The Vista Valley "FISTS" CW Club was formed to provide a semi-regional home for amateur radio operators who remain loyal to the use of Morse code on the HF radio bands. This club is affiliated with the FISTS International Morse Preservation Society. FISTS International is a large and growing organization with members in many countries around the world. As a group we are dedicated to the continuing use of Morse code as a skill, and art form in the field of radio communications.
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT DO WE DO?Membership in this club consists mostly of amateur radio operators who live in the San Diego County area of Southern California. We also have members who live in Northern California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and New Mexico.
We are called "Ham Radio Operators" by most people and by each other. Although we have a choice between using "voice" communications and Morse code (CW) we normally choose the use of Morse code because of its superior ability to make and hold a contact with another station when radio communications are poor. Additionally, the use of the code makes communication possible between radio operators who speak different languages. The use of Morse code eliminates most situations where a heavy accent can make a conversation difficult or impossible.
To most people we "hams" are practically invisible but over the years many people owe their very lives to those of us who have mastered the use of "the code".
WHAT IS OUR GOAL?
Our goal is to provide an active "home" for fully licensed amateur radio operators who
have a continuing interest in improving their skill with Morse code. We are also
available to teach "the code" and participate in on the air practice sessions with those who
feel they need some coaching or just plain "rag chewing" to increase their comfort level
when using Morse code. Most of us are members of the FISTS organization which also is
active in the pursuit of these goals on an international level. From time to time K6FFF will have "on the air"
activities for members to
participate in as they wish. One of our club members is the
Center for the Blind in
Vista, California. Some of the members of K6FFF are active as volunteer
instructors in ham radio or contributors of money and ham radio equipment
to this worthwhile cause. The call sign for the Center is KF6KIK.
