A few years ago when I got back into Amateur Radio after retiring in 1999, I began working 40 meter CW just about every morning. One morning a station called me after I had finished a QSO and during the regular signal report and name exchange he sent the word FISTS and a number. Somewhat curious, I asked what the number meant and he filled me in and said he would give more details on a QSL card. The card came with an enclosed newsletter and application. I wasn't into joining clubs that much but just the idea of a Morse Code club sounded great. I applied and received the number 4754 and have been a member since.
I must say that every contact I have made with a FISTS member has been very enjoyable and even though I may not participate in FISTS contests that much, I do enjoy giving out points whenever I can. Instead of using my main rig at 100 watts, I purchased the Elecraft KX1 QRP transceiver and am having a ball with it running only about 4 watts, both at home and in the field using a 23 foot wire which the internal tuner resonates well. I belong to a local radio club, the AERO Amateur Radio Club who has a FISTS number 11525 which I recently applied for.
Am always happy to see the Keynote newsletter in my mailbox and read it from beginning to end. The HEMARC (Historic Electronics Museum) W3HEM club is about 25 miles from me and always enjoy visiting the museum and helping out if I can.
