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Awards

This page gives details of the various FISTS awards available:

Central FISTS Awards

All applications for Central FISTS Awards and North American Awards must be sent to Dennis K6DF FISTS Awards Manager.
There is some useful additional information available on the Awards Guidelines page.

General Information

All FISTS awards can be applied for via e-mail.

Send an e-mail to the Awards Manager with your call sign, name and address, FISTS membership number, and the name of the award you are applying for. Attach your log of all contacts for the award to the e-mail. The ONLY files that can be accepted are; Excel, Word, and Text files.

DO NOT send logs that are scanned images of your log pasted into Excel and Word documents. Scanned images of log pages will not be accepted.

The ONLY data on the log should be Call, Date, Band, FISTS Nr, Points, CC number. The Rag Chewers' Award also requires the Start and Stop times of each QSO be included with the above log data.

The free FISTS Log Converter program can help you track and apply for awards.  It will read logbook files exported from logbook programs, CSV files and Excel spreadsheets.  If you don't currently have a logbook program, you can use its internal logbook feature.

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IMPORTANT (For logs submitted via e-mail): Use a SINGLE TAB between data elements. NO SPACES. The information on your attached log is exported into Excel and checked for duplicate contacts. The data cannot be exported properly if there are spaces instead of ONE TAB. Each data element must be in a field of its own. Which means, DO NOT include any other information such as "QTH", "Name", or the letters "FISTS #", or "CC" in with any of the data.

Logs that DO NOT follow this format will be returned unprocessed.

We realize that the data will not line up in neat even columns when using a single TAB. It doesn't matter if the data on the log lines up or not because it is checked using a computer program, not by printing it out and looking at it. It just takes too much time to convert the logs with spaces in them to a log with a single TAB, so they will not be accepted.

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Carefully check your log for duplicate contacts and delete them prior to sending your log for an award. Deleting Dupes from your log is your responsibility. Paper and electronic logs with excesive Dupes will be returned and not processed.

Please do not send logs that are scanned images (.jpg .gif for example) of your log pasted into Excel and Word documents. Scanned images of log pages will not be accepted. All logs must have "editable" text.

When you apply for an award, please send the complete log for that award. For example, if you have the Silver award and are applying for the Gold award, send the complete log showing all contacts used for the Gold award 500 points.

If you are mailing your award application, DO NOT SEND YOUR ORIGINAL LOG: send a copy. After the logs are checked, the logs are discarded, as it is too expensive to mail them back. If you want your log returned, include sufficient return postage.

All contacts submitted in award logs must have been made via two-way CW mode on the air using the call sign, or a previous call sign held by the person submitting the award log.

There is no charge for awards of FISTS members whose dues are current.

Non-FISTS and FISTS members who's dues are not current are eligible for awards, but please enclose $3 to help defray expenses.

All FISTS members, worldwide, can submit all awards to:

Please put the word FISTS in the title of your email.

Dupe (Duplicate) Check Sheets

A "Duplicate" Check Sheet must be included with all submitted paper logs of over 100 contacts that are not sorted by FISTS number for Century Awards, or sorted by CC number for Platinum Awards.  If your log is sorted by FISTS number or CC number, you do not need to send a Dupe Sheet.

The NANFA Award does not require a Dupe Sheet.

A "Dupe" check sheet can be viewed online or downloaded here.  To view it online, just click the link below.  To download, "right mouse click" on the link below and "save as" to your hard drive:

fistdupe.pdf

To make your own Dupe Sheet, take a blank sheet of 8.5 by 11 paper and turn it sideways so that the long side is at the top.  Write the numbers 1 through 9 along the top edge of the paper spreading them out so you have plenty of room between each number.  Now, go through your award log and write the FISTS number for each QSO under the numbered column that corresponds with the first number of each FISTS number.  DO NOT USE THE CALL SIGNS. Each time you enter a new number in a column, check down through that column to see if that FISTS number has been previously entered.  If it has, then it is a dupe and should NOT be used for your Award Log.  This "Dupe" sheet needs to be sent with your award log when applying for awards with over 100 contacts.

What is a CC Number?

This is one of the most asked FISTS Questions!  CC stands for Century Certificate.  A CC number is the number on the certificate you get when you earn the Basic Century Award.  Each certificate has a sequentially issued number on it.  That number is your CC number.  People exchange CC numbers on the air because the Platinum awards are earned by "collecting" them.  You need not have a CC number to collect CC numbers, but it makes it more fun if you can give one out, too.

Century Awards

The Century Awards are a group of awards that start off with the Basic Century Award.

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER: A FISTS number can only be counted once.

YOU don't have to be a FISTS member at the time of the contact, but THE PERSON you are claiming for Century Award points must have a FISTS number AT THE TIME OF THE CONTACT. For example, if you QSO with someone who is not a FISTS member, but they join FISTS after the QSO, you must work them again for credit.  You cannot count the QSO you had before they joined FISTS toward the Century Award.

The person you contact does not have to be an Active Member at the time of your contact.  Their number still counts. It would be impossible for our Awards Manager to cross-check dates of renewals to the contact dates, so we make it simple and say "everyone counts".  We would hope that if someone cares enough to give out their FISTS number on the air, they will care enough to support the club, but their number counts regardless whether they are a member in good standing or not.

A QSL card is not needed to claim the contact for Century Awards.  A worksheet is available in PDF format (you need the FREE Adobe Reader to view/use it).  Use it to help keep track of stations worked, and it can be used for ALL of the Century Awards.

Century Award Log Sheet (century.pdf)

Basic Century Award

The Century Award is earned by working 100 points of FISTS members.  FISTS operating from the same country that you are in are worth one point.  FISTS operating from a different country, as defined by DXCC rules, are worth two points.  FISTS affiliated club stations are worth three points.

The following FISTS National Club Stations are worth 5 points towards FISTS awards:

GXØIPX #1, ZL6FF #9600, VK2FDU #9610, KNØWCW #10,000, and JL3YMV #15000

NOTE -- If you earn your award using QRP, (5 watts or less), please state so at the time of your application for that award.  Your call will be printed on the award as, " Your Call - QRP ".

The Silver Century Award

The Silver Century Award has the same rules as the Basic Century and is for a total of 250 points.  Points used to claim the Basic Century may be used toward the Silver Century Award.  Send a log showing all 250 points used for the Silver Award.

NOTE -- If you earn your award using QRP, (5 watts or less), please state so at the time of your application for that award.  Your call will be printed on the award as, " Your Call - QRP ".

The Gold Century Award

The Gold Century Award has the same rules as the Basic Century but it is for a total of 500 points.  Points used to claim the Basic Century & Silver Century may be used toward the Gold Century Award.  Send a log showing all 500 points used for the Gold Award.

NOTE -- If you earn your award using QRP, (5 watts or less), please state so at the time of your application for that award.  Your call will be printed on the award as, " Your Call - QRP ".

The Diamond Century Award

The Diamond Century Award has the same rules as the Basic Century, but it is for a total of 1000 points.  Points used to claim the Basic, Silver, and Gold Centurys may be used toward the Diamond Century.  Send a log showing all 1000 points used for the Diamond Award.

NOTE -- If you earn your award using QRP, (5 watts or less), please state so at the time of your application for that award.  Your call will be printed on the award as, " Your Call - QRP ".

Platinum Awards

The Platinum Awards are a group of awards that start off with the basic Platinum Award.

The Platinum Award

This award, which used to be called the Century of the Centuries, is earned by working 100 different Century Certificate holders.  The Century Certificate (CC) number must be obtained during an on-air CW QSO.  Each CC number is only counted once, for a total of 100 numbers, regardless of location or band.

You do not have to have a QSL card to claim the contact for the Platinum Awards.  A worksheet is available in PDF format (you need the FREE Adobe Reader to view/use it).  Use it as a check sheet to help keep track of stations worked, and it can be used for ALL of the Platinum Awards.

Platinum Award Log Sheet (platinum.pdf).

The Platinum 250 Award

The 250 Platinum Award is for 250 Century Award holder Contacts.  Send a log showing all 250 CC number used for the Platinum 250 Award.

The Platinum 500 Award

The 500 Platinum Award is for 500 Century Award holder Contacts.  Send a log showing all 500 CC number used for the Platinum 500 Award.

Mobile Award (Ends 1st January 2012)

The Mobile Award ends on 1st January 2012 and any applications for it must be received by then.

This award is earned by accumulating 100 points of two-way CW OSO's made while MOBILE on or after September 1, 1998.

Point rules are the same as the Basic Century Certificate Award.  Duplicate contacts do not count.

For purposes of this award "MOBILE" means: Any land motor vehicle used to transport people (car, truck, etc.)

Transmitting and receiving antennas must be physically attached to the vehicle.

Transceiver must be located inside the vehicle and powered by the vehicle's electrical system.

You may count the points claimed for the Mobile Award toward the one and two-way QRP Awards if the power is 5 watts or less.  They may also be counted toward the Gold, Platinum, or other awards if you have not previously claimed these contacts.

The FISTS Rag Chewers Award

This award is earned by making 100 two-way CW QSO's, each lasting at least 30 minutes, with another FISTS member on or after the date of September 1, 1998.  Duplicate member contacts are valid, but they must be made on different dates.

1 X QRP Award

The 1 X QRP Award is earned by working 100 points of FISTS members while you are operating QRP, 5 watts or less. Same point rules as the Basic Century Award.

2 X QRP Award

The 2 X QRP Award is earned by working 100 points of FISTS members while you and the other station contacted are both operating QRP, 5 watts or less.  Same point rules as the Basic Century Award.

Nightmare Alpha-Numeric FISTS Award

Start date for this award is January 1, 2003.  All contacts claimed for this award must be made after the starting date.

This award will be a lot of fun as well as a challenge.  The award was created by Jack Bock, K7ZR #2656 (Silent Key).

There is NO TIME LIMIT to complete this award.

1. Contacts must be 2-way CW on-air contacts made on and after Jan 1, 2003.
2. Contacts can be made at any time, any place at any speed.
3. Contacts must be with a person or club with a FISTS number.
4. Contacts can be with FISTS from any country.

The object is to work stations whose call signs fit into the squares on a grid.  There are 260 squares (26 letters and 10 numerals) 'Counters' are the last numeral of the call sign and the first letter of the suffix.  For example, K7ZR goes in the 7 column at the Z row.  WZ8C fits in the 8 column on the C row.  P31ABC would be in the 1 column on the A row.  By convention, use the numeral of a portable designator if there is one - WB9CIS /M3 would be in the 3 column on the C row.  Also put the date (month/day) in the square with the call sign for reference.

You can make your own grid sheet by taking a piece of 8.5" x 11" lined writing paper and drawing 10 each 3/4" vertical columns labeling them "1" through "0".  Then go to the left-hand margin and label 26 of the horizontal stripes "A" through "Z".

A ready-made .pdf grid log is available for downloading on this page below.

Nightmare Alpha-Numeric Log.pdf

To get your NANFA certificate, send your completed grid (filled in with the call signs and dates) along with your log containing the same contact info used for the Basic Century Award.  If you work the award using QRP or Mobile state so on your award application.  Your award certificate will then be printed with "Your Call - QRP" or "Your Call - Mobile".

The Millionaire Award

So, you want to be a millionaire?  You'll feel like a million bucks when you hang this piece of wallpaper in your shack!  This award is simple and obtainable, as well as challenging.  You earn it by working a total of a million in FISTS membership numbers.  The basic award is for one million points, with endorsement stickers for additional increments of one million.  The highest endorsement sticker available is 25 million points.

For example, if you work member number 11500 and member number 10000 and then work #379, you'd have a total of 21,879 points.

We hope to encourage newer FISTS members to get on the air, since they have "bigger" FISTS membership numbers they will be sought after.

You may only claim member numbers for credit once per band, but use as many bands as you want.  If you use the WARC's please be sure your contact is a legit QSO.  We don't want FISTS to have the reputation of being the ones to spoil the WARCs with hit and run, contest like QSO's.  Exchange FISTS numbers on the air and have a little chat - about the weather, your key, your rig, family...

Two-way CW contacts only.  You do not need to get a QSL confirmation of the QSO - just keep a running total of the FISTS membership number points.  Only contacts made on or after January 1, 2006 are valid.

To claim the award with a paper/written log, include a log sheet that has the contacted callsign, band & date worked and FISTS number - with the numbers totaled - and DUPE sheets for each of the bands used.  Since you may work a FISTS number on different bands for credit, separate dupe sheets for each band are necessary to help the Awards Manager verify your log.

    Each band should be shown as 80, 40, 20, etc, NOT the frequency used such as 10.118, 10.119, 14.058, 7.033, etc.

    Reason -- If you work a member twice on 20 meters, i.e. 14.058 and 14.033, and show the actual frequencies used, the dupe checking computer program will not show it as a Dupe.  If the band is listed as 20 and 20 then it will show that as a Duplicate.

Send paper logs/dupe sheets submissions to the FISTS Awards Manager.

Logs submitted electronically do not need to include dupe sheets.  Email logs to Dennis K6DF awards@fists.org.  Attach your log of all contacts for the award to the e-mail.  The ONLY files that can be accepted are; Excel, Word, and Text files.  Put FISTS in the title of your email.

For ALL award submissions, Include your call sign, name and address, FISTS membership number, and the name of the award you are applying for.  DO NOT send logs that are scanned images of your log pasted into Excel and Word documents.  Scanned images of log pages will not be accepted.

This award is available to FISTS and non-FISTS members.  It is free of charge to members in good standing.

Please answer someone's CQ at the speed they are sending and USE SPACES between your letters and words.  The most common, yet most easily remedied, problem is SPACING.  You can be sending perfectly formed code, but if it's all run together, it still sounds like gibberish and gives you a bad fist.

The CW / Phone Area Code Award

Purpose: The purpose of this award is to promote activity on the CW amateur bands, to encourage the exchange of information that might lead to rag chewing and also to encourage interaction between FISTS members and non-FISTS members.  It also provides a goal for those who need a reason to get on the air and make some QSOs!

Time Period: Contacts must be made on or after January 1, 2009.  This is an open-ended award with no finishing deadline.

Goal: To chat with hams who live in 100 different telephone area code districts.  The area codes may be anywhere in the world, and the hams include all legally licensed operators.  Contacts must be valid two-way Morse code contacts made on any of the legal ham bands.

Exchange: Any information may be exchanged during the course of the QSO, but the minimum information must include Name, QTH, signal report and area code.

Points: Each area code equals one point, with 100 points needed to earn the award.  Each area code must be counted only once.  An area code is defined as the area code for the telephone number of the phone the person uses most often.  One area code is allowed per callsign.  You must use the same area code for all QSO's that you make during the course of the year unless your station is physically moved to another area code.

For example, if you work someone and they give you the area code of their home phone, you cannot work them again and receive the area code of their cell phone or work phone for another point.  Mobiles use the same area code as they use while operating fixed.  One area code per callsign only, unless you move your place of residence.

No multipliers or bonus points for club stations.  Everyone is worth one point.

Log Submission: A dupe sheet must be included with the log and is available here.  Information to be included on the award log submission is Date of contact, Name, RST, QTH and area code.  Awards can be postal mailed to Dennis K6DF FISTS Awards Manager at the address given here.  Contact Dennis via awards@fists.org for information on emailing logs to him.

Certificates will be issued free of charge to FISTS members.  Non-FISTS members, including those whose memberships are not in good standing meaning you haven't paid your dues and your membership has lapsed at the time of application) please include $4 to cover the cost of the certificate, envelope and postage.

Good luck and have fun!

Prefix Awards

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of FISTS CW Club (The International Morse Preservation Society), announces that three versions of a new operating achievement award will be available starting 0001Z January 1, 2012.

Prefix Award applications must be sent to Dennis K6DF.

Prefix Version 1 Award

Version One is a basic open-ended award for working 25 unique prefixes in each of the ten call number zones (zero-nine). Each prefix is one point, regardless of country. The contact must be a valid two-way CW QSO between two licensed amateur radio operators. No relays or repeater contacts allowed. Any type of Morse code device may be used.

For the purpose of the Prefix Award, the call zone will be the number in the legally assigned callsign, regardless of location. Mobile/portable contacts are permitted, but the call zone is the one in the callsign, not any modifier used because of location.

For example:
K6DF operating from the UK with the callsign MM/K6DF will be entered as a "K" prefix in the "6" call zone.
M/DL4ABC would be a "DL" prefix in the "4" call zone.
V31AN would be prefix "V3" in the 1 call zone.

• Logs must include the complete callsign, time and date of the QSO, QTH, and first name of the operator worked.
• Exchanging of RST is encouraged so the contact can be counted toward other awards and contests but it is not necessary to have in the log for these awards.  Conversation is also encouraged.
• "Hit and run" QSOs (except for during scheduled contests, nets, etc.) are perceived as rude and this is a friendly event.  Remember, when you've worked a FISTS member, you've worked a friend!
• If applying for Version Three (the plaque), the FISTS number of the operator worked must also be included.
• It is possible to earn all three versions of the award.
• The certificates and plaques will not be numbered.
• FISTS reserves the option to issue endorsement stickers to Version One to acknowledge future accomplishments.
• Dupe sheets/worksheets and entry forms will be available on the FISTS North America website.
• Entry materials must be submitted by January 30, 2013 for Version Two and Three. There is no ending date for Version One (The 250 Prefix Award).

If you work AB1CD, and count the AB prefix in the 1 call zone, then work them again after they get the vanity call A1CD, you may count them again as an A prefix in the 1 call zone. For this award, the prefix is what counts, not the operator or location. There is no time limit to earn this basic award and successful applicants will receive a 250 Prefix Award certificate. Contacts may be made with active, lapsed and non-FISTS. At least one of the contacts in each of the callsign districts must be a FISTS member.

Prefix Version 2 Award

Version Two follows the same rules as Version One, with the exception of the completion date. It must be completed by 2359Z December 31, 2012. Successful applicants of this award will earn an FISTS 25th Anniversary Prefix Award certificate. Contacts may be made with active, lapsed and non-FISTS. At least one of the contacts in each of the callsign districts must be a FISTS member.

Prefix Version 3 Award

A plaque will be awarded for those who complete the award as described in Version Two, with the exception of the prefix contacts being only with hams with FISTS numbers. The prefix can be from a FISTS anywhere in the world and working FISTS outside your country is encouraged. The FISTS number should be exchanged on the air.

To give all Chapters an equal playing field for a plaque, Chapter plaques may only be earned by someone belonging to that Chapter.  If no one in a Chapter completes the qualifications, a plaque will be awarded to that Chapter's FISTS member with the highest number of prefixes worked.  The number of plaques for each Chapter is still being determined.

Down Under Awards (Australia and New Zealand)

Down Under Awards can now be tracked with FISTS Log Converter.  
 
Enquiries and award submissions should be sent to the FISTS Down Under Awards Manager, Ralph Sutton ZL2AOH:

Fax:	+64-4-473-0847
E-mail:	zl2aoh@ihug.co.nz

*Contacts, with a FISTS Down Under station with a FISTS number below 9000 prior to 1 June 1998 will count, but only if FISTS numbers were exchanged at the time.

Check sheets for all FISTS awards are available free on request.

The system of recording contacts and applying for the FDU award are the same as for all the other FISTS awards except that logs should be forwarded to the FDU Awards Manager, Ralph Sutton ZL2AOH

There is no charge for the award although donations towards the costs involved are always welcome and acknowledged.

FISTS Down Under Award

The FISTS Down Under Award is earned by accumulating 50 points.

For this award contacts with any FISTS Down Under (FDU) member in ZL or VK since the inauguration of FISTS Down Under on 1 June 1998* are worth one point.  Contacts with FDU affiliated club stations are worth five points each.  (Currently ZL6FF, VK2FDU, ZL2SWR and VK4RC/VK4IZ.)  This award is available for all FISTS Club members worldwide.  A station can only be claimed once.  - Note, the one point for working a FDU station is the same for all members, (i.e. there is no premium for working outside one's country.)

FISTS Down Under Prestige Award

The FISTS Down Under Prestige Award is earned by accumulating 100 points or more.
For this award contacts with any FISTS Down Under (FDU) member in ZL or VK since the inauguration of FISTS Down Under on 1 June 1998* are worth one point.  Contacts with FDU affiliated club stations are worth five points each.  (Currently ZL6FF, VK2FDU, ZL2SWR and VK4RC/VK4IZ.)  This award is available for all FISTS Club members worldwide.  However for Australian and New Zealand claimants a FDU club station can only be claimed once, while for claimants elsewhere, a FDU club station and each member can be claimed once on each of three recognised amateur bands, including the bands.

Stickers will be available to add to the award for 150, 200 and 250 Points.

FISTS North America Awards

Enquiries and award submissions should be sent to the FISTS Awards Manager.

The Worked All States Award

The WORKED ALL STATES award is earned by working FISTS members in all 50 USA states.  The station worked must be a FISTS member at the time of the contact.

Contacts must be made from the same location, or from locations no two of which are more than 50 miles apart which is affirmed by signature of the applicant on the application.

A checksheet is available in in PDF format (you need the FREE Adobe Reader to view/use it).

FISTS WAS Checksheet

Novice/Tech Activity Awards

To encourage operating activity on the Novice/Tech portions of the CW bands, FISTS is offering two new awards. Here are the rules for the new awards:

• One operating achievement award is ONLY for Novice/Techs who work 25 FISTS members of any license class in the Novice/Tech parts of the band (CW, of course).  The Novice/Tech does not have to be a FISTS member.
• The second one is for FISTS members (General and higher) who work 50 points of Novice/Techs in the Novice/Tech CWsubbands.  N/T's who are FISTS are worth 2 points, non-FISTS N/T's are worth 1 point.

Basic info will be required for the contacts to be legit, including the date, band, RST, name, QTH, Call worked, license class and FISTS number, if applicable.  The starting date for this award is MAY 18, 2009.  Mail logs to: Dennis K6DF FISTS Awards Manager.  Non-FISTS and those with FISTS number who are not current with their dues please include $3 for expenses.  The awards are free for members in good standing.

USA Awards

For details of additional USA Awards, please visit the FISTS North America website.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Dennis K6DF, FISTS Awards Manager and Ralph ZL2AOH, FISTS Down Under Awards Manager for providing the sample certificates and photographs shown on this page.