From ac5shfistop at gmail.com Wed Apr 6 08:11:06 2016 From: ac5shfistop at gmail.com (Tim O) Date: Wed, 6 Apr 2016 07:11:06 -0500 Subject: [Fists] Americas Chapter Fists Store Message-ID: Yes, the store is open! Get your Fists gear here :) 73 Tim, AC5SH FISTS Store http://www.fistsna.org/store.html From rtompson at triad.rr.com Wed Apr 6 09:15:45 2016 From: rtompson at triad.rr.com (Randy Tompson) Date: Wed, 6 Apr 2016 09:15:45 -0400 Subject: [Fists] Would it be possible to issue the Digest more frequently? Message-ID: <01d401d19006$6dc2edf0$4948c9d0$@triad.rr.com> On most Yahoo groups, I use the Digest format because it prevents a steady stream of emails from bothering me throughout the day, cluttering up my inbox. With the FISTS group, that's not a problem, but I still would like to have one single email per day, rather than multiple ones, so I keep the Digest form for FISTS. The problem is that the Digest comes out very infrequently.. Today for example (April 6) my Digest contained 6 emails. Message #1 was dated March 11. #2 was dated March 15. and so on. The average age was 17 days, despite one of the messages being 0 days old ;-) Could the Digest perhaps be modified, to send a digest once per day, even if there's only one message in it? The biggest benefit would be for announcements of the Sprints. getting the reminder after the event is over is a waste. Apologies if this setting is within my control. I took quick jaunt to find out how to re-set it, but haven't found the proper place. Randy NC4RT #8280/CC #1174/Ag #284/Pt #341 From w2lj at verizon.net Mon Apr 11 19:16:33 2016 From: w2lj at verizon.net (Larry W2LJ) Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2016 19:16:33 -0400 Subject: [Fists] NAQCC April Sprint this Tuesday Evening Message-ID: The April sprint is this coming Tuesday evening local time (April 12th, EDT - 8:30-10:30PM, CDT - 7:30-9:30PM, MDT - 6:30-8:30PM, PDT - 5:30-7:30PM), which translates as Wednesday, April 13th, 0030 to 0230Z in all cases. For all the "official" information, please go to: http://www.naqcc.info/sprint201604.html There you will find all the details as to time, frequencies and other important information. Certificates: SWA (simple wire antennas) certificates by call area, VE and DX for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers (New!). A Certificate for top score in the GAIN antenna category. Prizes: Too many to list!! - check out the prizes page on our website. This is a monthly event that caters to the CW veteran, the CW newcomer, straight key and bug fans. All are welcome to participate (this includes QRO); but you must use QRP power levels to compete for awards. If you've been hesitant to join in our sprints because you hear other sprints running at breakneck speeds, have no fear. Our sprints are geared to the newcomer to CW and/or contesting. Virtually everyone including the many veteran contesters who regularly enter our sprints will slow down to YOUR speed to help you make your contacts. If you are not already a member of NAQCC... membership is FREE! Now is your chance to join the largest QRP CW Club in the world!! We currently have 7100+ members in: All 50 States - 9 VE Provinces - 100 Countries. Sign up on the NAQCC website today (http://naqcc.info/) and receive a handsome certificate, with your membership number on it, which is good for life. Come join us and have a real good time! 72/73 de Larry W2LJ NAQCC #35 for NAQCC http://naqcc.info/ From ac5shfistop at gmail.com Tue Apr 12 13:50:22 2016 From: ac5shfistop at gmail.com (Tim O) Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2016 12:50:22 -0500 Subject: [Fists] CW Tuesday Message-ID: CW Tuesday thru midnight Z :) This one is very informal so it's just fine if we run over. Hope to C U there :) 73 Tim, AC5SH http://fistsna.org/operating.html#cwtuesday From g3zodna at gmail.com Sat Apr 16 18:02:31 2016 From: g3zodna at gmail.com (Graham Smith) Date: Sat, 16 Apr 2016 23:02:31 +0100 Subject: [Fists] New - March 2016 Key Note from FISTS CW Club Europe Message-ID: <004501d1982b$ad2fed30$078fc790$@com> The FISTS Europe March 2016 Key Note is now available to all current FISTS CW Club members at https://fists.co.uk/members/members.aspx ***FISTS Americas members - you can use your Americas password to log on - if you have forgotten it, you can reset it here: https://fists.co.uk/am/reset.aspx Items in this issue include: o How I learned Morse ... and what was good for me! o Book review: The Long Silence Falls, Volume 2. o Training Keys. - Arthur J. Gould, G3JKY, SK. o George M. Allan GM4HYF, SK. o Pordenone Radio Rally 2015. ... and more besides! 73 de Graham G3ZOD FISTS #8385 FISTS CW Club Secretary (Europe) From ac5shfistop at gmail.com Mon Apr 25 18:15:04 2016 From: ac5shfistop at gmail.com (Tim O) Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2016 17:15:04 -0500 Subject: [Fists] CW Tuesday Message-ID: CW Tuesday! https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153889626150379&id=343464550378&fs=5 73 Tim, AC5SH From g3zodna at gmail.com Fri Apr 29 16:45:18 2016 From: g3zodna at gmail.com (Graham Smith) Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2016 21:45:18 +0100 Subject: [Fists] New FISTS CW Club Americas April 2016 KeyNote newsletter published Message-ID: <004601d1a258$0afe1320$20fa3960$@com> The new FISTS Americas April 2016 KeyNote newsletter is ready to download for current FISTS members at: https://fists.co.uk/am/members/docs/keynote_2016_1.pdf Included in this issue: - The Story of a Special Key - Learning CW - W8CYG's Stealth Antenna - Wanting to Be a Radio Ham - History of KN0WCW-FISTS USA Club Call - A Dashing Man of Vision and much more. If you've forgotten your password, you can reset it here: https://fists.co.uk/am/reset.aspx If your membership has expired, you can renew it online here: http://fistsna.org/howdoi.html#renewal 73 de Graham G3ZOD FISTS #8385 From ac5shfistop at gmail.com Sat Apr 30 12:39:43 2016 From: ac5shfistop at gmail.com (Tim O) Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2016 11:39:43 -0500 Subject: [Fists] Fists Update. Keynote Ready For Download and more. Message-ID: HI Gang Well, it has been a long time since I sent out an Update. I apologize and will try to make them more frequent. Here ya go. Keynote! >From Graham, G3ZOD's post on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FISTS-CW-Club-The-International-Morse-Preservation- Society-343464550378/?fref=ts . The new FISTS Americas April 2016 Keynote newsletter is ready to download for current FISTS members at https://fists.co.uk/am/members/docs/keynote_2016_1.pdf . Included in this issue: - The Story of a Special Key - Learning CW - W8CYG's Stealth Antenna - Wanting to Be a Radio Ham - History of KN0WCW-FISTS USA Club Call - A Dashing Man of Vision and much more. If you've forgotten your password, you can reset it here: https://fists.co.uk/am/reset.aspx . If your membership has expired, you can renew it online here: http://fistsna.org/howdoi.html#renewal . Note from me: The mailed, paper Keynote is working its way through print now and will be in homes ASAP. The Keynote was delayed this time because I took it on as Editor and honestly had no idea of the complexities involved. I'm sorry, the delay was my fault and mine alone. I tried and did get some stuff done on it but just could not get it out. I wound up handing it back to Prez Dennis, K6DF who with Mary Cronin the designer's help, did the lion's share of the work and got it out for you. Dennis will remain the Editor unless and until he finds someone suitable to take that role. If interested in taking that position (I'm not certain it is open but Dennis has PLENTY to do) contact Dennis, K6DF at Keynote at Fistsna.org . Also, we need a new round of articles, pics, etc for the next Keynote which we hope to have out in a couple months, so fire up that computer and send us your stories, large or small to Keynote at Fistsna.org . Dayton! We will be there again this year in booth NH0136. Come see us and see the plea below for HELP in the booth, copied from our main website. We have some good volunteers, some returning from last year but we could still use more manpower. QLF? You can get a cert for that at Dayton. Really .. .. >From the main website: Dayton Hamvention Help Needed ! We need help from the membership in the form of volunteers to man the FISTS booth Tim O'Conner AC5SH has agreed to manage the Dayton Hamvention FISTS Booth this coming May 20 to 22, 2016. We also are still asking for volunteers to help Tim man the booth for each of those three days. If you would like to volunteer, please send an e-mail to: Tim AC5SH at ac5sh at aol.com . The Store is again open to serve us. >From the main website: * * * FISTS STORE has Re-Opened ! * * * The FISTS CW Club Store has now re-opened and is ready once again to receive your orders. Will Dix KF4IZE of Fayetteville, NC is our new Store Manager and can be reached via e-mail at: fistsstore at fistsna.org Store orders will be processed and shipped each week. Prices shown include USA postage. Contact Will Dix at the e-mail address above for postage to DX addresses. Select Store Page ; to visit the Store or select Store in the main menu above. http://www.fistsna.org/store.html We have lots of upcoming on air activities as well. The Fists Spring Slow Speed Sprint (13 wpm max, QRS if a slower op calls you) is - 1700 - 2100 UTC, Saturday May 7, 2016. The Fists Spring Unlimited Sprint is - 1700 - 2100 UTC, Saturday May 14, 2016. http://www.fistsna.org/operating.html#sprints FISTS CW CLUB - TUESDAY ACTIVITY DAY >From the main website: The FISTS Americas Chapter will have a weekly Activity Day each Tuesday from 0001 until 2400 UTC. No problem if you start a little early or run over. Not a contest, no need to submit your log, just get on the air and make some contacts! One, two, several or a hundred QSOs it doesn't matter, just get on the air and make some QSOs. We have invited the International FISTS Community to participate also so you may be able to work some new FISTS and new FISTS countries. So dust off the key and get on the air and have some fun! 73 es CU on the bands! Ed, N2ED, FISTS Americas Chapter Activities Mgr. >From the main website at http://www.fistsna.org/operating.html#tuesday . The May Get Your Feet Wet event will be on the 15th which is the third Sunday as usual, all day in time Z. This is a great opportunity for new ops to get on and for old ops to elmer them. Don't miss it! >From the main website: GET YOUR FEET WET ACTIVITY DAY One of the biggest challenges with learning to operate CW is overcoming the "fright" of making those first contacts and learning to be comfortable in operating the CW mode. The purpose of this FISTS activity is to provide new or less experienced amateurs the opportunity to make CW contacts and learn to enjoy the mode. Operating in contests, QSO parties, or DX pileups is not a very good place to try operating CW for the first time. This activity will provide a periodic opportunity to encourage new and inexperienced amateurs to get on the air and practice operating CW. Hopefully many experienced CW operators will be willing to get on the air, slow down their CW, and help "Elmer" our new and less experienced members. This weekend activity is designed to provide you with the opportunity to practice your CW operating and gain some valuable experience. IT IS NOT A CONTEST. The activity will be held on the Third Sunday of every month. Operating times will be 0001 UTC to 2400 UTC. This activity will be conducted on the 80 and 40 meter bands, on or near the following Suggested Frequencies: 3.558 and 7.110. Suggested items for exchange are: Name, QTH, FISTS#, RST. Remember these are the minimum items and you can exchange whatever you want because this is not a contest. If you participate in a GYFW Activity, and submit a log showing a minimum of five (5) QSO's, you will have a chance to win a gift certificate at the end of the year. There will be two winners. The first will receive a $250 gift certificate and the second a $150 gift certificate. A random drawing will be held after the last GYFW Activity of 2015. Only active and life FISTS CW Club members are eligible to win the gift certificate, and winners can choose the amateur radio company from whom they want the gift certificate. When you send in your log, be sure to include some comments on your operating experience during the event and/or send your comments to Karl N2KZ at: feetwetlogs at fistsna.org. You can make general comments on the number of contacts, your station setup, etc. Also supply your call sign & Fists#. Be sure to use the Subject line: GYFW Feedback. Your comments will be listed in the next issue of The Keynote. Send in your Logs to the Get Your Feet Wet Activity Manager: Karl Zuk N2KZ 15 Flintlock Ridge Rd. Katonah, NY 10536 Karl Zuk N2KZ e-mail - feetwetlogs at fistsna.org GYFW Activity Manager http://www.fistsna.org/operating.html#feetwet EU Ladder sessions present a great opportunity to work some DX Fists. Sunday 8 May, 14-16 UTC & 18-20 UTC: Ladder (FISTS CW Club Europe) sessions include friendly, conversational QSOs with a minimum exchange of: RST, name, QTH, member number (if available). Activity is typically around 14.058 MHz, 7.028 MHz, and 3.558 MHz. One QSO can be claimed with an operator per 2 hour session. Ladder info http://fists.co.uk/activitiescalendar.html#fistsladder2016 . That's all I have for now. I will let you know when the Keynote now being printed and bundled up hits the mail. 73 and C U on air soon. Pound that key! Tim, AC5SH _____________________________________________