FISTS Down Under
About us

About us

FISTS Down Under is the VK & ZL Chapter of the International Morse Preservation Society.
We have three simple goals:

* Further the use of CW (Morse Code)

* Engender friendship among members

* Encourage newcomers to use CW (Morse Code)

FISTS Down Under is committed to these principles.  We will support and promote all aspects of the hobby that fit these criteria.  These include:

  • Slow (QRS) Morse Code;
  • Contesting;
  • Chasing awards;
  • Chasing DX;
  • Ragchewing;
  • 599 tu QSOs;
  • Use of paddles, keyboards, straight keys, side swipers, bugs; and,
  • Constructing equipment for CW use.

in a friendly, collegiate environment.

Committee

For 2023-2024 the FISTS Down Under Committee and support roles are as follow:

President
Vice PresidentDerek DawkinsVK3KXdfdawkins(at)optusnet.com.au
Secretary
Committee 
Committee
ZL Admin & Liaison
Philip SharpZL1PSHzululima1psh(at)gmail.com
Awards ManagerMark BowdidgeVK4MFXm_dbowdidge(at)bigpond.com
Newsletter EditorBen CosierVK2JAbcosier(at)gmail.com

Recommended FISTS calling frequencies (MHz):

1.808            3.528            7.028            10.118          14.058          18.085 21.058          24.908          28.058

Social Media

And join us on Facebook; simply click the link below.

FDU VK Callsign VK2FDU

FISTS Down Under has the callsign VK2FDU. If you wish to use VK2FDU for a special event, please send an email to vk3qb(at)hotmail.com.

CONDITIONS: you must operate within the conditions of your licence class. You must provide a log in ADIF or Excel format either once a month or at the end of your activation.

FDU ZL Callsign ZL6FF

Contact Philip ZL1PSH for information.

Policies

FISTS Down Under uses social media, this web site and newsletters to encourage exchange of information in an open and transparent environment. Social Media and Discord offers a responsive (real time) informal platform for members to access and share information on their computers, tablets and mobile devices. We promote open and honest discourse. In the interests of maintaining harmony and balanced commentary, we ask all users to exercise good judgement when posting comments or replying to a comment. We encourage open debate and analysis of commentary. However, we will not tolerate:

* derogatory or obscene posts

* sledging or personal attacks

* potentially defamatory comments

* any form of sexism, racism or vilification

* any postings that are regarded as being in “poor form” or irrelevant to the objectives of FISTS Down Under

Postings that are inaccurate or misleading may be corrected or deleted by the Administrators. Proper copyright and reference laws or standards should be observed when posting. FISTS Down Under Facebook administrators reserve the right to remove or delete inappropriate postings and block offenders from accessing the page.  This policy applies to postings by members on any other sites, Social Media groups or pages.

Stop and think before you hit the enter key. Be kind, be considerate.

Your Privacy

We don’t share your personal data with anyone (other than as required by law). We only collect the minimum information required to maintain our membership register and to contact you. FISTS stores your name, callsign, FISTS membership number and email address.

Club Rules

To join FISTS, please visit the membership page

FISTS Objectives

* Further the use of CW (Morse Code)

* Engender friendship among members

* Encourage newcomers to use CW (Morse Code)

FISTS Down Under is committed to these principles.  We will support and promote all aspects of the hobby that fit these criteria.  These include:

  • Slow (QRS) Morse Code;
  • Contesting;
  • Chasing awards;
  • Chasing DX;
  • Ragchewing;
  • 599 tu QSOs;
  • Use of paddles, keyboards, straight keys, side swipers, bugs; and,
  • Constructing equipment for CW use.

in a friendly, collegiate environment.

Social Media & Discord:

We will not tolerate:

* derogatory or obscene posts

* sledging or personal attacks

* potentially defamatory comments

* any form of sexism, racism or vilification

* any postings that are regarded as being in “poor form” or irrelevant to the objectives of FISTS Down Under or Amateur Radio

Postings that are inaccurate or misleading may be corrected or deleted by the Administrators. Proper copyright and reference laws or standards should be observed when posting. FISTS Down Under Facebook and Discord administrators reserve the right to remove or delete inappropriate postings and block offenders from accessing the page.  This policy applies to postings by members on any other sites, Discord or Social Media groups or pages.

Stop and think before you hit the enter key. Be kind, be considerate.

Please keep Discord posts limited to skeds, notifications, and band conditions. Use Social media for general announcements.