[Fists] Fists Update. Keynote Ready For Download and more.

Sat Apr 30 12:39:43 EDT 2016

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
<mailto:ac5sh at aol.com?subject=FISTS%20-%20Volunteer%20for%20Dayton%20Booth>
.

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
<mailto:fistsstore at fistsna.org?subject=FISTS%20Store%20Information>
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 <http://www.fistsna.org/store.html> ; 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:
<mailto:feetwetlogs at fistsna.org?subject=FISTS%20Get%20Your%20Feet%20Wet>
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 -
<mailto:feetwetlogs at fistsna.org?subject=FISTS%20Get%20Your%20Feet%20Wet>
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:
<http://fists.co.uk/ladder> 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

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