FISTS CW Club - The International Morse Preservation Society

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en" xml:lang="en"> <head> <title>FISTS CW Club - The International Morse Preservation Society</title> <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="HbizpLvWoGp2gMxHrhAYWjbW77Re8J6V8Nm1gEWgAss" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="yHGSiPQD3PLoWDKHmtM4bJxBO0vVoNG0ob_sykTrfvM" />  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/style/style106_leftc.css" />  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/style/colour8b.css" />    <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" href="https://www.fists.co.uk/rss.xml" title="FISTS Eu/UK News" />  <style type="text/css"> .scrollnews { height: 100em; overflow: auto; border-width: thin; border-style: inset; padding: 4px 4px 4px 4px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; } .scrollcalendar { float: right; height: 48px; width: 280px; overflow: auto; border-width: thin; border-style: groove; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 0px; font-size: 85%; text-align: left; } blockquote { margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.5em } .level2List { list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 0.2em; font-style: italic; } .scrollcalendarcaption { float: right; font-size: 85%; text-align: center; } </style>  <style type="text/css"> .newmembers { line-height: 1em; } .newmembersnameindent { padding-left: 1.5em; } </style> <script src="/scripts/text.js" type="text/javascript"></script> </head> <body> <div id="main"> <div id="logo"> <div class="logoleftimage"> <a href="/index.htm" title="Go to the Home page"><img src="/style/knfists_50.png" height="75" width="261" alt="FISTS logo containing 'CW FISTS CLUB' in blue pentagon over an outline drawing of a straight key." /></a> </div> <div class="logorightimage">  </div> <h1>FISTS CW Club</h1> <div class="logoline1">Promoting Morse Code for 38 years  1987-2025</div> <div class="logoline2" style="color: Navy">The European Chapter serves members in Europe and the UK</div>  </div> <div id="content"> <div id="menu"> <ul> <li><a href="/index.htm" id="selected">HOME</a></li> <li><a href="/joinrenew.aspx">JOIN OR RENEW</a></li> <li><a href="/frequencies.html">FREQUENCIES</a></li> <li><a href="/members/members.aspx" rel="nofollow">MEMBERS AREA</a></li> <li><a href="/activitiesevents.html">ACTIVITIES & AWARDS</a></li> <li><a href="/resources.html">RESOURCES</a></li> <li><a href="/links.html" title="Links to Morse code and radio-related websites">LINKS</a></li> <li><a href="/contactus.html" class="last">CONTACT US</a></li> </ul> </div> <div id="column2"> <div id="upcomingevents" class="scrollcalendar"> <div>Tue 08 Apr-Tue 15 Apr <a href='/activitiescalendar.html#fistssk82025' title='Go to details of the FISTS Straight Eight 2025'>FISTS Straight Eight 2025</a></div> <div>Sun 13 Apr <a href='/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder2025' title='Go to details of the FISTS Ladder'>FISTS Ladder</a></div> <div>Sun 27 Apr <a href='/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder2025' title='Go to details of the FISTS Ladder'>FISTS Ladder</a></div> <div>Mon 28 Apr-Fri 02 May <a href='https://eucw.org/euqrs.html' onclick="target='_blank';" rel='nofollow' title='Go to details of EuCW QRS Week'>EuCW QRS Week</a></div> <div>Thu 01 May-Mon 30 Jun <a href='/activitiescalendar.html#fistswsc2025' title='Go to details of FISTS Word Search Crossword 2025'>FISTS Word Search Crossword 2025</a></div> <div>Sun 11 May <a href='https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/contest_rules.pl?year=2025&contest=cw70MHz' onclick="target='_blank';" rel='nofollow' title='Go to details of RSGB 4m CW Contest'>RSGB 4m CW Contest</a></div> <div>Sun 11 May <a href='/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder2025' title='Go to details of the FISTS Ladder'>FISTS Ladder</a></div> <div>Mon 12 May-Mon 19 May <a href='/activitiescalendar.html#fistsbkw2025' title='Go to details of FISTS Bug Key Week 2025'>FISTS Bug Key Week 2025</a></div> <div>Sun 25 May <a href='/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder2025' title='Go to details of the FISTS Ladder'>FISTS Ladder</a></div> <div><a href="/upcomingevents.html" title="Go to the Upcoming Events web page">More...</a></div> </div> <div class="scrollcalendarcaption"> <br /> <a href="/upcomingevents.html" title="Go to the Upcoming Events web page"> Upcoming<br /> events </a>: </div> <div> Home </div> <h1>Welcome to FISTS CW Club</h1> 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.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="/indexk6dfnye320.html" title="Click to go to a larger picture of the NYE 320-001 Straight Key from Dennis K6DF's collection"> <img class="right" src="/images/keys/nye320w50.jpg" width="183" height="82" alt="NYE 320-001 Straight Key from Dennis K6DF's collection.  Click to go to a larger picture" /> </a>  We have three straightforward goals:<br /> <ul> <li>Further the use of CW (Morse Code)</li> <li>Engender friendships among members</li> <li>Encourage newcomers to use CW (Morse Code)</li> </ul> <br /> FISTS CW Club in Europe is the founding chapter of the club.<br /> <a href="/indexk6dfbencherby1.html" title="Click to go to a larger picture of the Bencher BY-1 Paddle from Dennis K6DF's collection"> <img class="right" style="margin-right: 30px" src="/images/keys/bencherc50.jpg" width="120" height="85" alt="Bencher BY-1 Paddle from Dennis K6DF's collection.  Click to go to a larger picture" /> </a> <br /> <strong>Interested in becoming a <a href="#becomingamember" title="Show more information about becoming member">member</a>?</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>Find out more about our <a href="#history" title="Show more information about FISTS' history">history</a>.</strong><br /> <br /> <h2 style="float: left">Latest <a href="/news.html" title="Go to News page">News</a>:</h2> <span style="">     Also available via <a href="https://www.fists.co.uk/rss.xml" title="Subscribe to RSS news feed" type="application/rss+xml">RSS</a> <a href="https://www.fists.co.uk/rss.xml" title="Subscribe to RSS news feed" type="application/rss+xml"><img width="16" height="16" style="vertical-align:middle" src="/images/rss/feed-icon-16.gif" alt="Subscribe to RSS news feed" /></a>  <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/fistscwclub.bsky.social" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="Go to FISTS CW Club on Bluesky">Bluesky</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/fistscwclub.bsky.social" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow"><img src="/images/bluesky/bsk1.png" alt="Go to FISTS CW Club on Bluesky" width="17" height="15" style="vertical-align:middle" /></a>  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FistsCwClub" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="Go to FISTS CW Club on Facebook">Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FistsCwClub" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow"><img src="/images/facebook/fb16.png" alt="Go to FISTS CW Club on Facebook" width="16" height="16" style="vertical-align:middle" /></a><br /> </span> <br /> <div class="scrollnews"> <ul> <li id="news1942" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Click to open the FISTS Europe Activity Calendar web page."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Click to open the FISTS Europe Activity Calendar web page." /> </a> </div> 01 Apr 25: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by 01 April 2025.  <ul> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="View details of the FISTS CW Club Ladder Activity.">Ladder</a> (March, FISTS CW Club) no later than <strong>07 April</strong>.  </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="https://eucw.org/sl.html" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="View details of the EuCW Snakes & Ladders Activity in a new window.">Snakes & Ladders</a> (March, EuCW) no later than <strong>07 April</strong>.  </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="https://internationalcwcouncil.org/top9-submission/" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="View details of the ICWC Top9 Activity in a new window.">Top9</a> (March, ICWC) no later than <strong>09 April</strong>.  </li> </ul><br /> Notes:  <ul> <li class="level2List">FISTS CW Club results will be published in the <a href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounders web page in the Members' Area">BrassPounder newsletter</a>, normally available mid-month. </li> <li class="level2List">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. </li> <li class="level2List">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. </li> </ul> </li> <li id="news1941" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities." /> </a> </div> 20 Mar 25: Please join us in these FISTS on-air activities: <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">Ladder</a> and <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistssk8" title="Show details of the FISTS Straight Eight 2025 activity.">Straight Eight 2025</a>. <ul> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">FISTS Ladder</a> Sunday 23 March 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:<br /> Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.  <ul> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.</li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.</li> <li class="level2List">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.</li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 April.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistssk8" title="Show details of the FISTS Straight Eight 2025 activity.">FISTS Straight Eight 2025</a>  Tuesday 08 April to Tuesday 15 April 2025 UTC:<br /> Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.  <ul> <li class="level2List">If sending in a log, you must use straight keys or sideswipers (no bug keys, keyers, keyboards etc.)</li> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.</li> <li class="level2List"> QSOs at any time but operating around these UTC times is recommended: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800 & 2100.  </li> <li class="level2List">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.</li> <li class="level2List">If you are using a straight ("up & down") key, add to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: <strong>MYKEY  SK</strong></li> <li class="level2List">If you are using a sideswiper ("cootie") key, add to your logbook's Comment (or similar) field: <strong>MYKEY  SS</strong></li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 May.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the <a rel="nofollow" href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounder web page.">BrassPounder</a> newsletter. </li> <li id="news1940" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/members/docs/activities/BP_2025_03.pdf" title="FISTS BrassPounder logo. Click to open the March 2025 BrassPounder newsletter." rel="nofollow"> <img style="margin-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news2/bp_33.png" width="236" height="40" alt="FISTS BrassPounder logo." title="FISTS BrassPounder logo. Click to open the March 2025 BrassPounder newsletter." /> </a> </div> 11 Mar 25: The FISTS CW Club March 2025 monthly <a href="/members/docs/activities/BP_2025_03.pdf" title="Open the March 2025 BrassPounder newsletter." rel="nofollow">BrassPounder</a> newsletter is now available in the Members' Area.<br /> <br /> BrassPounder is written by David G4YVM, Activities Manager, and its focus is on on-air activities provided by FISTS CW Club. </li> <li id="news1939" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities." /> </a> </div>  08 Mar 25: Please join us in the <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">Ladder</a>: <ul> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">FISTS Ladder</a> Sunday 09 March 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:<br /> Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.  <ul> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.</li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.</li> <li class="level2List">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.</li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 April.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the <a rel="nofollow" href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounder web page.">BrassPounder</a> newsletter. </li> <li id="news1938" class="newsitem">  03 Mar 25: The <a href="/members/members.aspx" title="Open the FISTS March 2025 Key Note download web page.">March 2025 Key Note</a> is now available to all current FISTS CW Club members as PDF and audio (.mp3) files.<br /> <br /> <div style="float: left"> <a href="/members/members.aspx" title="Small image of FISTS March 2025 Key Note cover. Click to open the download web page"> <img style="padding-right: 1em" src="/images/keynotes/kn0325cover_25.png" width="161" height="228" alt="Small image of FISTS March 2025 Key Note cover." title="Small image of FISTS March 2025 Key Note cover. Click to open the download web page." /> </a> </div> Please visit the Members' Area to get your copy:<br /> <a href="/members/members.aspx" title="Open the FISTS March 2025 Key Note download web page.">https://fists.co.uk/members</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <div style="margin-left: 10em"> Items in this issue include:<br /> <ul style="padding-left: 5em"> <li style="margin-bottom: 0px">Morse code head copying - G0CXP</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0px">Amateur radio on MF - G3XIZ</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0px">A radio journey (Part one) - G0HUZ</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0px">BBC Centenary - GW0WEE</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0px">Activities round up - G4YVM</li> </ul> <br /> ... and more besides!<br /> <br /> <br /> </div> <br /> <br /> <em>Note: If you don't know your password:</em><br /> <ul> <li> FISTS Americas members <strong>ONLY</strong>: you can reset it at <a href="https://fistsna.org/memresetpw.php" title="Reset Password web page for FISTS Americas members only.">https://fistsna.org/memresetpw.php</a> . </li> <li> FISTS Europe, East Asia, & Down Under members: please send an email using the 'Membership' address on the <a href="/contactus.html">Contact Us</a> web page. </li> </ul> </li> <li id="news1937" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Click to open the FISTS Europe Activity Calendar web page."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Click to open the FISTS Europe Activity Calendar web page." /> </a> </div> 03 Mar 25: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by 03 March 2025.  <ul> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsths" title="View details of the FISTS CW Club Three Hour Sprint Activity.">Three Hour Sprint</a> (FISTS CW Club) no later than <strong>07 March</strong>.  </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsac60m" title="View details of the FISTS CW Club 60m Activation Activity.">60m Activation</a> QSO count/comments/photos only (FISTS CW Club) no later than <strong>07 March</strong>.  </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="View details of the FISTS CW Club Ladder Activity.">Ladder</a> (February, FISTS CW Club) no later than <strong>07 March</strong>.  </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="https://eucw.org/sl.html" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="View details of the EuCW Snakes & Ladders Activity in a new window.">Snakes & Ladders</a> (February, EuCW) no later than <strong>07 March</strong>.  </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="https://internationalcwcouncil.org/top9-submission/" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="View details of the ICWC Top9 Activity in a new window.">Top9</a> (February, ICWC) no later than <strong>09 March</strong>.  </li> </ul><br /> Notes:  <ul> <li class="level2List">FISTS CW Club results will be published in the <a href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounders web page in the Members' Area">BrassPounder newsletter</a>, normally available mid-month. </li> <li class="level2List">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. </li> <li class="level2List">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. </li> </ul> </li> <li id="news1936" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities." /> </a> </div> 21 Feb 25: Please join us in these FISTS on-air activities: <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">Ladder</a>, <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsac60m" title="Show details of the FISTS 60m Activation activity.">60m Activation</a> and <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsths" title="Show details of the FISTS Three Hour Sprint activity.">Three Hour Sprint</a>.  <ul> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">FISTS Ladder</a> Sunday 09 February 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:<br /> Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.  <ul> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.</li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.</li> <li class="level2List">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.</li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 March.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsac60m" title="Show details of the FISTS 60m Activation activity.">FISTS 60m Activation</a> Monday 10 - Monday 24 February (inclusive) 24x7 local time:<br /> A social gathering just for fun – no scores, no result tables, no logs, no minimum exchange – just CW QSOs with anyone on 60m.  <ul> <li class="level2List"> <strong>UK holders of a Full licence only:</strong> The <a href="https://rsgb.services/public/bandplans/html/240205_rsgb_band_plan_2024_files/sheet010.htm" onclick="target='_blank';" title="Open the RSGB 2024 60m Band Plan.">RSGB Band Plan</a> 60m primary CW segment is<br /> 5258.5 kHz - 5264.0 kHz and includes a <a href="https://www.gqrp.com/freq.htm" onclick="target='_blank';" title="Open the GQRP QRP Centres of Activity web page.">QRP Centre of Activity</a> (CoA) of 5262.0 kHz. </li> <li class="level2List"> <strong>Outside UK:</strong> There is an <a href="https://www.iaru-r1.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/hf_r1_bandplan.pdf" onclick="target='_blank';" title="Open the IARU Region 1 Band Plan.">IARU Region 1 (Europe) Band Plan</a> that includes a 60m CW and narrow band segment.  Please refer to your national guidelines. </li> <li class="level2List">Any time but suggested operating times are 1-hour periods starting at the following local times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsths" title="Show details of the FISTS Three Hour Sprint activity.">FISTS Three Hour Sprint</a> 3-hour period during Sunday 02 March 00:00-23:59 UTC:<br /> Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members during a single 3-hour period of your choice.  Scoring and bands are the same as for the <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show deetails of the FISTS Ladder activity.">Ladder</a>. <ul> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of RST & if applicable, member number.</li> <li class="level2List">One QSO with an operator during the 3-hour period.</li> <li class="level2List">QSO start times must be within the 3-hour period.</li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 March.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the <a rel="nofollow" href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounder web page.">BrassPounder</a> newsletter. </li> <li id="news1935" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/members/docs/activities/BP_2025_02.pdf" title="FISTS BrassPounder logo. Click to open the February 2025 BrassPounder newsletter." rel="nofollow"> <img style="margin-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news2/bp_33.png" width="236" height="40" alt="FISTS BrassPounder logo." title="FISTS BrassPounder logo. Click to open the February 2025 BrassPounder newsletter." /> </a> </div> 10 Feb 25: The FISTS CW Club February 2025 monthly <a href="/members/docs/activities/BP_2025_02.pdf" title="Open the February 2025 BrassPounder newsletter." rel="nofollow">BrassPounder</a> newsletter is now available in the Members' Area.<br /> <br /> BrassPounder is written by David G4YVM, Activities Manager, and its focus is on on-air activities provided by FISTS CW Club. </li> <li id="news1934" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities." /> </a> </div> 07 Feb 25: Please join us in these FISTS on-air activities: <a href="https://fistsna.org/operating.php#sprints" title="Show details of the FISTS Sprints activity.">Winter Sprints</a>, <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">Ladder</a> and <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsac60m" title="Show details of the FISTS 60m Activation activity.">60m Activation</a>.  <ul> <li> <a href="https://fistsna.org/operating.php#sprints" title="Show details of the FISTS Sprints activity.">FISTS Winter Sprints</a> Saturday 08 February + Sunday 16 February 00:00-23:59 UTC.<br /> Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.  Logs can be Cabrillo files, text files, or on paper.  Suggested logging programs are (1) <a href="https://n1mmwp.hamdocs.com/" title="Visit the N1MM contest logger website.">N1MM</a> using the <a href="https://fists.co.uk/docs/n1mm/FISTSSPR.udc" title="Download the FISTS Sprint UDC File for N1MM." onclick="target='_blank';">UDC file</a> plus <a href="https://fists.co.uk/docs/n1mm/Fists_Call_History.txt" title="Download the FISTS Call History File for N1MM.">FISTS Call History file</a> and (2) <a href="https://www.dxlog.net/" title="Visit the DXLog.net contest logger website." onclick="target='_blank';">DXLog.net</a> using the <a href="https://dxlog.net/sw/contestlist.php" title="Visit the DXLog.net Supported Contests web page." onclick="target='_blank';">FISTS Sprint files</a>.<br /> <ul> <li class="level2List"> Exchange a minimum of RST, member number (if available), US State -or- Canadian Province -or- DXCC number (for non US/Canadian stations). </li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per station on one of 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m.</li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 7 days after the Sprint.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">FISTS Ladder</a> Sunday 09 February 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:<br /> Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.  <ul> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.</li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.</li> <li class="level2List">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.</li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 March.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsac60m" title="Show details of the FISTS 60m Activation activity.">FISTS 60m Activation</a> Monday 10 - Monday 24 February (inclusive) 24x7 local time:<br /> A social gathering just for fun – no scores, no result tables, no logs, no minimum exchange – just CW QSOs with anyone on 60m.  <ul> <li class="level2List"> <strong>UK holders of a Full licence only:</strong> The <a href="https://rsgb.services/public/bandplans/html/240205_rsgb_band_plan_2024_files/sheet010.htm" onclick="target='_blank';" title="Open the RSGB 2024 60m Band Plan.">RSGB Band Plan</a> 60m primary CW segment is<br /> 5258.5 kHz - 5264.0 kHz and includes a <a href="https://www.gqrp.com/freq.htm" onclick="target='_blank';" title="Open the GQRP QRP Centres of Activity web page.">QRP Centre of Activity</a> (CoA) of 5262.0 kHz. </li> <li class="level2List"> <strong>Outside UK:</strong> There is an <a href="https://www.iaru-r1.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hf_r1_bandplan.pdf" onclick="target='_blank';" title="Open the IARU Region 1 Band Plan.">IARU Region 1 (Europe) Band Plan</a> that includes a 60m CW and narrow band segment.  Please refer to your national guidelines. </li> <li class="level2List">Any time but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at the following local times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the <a rel="nofollow" href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounder web page.">BrassPounder</a> newsletter. </li> <li id="news1933" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Click to open the FISTS Europe Activity Calendar web page."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Click to open the FISTS Europe Activity Calendar web page." /> </a> </div> 31 Jan 25: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by the end of January 2025.  <ul> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="View details of the FISTS CW Club Ladder Activity.">Ladder</a> (January, FISTS CW Club) no later than <strong>07 February</strong>.  </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="https://eucw.org/sl.html" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="View details of the EuCW Snakes & Ladders Activity in a new window.">Snakes & Ladders</a> (January, EuCW) no later than <strong>07 February</strong>.  </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="https://internationalcwcouncil.org/top9-submission/" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="View details of the ICWC Top9 Activity in a new window.">Top9</a> (January, ICWC) no later than <strong>09 February</strong>.  </li> </ul><br /> Notes:  <ul> <li class="level2List">FISTS CW Club results will be published in the <a href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounders web page in the Members' Area">BrassPounder newsletter</a>, normally available mid-month. </li> <li class="level2List">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. </li> <li class="level2List">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. </li> </ul> </li> <li id="news1932" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities." /> </a> </div> 24 Jan 25:  Please join us in the FISTS Ladder 2025 sessions: <ul> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">FISTS Ladder</a> Sunday 26 January 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:<br /> Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.  <ul> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.</li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.</li> <li class="level2List">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.</li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 February.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the <a rel="nofollow" href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounder web page.">BrassPounder</a> newsletter. </li> <li id="news1931" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/members/docs/activities/BP_2025_01.pdf" title="FISTS BrassPounder logo. Click to open the January 2025 BrassPounder newsletter." rel="nofollow"> <img style="margin-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news2/bp_33.png" width="236" height="40" alt="FISTS BrassPounder logo." title="FISTS BrassPounder logo. Click to open the January 2025 BrassPounder newsletter." /> </a> </div> 11 Jan 25: The FISTS CW Club January 2025 monthly <a href="/members/docs/activities/BP_2025_01.pdf" title="Open the January 2025 BrassPounder newsletter." rel="nofollow">BrassPounder</a> newsletter is now available in the Members' Area.<br /> <br /> BrassPounder is written by David G4YVM, Activities Manager, and its focus is on on-air activities provided by FISTS CW Club. </li> <li id="news1930" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities." /> </a> </div> 10 Jan 25:  Please join us in the new FISTS Ladder 2025 sessions: <ul> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">FISTS Ladder</a> Sunday 12 January 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:<br /> Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.  <ul> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.</li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.</li> <li class="level2List">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.</li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 February.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the <a rel="nofollow" href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounder web page.">BrassPounder</a> newsletter. </li> <li id="news1929" class="newsitem">  04 Jan 25: The <a href="/am/members/docs/keynote_2024_4.pdf" title="Open the FISTS Americas December 2024 Key Note download web page.">FISTS Americas December 2024 KeyNote</a> is now available to all current FISTS CW Club members.<br /> <br /> <div style="float: left"> <a href="/am/members/docs/keynote_2024_4.pdf" title="Small image of FISTS Americas December 2024 Key Note cover. Click to download."> <img style="padding-right: 3em" src="/am/images/knam2024_04_20.png" width="146" height="185" alt="Small image of FISTS Americas December 2024 Key Note cover." title="Small image of FISTS Americas December 2024 Key Note cover. Click to open the download web page." /> </a> </div> <br /> <em>Note: If you don't know your password:</em><br /> <ul> <li> FISTS Americas members <strong>ONLY</strong>: you can reset it at <a href="https://fistsna.org/memresetpw.php" title="Reset Password web page for FISTS Americas members only.">https://fistsna.org/memresetpw.php</a> . </li> <li> FISTS Europe, East Asia, & Down Under members: please send an email using the 'Membership' address on the <a href="/contactus.html">Contact Us</a> web page. </li> </ul> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />   </li> <li id="news1928" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Click to open the FISTS Europe Activity Calendar web page."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Click to open the FISTS Europe Activity Calendar web page." /> </a> </div> 01 Jan 25: Happy New Year from all at FISTS CW CLub! Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by the end of October 2024.  <ul> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="View details of the FISTS CW Club Ladder Activity.">Ladder</a> (December, FISTS CW Club) no later than <strong>07 January</strong>.  </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="https://eucw.org/sl.html" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="View details of the EuCW Snakes & Ladders Activity in a new window.">Snakes & Ladders</a> (December, EuCW) no later than <strong>07 January</strong>.  </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="https://internationalcwcouncil.org/top9-submission/" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="View details of the ICWC Top9 Activity in a new window.">Top9</a> (December, ICWC) no later than <strong>09 January</strong>.  </li> </ul><br /> Notes:  <ul> <li class="level2List">FISTS CW Club results will be published in the <a href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounders web page in the Members' Area">BrassPounder newsletter</a>, normally available mid-month. </li> <li class="level2List">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. </li> <li class="level2List">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. </li> </ul> </li> <li id="news1927" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities." /> </a> </div> 21 Dec 24:  Please join us in the final FISTS Ladder sessions for 2024: <ul> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">FISTS Ladder</a> Sunday 22 December 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:<br /> Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.  <ul> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.</li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.</li> <li class="level2List">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.</li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 January.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> The Ladder will start afresh in 2025!<br /> <br /> Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the <a rel="nofollow" href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounder web page.">BrassPounder</a> newsletter.<br /> <br /> <strong>Enjoy the holidays and have a very Happy New Year from all of us in the FISTS Admin team.</strong> </li> <li id="news1926" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/members/docs/activities/BP_2024_12.pdf" title="FISTS BrassPounder logo. Click to open the December 2024 BrassPounder newsletter." rel="nofollow"> <img style="margin-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news2/bp_33.png" width="236" height="40" alt="FISTS BrassPounder logo." title="FISTS BrassPounder logo. Click to open the December 2024 BrassPounder newsletter." /> </a> </div> 09 Dec 24: The FISTS CW Club December 2024 monthly <a href="/members/docs/activities/BP_2024_12.pdf" title="Open the December 2024 BrassPounder newsletter." rel="nofollow">BrassPounder</a> newsletter is now available in the Members' Area.<br /> <br /> BrassPounder is written by David G4YVM, Activities Manager and its focus is on on-air activities provided by FISTS CW Club.<br />   </li> <li id="news1925" class="newsitem">  07 Dec 24: The <a href="/members/members.aspx" title="Open the FISTS December 2024 Key Note download web page.">December 2024 Key Note</a> is now available to all current FISTS CW Club members as PDF and audio (.mp3) files.<br /> <br /> <div style="float: left"> <a href="/members/members.aspx" title="Small image of FISTS December 2024 Key Note cover. Click to open the download web page"> <img style="padding-right: 1em" src="/images/keynotes/kn1224cover_25.png" width="161" height="228" alt="Small image of FISTS December 2024 Key Note cover." title="Small image of FISTS December 2024 Key Note cover. Click to open the download web page." /> </a> </div> Please visit the Members' Area to get your copy:<br /> <a href="/members/members.aspx" title="Open the FISTS December 2024 Key Note download web page.">https://fists.co.uk/members</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <div style="margin-left: 10em"> Items in this issue include:<br /> <ul style="padding-left: 5em"> <li style="margin-bottom: 0px">Radio at sea (1891 - 1922) - M0BPT</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0px">The GECoPhone - GW0WEE</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0px">Drama in the radio room - Gi4ZAH</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0px">Marconi museum at the Lizard - G0DJA</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0px">Oh No! Another practice oscillator - G8LHD</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0px">2M Tuesdays & 70CMs Fridays - M0GSX</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0px">The Strawberry Basket - M0BPT</li> </ul> <br /> ... and more besides!<br /> <br /> <br /> </div> <br /> <em>Note: If you don't know your password:</em><br /> <ul> <li> FISTS Americas members <strong>ONLY</strong>: you can reset it at <a href="https://fistsna.org/memresetpw.php" title="Reset Password web page for FISTS Americas members only.">https://fistsna.org/memresetpw.php</a> . </li> <li> FISTS Europe, East Asia, & Down Under members: please send an email using the 'Membership' address on the <a href="/contactus.html">Contact Us</a> web page. </li> </ul> </li> <li id="news1924" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities." /> </a> </div> 07 Dec 24: Please join us in this on-air activity:  <ul> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">FISTS Ladder</a> Sunday 08 December 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:<br /> Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.  <ul> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.</li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.</li> <li class="level2List">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.</li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 December.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the <a rel="nofollow" href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounder web page.">BrassPounder</a> newsletter. </li> <li id="news1923" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Click to open the FISTS Europe Activity Calendar web page."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Click to open the FISTS Europe Activity Calendar web page." /> </a> </div> 30 Nov 24: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by the end of October 2024.  <ul> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistscta2024" title="View details of the FISTS CW Club Call that an Aerial? 2024 Activity.">Call that an Aerial? 2024</a> (FISTS CW Club) no later than <strong>07 December</strong>.  </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="View details of the FISTS CW Club Ladder Activity.">Ladder</a> (November, FISTS CW Club) no later than <strong>07 December</strong>.  </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="https://eucw.org/sl.html" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="View details of the EuCW Snakes & Ladders Activity in a new window.">Snakes & Ladders</a> (November, EuCW) no later than <strong>07 December</strong>.  </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="https://internationalcwcouncil.org/top9-submission/" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="View details of the ICWC Top9 Activity in a new window.">Top9</a> (November, ICWC) no later than <strong>09 December</strong>.  </li> </ul><br /> Notes:  <ul> <li class="level2List">FISTS CW Club results will be published in the <a href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounders web page in the Members' Area">BrassPounder newsletter</a>, normally available mid-month. </li> <li class="level2List">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. </li> <li class="level2List">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. </li> </ul> </li> <li id="news1922" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities." /> </a> </div> 23 Nov 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">Ladder</a> and <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistscta" title="Show details of the FISTS Call that an Aerial? activity.">Call that an Aerial?</a>. <ul> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">FISTS Ladder</a> Sunday 24 November 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:<br /> Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.  <ul> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.</li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.</li> <li class="level2List">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.</li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 December.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistscta" title="Show details of the FISTS FISTS Call that an Aerial? activity.">FISTS Call that an Aerial?</a> Monday 01 July - Saturday 30 November (inclusive) UTC.<br /> Have QSOs using using your unusual / unconventional aerials only.<br /> <ul> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of RST, Name QTH, & QTH.</li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per day with a station.</li> <li class="level2List">24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.</li> <li class="level2List">Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.</li> <li class="level2List">Add this to your logbook's <span style="font-style: normal">Comment</span> (or similar) field: <strong>CTA</strong></li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 December.</li> <li class="level2List">FISTS Log Converter users: <a href="/flc.html" title="Open the FISTS Log Converter download page.">version 4.6.3 or later</a> is needed.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the <a rel="nofollow" href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounder web page.">BrassPounder</a> newsletter. </li> <li id="news1921" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/members/docs/activities/BP_2024_11.pdf" title="FISTS BrassPounder logo. Click to open the November 2024 BrassPounder newsletter." rel="nofollow"> <img style="margin-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news2/bp_33.png" width="236" height="40" alt="FISTS BrassPounder logo." title="FISTS BrassPounder logo. Click to open the November 2024 BrassPounder newsletter." /> </a> </div> 12 Nov 24: The FISTS CW Club November 2024 monthly <a href="/members/docs/activities/BP_2024_11.pdf" title="Open the November 2024 BrassPounder newsletter." rel="nofollow">BrassPounder</a> newsletter is now available in the Members' Area.<br /> <br /> BrassPounder is written by David G4YVM, Activities Manager and its focus is on on-air activities provided by FISTS CW Club.<br />   </li> <li id="news1920" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Show details of the FISTS CW Club on-air activities." /> </a> </div> 07 Nov 24: Please join us in these on-air activities: FISTS <a href="https://fistsna.org/operating.php#sprints" title="Show details of the FISTS Sprints activity.">Fall Sprints</a>, <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsbnv" title="Show details of the FISTS Bonfire Night Valves activity.">Bonfire Night Valves</a>, <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">Ladder</a>, and <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistscta" title="Show details of the FISTS Call that an Aerial? activity.">Call that an Aerial?</a>. <ul> <li> <a href="https://fistsna.org/operating.php#sprints" title="Show details of the FISTS Sprints activity.">FISTS Fall Sprints</a> Saturday 09 November 00:00-23:59 UTC + Sunday 17 November 00:00-23:59 UTC.<br /> Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.  <ul> <li class="level2List"> Exchange a minimum of RST, member number (if available), US State -or- Canadian Province -or- DXCC number (for non US/Canadian stations). </li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per station on one of 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, & 10m.</li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 7 days after the Sprint.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistschirp" title="Show details of the FISTS Bonfire Night Valves activity.">FISTS Bonfire Night Valves</a> Friday 01 - Sunday 10 November (inclusive) UTC.<br /> 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. <ul> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of RST, Name QTH, & QTH.</li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per day with a station.</li> <li class="level2List">24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.</li> <li class="level2List">Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.</li> <li class="level2List">If only you -OR- only your QSO partner is using valve gear, add this to your logbook's <span style="font-style: normal">Comment</span> (or similar) field: <strong>BNV  1</strong></li> <li class="level2List">If both you and your QSO partner are using valve gear, add this to your logbook's <span style="font-style: normal">Comment</span> (or similar) field: <strong>BNV  4</strong></li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 December.</li> <li class="level2List">FISTS Log Converter users: <a href="/flc.html" title="Open the FISTS Log Converter download page.">version 4.7.3 or later</a> is needed.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="Show details of the FISTS Ladder activity.">FISTS Ladder</a> Sunday 10 November 14:00-15:59 & 18:00-19:59 UTC:<br /> Collect points for CW QSOs with members and non-members.  <ul> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of Name, QTH, RST & if applicable, member number.</li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per 2-hour session with an operator.</li> <li class="level2List">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.</li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 December.</li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistscta" title="Show details of the FISTS FISTS Call that an Aerial? activity.">FISTS Call that an Aerial?</a> Monday 01 July - Saturday 30 November (inclusive) UTC.<br /> Have QSOs using using your unusual / unconventional aerials only.<br /> <ul> <li class="level2List">Exchange a minimum of RST, Name QTH, & QTH.</li> <li class="level2List">One QSO per day with a station.</li> <li class="level2List">24x7 but suggested operating times are 1 hour periods starting at times: 0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, & 2100 UTC.</li> <li class="level2List">Any licensed band is allowed except for 60m, 30m, 17m, 12m & bands lower in frequency than 160m.</li> <li class="level2List">Add this to your logbook's <span style="font-style: normal">Comment</span> (or similar) field: <strong>CTA</strong></li> <li class="level2List">Logs to be received no later than 07 December.</li> <li class="level2List">FISTS Log Converter users: <a href="/flc.html" title="Open the FISTS Log Converter download page.">version 4.6.3 or later</a> is needed.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Monthly and end-of-year results are published each month in the <a rel="nofollow" href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounder web page.">BrassPounder</a> newsletter. </li> <li id="news1919" class="newsitem">  <div style="float: right"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html" title="FISTS pentagon logo. Click to open the FISTS Europe Activity Calendar web page."> <img style="padding-left: 0.5em" src="/images/news/fistspentagon20.png" width="60" height="59" alt="FISTS pentagon logo." title="FISTS pentagon logo. Click to open the FISTS Europe Activity Calendar web page." /> </a> </div> 01 Nov 24: Please send in your details, logs, comments and photos for the following activities that finished by the end of October 2024.  <ul> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistschirp" title="View details of the FISTS CW Club Vintage Chirp n Drift Week 2024 Activity.">Vintage Chirp n Drift Week 2024</a> (FISTS CW Club) no later than <strong>07 November</strong>.  Note - logs not required - just soapbox comments and total number of QSOs, please.  </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder" title="View details of the FISTS CW Club Ladder Activity.">Ladder</a> (October, FISTS CW Club) no later than <strong>07 November</strong>. </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="https://eucw.org/sl.html" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="View details of the EuCW Snakes & Ladders Activity in a new window.">Snakes & Ladders</a> (October, EuCW) no later than <strong>07 November</strong>. </li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0.5em"> <a href="https://internationalcwcouncil.org/top9-submission/" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="View details of the ICWC Top9 Activity in a new window.">Top9</a> (October, ICWC) no later than <strong>09 November</strong>. </li> </ul><br /> Notes: <ul> <li class="level2List">FISTS CW Club results will be published in the <a href="/members/brasspounder.aspx" title="Open the BrassPounders web page in the Members' Area">BrassPounder newsletter</a>, normally available mid-month. </li> <li class="level2List">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. </li> <li class="level2List">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. </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> <br /> <div style="padding-top:4px; margin-top:0px"> Please visit the <a href="/news.html" title="Go to News page">News page</a> for a full list of recent and older news items.<br /> </div> <br /> <h1 id="becomingamember">Interested in becoming a member?</h1> FISTS HQ welcomes new members who have a passion for Morse Code.<br /> <br /> <a href="indexk6df1990vibroplex.html" title="1990 Vibroplex from Dennis K6DF's collection. Click to go to a larger picture"> <img class="right" style="margin-right: 25px" src="/images/keys/90bugc50.jpg" width="189" height="103" alt="1990 Vibroplex from Dennis K6DF's collection. Click to go to a larger picture" /> </a> Benefits of membership include:<br /> <ul> <li>Our popular Quarterly A5 News Booklet</li> <li>Free use of the FISTS QSL Bureau</li> <li>Access to our members-only area</li> <li>Help and support from like minded people</li> </ul> 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 <a href="/joinrenew.aspx" title="Go to Join / Renew page">join us</a>?<br /> <br /> <h1 id="history">FISTS History</h1> <p> 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 <a href="g3zqsintroduction.html#g3zqsfistsintroduction" title="Read Geo G3ZQS' original introduction to FISTS">Introduction to FISTS by Geo</a> holds as true today as it did when he wrote it.  Geo also explains <a href="g3zqsintroduction.html#g3zqsfistsname" title="Go to G3ZQS' introduction to FISTS">how he chose the name FISTS</a>. </p> <a href="indexnt9kkey9.html" title="Sideswiper ('cootie') Key Number 9 made by Bill NT9K (SK)"> <img style="float: right; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 34px" width="120" height="100" src="/images/keys/nt9k_key9ac20.jpg" alt="Sideswiper ('cootie') Key Number 9 made by Bill NT9K (SK).  Click for a large picture." /> </a> <p> The <a href="https://www.fistsna.org/" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="Go to the FISTS Americas website">North American Chapter</a> (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. </p> <p> The <a href="https://www.fdu.org.au/" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="Open the FISTS Down Under Chapter website in a new window.">FISTS Down Under Chapter</a> 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. </p> <p> The <a href="https://www.feacw.net/" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="Go to the FISTS East Asia website">East Asia Chapter</a> was formed in 2004 by a few Taiwanese and Japanese members to provide East Asian members with various services in their native languages. </p> Why not <a href="/joinrenew.aspx" title="Go to Join / Renew page">join us</a>?<br /> <br /> <br /> Acknowledgements: Thank you to <a href="http://k6df.fists.uk/" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="Go to Dennis K6DF's website">Dennis K6DF</a>, Bill NT9K (SK) and <a href="https://www.qrz.com/db/AB4RH" onclick="target='_blank';" rel="nofollow" title="Go to Billy AB4RH's QRZ.COM page">Billy AB4RH</a> for permission to use photographs from their key collections.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.nochex.com" title="Visit the Nochex - Online Payment Services website" rel="nofollow"> <img src="https://www.nochex.com/logobase-secure-images/nochex_standard_logo_125x35.gif" alt="Nochex - Online Payment Services" width="125" height="35" /> </a> </div> </div> <div id="footer">  <form method="get" action="https://www.google.com/search"> <div style="float: left"> <label for="q">Search:</label><input type="text" name="q" id="q" size="10" maxlength="255" value="" class="footerinputtext" /> <input type="submit" value="Search" class="footerinputsubmit" title="Search website" /> <input type="hidden" name="sitesearch" value="fists.co.uk" /> </div> </form> <a href="/privacy.html" title="Show the website's privacy and cookie policy">Privacy</a> | <span class="linking"><a href="/path/decadentharbour.aspx" rel="nofollow">club</a></span>  <a href="/sitemap.html" title="Show a list of the pages on this website">Site Map</a> | <a href="https://validator.w3.org/feed/check.cgi?url=https://www.fists.co.uk/rss.xml" title="Check the RSS news feed uses valid RSS with a W3C Validator" rel="nofollow">RSV</a> | <a href="https://validator.w3.org/check?uri=https://fists.co.uk/index.htm" title="Check this page uses valid XHTML with a W3C Validator" rel="nofollow">XHTML 1.0</a> | <a href="https://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/validator?uri=https://fists.co.uk/index.htm" title="Check this page uses valid CSS with a W3C Validator" rel="nofollow">CSS</a> |  <a href="/tandc.html" title="Show our Terms & Conditions">Terms & Conditions</a> </div> </div> </body> </html>

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FISTS CW Club - The International Morse Preservation Society