works retrospectively; qualifying 2m QSOs starting from 01 March will be included when sending a log in at the start of April. It also includes fixes for several issues.

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, Michael G0POT, Peter G4LHI, and Richard G0ILN.
02 Mar 18: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following February 2018 activities:
- Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 March.
- Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 March.
Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.

02 Mar 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.
Glenn	VK2GST	#15223	Roger	K5PE	#18519	Marc	KN4BKR	#18538
Sun	DS5PXJ	#15261	Charles	K9DCC	#18520	Scott	W9VHE	#18539
James	KF5KAQ	#18502	Doug	KI7RZB	#18521	Michael	N4IBG	#18540
Greg	K8ULT	#18503	Mark	KK7VP	#18522	Karl	SM3CNH	#18564
Edward	N7EDK	#18504	Ben	VE1AHX	#18523	Alex	DJ0MDO	#18565
Brent	VE1KF	#18505	Tabren	NO CALL 14	#18524	Graham	2E0XBA	#18566
Andrew	WB7DKZ	#18506	Tony	VE2KM	#18525	Richard	M0HGL	#18567
Larry	KJ1RE	#18507	Patrick	NO CALL 15	#18526	Matt	M6NCQ	#18568
James	KI5II	#18508	Frank	N5NI	#18527	Pieter	ON3PH	#18569
Robert	KI4F	#18509	Claude	K5JTO	#18528	Paul	2E0IGL	#18570
Dennis	KK0DJ	#18510	John	KC3ARN	#18529	Chris	GSWL47	#18571
Kevin	WA9VFD	#18511	Philip	W1GEE	#18530	Cris	IZ3GAK	#18572
John	AB5GQ	#18512	Robert	N3XKB	#18531	Paul	G7VKZ	#18573
Gregory	KC1IVW	#18513	Konstantin	KZ4IG	#18532	Joe	IZ8AJU	#18574
Mike	KC3GEM	#18514	John	AJ6BJ	#18533	Brian	G3LTM	#18575
Edmond Ars	K5EOK	#18515	Charles	N9VJ	#18534	Steve	G7JHU	#18576
Shelli	K6SRJ	#18516	Timothy	KC3KUE	#18535	Harry	M0JFN	#18577
Danica	KC9W	#18517	James	K6JNX	#18536	Mario	IK2CMN	#18578
Dana	K3DWC	#18518	David	W5FUY	#18537	Chris	M0TCH	#18579

01 Mar 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

Name	Callsign	Member	Awards
Richard	G0ILN	#398	Spectrum 80m Endorsement
Peter	G4LHI	#2219	Millionaire 10 Million Endorsement
Ken	G4RHR	#2248	Gold Century, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement

For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.

February 2018

28 Feb 18: The new Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe) runs throughout March and encourages QSOs with newer members who joined on or after 01 March 2017.

QSOs can be at any time BUT it's recommended that newer members call CQ LFL on or around the centre of activity frequencies starting on the hour for up to 5 minutes at: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC. Bands 160/80/40/20/15/10/2m. Minimum exchange is FISTS member number but otherwise talk about whatever you wish e.g. RST, Name, QTH, WX, transceiver, antenna, Morse key,...

See the Listen for Learners rules for full details.

The latest version of FISTS Log Converter, 3.4.6, supports Listen for Learners for 160m-10m. A newer version will be available within a few days that adds support for 2m.
27 Feb 18: The latest version (3.4.6) of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

This version adds initial support for the new Listen for Learners activity (FISTS CW Club Europe). (There will also be a further version soon that adds 2m to Listen for Learners.)

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, and Richard G0ILN.
25 Feb 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air activities:
- Ladder Sunday 25 February 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 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.
- "Listen for Learners" starts on Thursday 01 March and runs throughout March - final details to be announced soon!
11 Feb 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder February 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

This edition includes details of the January 2018 Ladder results and the upcoming Listen for Learners Activity.
11 Feb 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air Ladder activity:
- Ladder Sunday 11 February 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 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.
08 Feb 18: The latest version (3.4.5) of the free FISTS Log Converter program for Windows is now available.

This version adds support for the new DXCC entity 'Republic of Kosovo'.

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, and Richard G0ILN.

04 Feb 18: We're very pleased to welcome our latest FISTS CW Club members:

Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.
Toku	JP7MLT	#15259	Mark	W3DXG	#18487	Joseph	N7WJ	#18501
Kazu	JR4GGT	#15260	Foy	WE0FC	#18488	Vagi	VU2JXL	#18551
Phil	W0NLK	#18466	Stephen	K4OBL	#18489	Steve	G1TOL	#18552
Tom	KN4GPT	#18476	Judith	KD0TOT	#18490	David	M0WDD	#18553
Kurt	AD0WE	#18477	Patrick	KK6YK	#18491	Brian	2E0OET	#18554
Dan	N9WJ	#18478	Eric	K0EAP	#18492	Jim	2E0HBV	#18555
Harry	N3HWH	#18479	Barry	KA0DXB	#18493	Nils	DL3HR	#18556
Rod	WI8A	#18480	Chris	K2HAE	#18494	Pete	M6VPH	#18557
Robert	K4UYQ	#18481	Jim	KI6KRO	#18495	Richard	GW0HDY	#18558
Ken	KD2KEH	#18482	Ricky	KX4RC	#18496	Richard	G4TGJ	#18559
Richard	K1CDX	#18483	Dennis	N0SMX	#18497	Simon	M0ILR	#18560
Ryan	KB0RAH	#18484	Andrew	AB3U	#18498	Luca	IK1OWC	#18561
Thomas	K4AEN	#18485	Dennis	AD6DM	#18499	Ray	M0DHP	#18562
John	W9WN	#18486	Richard	WR4RW	#18500

04 Feb 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

Name	Callsign	Member	Awards
Andy	SP9NLI	#3741	Prefix
Peter	M5ABN	#6423	Millionaire 5 Million Endorsement
Phil	K4NE	#13030	Silver Century, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement
Jean	F6JOE	#16177	Millionaire 4 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 80m Endorsement, Spectrum 40m
Mike	WI5H	#16705	Basic Century, 1 X QRP, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement, Millionaire 3 Million Endorsement, Spectrum 20m
Emil	I5EFO	#17028	Spectrum 40m
Fanis	SV2BBK	#18061	Millionaire

For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.

03 Feb 18: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following January 2018 activities:
- Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 February.
- Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 February.
Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.
03 Feb 18: The FISTS CW Club Americas Winter Slow Speed Sprint (max. 13 wpm) takes place on Saturday 3 February 1700-2100 UTC on 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m & 10m.

Call "CQ FS". The exchange includes:
RST, U.S. state or Canadian province or DXCC country, first name, FISTS member number.
Non-members send their power output in Watts instead of a member number.

Members worldwide are invited to participate.

For N1MM contest logger users, a User Defined Contest (UDC) file is available. Go to the N1MM website, choose "FILES" then "User Defined Contests (UDC)" and look for the file G3ZQSmem.zip (can be used for Sprints despite the name). A FISTS Call History File is also available.

January 2018

27 Jan 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air Ladder activity:
- Ladder Sunday 28 January 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 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.
19 Jan 18: The final Cumulatives Report from FISTS CW Club Americas has been published by Dennis K6DF.

This newsletter contains the results and soapbox comments for the Cumulatives on-air sessions during 2018.

Please note that the Cumulatives have now finished and are not running in 2018. Congratulations to the certificate and key winners and thank you to everyone who has participated.
17 Jan 18: The FISTS CW Club Europe BrassPounder January 2018 newsletter has just been published by David G4YVM, Activities Manager.

BrassPounder provides the results and comments for FISTS CW Club on-air Activities in Europe/UK.

This edition includes details of the final results for the 2017 Ladder and Straight Key Week.
13 Jan 18: Please join us in the FISTS CW Club Europe on-air Ladder activity:
- Ladder Sunday 14 January 1400-1600 & 1800-2000 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.

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

Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.	Name	Call	No.
Herman	VK7HW	#15220	Tristan	MW3VJN	#18448	Don	K6LPQ	#18464
Karen	VK2AKB	#15221	Mike	G4TSQ	#18449	Christopher	N0UK	#18465
Brett	VK2CBD	#15222	Derek	N0GB	#18453	Philip	WA0NLK	#18466
Angel	N4SNI	#18388	Melanie	K0MBM	#18454	John	AF6HC	#18467
Andi	DL5CG	#18439	Robert	NQ1A	#18455	Bob	AF4OI	#18468
Trevor	G0KIN	#18440	Charles	WS6A	#18456	QRU Radio Club	KX4S	#18470
Ari	OH2ECG	#18441	Douglas	K1CTR	#18457	Curtis	K4TL	#18471
John	GW0RAD	#18442	Gene	W2BXR	#18458	Martin	KM6MFI	#18472
Graham	G4JBD	#18443	David	KM4QVM	#18459	Mark	VA6MPJ	#18473
Jim	GI4SZW	#18444	Michael	NG0C	#18460	Michael	KM6PCX	#18474
Robert	G7IOC	#18445	David	KD9SU	#18461	Paul	K7AZT	#18475
Bernard	ON7ZH	#18446	Thomas	WD5GBS	#18462	Tony	2E0FTF	#18550
Mau	IZ0GPP	#18447	Aaron	KG6OVR	#18463

02 Jan 18: Please join us in congratulating the recent FISTS CW Club Awards winners:

Name	Callsign	Member	Awards
Andy	SP9NLI	#3741	Prefix
Phil	K4NE	#13030	Silver Century, Millionaire, Millionaire 2 Million Endorsement

For more information about FISTS Awards, available free to paid-up members worldwide, please see the Awards web page.

02 Jan 18: If you haven't already, please submit your logs for the following December 2017 activities:
- Cumulatives (FISTS CW Club Americas) no later than 7 January.
- Straight Key Week (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 January.
- Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) no later than 7 January.
- Snakes & Ladders (EuCW) no later than 7 January.
Even if you only had one QSO or feel that you won't be highly placed, please do send in logs to encourage others to join in.
01 Jan 18: The "winter/spring" EuCW Snakes & Ladders run starts today, Monday 01 January, and finishes at the end of 30 June (UTC).

If you've not participated previously, now is a great time to start. QSOs must take at least five minutes, stations contacted must be European stations and the mode must be CW. Each station may be contacted once per day, irrespective of the band.

For more details, please see the comprehensive rules.

Have a very Happy New Year from all at FISTS CW Club.

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